232: Chapter 232 The Real-World Giant Company

Time reached early February; thanks to the efforts of all parties, the Petrification Virus sweeping the globe was finally 90% contained.

Although sporadic infections remained in some remote areas, the main outbreak points had been controlled. It was just a matter of time; global panic gradually subsided, and social order and economic activities began to recover.

The virus task forces formed by various countries disbanded on the spot. To the team's dismay and indignation, no one in the outside World had even heard of this team... Was the gap really that wide? Many in the team fell into deep self-doubt.

The outside World only remembered one company. It could be said that during this disaster, it was entirely this company that turned the tide; some even jokingly called it a savior company.

The World Health Organization held a grand global press conference today.

At the organization's venue, camera flashes flickered, and lenses focused. The current Director-General of the World Health Organization, Eli Desai, was on the podium in formal attire, speaking with extreme solemnity:

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, compatriots around the World."

The middle-aged man's voice carried clearly through the loudspeakers across the venue, ensuring everyone heard his words.

"Over the past two months, we have gone through a dark and difficult time together. An unprecedented disaster swept across our Planet, challenging our understanding of viruses and causing significant damage to the global economy and lives..."

After the introduction, Eli said heavily, "Let us observe a ten-second silence for those who sacrificed their lives in this disaster."

The venue was solemn. Although there was timely participation from Third-Party Technology, many people globally still sacrificed their lives in this disaster; most did not die from the virus, but from chaos and violence.

Some were smashed into human fragments by others while in a petrified state.

"This disaster exposed our vulnerability when facing unknown threats, but it also witnessed the extraordinary courage and radiance of human nature."

Ten seconds later, Eli straightened up, changed the subject, and raised his voice slightly.

"When we look back on this journey of resistance and examine those decisive turning points, there is one name, one organization, whose contribution is so prominent, so critical, that we must give it the recognition and gratitude it deserves in the most formal and public manner."

The big screen behind Eli lit up, revealing that simple, high-tech Planet logo.

"It is the Third-Party Biotechnology Company!"

A low murmur of discussion and more intensive shutter sounds erupted in the venue.

Eli said loudly, "Therefore, today, on behalf of the World Health Organization and all its member states, I officially present the Global Health Guardian Special Contribution Award to the Third-Party Biotechnology Company, and express our highest respect and most sincere gratitude for the extraordinary leadership, spirit of scientific innovation, and profound humanitarian concern it has shown during the disaster!"

The Director-General clapped first, and immediately, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.

The main camera focused on the representative of the Third-Party Biotechnology Company sitting in the front row of the VIP section; she was a young and beautiful woman.

Even louder applause erupted.

Accompanied by countless camera flashes and under the gaze of the crowd, Xu Anqing walked onto the podium, accepted the crystal trophy and certificate from the Director-General, and turned to face the audience.

"We are honored. We only did what we believed was right and necessary. Protecting every life and safeguarding our shared home is the only belief driving Third-Party Technology forward."

Under the lens, Xu Anqing had a humble and sincere expression on her face, without a hint of arrogance.

At this point, who still remembered her previous identity? Her life's change was merely due to meeting a young man.

On the internet, netizens from various countries watching this press conference were also in an uproar, expressing their opinions.

"Long-Lost Uncle: [666, netizens from the Central Continent are here to support. I declare this the greatest company of this century]"

"Nigerian Fish: [Thank you to this company for saving my life. I will never forget the moment I saw the sunlight again]"

"Wind Kissed My Face: [Although I have to admit their contribution is outstanding, I still don't like this company. I hope it goes bankrupt]"

"Pierre Lemer: [Me too. My mother-in-law finally turned into stone, and this company actually revived her. Wuwu]"

"Jumping Mario: [Hurry up and open up spots for the journey game, I want to play!]"

Lin Fang sat in the top-floor office of the Civilization Spire. After browsing the news flooding the internet for a while, he turned off the screen.

In front of him, a 1000kg weight was rotating evenly. Perhaps it wasn't called a weight anymore; it was an iron disc made of a special metal from Titan. It had very high density. This was the tool Lin Fang usually used to train his Force Field.

Half an hour later, Lin Fang's forehead was slightly sweating. After controlling the iron disc back to its original position, he ended today's training.

Not bad. It seems the company's influence is getting bigger and bigger now...

Lin Fang had once planned his company's development into five levels. The initial one was just an ordinary company, the kind that couldn't change the direction of the World.

Before Third-Party Technology was founded, all companies in modern society were at this level.

Second was the level where the Umbrella Corporation in the Resident Evil Dimension was located. Companies at this level had huge influence across the entire World, possessed technological monopolies and their own armed forces, and their overall strength surpassed many countries, transforming into a state within a state. Only when major powers united could they make it vanish from the World.

Third was the level where the Kaiju Company in Call of Duty was located. It controlled various top-tier technologies and was above sovereign states. At this degree, it was difficult for any single country to check its development. Even if all countries on Earth united, this company had the capital to contend with them, and they might not even be its match.

Fourth... Never mind, I won't think about it so much.

Lin Fang withdrew his thoughts. So, where did Third-Party Technology stand now?

In terms of visible strength alone, Third-Party Technology might only stand between the first and second levels, not yet posing a major threat to various countries, but reaching this point had already aroused the vigilance and wariness of various countries.

But if the company's hidden forces were included, could it reach the level of the Kaiju Company?

Lin Fang pondered and felt it was about right. He hadn't expected that, unknowingly, he had actually reached this point.

This was all thanks to his own diligence.

"Boss, the laboratory has made progress on the research into the code-named 'Face Stone.' Do you need to go take a look?"

"Alright, I'll go take a look."

Hearing Xiao Hei's voice, Lin Fang responded and then left the office.