The drunken haze inn''s eyes had vanished at some point, reced by an unprecedented seriousness. He was about to say more.


    The elevator dinged as it reached their floor, interrupting their conversation. Eleanor walked out first, withn following close behind.


    When Eleanor reached her room and was about to use her key card,n''s low voice sounded from behind her. "Good night."


    Though she hadn''t answered his earlier question, he was clearly in a good mood- one might even say pleased.


    Eleanor replied with a polite, quiet, "Good night."


    "The flight is at ten tomorrow morning,"n added, implying she didn''t need to arrange her own travel back and could take his private jet.


    She opened her door and went inside. After she closed it, a small smile touchedn''s lips before he turned and entered his own room.


    ***


    After a quiet and restful night, Eleanor came out with her luggage packed. Ian''s tall figure was leaning against the hallway wall, and it was impossible to tell how long he had been waiting there.


    "Let the driver take your luggage to the car first. We can go get some breakfast," he said.


    Eleanor was carrying her bag and pulling a small suitcase. Ian reached out with a long arm and, before she could react, lifted the suitcase and walked ahead.


    Eleanor frowned but followed him.


    Eleanor entered the restaurant first. She picked up a te, chose a few of her favorite items, and sat down at a table by the window. Ian came over shortly after and naturally pulled out the chair across from her to sit down.


    Last night, Eleanor hade to a realization. Ian''s help with Mansfield wasn''t without its own rewards. From Garth''s remarks, it was clear that the technology held great promise for both tech and biotech sectors. Withn owning a top-tier techpany and several biomedical firms andbs, it was a sound investment for him.


    "Have you thought about what you''re going to do after this project wraps up?"n asked, narrowing his eyes at her.


    Eleanor had considered it. The Neural Interface Project was too vast, with many research directions, and her energy was limited. So, she had decided to specialize in her recent discovery and conduct in-depth research specifically on treating neurodegenerative diseases.


    Eleanor took a sip of her coffee, thought for a few seconds, and then looked at the man across from her. "I want to focus on research into neurodegenerative diseases. I might need to step away from the current Neural Interface Project."


    After a pause, she added, "If you don''t think this project is worth investing in, I can leave Goodwin & Co. and find another tform."


    "So, will you let me go?" Eleanor looked at him calmly, adding, "After all, my current research direction might not align with Goodwin & Co.''s overall strategy."


    "Goodwin & Co. was never meant to keep you trapped. You can leave whenever you want,"n said, letting her go with ease.


    Eleanor looked up at him, astonished. "You''re really willing to let me leave?"


    "It''s your right,"n nodded. "I will transfer the subsequent research of the Neural Interface Project to the military. Goodwin & Co. will only retain the development rights for civilian applications."


    This had been a condition of their strategic cooperation from the beginning;n wouldn''t use the core brainputer technology formercial profit.


    Eleanor looked at him with some surprise, though she knew this was a decisionn was bound to make.


    Seeing her surprised expression,n spoke seriously. "However, I have a proposal that might help with your future research."


    Eleanor asked curiously, "What proposal?"


    "The Guild of Commerce is nning


    to establish an independent


    neuroscience research foundation dedicated to supporting


    cutting edge brain science


    vel.


    exploration,"n said, pausing for a


    moment. "The foundation will


    provide ample funding, and its research scope includes the neurodegenerative diseases you mentioned. Of course, the foundation only provides support and will not interfere with any research. You can consider it."


    Eleanor frowned at him. "This foundation—"


    "Will be operatedpletely independently, free from anymercial interests,"n added.


    Eleanor was stunned. Such terms were incredibly tempting. She knew very well how rare it was in academia to have such a free research environment.


    "Why is The Guild of Commerce suddenly setting up a foundation like this?" she couldn''t help asking.


    His answer was impable, but Eleanor still had a sharp feeling that things weren''t


    that simple.


    "Is it really that simple?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.


    "If you turn down the Guild''s funding, it will be very difficult to carry out your


    research. Just securing the funds would consume a great deal of your energy, not to mention practical issues like purchasing equipment and assembling a team."


    Eleanor had to admit that he was right.


    "Right now, there aren''t many ces


    in this country that can back


    research at this level. Besides The Guild of Commerce, you''d be hard-pressed to find another tform that offers such substantial funding andplete freedom," "fan: said, his eyes narrowed on her as he


    precisely targeted her concerns.