Chapter 67: Research Institutions
It was precisely because this was a gold mine that, even if Illusion Technology’s status could not compare with theirs, they still had to be present today. Everyone here had come for the Gene Optimization Serum, but upon seeing Zhu Lan, many wavered. This led to the earlier scene—no one could believe that Zhu Lan could be the one to develop the Gene Optimization Serum. Moreover, as the serum threatened many vested interests, a campaign of slander had been waged against it, branding it as a deceptive lure.
Only those who truly understood the serum, or had obtained and reverse-engineered it, would remain, fully aware of the substance’s significance. Of course, there were also a few genuine tycoons—people who simply saw the market’s potential and, being flush with cash, cared little for the cost.
“Today, the bidding is only for seven slots: the agency rights for Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, China, and Japan.”
A wave of exclamations swept through the crowd as Zhu Lan finished speaking. Why only seven?
“Quiet, please!” Zhu Lan had to raise a hand to calm the commotion. “I know some of you are dissatisfied, but there’s no helping it. These seven markets are the most prominent, and this is the plan the marketing department has devised. Of course, you may wait until the market becomes clearer. At that point, Illusion Technology will release first-level agency rights, and the secondary rights will be decided by the primary agents.”
With these words, Zhu Lan made it clear he was relinquishing control of the lower-tier markets, assuming only the role of supplier.
The vastness of the gene market caused many to become even more eager. Illusion Technology was like a child just learning to walk. From the outset, Zhu Lan had no intention of monopolizing this market; letting go was the best choice, and he had another consideration—those above.
The ambiguous attitude of the authorities was the reason Zhu Lan could not fully let go. He could never know when the company might be nationalized, which was a critical question.
After previous attacks from powerful individuals, Zhu Lan simply decided to let every capable player worldwide share in this cake, leaving it up to the authorities to decide if they would truly allow others to partake.
“Of course, you are also free to forgo this opportunity. I won’t mind in the least!”
In the end, today’s agency rights conference was merely Zhu Lan’s way of giving an explanation to the outside world. Whether it succeeded or not was of no concern to him; Zhu Lan had already set his sights on the robotics market.
“Mr. Zhu, let’s not waste any more time—let’s get to the point!”
Zhu Lan smiled and nodded. “Very well, let the bidding begin!”
At his signal, a group of women, each over 1.75 meters tall and dressed in red cheongsams, entered. Each woman carried a tray, upon which rested a peculiar tablet computer. These were placed before each company representative.
“These are specially customized computers from Illusion Technology for today. Displayed are the seven agency rights, together with their respective prices and plans. You may bid freely, and in the end, I will choose the most suitable price. Of course, you are free to collaborate privately if you wish.”
“A special reminder: once the agency rights are awarded, we will not be responsible for any problems arising. However, if any agent oversteps their bounds, Illusion Technology reserves the right to revoke their agency rights and re-award them.”
With these words, the room fell silent as everyone picked up their tablets. Zhu Lan’s meaning was crystal clear: the highest bidder wins, but anyone could bid for any country’s agency rights—not just their own. If you secured rights to a country but found your market blocked, that was your problem alone. Illusion Technology would act only as a supplier, not a market developer.
“Boss, do you think there’ll be any problems?” While everyone pondered their bids, Lan Tianxin approached Zhu Lan anxiously and whispered his concern.
Zhu Lan shook his head with a smile. “The lower the price, the better. If nobody was watching, I’d give the rights away for free.”
Lan Tianxin stared at Zhu Lan in disbelief. The lower the price, the better? Had Zhu Lan lost his mind?
Zhu Lan offered no further explanation. Indeed, his intention was for the agency rights to be as inexpensive as possible, hence allowing private negotiations.
“You all have an hour to consider your bids. Take your time.” With that, Zhu Lan headed backstage, while the cheongsam-clad women set trays of refreshments on the tables.
Backstage, Zhu Lan found many people already seated, as if expecting him. Liu Binghe was among them, though only in a secondary position.
“Seems I’m the last to arrive. My apologies.”
No one replied. Zhu Lan, sensing the awkwardness, found a seat.
“Zhu Lan, what you’re doing isn’t right.”
Zhu Lan raised his eyes with a cold sneer. “Is that so? Since when is it your place to speak? Who do you think you are?”
“You—” The man, unused to such disrespect, was stunned. As an investment manager for Azure Dragon, even provincial officials in China treated him with deference.
“If you’re dissatisfied, sir, you’re welcome to leave. If you look down on Illusion Technology, I’ll have you removed from this feast, believe it or not, and no one will speak for you.”
No one dared retort. If Zhu Lan truly forced Azure Dragon to withdraw, one could easily imagine that, by tomorrow, a news report would detail an unexpected death.
“Enough, Zhu Lan!”
“Minister Lu, I’m surprised you found time to see a nobody like me amidst your busy schedule.”
“Insolence!” A middle-aged man slammed the table, pointing angrily at Zhu Lan.
“Hmph, so I’m insolent—what of it? What can you do to me? Minister Lu, it’s not that I won’t give you face, but tell me, how much is your face worth? I could have you dismissed in minutes. Even those behind you would suffer. Control your dog!”
Lu Zheng’s face flushed with anger at these words. “Very well, Zhu Lan. I’m eager to see what you’ll use to oppose me!”
“Is that so?” Zhu Lan sneered, unafraid of Lu Zheng’s status as Deputy Minister of Commerce.
“Enough from both of you!” At that moment, someone entered with a resigned tone. Zhu Lan cast only a brief glance—it was Li Hongjin.
“For the sake of the military, I’m giving you all a chance today. But if you treat me like some fool, then forgive me!”
Zhu Lan’s arrogance infuriated everyone present.
“What are you doing!” Li Hongjin snapped, glaring at the crowd. His anger chilled the room and everyone immediately sat up straight.
“Zhu Lan, can you speak more civilly?” Li Hongjin pleaded.
“Of course, as long as they don’t act so high and mighty.”
A cold huff was the only reply.
“To put it simply,” Li Hongjin continued, “when it comes to Illusion Technology, you may only compete commercially. If any harm comes to anyone, regardless of your background, there will be consequences—accidents that cannot be avoided.”
He sat beside Zhu Lan, and the room fell into a heavy silence. Was this a declaration that the military would fully protect Zhu Lan? That to move against him was to challenge the military itself?
This changed everything. No one had expected Zhu Lan to receive such unreserved support from the military, nor for them to cross into this field so boldly—a move entirely at odds with their usual methods.
Zhu Lan stood up immediately. “In the gene market, the highest offer wins. For China, I will give priority to domestic enterprises, but don’t think you can get the rights at a rock-bottom price. If your offers don’t satisfy me, I’ll award China’s agency rights to a foreign company. Any consequences will be your doing—Illusion Technology is only a supplier.”
With that, Zhu Lan strode out, disregarding any reaction from the others.
“Insolent scoundrel!” As soon as Zhu Lan left, someone began cursing.
“Sit down. What’s gotten into you?”
Lu Zheng glared at the man, then turned to frown at Li Hongjin. In terms of rank, Lu Zheng outranked Li Hongjin, being Deputy Minister of Commerce and a likely candidate for Minister—a position akin to Chancellor of the Exchequer and one of the highest in China’s central leadership. Li Hongjin was merely head of the South Sea Intelligence Center, a major general, and, by hierarchy, only equivalent to a provincial administrator under the Commerce Ministry.
However, Li Hongjin’s status was unusual—he was military and headed a particularly sensitive region. Officially a major general, his real authority was far greater.
“General Li, I’d like to know why.”
Li Hongjin had expected this question. “I know exactly what you’re all plotting, but I advise you to give up.”
“Why?” Lu Zheng pressed. Zhu Lan’s background wasn’t special enough to warrant such protection.
Li Hongjin shook his head. “You’re not high enough in rank to know. All I can say is Zhu Lan has made significant contributions to the country. At present, the nation and Zhu Lan are collaborating on a project. Illusion Technology is now a research institute.”
A research institute—those four words struck directly at everyone’s hearts. You have power? Wealth? You could buy a whole city? Perhaps. But if you even think of targeting a state research institute, you’ll quickly find someone flashing a badge, charging you with endangering national security, and taking you away for questioning.
There are many research institutes in the country, but all are directly subordinate to the military or the central science ministry. Their superiors are the highest-ranking leaders—every one of them with unassailable backgrounds, immune to any threat.
If necessary, the military intelligence bureau can simply take you away—on charges of stealing secrets, endangering national security, or treason. Any one of those charges is enough; no matter how powerful you are, even if you’re the grandchild of a top leader, before these accusations you are powerless. In any circumstance, national security trumps all. To prevent any threat to the nation, the military has the authority to overrule local governments—or even the central government itself—to apprehend anyone.