Chapter 78: Dinner and a wager (2)
She paused, looking at each of them before continuing, "And as it turns out, that simulation provided conclusive proof that my latest idea will not work."
"What?" blurted Greg. He sounded lost, like a basement dweller discovering that his favorite D-Pop star was actually generated by AI and would never graduate to the soft-porn industry.
"Yes. I had planned to tell you about the results tonight and thank you for your generous donation to the University. It was your donation that finally allowed the University to purchase the Cerebras super computer and as a patron of our department, it allowed us to gain disproportionate compute time. I really must thank you. Without your donation, I might have spent years pursuing a dead end."
At first Greg looked like he’d swallowed a lemon, but then as she continued speaking, his expression shifted to one of preening. When she was done, it looked like he hadn’t lost anything, but had instead won the Nobel prize.
"Well, I’m pleased to learn that my contributions have helped accelerate the pace of scientific advancement."
Then Greg looked at Jack, and his expression soured. "Young man, you’ve had your bit of fun, but do you really think it’s appropriate to wager your parents’ vehicle? Such irrespon-"
"My parents are dead," interrupted Jack in a cold voice.
The room became deathly silent, and one of the waitresses who had been taking orders nearby could be heard whispering, "Oh, snap!"
Greg looked like he was torn between accusing Jack of lying or apologizing. After a few seconds, he caved and said, "Oh, um, I am sorry for your loss."