"Oh, yes, I saw it. In your most recent paper, you devoted a Chapter to this issue. However, it appears to me that your focus is mainly on philosophy and ethics..."
Lionel clasped his hands together, smiling broadly as he said, "For a common man as myself with limited understanding, it's indeed challenging to grasp. As businessmen with little education, we tend to focus on more practical matters..."
While speaking, Lionel revealed a slightly awkward expression. Seeming to understand, Shiller said, "It's alright, Mr. Lionel, we are here to clear your doubts, aren't we?"
Tucking his hands under the table, Lionel chuckled a little before saying, "You are very approachable, far more so than many experts I've met."
At this moment, a waiter walked in. Shiller turned his head to look at him and Lionel explained, "I apologize, I asked him to come."
The waiter then brought over two wine glasses and a bottle of wine from a cart behind him. Lionel explained, "Initially, I intended to classic vintage with the mayor, but who would have thought..."
"But that's alright, Mr. Shiller, if I may call you so? It is my honor to share a drink with a scholar like you."
The beautiful immersion of the wine in the glass looked like a gemstone frozen within. Seeing Shiller skillfully lift his glass, Lionel's smile deepened.
He then took a box of cigars from a bag beside him, had the waiter cut them, and lit one for Shiller. Shiller took a puff, exhaled a cloud of thick smoke, and relaxed into his chair. Lionel, however, still leaned forward, discussing psychology basics with Shiller.
As the conversation heated up, they came back to the previous question. Lionel asked, "As I've mentioned before, I mean no disrespect to your academic level, but transferring one's personality into another's body... that sounds quite absurd."
"Setting aside annoying philosophy and ethics, I'm merely curious about a question that anyone would be: how is it done?"
"Mr. Lionel, I know you are very curious about this, but I also need to ask you a question." Shiller glanced at the burning end of the cigar and said, "I heard that you built the Luther Business Empire from scratch. How did you do it?"
"Well..." Lionel gasped and was unsure of how to answer that question. He wondered whether Shiller would answer his question in the same perfunctory manner he would.
"That's a question outsiders often have for the experts. When someone achieves great success in an area, those unfamiliar with it tend to ask 'how did you do it?'"
"They would eagerly hope for a practical method they could apply, but only insiders understand that there is no standard answer to such a question. Most of the time, even with a sincere response, you would only get a typical answer."
"For example, through dedication, a bit of inspiration, a bit of luck; you were about to respond the same way, weren't you, Mr. Lionel?"
Lionel's facial expression stiffened for a moment, but soon, his face was full of smiles again. He said, "Indeed! Many people hope to derive a key to success from me, but where is it? Everyone knows how to do business, yet there are so few genuine tycoons."
"Of course, I understand. Outsiders view psychology as mysterious, always presuming that we can read minds; as though we know what they are thinking with just a glance. However, the reality is much different."
"It's a field that requires vast theoretical knowledge. Only by taking lessons learned from hands-on experiences, complemented with a systematic and scientific training, one can attain true achievement."
"As for your inquiry about transferring a personality from one person to another, I can definitively say that it is indeed possible. However, if you are truly interested in the theory, you might need to start from scratch."
Lionel continued to wear a smile, saying, "Look at me, so engrossed in our conversation that I almost forgot the matter at hand: Lex's case."
"Psychological treatment is a long process. I cannot make him a normal social person overnight. As to how to treat him, I need to conduct a basic check first."
"Mr. Lionel, I can tell that you're eager to see results." Shiller took another puff of his cigar, and the smoke gradually filled the room as he spoke.
"Just like anything else in this world, there's always a quicker method, so long as you're willing to pay the price..."
Understanding the implication, Lionel lifted his glass and clinked it lightly against Shiller's. He then said, "This is the best news I've heard in years."
A moment later, a red-headed boy named Lex was brought back into the reception room. He sat across Shiller and Lionel standing beside him, cautiously asked, "Err... should I leave the room first?"