by <unknown>
Chen Chen said, hitting the desk.
Chimpanzees were very similar to humans. They had as many bones as a human should have. The chemicals in human brains could be found in the brains of chimpanzees too. Even in terms of genes, chimpanzee genes were the closest to humans.
However, a form of popular science on the Internet might claim that the genetic difference between humans and chimpanzees was only 1.2%. 98.8% of their genes were identical.
Although this fact was correct, this statement was a misunderstanding of genes.
After all, if one compared the data, a banana and a human shared a genetic similarity that reached an astounding 60%.
In truth, the genes of two species were like two books written in the same language. One was Journey to the West, the other was Water Margin.
Although the language was the same, the resulting articles, books, and essays were ever-changing.
One would never say that just because two novels used the same words, they were 100% identical. Neither could one claim that if two volumes had 90% of their words in common, then they shared a 90% similarity.
Nonetheless, despite all that, chimpanzees were still the best experimental subjects, other than humans themselves, to test out the effects.
…
After the experiment had ended, Chen Chen hurried toward the office building.
A few hours later, when Chen Chen was once again leaving in a rush, Wynn walked Chen Chen to the entrance of the office building.
"I knew you must've a reason for keeping me around."
Wynn shook his head with a dry smile. Since he had accepted Chen Chen's task, it looked like he had no choice but to grow a thick skin and deal with the stinking old politicians.
Just as Chen Chen left the office building, he suddenly received a phone call.
"Hello, are you Mr. Chen Chen from Blackwatch?" It was a female voice on the phone, speaking not in German, but English.
Although her pronunciation was not accurate, her voice was unique. There was a sweet, raspy edge to it. Descriptions like sexy and alluring came to mind.
"Yes, I am. May I ask who you are?"
"My name is Bernadette Lydia, deputy director of Namibia Investment Center," the voice replied.
"Hello, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"No, I'm being rude. After all, I was the one who strongly requested to speak with you personally."
The woman's voice on the other end sounded apologetic. "I really couldn't believe it, so please forgive me for double-checking. Are you really going to invest in nuclear power plant projects in our country?"
"I'm sorry. I am 'actively thinking' about investing in the nuclear power plants in your country." Chen Chen pointed out gently.
"Ah! I apologize indeed. I'm being impetuous."
The woman on the call apologized repeatedly. "In that case, when would you have time to meet? If you're busy these days, I can go over and meet with you in person."
"That's not necessary."
Chen Chen's tone was somewhat cold. "First, I'll send an investigation team to survey the various allied countries of the African Continent. Sometime next year, the investigation will reach your country. We can discuss in detail then."
"Mr. Chen Chen, in truth, there's no need for all that."
The voice sounded rather anxious. "The African Continent is vast indeed, but because of political issues, many countries are plagued by war all year round. There are few countries like ours that have a stable public security and political environment.
"Not only that but our country also has the world's third largest uranium mine – Husan Uranium Mine. It can be said to have the highest development potential in the African Continent.
"What's more, the holding company of Husan Uranium Mine is your country's 'China General Nuclear Uranium'. Presumably, based on your size, cooperating with businesses from your own continent would be less prone to mishaps, isn't that so?"
"Are you making the decision for me, Ms. Lydia?" When Chen Chen heard this, he sounded displeased.
"I apologize again, I'm truly sorry… I'm just too impatient."
There was another round of apologizing from the voice. "I'm really sorry, really…"
"Forget it."
Chen Chen said, "How about this – contact my company directly. In a few days, I'll send out a few employees to survey your country. If you can provide sufficient discounts, I'll consider establishing a project in your country right away."
"Ah, really? That's wonderful!"
The voice on the other end was instantly incomparably eager. "I thank you for your gracious generosity. I never thought that I'd meet such a good man like you. I hope you can come soon. I'm even looking forward to that day…"
There seemed to be some undeniable implication in those last words. Said in that drawling, elegant voice, it could even evoke the deepest desires in one's heart.
However, Chen Chen shuddered involuntarily when he caught the implication.
After all, these were unlicensed dealings…
Chapter 56: Africa Warning |
When Qian Wenhuan found out that Chen Chen was looking for him, he was overjoyed.
After all, he was the only person in Preston… No, the only person in the entire Blackwatch company who was of the same nationality as the boss.
The boss was looking for someone to confide in…
Qian Wenhuan had a good feeling about this. While he was on the way there, he was in such great spirits that he felt like his body was floating.
Even though he was off the clock, he did not feel like his time off was being occupied. He immediately drove to the meeting destination without even having time for lunch.
Chen Chen had invited Qian Wenhuan to a place called Franklin Shooting Club.
He was a bit perplexed as to why Chen Chen chose such a spot for their meeting. Then again, considering the firearms restriction in Mainland China, it made sense to want to enjoy some shooting action here in Switzerland.
Besides, men were born with a knack for shooting.
Qian Wenhuan had a firearm permit as well. He paid three hundred Swiss francs at the entrance and headed into the underground shooting club.
Between the flashing lights, skimpily dressed stripper, and the rowdy, alcohol-fueled guests, the main hall of the club might as well be a club.
All of the wildest pleasures in life could be found here.
The moment Qian Wenhuan walked in, he spotted Chen Chen sitting in the corner.
There was a saying that it was the quiet man on a stage full of dancers who tend to draw more attention.
Qian Wenhuan was not sure if that was why he was able to immediately spot Chen Chen. One thing he knew for sure was that Chen Chen was radiating a unique sort of aura amid the sea of the drunken crowd.
"Boss…"
Qian Wenhuan silently approached Chen Chen.
At the moment, Chen Chen was sitting in an unassuming corner in the main hall with a wine glass in hand. He silently observed everything before him.
In that instant, it was as if the world was split into two halves.
One half of it was full of alcohol, passion, and lustful desires. The other half was like a motionless pool of water, so depthless that there were no ripples to be seen…
"Boss, do you not like the atmosphere here?"
Qian Wenhuan asked a question in an attempt to break the ice.
"No, I'm just observing their lives."
Chen Chen answered plainly.
Qian Wenhuan was slightly taken aback. He held his breath when he accidentally caught Chen Chen's gaze.
In that instant, he suddenly had a strange sort of impression. He saw the young man before him who was no older than twenty years old stood atop the hall, looking beneath him.
No, he was not looking down at the hall.
It was the presence of a holy deity sitting atop, looking down at the world, and the mortal beings in it…
Qian Wenhuan felt the back
of his shirt drenched in sweat. He felt as if he had been stripped naked, left vulnerable before the other person. He felt as if none of his thoughts belonged to him.
When Qian Wenhuan glanced at him again, he noticed Chen Chen's eyes had returned to its usual luster.
They were still as depthless as they had ever been, but they did not terrify him the way they did before.
Was it all just a false impression or did he take a glance at the true nature of the young man?
Qian Wenhuan let his thoughts run amok, his mind was a mess. Without even realizing it, he had arrived at the underground shooting range with Chen Chen.
"Can you shoot?"
Chen Chen picked up a Glock 17 at the counter before turning his head and asked.
"Yes." Qian Wenhuan hastily picked up a firearm he was familiar with, a Beretta M9. After the two bought enough ammunition, they rented a private training room.
"Qian Wenhuan, why did you come to Switzerland?"
Chen Chen suddenly asked when he stood on the platform.
"Uh…"
Qian Wenhuan's first instinct was to tell him it had something to do with his dreams and whatnot. He changed his mind and just went with the truth when he thought of the pair of all-seeing eyes. "Because of the high wages."
"High wages but the expenses are equally high."
Chen Chen tried to lift his gun. He aligned his eyes with the sight and aimed at a faraway target.
When Qian Wenhuan saw Chen Chen's posture, he realized that this was Chen Chen's first time holding a gun.
"I've got no other choice. I just try to live frugally if the expenses are too high. I still manage to bring some home at the end of each month."
Qian Wenhuan rubbed his head before giving a gentle reminder. "Also, Boss, if you're holding the gun with two hands, you need to lean your upper body forward. Your left hand should be gripping the knuckles of your right hand…"
Chen Chen assumed the position which Qian Wenhuan had advised. He pulled the trigger.
"Bang!"
A dull ringing of a gunshot sounded. Thirty meters out, a black spot appeared in the center of the target.
"Nice!"
Qian Wenhuan exclaimed, "It's not very often that you get to see such a perfect shot!"
"Would you like to make some quick money then?" Chen Chen made no response to Qian Wenhuan's statement but instead followed with a question.
Qian Wenhuan was a bit surprised initially, then he nodded his head shyly. "Sure…"
"Bang!"
Chen Chen fired another shot and asked, "What's your current salary?"
"Twenty thousand Swiss francs," Qian Wenhuan quickly answered before adding, "Before taxes."
"I can double that," Chen Chen answered back, "But you'll have to leave Switzerland. It won't be easy, maybe even a bit dangerous."
Qian Wenhuan fell silent.
What puzzled Qian Wenhuan was the fact that despite the constant gunshots, there only remained a single bullet hole in the target faraway.
Were all the other shots off target?
To avoid an awkward situation, he quickly retracted his gaze and pretended not to notice.
"Right, Boss."
Qian Wenhuan thought for a moment before asking, "Boss, would you mind telling me what the job is so I can give it some consideration?"
"Sure. It's not a tough job actually. It's a good fit for someone of your personality."
Chen Chen reloaded the gun and aimed at the faraway target again. This time, his aiming motion was far more practiced.
"I want you to go to Namibia and stand on the frontlines for me."
"Na, Namibia…"
Qian Wenhuan turned pale. "If I'm not mistaken, that's in the African region…"
"That's right, just like Europe, Africa is a 'sub-federation' governmental body. Unlike Mainland China or North America which are both ruled under their respective united government."
Chen Chen resumed firing and continued after finishing the barrel. "I want to invest in a nuclear power plant there. If you're willing to go, then you'll be made a part of the company's African branch."
"Boss, I need to think about this…"
Qian Wenhuan's breathing seemed to have become heavier. He swallowed a large gulp to try to suppress his astonishment.
A nuclear power plant. The significance of this was immeasurable. If he could grab hold of this opportunity...
"No problem."
Chen Chen put down the gun. The target thirty meters away began wheeling toward them automatically.
Qian Wenhuan was stunned when he saw the approaching target.
Without his knowing, the small hole on the target left behind by the first shot had doubled in size.
Could this mean…
Qian Wenhuan looked at the Glock in Chen Chen's hand, then back at the target again. He was dumbfounded.
Chapter 57: Stem Chip |
In the end, Qian Wenhuan did not turn down Chen Chen's grand offer. He departed with an investigation team delegated from the company.
Before leaving, Chen Chen even had Xia Yin recruit a group of professional bodyguards from a security company back in Mainland China. There were thirty of them in total, most of them veterans. Some of them were veterans belonging to specialized forces.
This group would also leave for Namibia. Their task was to protect the investigation team, potentially also safeguarding the constructed nuclear power plant in the future.
There was a reason Chen Chen had his eyes on a country like Namibia.
First of all, the government in Namibia was more capable compared to the other African countries. They knew how to keep things in order and had an emphasis on long-term goals.
Secondly, Namibia was not densely populated. Attractions such as hotels were largely monopolized by Caucasians. Sandwich Harbor and its related activities such as seafaring were also controlled by Caucasians. Due to mutual interests, there were not many that were willing to risk upheaval in Namibia.
The third reason, which was also the most important reason, the involvement of Mainland China.
When Namibia was founded in 1990, Mainland China had taken a full hundred percent equity of the third largest uranium mine in the world, which was located in Namibia – the Husan Uranium Mine. Two years ago, the Central Continent had claimed sixty-eight percent equity of the fourth largest production uranium mine – the Rössing Uranium Mine.
Though Chen Chen was not sure how the Namibian Government felt about the way things turned out, one thing was for certain – thanks to the two uranium mines, there was no way the government could face collapse.
Mainland China would not let any harm befall them.
This was what the second strongest nation in the world, which also boasted the world's strongest economy was capable of.
On the other side, Chen Chen remained in the research center, coordinating the research. He only occasionally conducted the research himself. All of the lab personnel were very motivated and hardworking as they had a clear vision to work toward.
The primary concern for modern scientific research was not the complexity of the research, but the lack of a viable path. Take the first atomic bomb for example. When it was first constructed, nobody was certain whether Einstein's theory was correct.
When America developed the first atomic bomb, they had paved the way for all the other nations in the world. After knowing that it could be succeeded, they knew which path was viable. All that was left to do was to experiment with each path.
After that, each nation began fervently developing atomic bombs of their own, eventually leading up to the Earth Federation as we knew it today.
Therefore, aside from the difficulty of applying Chen Chen's operation technique, the main focus was to pave a new path for stem cell research. This was the true value of the thesis.
On the company's side of things, Wynn had proved himself to be a rather capable individual. Within less than a month, the company had contacted various agencies
and had more than twenty elderly macaques along with five chimpanzees silently shipped into the research center.
After that, various taboo experiments were conducted in a rather unseemly research center. The likes of which would cause an uproar among animal protection organizations if word ever got out.
…
After all of the employees had finished their work and left, Chen Chen appeared again in the control room of the research center.
Over the past month, Chen Chen continued to ritually charge the USB drive using the powering system in the research center.
After accomplishing his task of hiding the NZT-48, he began to think about what he could do with the remaining energy.
The research center was still too small.
Chen Chen needed a larger research center. He also needed a better research team who could venture out on projects on their own.
However, there was the problem of confidentiality.
As he continued to expand his influence, his company had begun to reach into the dark corners of the world.
For his following experiments, the animal experiments were debatably acceptable. When it came to the other clinical experiments, they were not something that he could get approval for with just several millions of political contributions.
The approval process for the clinical experiments alone was going to take at least months, even years.
Therefore, illegal clinical experiments were going to be conducted no matter what. However, Chen Chen did not fully trust the researchers under him.
Take the venture into Africa for example. In truth, this task should be entrusted to his personal confidant. As he did not have anyone who had met that condition, he had to resort to Qian Wenhuan who came from the same continent as him.
Although Chen Chen had deduced using psychological analysis that Qian Wenhuan was a very loyal individual, human nature was prone to change.
Also, Chen Chen did not have much faith in the group of army veteran turned bodyguards headed for Africa. Even with the salary in the range of ten thousand US dollars and insurance valued up to millions, how much use would they realistically be when faced with real bullets armed by African militants?
