Chapter 109 The Crisis Hidden in the Dark
The military region guesthouse, the room where Huo Zheng is staying.
Under the light, Huo Zheng took off his glasses and rubbed his temples.
Several documents were spread out on the table, the top one being a draft agreement on cooperation and profit sharing regarding the technology of highly effective hemostatic powder.
This was drafted by relevant departments in the capital after working through the night, based on Commander Feng's urgent report and his own observations in the auditorium.
The terms were exceptionally favorable, a rarity among the many technology cooperation cases he had handled over the years.
Not only did they acknowledge Gu Baobao's complete intellectual property rights to the hemostatic powder, but they also promised to assist in applying for international patents in the name of the state.
It also offered an unusually high percentage of technology-related profits and clearly defined her dominant position and influence in the project.
More importantly, the contract also contained clauses protecting her and her immediate family members.
This is practically treating Gu Baobao as a "national treasure" level expert.
Huo Zheng put his glasses back on and carefully reviewed the terms.
The scene in the auditorium that afternoon left a lasting impression on him.
The talent, poise, and maturity and wisdom far beyond her years that the girl displayed convinced him that her value was far more than just a hemostatic powder.
Her mind is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
However, after today's slanderous incident, can this contract still be signed smoothly?
Will Gu Baobao feel heartbroken?
Will they propose even more stringent conditions?
Or... simply refuse to cooperate?
He recalled Gu Baobao's clear yet profound eyes when he left.
She is not someone to be easily manipulated. Today's move, a strategic retreat, was brilliant and she completely seized the initiative.
Huo Zheng gently tapped the table.
Tomorrow's formal meeting with Gu Baobao will be crucial.
He must demonstrate the utmost sincerity, and he must also... convey a clear message from above:
This will never happen again.
He picked up his pen and added several more hard clauses to the remarks column of the draft regarding strengthening the safety of R&D personnel and eliminating internal interference.
The provincial capital, that small gray building.
Chen Yongkang stood by the office window, a cigarette between his fingers, but he didn't smoke it, letting the smoke rise. Outside the window was the desolate night of the provincial capital, with only a few scattered lights.
The call had barely ended when the insider on the island reported an unfavorable message.
Those two idiots, Liu Jianguo and Zhao Dezhu, were definitely unreliable; they vomited at the slightest fright, though they didn't directly accuse him.
He had been on guard all along, not revealing any key information, but the finger was already subtly pointing at him, the section chief who had been so eager to make the connection.
Someone above has already started asking about this matter; their tone wasn't stern, but it was inquisitive.
“Gu Baobao…”
He murmured the name under his breath, his eyes cold.
This woman is really tough; even this couldn't bring her down. Instead, she turned misfortune into a blessing and gained the attention of higher-ups.
But it's okay.
If it doesn't work the first time, there's always next time.
Moreover, this experience gave him a clearer understanding of this woman's value and... threat.
She must be controlled, or... destroyed.
He walked back to his desk, opened the bottom drawer, took out a seemingly ordinary book, and opened it. Inside were a few thin pieces of paper and some special symbols.
He rearranged the information on the paper in a specific order, then picked up another old-fashioned telephone that he had almost never used and dialed a number he remembered.
The phone rang for a long time before being answered, and there was no response from the other end.
Chen Yongkang spoke into the microphone in a calm and even tone:
"Viper reports. The target Ganoderma lucidum is more resilient than expected; the initial removal operation has failed. Requesting the activation of backup plans and monitoring its international travel. Additionally, for safety reasons, the Grey Sparrow may need to be disposed of or relocated ahead of schedule. Over."
After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, a muffled, low, distorted voice responded:
"Received. Remain silent. Further instructions will be given later."
The call ended, and a busy tone came through.
Chen Yongkang put down the microphone, lit the piece of paper covered with the code with his cigarette butt, and watched it quickly curl up, char, turn to ash, and fall into the ashtray.
He cannot be exposed.
Not at least not now.
Su Xiaoyu... that stupid woman, keeping her around will only cause trouble sooner or later.
Should we find an opportunity to make her disappear unexpectedly, or... push her to the forefront and make her the perfect scapegoat?
A cold smile appeared on his face.
Anyway, chess pieces are meant to be sacrificed.
It's just a pity about Gu Baobao's hands, which are said to have the ability to bring the dead back to life.
If something were to happen to her abroad and cripple her, or if she were to disappear completely, that would truly be the end of it all.
He sat back in his chair, closed his eyes, and began to plan his next move.
The islands are temporarily off-limits, but France... that's a great place.
International Pharmaceutical Exhibition?
With so many people around, accidents happen frequently.
He needs to think carefully about how to present this highly regarded expert, Gu, with an unforgettable gift from abroad.
The night grew deeper.
In the small courtyard on the island, Gu Baobao finally calmed down, opened the door, and saw that Lu Zhanming was actually busy at the stove in the main room. Although his movements were clumsy, he was quite impressive.
Gu Dongguo sat at the table, staring at Lu Zhanming's back with a look of utter despair, unconsciously fiddling with a pair of chopsticks in his hand.
"Dinner's ready."
Gu Baobao said softly.
Both men looked over at the same time. Lu Zhanming's eyes lit up, while Gu Dongguo snorted heavily and turned his face away.
Simple meals are served:
Rice porridge, steamed buns, a dish of pickled vegetables, and some greens that Lu Zhanming had barely managed to stir-fry and that didn't look very appetizing.
The three of them ate their meal in silence.
The atmosphere was somewhat strange, yet strangely, there was also a sense of peace that came after surviving a catastrophe.
Gu Baobao ate the slightly overcooked stir-fried vegetables that Lu Zhanming had picked for her, but her mind was filled with thoughts of everything that had happened during the day.
Thinking about the upcoming contract, the lingering enemies in the shadows, and... the guy beside her who suddenly confessed his feelings and disrupted her plans.
The road ahead is still shrouded in mist, but at least for now, the food is hot and the people are here.
She secretly glanced up at Lu Zhanming, who was intently munching on his steamed bun but kept stealing glances at her.
Then she looked at her brother, who was clearly furious, but still pushed the dish of pickled vegetables towards her.
In a corner of my heart, something quietly softens.
Perhaps, in this unfamiliar era, she truly can live for more than just survival and merit.
Perhaps, she can try to believe, to rely on, and even... to possess.
Outside the window, the night breeze from the island blows, bringing the sound of distant tides.
Undercurrents still flow, but at least under the eaves of this small house, the light is warm and inviting.
What will the future hold?
Who knows?
But Gu Baobao knew that she would hold onto her resources, heal those who needed saving, do what she needed to do, and protect those she cared about.
As for those demons and monsters?
She put down her chopsticks and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.
One comes, one is wiped out.
Bring one pair, beat up two pairs.
No one can stop her from walking her path.
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