Chapter 731: Research Breakthrough
Having ambitions to advance and improve oneself is always a good thing, but one must act after calculating one's capability.
It was Tang Xiu's view. He would definitely not be in the mood to respond if it was an ordinary friend asking him to provide several million yuan. But Yuan Chuling was not an ordinary friend. Back then he fought for him, objecting and fighting the school's decision to dismiss him, and eventually became his sworn, diehard buddy.
Tang Xiu pulled a cigarette. While smoking, he used his mobile banking to transfer 5 million yuan into Yuan Chuling's account, and then calmly said "There's no need to run over to find me for this kind of trivial matter later. Calling me is just fine."
Yuan Chuling was a bit touched inside, though he did not reveal it on the surface. A smile climbed up on his chubby face as he spoke to his girlfriend, Wei Xiaoting, "Did you see that? This Big Brother—Boss of mine is really so crisp that I don't have to speak anything. With Big Bro as our patron, you'll definitely be having a good life if you follow me."
"Shameful!"
Wei Xiaoting shot Fatty Yuan charming, white eyes. She immediately looked at Tang Xiu and said, "It's really great for this lump of fat to have you as a Big Bro. I always heard from him how good you are to him, and I'm witnessing it now. Anyways, do you mind if I address you as Big Bro like this Fatty?"
"It's OK. Feel free." Tang Xiu waved his hand.
"Alright, then. How about having lunch? Can we find someplace to have a meal together?" Asked Wei Xiaoting with a smile.
Tang Xiu did not refuse. He did not spare his time to learn the ability to judge people when he was in the Immortal World. But he was very careful and attentive in this aspect after returning to Earth and had quite a good progress on this one. He could tell that Wei Xiaoting did not chose to be with Fatty Yuan because he had money though it was his first time meeting her. Her attitude and the expression in her eyes showed that she really… liked Yuan Chuling.
In the evening.
Tang Xiu received a call from Mo Yi and went to Paradise Manor. Though Mo Yi did not explain the details, through his ecstatic surprised tone in his voice Tang Xiu felt that it should be something good. What surprised him was that just as he arrived at the innermost foreign-style building of Paradise Manor, Mo Yi was not the only one there as Han Jintong, Shanjenna, Ouyang Lulu, and Han Qingwu were also present.
"Alright, is there something urgent that made you call me, Professor Mo?"
While tightly holding a lab glassware that was half-filled with dark red blood, Mo Yi replied with excitement and eagerness upon hearing Tang Xiu's inquiry, "There's a special active energy within Shanjenna's blood, Boss. After researching it, I found this special active energy can slow down the cell division in the human body, and also produces more red blood cells. At the same time, I also found that it contains another thing, a dreadful virus substance, which inherently poses a huge harm toward living things. But if it's fused into the blood, it will evolve into this kind of special energy…"
"You don't need to explain me the details, Professor Mo." Tang Xiu interrupted him. "Just tell me your conclusion."
"This active energy can slow down the metabolism of living beings and can supplement the internal energy consumption. To put it simply, this active energy can prolong human life if it were to be injected into a human body."
After a moment of silence, Tang Xiu slowly asked, "But can a human body accommodate this kind of active energy?"
Ugh… Mo Yi's expression solidified, stunned by the question. He only studied the substances contained in the Bloodkin's blood but had yet to experiment on it at all. The possibility he just said was entirely hypothetical, and he would not have acted like this given his disposition and scientific manners he held tight in the past.
However, the results of his research on the Bloodkin's blood extremely excited him. After all, once he researched it and was finally able to harness this active energy as he had hypothetically predicted, it could lead to a significant increase in humans' life expectancy. It would mean that he had achieved a stellar success in the scientific research. If this result were to be spread out to all mankind, he would rewrite history and become the greatest scientist in the history of mankind.
While looking at Mo Yi's frozen expression, Tang Xiu lightly said, "Professor Mo, to me, the current result and progress of your research is like the Journey to the West of Priest Tang Xuanzang and his disciples on the quest for the Buddhist scriptures. Just like he could not rescue Sun Wukong who got pressed onto Wuzhi Mountain, this is only the first step of the journey. We can't deny the fact that you have yet to experiment on this active energy if it is to be injected into the human body. Furthermore, even if you have, whether this active energy can survive in the human body is still unknown. Even if it can survive, will it bring about any side effect? The other point to be considered is, if there are no such side effects and that it could be completely beneficial to humans, there is no way we can promote it to the entire mankind. Such a research can never be exposed to outsiders either."
Mo Yi was endlessly abashed by Tang Xiu's explanation, but the last sentence still made him somewhat unconvinced as he asked, "Why?"
"You're just conducting the scientific research, but you probably have yet to consider about the risks and consequences." Tang Xiu sighed. "With this active energy and abilities contained within the Bloodkin's blood, have you thought about the number of Bloodkin in the world? How many of them must provide their blood just to increase a human's life expectancy? Furthermore, if the extraction of the active energy is too few, and some powerful figures in the world then learn about it, don't you think it will create turmoil? Can we come out safe and unscathed? Innocent people will get into trouble just because of the wealth they have, and you should know about this truth as well."
It was a head-on blow on Mo Yi's excitement. Tang Xiu's words were like just a hammering blow that sobered him.
The quantity! And innocent people will fall into troubles just because of the precious things they have.
Just these two variables made him dissatisfied, and his unconvinced feelings disappeared. Men were insatiable beings with infinite desires, and greed was the most dreadful desire of all. There were all kinds of misfortune and calamity caused by some Sovereigns and Emperors for the sake of immortality. Such a desire was much stronger for the people in the modern world. What kind of disaster would happen when people disregard everything to obtain something at all costs?
Wouldn't he and Tang Xiu become the very one responsible for the cause of that doom?
Cold sweat came out from Mo Yi's forehead as an apologetic look appeared on his old face. He then nodded and said, "I understand, Boss."
Tang Xiu sighed and said quietly, "Professor Mo, the research is your responsibility, and I do hope you can achieve great results from it. But, we don't have the ability to suppress all human beings, so we can only secretly use the results on our own people. Whether they would have their lifespan increased and can live for a few more years, it will all depend on you."
Our own people? Including myself?
Mo Yi's eyes lit up. He nodded solemnly and said, "Rest assured, Boss. I'll do my best."
Tang Xiu patted his shoulder. He then looked at Shanjenna and said with a faint smile, "Stay here for some more time and work with Professor Mo well. I'll gift you something great whenever he achieves a new result. Even though you cannot achieve the Prince rank, achieving the rank of Count or Marquis is not bad, no?"
"I'll definitely cooperate with you," said Shanjenna excitedly.
Tang Xiu nodded in satisfaction. He suddenly looked at Han Jintong and said, "As a matter of fact, you will probably obtain another cultivation technique from your granddaughter in the future given her ability even if I don't give you one now. However, considering your current age as well as the cultivation condition on Earth, it would be difficult for you to have any great achievements even if you spend a lot of time and energy during your short remaining years. I actually feel that you should just let it go of your mind and enjoy your old age."
There was a bitter expression on Han Jintong's face as he replied, "Even if I won't have much achievements, it's still better than staying idly all the time! Besides, my lifespan will still increase if I can only progress by one level. To live longer is always a good thing."
"I understand." Tang Xiu nodded.
Following that, he left the building to say goodbye to Lulu. Just after he left Paradise Manor for a while, there was a call from Han Qingwu asking him to wait outside for a few minutes. Han Qingwu then came with her car to catch up.
"Is there something?" Sitting on the driver seat, Tang Xiu opened the passenger's window and asked.
Han Qingwu did not get off the car and hesitated, and then asked, "Will you go to the campus and attend classes tomorrow?"
"I should be there if nothing unexpected happens," answered Tang Xiu. "But why didn't you spend more time in Changxi?"
"Yu Hong has to work," said Han Qingwu with a smile. "Alright, I just wanna ask you about that and there's nothing else. Anyways, I'm going first."
"Alright!"
Tang Xiu closed the window and could not help but shake his head. A woman's heart is indeed like a deep ocean—unpredictable. If she just wants to ask me whether I'm going to the campus tomorrow, she just needs to ask by phone, right? Why bother waiting for a few minutes and waste time?
The next two days passed by without any big events.
Tang Xiu did not bother thinking about the issue with Xie Zhiqiang and the SOE over the past two days, nor did he ask Mo Yi about his research. Instead, he just attended classes, hung around in the cafeteria, visited the library, and then returned to Bluestar Villa.
Early in the morning.
The first wisp of sunlight shone through the curtains and illuminated the bedroom. Tang Xiu was awakened by the pleasant ringtone of his mobile phone. After connecting it and chatting with Kang Xia for a while, he learned that she would personally come to Shanghai three days later to host the construction project's tender bidding. The tender was imminent, while the various procedures for purchasing the plot had also been completed along with the approved documents. They would only need to finalize the construction company who would carry out the project to start it.
For the blueprint design, it was Tang Xiu who had personally drawn it, but he only made the outline and sketch of the overall framework, while he left out the details on the distribution of the construction, the specific usage, the segmentation of the buildings, and the type of housing and its specification. Finding the construction company to carry out the project would naturally require them to make adjustments and changes according to the blueprint he drew.
Tang Xiu himself was a master painter and architect, and he had memorized countless buildings in the Immortal World as references. However, he had yet to grasp the essence of modern architectural design in regards to constructing the HQ and industrial park of the Magnificent Tang Corporation.
Knock, knock…
His door was knocked and Zhang Xinlan's voice was heard from the outside, "Mr. Tang, there's a guest waiting for you in the living room downstairs."
Tang Xiu opened the door. As he looked at Zhang Xinlan, he asked, "Who is looking for me?"
"Your big sister, Miss Chen," said Zhang Xinlan with a smile.
Chen Xiaowan?
Tang Xiu's expression moved and immediately came out of the room.
Chapter 732: Being Stared At
Chen Xiaowan was very busy recently, staying up late all night and terribly fatigued. She could finally relax after having finished an unprecedented large project. Despite being young and energetic, she still rested in her place for two plus days before she recovered.
She only had a few friends in Shanghai, while the colleagues she had something in common with were even rarer. She still had three or four days left on holiday after recovering, and while today was Sunday, she eagerly rushed to Bluestar Villa to look for Tang Xiu to stroll around.
"Do you have free time today, Sis?" Tang Xiu asked as he walked down the stairs to the living room.
Chen Xiaowan got up and smilingly said, "Got nothing to do today, so I came here to find you. Anyways, are you free today? Care to accompany me shopping?"
Tang Xiu recalled his activities and found that he had nothing to do today, so he readily agreed. He had a special affection for Chen Xiaowan as a younger brother—a feeling he cherished very much.
After having breakfast, the two of them then headed to the garage, picked up the cheapest car inside, and then drove to the bustling block of Shanghai. Strolling down the streets, shopping, tasting foods, and even visiting the cinema in the afternoon until the evening, the duo then casually looked for a restaurant."
"You have a problem with your legs, Sis?"
After ordering the dishes and handing the menu back to the waiter, Tang Xiu looked at Chen Xiaowan, who looked a bit weary.
Chen Xiayu blanked for a moment, and a bit dispirited look flashed on her face before she let out a thick smile and said, "It's nothing. Maybe I'm just a bit tired after strolling all day long."
"That is not a state caused by tiredness, Sis." Tang Xiu shook his head. "There's no need to hide anything between us, Sis. Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Hesitating, Chen Xiaowan force a smile and said, "Did you mean my left leg? Actually, I was seeing a client last week, but then it turned out that the man was a pervert and wanted to molest me, and then threw an ashtray at me. It hurt just a bit at the beginning, but it lasted for a week and doesn't hurt too much if I don't walk around for long."
A client?
Tang Xiu frowned and asked, "Who is this client?"
"He's just an ordinary client whose business was already in the yellow." Chen Xiaowan waved her hand. "Anyways, I don't want to talk about that man again. Anyways, Brother, there's something bugging me, can I ask you something?
Tang Xiu observed her, and seeing that she did not want to talk about it, he did not have a choice but to suppress his doubt and say, "Alright, I'll answer you frankly. Ask anything you want."
"I really can't figure out how my company's Big Boss turned out to be your subordinate, brother?" Asked Chen Xiaowan. "Moreover, the respect she shows you is beyond that of the respect of a subordinate to her superior. Did you feed her some kind of bewitching potion? How come she is like someone whose secret is grasped by you?"
Hahaha. Tang Xiu could not help laughing and said, "Your younger brother has a charming personality, so of course my subordinate will naturally obey me. Besides, Kuwako is benefitting from me, so of course she will value my words very much. Umm, how should I say it? Ah, your younger brother is kind of a nouveau riche billionaire now."
Pffft… Hahaha.
Chen Xiaowan could not help laughing. She charmingly rolled her eyes at Tang Xiu. Suddenly, a light flashed in her eyes as she asked with a bit of expectation, "How about you accompany me to a certain place tonight?"
"Where?" Tang Xiu immediately asked. He did not expect her to suddenly ask him on a whim, and even seemed to look forward to it.
"Well, there's a gathering for my university graduates, my fellow students. I originally did not intend to attend it, but with you to accompany me I suddenly want to go."
"How can I go? It's the gathering of your university's graduates." Tang Xiu was at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh, and then continued, "I don't even know anyone among them."
Chen Xiaowan thought that Tang Xiu was correct. Her expression turned dark and said helplessly, "Then I won't go since you don't want to. Anyways, what are we gonna do after dinner?"
"I'll take you to a good place!" Said Tang Xiu with a smile. "You can enjoy the leisure and entertainment there by yourself if you have some free time later."
"What is the place?"
"The Paradise Manor."
Two hours later, Tang Xiu arrived at the Paradise Manor with Chen Xiaowan. After passing through the entrance, however, Chen Xiaowan's face turned strange. And after they came to the parking lot inside, she could not bear to pull Tang Xiu's sleeve and say in a toned down voice, "Brother, we already came to this place, are you going to gather with that group of my fellow students over there?"
Fellow students?
Tang Xiu was stunned and asked with a surprised expression, "Eh? Your fellow students' gathering is being held here?"
"Yeah." Chen Xiaowan nodded. "Some of my fellow students are local nouveau riches here, and mixed quite well after graduation. They are also the ones who arranged this college class reunion."
"Alright, then! Just tell me the specific place." Tang Xiu nodded after giving it a thought. "Wait there and I'll see you later. I'm going to see the owner of this place to get two bottles of a good wine."
"Do you know the owner of this place?" Chen Xiaowan was surprised.
"Yeah, we are very close." Tang Xiu suppressed his laughter.
A few minutes later, Tang Xiu appeared in Lulu's office but saw her unexpectedly dressed up today. It was a contrast with her past style since the dress she wore today was a whole set of professional white-collar, with eyeglasses and bleached blonde hair, as she sat on the Boss chair while reading a book.
"Looking at you in this style… is quite interesting."
Tang Xiu faintly smiled as he came before her. As his vision casually swept over the book in her hands, his expression suddenly froze.
"Chibi… Chibi Maruko-chan manga?"
Lulu put the book down and happily walked out of her desk, cheerfully turned around in front of Tang Xiu, and then spread her hands and said with a playful smile, "So, how do I look? Good, right?"
"Not bad!" Tang Xiu forced a smile. "But what you're reading and your attire are kinda different. Forget it, let's not talk about this. Anyways, Sis Xiaowan is with me here, and it just so happens that her fellow students from college are having a reunion here. So, I want to take two bottles of good wine to gather with them. Do you still have some Gods Nectar here?"
When Lulu heard Tang Xiu's question, her expression turned a bit scornful and resentfully said, "I still have some. But that surnamed Kang is too stingy, you know. I have less than 100 boxes of Gods Nectar in inventory, and my staff grumbled to me a couple days ago that the rest of the Gods Nectar will be completely sold out in a few days."
Tang Xiu rolled his eyes at her. 100 boxes are few? He was the one who set the rule in the first place. Let alone 100 boxes, nobody was able to buy eight or ten boxes if they did not buy them via the Magnificent Tang Corporation's exclusive stores in the major cities.
"Alright, alright. You don't know how lucky you are. Besides, the Magnificent Tang Corporation has its own rules and regulations, they won't open the back door for you. But for you… they have given you an exception. Kang Xia will come to Shanghai a couple days later. Just keep pestering her that you want more Gods Nectar! Whether you can get it from her, it will depend on your skills."
"Got no problem with that!" Ouyang Lulu immediately nodded.
On the roof of the three-story foreign-style building of the Paradise Manor, Ladyboy Wutong held a binoculars and watched the situation in a distant building. He could clearly see Tang Xiu and Ouyang Lulu through the window of that building.
"Who exactly is this guy? His relationship with Ice Phoenix Han Qingwu is very close, yet his relationship with other women keeps popping up. Is he not afraid Ice Phoenix will get jealous and hack him alive?"
Wu Tong had been secretly following Han Qingwu for several days. He could tell that Han Qingwu was like a young girl in love. Through his observation, he could see that the guy Han Qingwu liked was Tang Xiu, a student of Shanghai University, a guy with quite unusual behavior.
"His luck in love is really great."
Wu Tong let out an uncanny smirk but did not feel the slightest envy at all. He only liked men, and that was particularly so towards Tang Xiu. He even imagined whether he could have some "good and pleasant times" with Tang Xiu.
"Who is it?"
Suddenly, this shemale's complexion drastically changed, instantly turned around and grabbed his dagger. He then saw a middle-aged man with cold eyes and folded arms staring at him about seven plus meters away.
"You should already know who I am," said Mo Awu lightly.
Wu Tong squinted, but a tempestuous shock hit his heart. He knew his own strength perfectly, and how vigilant he always was. Yet, this man was able to approach him seven-plus meters away without him being able to sense. It only meant that this man had very terrifying abilities.
"It's you. His bodyguard?" Wu Tong extended his hand to point to the distant windows.
"Now that you already know, you should understand that you've already been exposed, no?" Said Mo Awu indifferently. "Now tell me, why are you tracking my Boss?"
"Hmph." Wu Tong snorted. "I do as I please. Do I need you to mind my business?"
With that said, he immediately turned around and instantly jumped from the roof. It was a three-story building, yet he could easily jump down. While standing there, he looked up to see Mo Awu and gave him the middle finger.
Afterward, he turned around and left.
"With us here, do you think you can come and go as you please?" A figure blocked Wu Tong's path as the sharp dagger in his hand fluttered away like a butterfly.
Wu Tong furrowed his brows and vigilantly stared at the man in front of him. He did not want to engage in a fight, so he turned around and dashed forward, attempting to leave the place for the time being. However, just as he ran about a dozen steps, another burly figure blocked his path again.
"SHIT!"
Wu Tong angrily cursed. But he did not try to run and avoid the fight this time, and rushed straight towards the burly man, sending a barrage of punches to his chest lightning fast.
Bam…
Wu Tong only saw a shadow flash near him and felt nothing but the blooming flower in front of him. His fist did not hit the man's chest, but it was his lower abdomen that seemed to be hit by a huge force. He felt like his intestines were tied up by the pain at this moment. The most unbelievable thing was that he saw himself flying upside down to the back as the scenery from his sides brushed forward.
Cough, cough…
After heavily slamming on the cold concrete floor seven-plus meters away, Wu Tong, who had withstood all kinds of sufferings for countless times, suppressed the pain coming from his abdomen and propped himself up with his hands on the ground and stood up again in the blink of an eye.