Building a Business Empire with my Technological System
Chapter 167: Arrival to the Peninsula

December 11th, 2026.

At the Peninsula Hotel, Manila. Esteemed guests from different sectors—technology, healthcare, finance, and government—gathered in the opulent ballroom.

The hall where they congregated was spacious and tastefully decorated, featuring a high ceiling adorned with intricate moldings and a large crystal chandelier that cast a soft glow over the room. The walls were lined with large paneled mirrors and elegant drapes that touched the floor, enhancing the grandeur of the space.

Round tables draped in white linen were evenly spaced throughout the room, each surrounded by comfortable chairs that invited guests to sit and converse.

The lighting was set to a warm, inviting tone, complementing the soft background music that filled the air, adding a layer of comfort without overpowering the hum of conversations. Large floral arrangements sat at the center of each table.

Near the back of the hall, a small stage was set up with a podium, equipped with the latest audiovisual technology to facilitate presentations. The technology setup was discreet yet sophisticated, ensuring that speeches could be delivered with clarity without disrupting the aesthetic of the space.

On one side of the room, a well-stocked bar offered a variety of drinks, from fine wines to bespoke cocktails, manned by professional bartenders who served guests with efficiency and a smile. Nearby, a buffet table showcased an array of gourmet dishes, both local and international, arranged meticulously to entice the guests.

Outside, the guests continued pouring in, stepping out from their luxurious vehicles which were lined up along the curb, their drivers waiting patiently. Also, there are journalists waiting at the entrance, capturing the arrival of notable figures and occasionally pulling aside a guest for a quick interview about their expectations for the evening.

Inside one of the cars that were lined up was Michael Reyes. He was not using his pickup truck because its design didn't fit the vibe of the event. Rather, he was inside a Toyota Alphard, a vehicle that he has taken a liking to due to its sumptuous and exquisite interior.

Sitting behind his leather seat was Juliet, who was manipulating her tablet as if arranging something. It didn't take long for her to notice that they were the next in line.

"Sir…we will get off soon, please prepare yourself."

"I am already prepared," Michael said simply. "Am I expecting an interview outside?"

"Well you can choose not to answer their question and simply walk inside to join the reception or you could take a few moments to address them," Juliet advised, giving Michael a look that suggested weighing the pros and cons of media exposure.

"It could be a good opportunity to highlight the progress we've made and to set the tone for tonight's discussions," she continued, glancing back at her tablet briefly as if to check the schedule one more time.

Michael nodded thoughtfully, considering his options as they neared the entrance. "Okay, let's not keep them waiting too long. I'll answer a few quick questions."

The Alphard made its way to the drop-off point, and as Michael stepped out of the car, a flurry of activity ensued. Journalists who had been lying in wait surged forward, their microphones thrust out and cameras flashing. The air buzzed with the clicking of shutters and the murmur of voices quickly rising in volume.

"Mr. Reyes! Mr. Reyes, over here!" one reporter called out as Michael adjusted his suit and prepared to face the barrage of questions.

"How does it feel to be leading one of the most groundbreaking medical advancements with the Medipod?" another journalist asked, pushing her microphone closer to him.

Michael paused, giving a calm smile as he responded, "It's an incredible honor and a huge responsibility. We're not just creating technology; we're potentially saving lives and changing the medical landscape."

"Can you comment on how the Medipod will be implemented worldwide? Are there plans for global distribution?" a third reporter queried, eager to catch every word.

"I can't comment on that, we haven't made it that far yet. But I can assure you, once it is ready, we will be willing to cooperate with international health agencies to ensure it's accessible globally," Michael responded, maintaining a composed demeanor as he fielded the inquiries.

Just as he was about to move towards the entrance, another journalist pushed through the crowd, her voice rising to be heard over the din. "Mr. Reyes, aside from the Medipod, your company has also reportedly developed a pill that cures Alzheimer's disease, a feat that even international pharmaceutical companies and renowned scientists have struggled with.

How did your team manage to achieve this when so many others have failed?"

Michael's expression remained neutral, though he was aware of the weight of the question. "That's a great question. As much as I'd love to share the specifics, the development process involves proprietary technologies and methodologies that are confidential at this stage," he explained smoothly.

"What I can say is that our approach is unique and it involves a combination of advanced biotechnology and meticulous research."

The journalist nodded, though it was clear she had hoped for more details. "So, it's a secret then?"

"You could say that," Michael replied with a light chuckle. "We are saving lives but of course, we have a business to run as well. Protecting our intellectual property is crucial to that."

"Thank you, Mr. Reyes," she said, stepping back to allow others to ask their questions.

Michael took that as his cue to wrap up the impromptu press interaction. "Thank you all for your questions. I look forward to sharing more with you in the future. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to join the event."

With that, he turned and headed toward the hotel's grand entrance, his security team efficiently clearing a path. Juliet followed closely, her tablet in hand, ready to manage any further issues that might arise from the evening's engagements. The crowd of journalists reluctantly parted, their cameras still trained on him until he disappeared into the building.

***

Meanwhile, not far from the Peninsula, a man from in the twentieth floor of a building was peering on his binoculars. An earpiece was mounted on his left ear, and there was a voice speaking to him.

"That's the target, Michael Reyes. Exterminate him, the reward is two million dollars."

"Two million dollars for that guy huh?" the man mused. "Very well, this will be an easy job."