The Phoenix Ball had been a revelation, not just for the sheer scale of the cashback, but for the profound implications of the 'Harem Expansion Catalyst' and the subsequent unlock of 'Advanced Talent Scouting.' Kyle now possessed an almost supernatural ability to identify and nurture potential, particularly in young, ambitious women. Anastasia Volkov's mentorship program was a goldmine, a direct pipeline to the kind of talent that would fuel his global empire.
He tasked Scarlett with discreetly following up on the most promising young women he had met at the ball. He wasn't looking for immediate romantic connections, but for individuals who could be integrated into his various ventures, who could benefit from his patronage, and whose growth would, in turn, yield significant system rewards. His 'Basic Relationship Management' skill, now subtly enhanced by the Tier 2 upgrade, guided him to approach these interactions with genuine interest and a long-term vision.
One young woman, in particular, had captivated his attention: a brilliant computer science student named Anya Petrova (no relation to his interior designer, though the name coincidence was amusing). She was in her early twenties, with sharp, intelligent eyes, a quiet intensity, and a passion for artificial intelligence that bordered on obsession. She had presented a groundbreaking concept for a secure, decentralized communication network, a project that had the potential to revolutionize global data transfer.
Kyle saw the immediate synergy. His 'Basic Hacking' skill, combined with Chloe Zhang's expertise, had given him a glimpse into the vulnerabilities of existing digital infrastructures. Anya's project could be the solution, a secure backbone for his increasingly global operations. More than that, he saw her potential, her raw talent, and the sheer intellectual beauty of her mind.
He arranged a private meeting with Anya, inviting her to his penthouse. He wanted to create an environment where she felt comfortable, where her ideas could flourish. He had Scarlett prepare a detailed non-disclosure agreement, ensuring the security of her intellectual property, and Lena had selected a comfortable, yet stylish, outfit for him that projected approachability and respect.
Anya arrived, initially nervous, her eyes wide as she took in the opulent surroundings. Kyle, drawing on his 'Advanced Seduction' and 'Basic Mentorship' skills, immediately put her at ease. He didn't talk down to her; he engaged her as an equal, expressing genuine interest in her research, her challenges, and her dreams.
"Anya," Kyle began, his voice sincere, "your project is truly remarkable. I believe it has the potential to change the world. And I want to help you make that happen."
He offered her a full scholarship to any university of her choice, a state-of-the-art research lab within his new corporate headquarters, and a generous stipend that would allow her to focus solely on her work, free from financial worries. He also offered her access to Chloe Zhang's expertise, a collaboration that would undoubtedly accelerate her progress.
Anya's eyes widened, a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming gratitude. "Mr. Carter… I… I don't know what to say. This is… this is everything I've ever dreamed of."
"It's an investment, Anya," Kyle corrected, a confident smile on his face. "An investment in your genius, in your vision, and in the future. I believe in you. And I believe that together, we can build something truly extraordinary."
He saw the internal struggle, the initial skepticism giving way to a burning desire to seize this opportunity. Then, slowly, a determined glint appeared in her eyes. "I won't let you down, Mr. Carter. I promise."
"Kyle," he insisted. "And I know you won't. Welcome to the team."
As their hands met, sealing the agreement, the familiar *Ding!* resonated in his mind, a powerful, sustained hum that spoke of a truly significant investment.
> [Ding!] Cashback System Activated! Spent $0. Critical Hit x220! You earned $220,000. Funds deposited to Account XXX-XXX-XXX]
> [Spent on Beautiful Woman (Intellectual Patronage): 1 Skill Unlock Awarded. Use it now?]
> [YES] [NO]
Two hundred and twenty thousand dollars. For intellectual patronage. The system truly rewarded his investment in groundbreaking innovation. He quickly hit YES.
> [Skill Unlocked: Basic Artificial Intelligence. Your understanding of AI principles, machine learning, and data analysis in the context of intelligent systems has increased. You will find it easier to comprehend and guide advanced technological development.]
Kyle felt a profound shift, a deeper understanding of the intricate world of artificial intelligence. He could now grasp the complex algorithms, the potential applications, and the ethical implications of such powerful technology. He was no longer just a patron; he was becoming a visionary in the tech world, capable of guiding the development of cutting-edge innovations.
He looked at Anya, her face alight with excitement, already mentally sketching out new algorithms. He knew he had found a true gem, a brilliant mind that would undoubtedly contribute immensely to his empire. She was a different kind of beautiful, one forged in the fires of intellect and innovation. And with Anya as his first protégée from the Phoenix Ball, his global vision was about to become even more technologically advanced, even more secure, and even more powerful.