Chapter Forty-Two: The Replacement Candidate—A Biological Powerhouse

“Today I’m determined to make you, the wealthy tycoon, pay up!” In the western suburbs, outside a bamboo grove cottage, as soon as the car stopped and they got out, Li Jin burst into laughter, patting Zhu Lan’s shoulder and pulling him inside.

The place was brightly lit and bustling with people, showing no sign of isolation despite its remote location.

“Fourth, I haven’t eaten here in ages. Tonight, you’ll definitely be satisfied!”

Zhu Lan exchanged an exasperated glance with Su An and followed along.

Passing through private rooms set amidst bamboo groves and pools, the three arrived at the larger rooms near the center of the bamboo forest. The sound of water was crystal clear, the night air mingled with the scent of bamboo, and the rhythmic patter of water created a scene of rare beauty.

“This is truly something! The owner here must be a master at business to have found and developed a place like this.”

“Naturally. This restaurant’s owner is a legend. Even I can’t just come here whenever I please. But tonight, with you here, Fourth, money isn’t an issue, right?”

Zhu Lan smiled and shook his head. “Let’s go. If I’m not satisfied, I won’t let you off!”

Li Jin only smiled mysteriously and followed the waiter into the private room at the far right.

The layout of the room took Zhu Lan by surprise. It gave a sense of cleanliness and comfort, with a deep sense of the wild, making one forget daily fatigue. Just standing there relaxed the mind and body, let alone dining.

“Come now, boss, order as you please. No need to be polite tonight!” Li Jin handed Su An a menu, taking one for himself and flipping through it as he spoke.

Zhu Lan shook his head.

Dishes arrived quickly, all ordinary-looking, but the first bite left Zhu Lan stunned. Though not the absolute best, the food was top-notch.

By meal’s end, the three were thoroughly satisfied.

After the plates were cleared, the waiter brought tea.

Li Jin poured himself a cup and took a contented sip.

“This is the life! My fondest memory is eating here and then enjoying a pot of spring water tea. My father loves this tea most.”

Zhu Lan took a light sip, savoring the cool clarity of the spring water and the fresh taste of the tea. He closed his eyes, nodded in enjoyment.

“Superb. Far better than the stuff at your family’s place.”

“Come on, only you could appreciate that flavor, Fourth.”

Su An smiled and leaned back, slowly enjoying the taste.

“Fourth, you still haven’t answered what I asked earlier,” Li Jin suddenly said, his tone serious.

Zhu Lan frowned. “Is your father’s condition that severe?”

Li Jin nodded. “The doctor says his skin function is failing. Medication no longer works—the best option now is a full-body skin cell transplant.”

“That serious?” Su An looked at Li Jin in surprise. “You never mentioned this before.”

Li Jin gave a bitter smile. “The illness isn’t affecting his daily life yet, but the doctor said that in a few years, my father will be like a truly old man, unable to care for himself. The degeneration of his skin will start affecting other nerves.”

Su An fell silent. The world is full of strange diseases, some unheard of, and doctors can only give odd names based on symptoms—sometimes the cause can’t even be found, as only a handful of people worldwide suffer from such rare conditions.

Zhu Lan was quiet for a moment. “I can’t promise you anything about your father. You know how uncertain genetic issues are. The world’s research in this field is only just beginning; we don’t fully understand the secrets of human genetics. And your father’s problem might not even be genetic. If it’s something else, random treatments could just cause more harm.”

Li Jin nodded. “I know. Since my father was diagnosed last year, my mother and sister have taken him all over, including to international medical centers. The results have only ever been conservative treatments, and the success rate is extremely low. My father refused those treatments, wanting something more comprehensive. When I saw you today, Fourth, I thought of genetic repair. You and Professor Qin conducted some related experiments, didn’t you?”

Zhu Lan nodded. Back in school, he’d done plenty of experiments, but none were related to gene repair—though he would never admit it.

“So there’s really no hope?”

Zhu Lan paused. “I can’t guarantee anything. How about this: next year, bring your father to my company and I’ll do a genetic test for him.”

“Next year?” Li Jin asked, puzzled. There were still four months until then.

Zhu Lan spread his hands helplessly. “The company was just founded; nothing is in place yet. Even if you came now, I wouldn’t have the equipment needed for the test. Soon I’ll have to go to Europe to purchase devices. You know, some equipment is restricted, and it’s giving me a headache.”

“All right.” Since Zhu Lan said so, it would be unreasonable to press further.

Zhu Lan breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly looked at Su An. “Boss, are you interested in changing jobs?”

“Change jobs? What do you mean?” Su An was caught off guard by Zhu Lan’s abrupt shift.

“As you know, my company is new and lacks a lot of people. You studied law, and we don’t have a legal department yet. Plus, there was a traitor in the company before, and it’s been a headache.”

“Legal department? Your company?” Su An looked at Zhu Lan in disbelief.

Zhu Lan nodded. “Haven’t you always complained that life is too dull? You know about my company—it’s full of excitement. I’ll build the stage you need. What do you say?”

“Well…” Su An was tempted. Fantasy Technology was a new company, yes, but Su An knew it was a grand stage.

“How about this: take some time to think it over. If you’re interested, give me a call.” Zhu Lan tossed a business card to Su An.

Zhu Lan knew Su An well. After four years together, even the most reserved people reveal their true selves. In school, Su An wasn’t just a top student, he was also an older-brother figure. Li Jin, though not a typical rich kid, still changed girlfriends every three days, and Su An was often his adviser—and Zhu Lan’s as well. Without Su An, Zhu Lan wouldn’t have been able to keep up with Tang Xuejian for so long.

“Yeah, I’ll have to ask my father. If he agrees, I’ll join your company.”

Zhu Lan smiled in satisfaction. With Su An’s help, he could finally relax about legal matters, even if he didn’t need it just yet.

The next day, Zhu Lan said farewell to Li Jin and Su An, but didn’t leave the city. Instead, he drove to another city—S City, a bustling metropolis rivaled only by Shanghai and Beijing, and connected to Hong Kong.

Following the GPS, Zhu Lan found his destination.

Ding dong—

“Who is it?”

“And you are?” The person who opened the door eyed the stranger warily.

“Hello, is this Professor Xiao’s residence?”

“You’re looking for Old Xiao? Who are you?”

“My name is Zhu Lan. My teacher, Qin Min, referred me here.”

“Qin Min? Oh… You mean Teacher Qin?”

“I suppose so.”

“Come in, then. Since you’re Teacher Qin’s student, please come in. Old Xiao is out on an errand; he’ll be back soon.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Zhu Lan entered carrying his gifts.

“You child, you really didn’t need to bring presents!”

Zhu Lan had come seeking someone—someone he needed most right now.

The next phase of research on the gene optimization serum required a true expert. Zhu Lan himself wasn’t up to the task—not even at a beginner’s level. He had most hoped for his teacher, Qin Min, but had been rejected many times.

But Qin Min had introduced him to a professor—once a leading figure in domestic biology. Whether he could recruit him depended on Zhu Lan’s own abilities.

This trip, visiting Li Jin was just a detour; this was Zhu Lan’s main objective.

About ten minutes later, Professor Xiao returned. Seeing Zhu Lan in the living room, he looked questioningly at his wife.

“He’s Teacher Qin’s student, here to see you. You two talk; I have things to do.”

“Hello, Professor Xiao.”

“Hello. So you’re Teacher Qin’s student? Which Qin?”

“Qin Min is my teacher. She sent me to find you.”

“Qin Min? That little girl…” Professor Xiao shook his head with a wry smile.

Professor Xiao’s real name was Xiao Cang. He had once been a professor in the biology department of Hong Kong Island University and an honorary professor at Fudan University. He was highly renowned in China, having trained countless students. It was said that in every ten biological research institutes nationwide, three had been founded by his former students.

With his abilities, Professor Xiao should have been supported by the state, but six years ago, he was framed in a scandal, lost his position, and was forced into early retirement.

Zhu Lan knew all this from the information Qin Min had given him, and was determined to secure Professor Xiao’s help—his abilities surpassed even those of Zhu Lan’s own teacher.

“Professor Xiao, I’m sorry to impose on you like this.”

“You’re Qin Min’s student. What brings you here?”

“Let me introduce myself. My name is Zhu Lan,” he said, handing over a business card.

Professor Xiao took it and looked. “Fantasy Technology? That sounds familiar.”

Zhu Lan smiled faintly. The company’s online hype had clearly paid off; before, no one in the city had even heard of Fantasy Technology. Now, everyone in S City seemed to know the name.

“Professor Xiao, you’re probably more familiar with the gene optimization serum.”

“Gene optimization serum?”

Zhu Lan nodded. “That’s right. Fantasy Technology is the company that developed the gene optimization serum—and the owner is me, Zhu Lan.”

At this, Professor Xiao finally paid Zhu Lan his full attention, carefully studying the man behind the recent sensation. Suddenly, Xiao Cang smiled. “I think I understand what you’re getting at.”