161: Chapter 161 Mr. President

Su Nange finally saw that the old woman's eyes were filled with nothing but a thirst for knowledge.

Professor Xu Zhiran had lived for over thirty years and had never seen anything so bizarre. This completely exceeded her understanding of science.

"You, what is that thing?"

Su Nange pulled the tabby cat back into his arms, but the little cat looked quite terrified.

Now, it was his turn to look calm and unhurried.

Go ahead, be arrogant! Keep cursing! You think you're so great just because you have more hair!

Professor Xu Zhiran asked again, "What exactly is inside that syringe of yours?"

Su Nange stroked the cat's head; he would have to give it another injection later. He felt a bit sorry for it and decided to adopt the stray cat.

Professor Xu Zhiran wasn't stupid; she knew this guy was doing it on purpose.

"I'm sorry, just tell me—where was this researched and developed?"

"Don't I have a name?"

Professor Xu Zhiran actually forgot for a moment what this guy was called.

"Handsome, I admit my attitude was bad. But my research has entered its final critical stage. Once I solve the genetic code problem, I'll succeed!"

"So, I'm very anxious."

Su Nange thought about it and decided to let it go; after all, she was a scientist, and he would have to rely on her in the future.

So, Su Nange replied, "Professor Xu, if I knew what it was, why would I come looking for you?"

"I wanted you to help analyze this reagent."

"Well, I originally had two vials. But now, only two are left."

"Of course, an emergency specialist at your university's affiliated hospital has another one they're secretly researching. I provided it to them as well."

"However, I doubt they'll make a breakthrough anytime soon. After all, they're just doctors, unlike you, who specializes in scientific research."

Hearing Su Nange say this, Professor Xu Zhiran slapped her own head in annoyance.

"Sigh, I'm sorry! Because you're so young and look so casual and reckless, I just—sigh!"

Su Nange was frustrated. Where exactly was he 'casual and reckless'? Why did everyone say that about him?

I'm very serious, okay?

"Forget it, forget it. What's done is done." Su Nange waved his hand.

"But I must tell you solemnly: this liquid must be kept absolutely confidential! And don't worry about where it came from! Otherwise, I can't guarantee what dangers might arise!"

"I can give you one of the two vials I have for research. But I want results!"

"Whatever progress you make, you must tell me immediately!"

"Understand, I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart! I'm a businessman; what I value is profit!"

Professor Xu Zhiran usually detested these profit-driven businessmen.

But the thing in this man's hand was simply too far beyond her current understanding.

Professor Xu Zhiran couldn't suppress her inner pursuit of science.

Seeing her hesitate, Su Nange continued, "I can provide you with funding and an additional salary. You can continue your research at the university."

"If you need to build a new laboratory, give me the budget. Everything else will be up to you!"

"How about it? Are you in?"

Professor Xu Zhiran: "I, I... Hah! Fine! I'm in!"

Su Nange nodded. "Good. After we sign the contract, I will personally hand the reagent over to you."

"Leave your contact information with me. I'll draft the contract and send it for your review."

Professor Xu Zhiran: "Alright, but I need to report to the school—"

"Hmm? Did you forget what I said? This must be kept absolutely secret!"

Professor Xu Zhiran adjusted her glasses. "Alright, I understand. Then get the contract ready as soon as possible; I have no problem with it!"

Su Nange smiled and left, carrying the little tabby cat.

As expected, this was the most direct way to deal with someone like her. As long as you piqued her interest, she'd be more anxious than he was.

As soon as Su Nange returned to the company, he began drafting the contract. He grabbed a template online and added his own requirements.

Su Nange knew that signing such a thing was actually useless; between honorable people, a simple word was a bond. Professor Xu Zhiran's promise was more important than anything.

Sure enough, as soon as Su Nange sent it over, the other party replied instantly, asking when they could sign.

Su Nange didn't want to delay either, so he set it for tomorrow morning.

And just as Su Nange was preparing to make his big move...

In an organization far across the ocean.

Ten people in suits were sitting around a circular table.

The youngest among them appeared to be in his forties or fifties.

The rest were all white-haired elders.

But every one of them maintained a sharp gaze and an aristocratic aura.

The slightly younger man seemed to have a lower status.

He was responsible for presiding over the entire meeting.

After a series of routine agenda items, the host made the final report.

"Grand Elders. Something happened on the Black List. Arroyo, ranked 71st, failed his mission and was killed in action."

The elders didn't react much. One of them spoke up, "A bunch of assassins—isn't it normal for one or two to die? Is this worth mentioning?"

"Do we need to go and praise them or something?"

"Hahaha..."

The other elders let out a burst of laughter.

The host added, "Elders, Arroyo's death is indeed nothing. However, this latest batch of assassins who received missions were all equipped with our Lilai Pharmaceutical's latest prototype!"

"Furthermore, according to the signal transmitted back from the prototype syringe, Arroyo used it during the operation!"

"And most crucially, the place where Arroyo died this time was in China!"

The group of elders finally stopped laughing, and their expressions turned serious one by one.

"He used the drug and still died?" an elder with gold-rimmed glasses and a white beard murmured.

"Mr. President, explain yourself more clearly!" another elder said to the host.

It turned out this fifty-year-old fellow was actually the current President of the United States!

The President shook his head. "For now, I don't have more news. Our intelligence agency personnel have already infiltrated China."

"Have any other assassins used the reagent? Is this thing actually useful?"

The President shook his head again. "The Black List only issued the prototypes to the operatives so they could use them in critical moments to collect test data."

"But in this cycle, only Arroyo's reagent signal was lost. Everyone else's missions went smoothly, and they didn't use it."

"Mr. President, the progress needs to be accelerated! Please find out where Arroyo's body is as soon as possible. If it falls into the hands of the Chinese government, find a way to get it back!"

"Also, don't just let the Black List test it. If all else fails, find some live subjects!"

"Haven't you been cracking down on illegal immigrants lately? There are so many homeless people on the streets—who the hell would know if a few went missing?"

"And that island nation that helps contain China—aren't they also good partners? They've always wanted our technology. How could we give it to them for nothing without making them pay some price?"

The elders looked at each other, clearly in agreement with what was said.

"The Old President is right."

But the young President still had some concerns. "Sigh, lately our 'Execution Line' has caused a lot of negative impact worldwide. Our Federal Government is currently facing immense pressure from public opinion!"

When the young President said this, it caused dissatisfaction among many elders.

The Old President stood up again, looking solemn. "Mr. Evander, you are our current President. You must lead our United States to remain great forever!"

"Currently, that great Eastern nation is developing technology rapidly and already shows signs of overtaking us."

"Are you not feeling the urgency yet? What we need now is data—data! As long as that reagent is proven to be sound, our people will become the masters of this world!"

"No one will ever be able to challenge our hegemony again!"

The current President, Evander, nodded. "Alright, Mr. Old President, I understand."

"I will have the Humanity Laboratory assist Lilai Pharmaceutical in handling this matter."

The Old President finally sat down, satisfied.

As everyone dispersed, Evander took the elevator to his office located above ground.

It turned out that the magnificent, cathedral-like place they were just in was buried deep underground.

President Evander sat at his desk and thought for a moment.

In truth, he knew exactly why these old men were in such a hurry.

Because the oldest among them were already in their nineties; they really didn't have much time left.

Which of these elders didn't hold staggering wealth and power? Who could truly let go of these things and depart peacefully?

But Evander also came from such a family. People didn't spend money to elect him as President just so he could serve the common folk.

Evander thought for a moment and pressed a button on his desk.

The secretary of the White House walked in and said respectfully, "Mr. President!"

Evander: "Go and call these people for me—"