Chapter 149: Meeting Old Bloodlines
The ancestral mansion of the Marcos family in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, exuded an air of old-world grandeur mixed with modern power. Sunlight filtered through tall, arched windows, illuminating polished hardwood and antique furniture. Richard Santamo, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, stood calmly, a faint silver aura almost imperceptible around him. Beside him, Lina, a vision of composed perfection, held a sleek, featureless briefcase.
As they entered the main receiving hall, Senator Bongbong Marcos, Imee Marcos, and Imelda Marcos, the late wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, rose to greet them. Imelda, despite her advanced age, retained an imposing presence, her eyes sharp and assessing.
"Mr. Santamo," Senator Bongbong Marcos began, extending a hand, his smile practiced and warm. "A true honor. Congratulations on your phenomenal business ventures. Your company, Bytebull, truly helps our developing economy. And now, to hear that our country is on the path to becoming the leading manufacturer of carbon nanotube transistors, solid-state batteries, and environmentally friendly electric vehicles... it’s inspiring."
Richard returned the handshake, his smile natural and polite. "Ahh, thank you, Senator. Thank you. I also deeply wish to see our country become the leading technological innovation hub in Asia, and hopefully, the world."
Imee Marcos, ever direct, chuckled. "You’re too humble, Mr. Santamo. With your ingenuity, we already are. I only wonder what could compel a man as busy as yourself to grace us with a visit?"
Richard’s smile widened. "Well, before the most important matters, I want to discuss traditionalizing renewable solar energy in our country, starting right here in Ilocos Norte. My company will soon open new ventures in telecommunication and energy generation. I believe we can push for the future a little more, and we can truly traditionalize a clean, energized future."
He paused, then added, "But there’s something else I want to show you."
Lina stepped forward, placing her briefcase on a nearby side table. With a silent motion, it opened, revealing a stack of schematics and intricate blueprints. These were Lina’s designs for revolutionary energy systems.
Richard gestured to the first schematic document. "Our company has developed the Quantum-Durable Photovoltaic Array (QDPA). This highly advanced solar panel system represents a significant leap in solar energy capture and longevity. The QDPA utilizes quantum dot technology embedded within a self-healing polymer matrix, allowing for 55% conversion efficiency across the solar spectrum and extreme durability. Its design minimizes degradation, drastically extending its operational lifespan to at least one hundred years, compared to conventional panels."