The situation is more complicated than imagined
"What about replication? Can we separate the active ingredients, or simulate the cultivation environment for replicated production?" Qiao Jianmin asked the most critical question.
The head researcher shook his head slightly, a wry smile and helplessness on his face: "We have tried all known methods.
Isolation, purification, structural analysis, and artificial synthesis have all failed. The structures of those active ingredients are extremely complex and highly synergistic. Once separated from the plant, their activity will rapidly decrease or even disappear.
As for the simulated cultivation,” he sighed, “we analyzed the base’s soil, water, air, and even trace elements, and replicated the environmental chamber to the highest standards.
But the effect of the crops we cultivated is so different from those grown by Comrade Zhong Ling... that it is almost negligible."
"It's like," the young researcher scratched his head, trying to find a suitable metaphor, "what Comrade Zhong Ling grows is alive, with a sense of... 'spiritual energy', while what we grow is only similar in appearance."
"Spiritual energy..." Qiao Jianmin chewed on the word, his eyes complicated. He had long been aware of Zhong Ling's mysteries.
But hearing such a description from a rigorous scientist still made him feel a sense of absurd reality.
"So," Qiao Jianmin said slowly, his voice a little hoarse, "Currently, only Comrade Zhong Ling can grow these vegetables?"
The chief researcher nodded solemnly, "Yes, Director. Furthermore, according to our analysis, the activity indicators of the latest batch of vegetables provided by Comrade Zhong Ling are nearly double those of previous batches."
This suggests that she still has reservations about her cultivation techniques, or that she can control the upper limit of the quality of her output.”
Qiao Jianmin's temples began to ache again. Could the quality be improved? If she were selling it online for 600 yuan per pound, wouldn't that be... a bargain?
When he thought of the "delicious vegetable store" that was watched by the whole Internet, and Xiao Zhao's stressful reports every day, he felt a headache.
This Miss Zhong is truly a sweet burden to the country.
"These research results must be kept strictly confidential and classified as top state secrets," Qiao Jianmin gave the order.
"To the outside world, we simply claim that this is a highly nutritious specialty vegetable that can help improve the health of the nation. We must not reveal a single word about its deeper value."
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.
"Also," Qiao Jianmin looked at the lead researcher, "continue to deepen your research, especially focusing on the effectiveness and possible side effects for different populations, although currently it only appears to be beneficial."
He picked up the analysis report, his fingertips stroking the paper. This was no longer just an agricultural project; it concerned the nation's future core competitiveness and could even be a new opportunity for human evolution.
And the key to all this is Zhong Ling.
Qiao Jianmin took a deep breath. The only thing he could do now was to fully cooperate with this "ancestor" and pray that her "good mood" would last a little longer.
After the meeting, Qiao Jianmin sat in his seat, still digesting what he had heard today.
"Optimization of life levels..." He repeated the word in a low voice, feeling a little unreal.
He had handled countless top-secret projects and seen all kinds of astonishing technologies, but the discovery before him was the first time that he felt a shock that touched the essence of life.
He took a deep breath and suppressed the waves in his heart.
The strategic significance of these discoveries can no longer be measured using conventional frameworks.
It means not only an improvement in the physical fitness of the nation, but is also likely to subvert the existing medical system and even bring about epoch-making changes in some areas.
Who is Zhong Ling? She is definitely not the Zhong Ling who moved to Shanghai!
Standing up, Qiao Jianmin carefully put away all the reports and put them into his briefcase. He then walked out of the research center and headed straight for a heavily guarded communications facility.
After entering the secret room and confirming that all security measures were in place, he dialed Zhou Zhenguo's exclusive encrypted line.
"minister."
"Jianmin? How's it going?" Zhou Zhenguo's voice was filled with a hint of urgency. He knew Qiao Jianmin was going to hear a report on the latest batch of vegetable research today.
"The situation... is far more complex and significant than we anticipated." Qiao Jianmin carefully chose his words, striving for precision in every word. "Our in-depth research into the samples provided by Comrade Zhong Ling, especially the latest batch, has yielded a breakthrough."
He reported the main conclusions of the meeting succinctly, emphasizing the amazing effects on cell repair and regeneration, the immune system, nerve function, and even physiological rejuvenation.
Zhou Zhenguo's breathing became barely audible on the other end of the communicator. As he listened to Qiao Jianmin's report, his mind quickly mapped the enormous potential behind this data.
"It cannot be copied... can only rely on her?" Zhou Zhenguo's voice returned to its usual calmness.
"Yes, our researchers used the word 'reiki' to describe it. Although it sounds absurd, they cannot explain its core differences with existing science," Qiao Jianmin replied.
Zhou Zhenguo was silent for a moment, as if digesting this fact.
He recalled the two abnormal energy fluctuations he had detected before, as well as Zhong Ling's unusual style of behavior.
Everything seemed to be pointing in one direction—the power she possessed far exceeded the current technology of Blue Star.
"This batch of vegetables is more active... Are you sure?"
"Sure, Minister. The data is irrefutable. It shows that she has the ability to control the quality of the output, and what she gave us before was not her full strength," Qiao Jianmin added.
Zhou Zhenguo sighed softly, his tone filled with helplessness: "No wonder she dared to sell it online for 600 yuan per kilogram... In her opinion, it might really not be expensive."
He paused and continued, "There's a lot of pressure from public opinion regarding the online store, but since she opened it, we have to continue.
Follow your previous instructions. Security and confidentiality are the bottom line. Customer screening is particularly important. We must not allow foreign forces to gain access through this channel."
"It's already being strictly implemented, Minister. The security department is doing its utmost to monitor and maintain it. However, this also exposes a problem. We still lack effective means of controlling her abilities and whereabouts." Qiao Jianmin reported truthfully.
"That's true," Zhou Zhenguo admitted. "She could leave Beijing at any time and go anywhere. We can only passively monitor some abnormal signals but have no way of predicting or intervening. This uncontrollable nature is the biggest risk."
"Then... do we need to adjust our strategy?" asked Qiao Jianmin.
"No, the general direction is cooperation, not restriction." Zhou Zhenguo said firmly, "What she wants is peace and freedom, and we will give it to her.
All we can do is provide the best conditions and meet all her reasonable requests so that she is willing to stay and continue to 'cultivate the land.'"
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