Chapter Thirty-Four: The Untapped Gene Market Worth a Fortune

The Innovation of Genes, the Miracle Drug for Gene Repair—Is it a Scam or a Leap in Technology?

Early in the morning, the internet was awash with news about the gene optimization solution. Whether it was major portals or ordinary websites, all had plastered headlines about gene optimization, even the national mouthpiece, Xinhua Net, had posted the story. Suddenly, the gene optimization solution seemed to appear out of nowhere, saturating every corner of the web.

First comment: First seat! First seat! My favorite!
Second comment: Released the hounds, watch out below!
Third comment: Another shady product surfaces, hope the government steps in~~~
One hundred and seventh comment: Is this for real? They say it’s made in our country. Since when did we become so advanced? Did I hibernate and our nation overtook the world?
Five hundred seventieth comment: Just go wash up and sleep! Grandpa’s exhausted!
Seventy-eight thousand one hundred fifty-third comment: According to my investigation, this gene optimization solution really is produced domestically. Currently, only Europe has a small amount for sale, priced higher than a sedan. Is it real? We’ll have to ask our friends overseas.

Within half a day, the gene optimization solution had seized the top spot on the trending topics list, with replies exceeding half a million. More and more information was leaked, and Fantasy Technology entered the public eye. No longer known only to a select few, many now heard of a company called Fantasy Technology, which had manufactured a gene drug called the gene optimization solution, specifically designed to repair genetic defects.

By afternoon, the topic continued to burn hot. Numerous experts from home and abroad came forward, frankly stating that while gene repair agents do exist, it is absolutely impossible to manufacture them at present. Thus, Fantasy Technology must be nothing more than a wolf in sheep’s clothing, aiming to swindle the masses.

Outside, the situation shifted rapidly. Zhu Lan received a message from Cheng Xue that very day.

But Zhu Lan paid no mind. Others were stirring up heat for the company—what could be better? To intervene would be an act of folly.

“Boss, do you really not need to respond?” Lan Tianxin sat in her chair, gazing anxiously at the relaxed Zhu Lan across from her.

Zhu Lan waved his hand. “Let them play as they please. It does us no harm anyway.”

“But if someone raises national issues, it could get complicated.”

Zhu Lan smiled. “I know. That’s precisely why I chose Europe.”

“You mean…?” Lan Tianxin suddenly recalled the enigmatic smile Zhu Lan had when deciding to list in Europe. Had he anticipated this very situation?

Zhu Lan nodded, stood, and walked to the window, looking out at the construction underway in the Fantasy District. Since the gene optimization solution launched, not counting the elemental bodies taken away by Ren Linting, just the sales had brought Fantasy Technology hundreds of millions in revenue. Production could have been ramped up, but Zhu Lan chose not to. After Ren Linting’s incident, Zhu Lan immediately halted production, publicly announcing an internal investigation.

Ren Linting’s incident was widely known. Anyone else would have acted as Zhu Lan did. Even knowing there might be issues, no one could criticize Zhu Lan, and thus, the matter dragged on until Tang Xuejian arrived, igniting a battle for the agency rights of the gene optimization solution.

The gene optimization solution was not famous initially. When it first launched, several days went by with no sales. Only after a hundred units were provided free to research institutions and hospitals worldwide did sales slowly pick up.

Just as sales were about to soar, Ren Linting stole the elemental bodies, halting the gene optimization solution’s sales.

Despite the brief sales period, its potential was evident to anyone with insight. Those with ambition knew the gene optimization solution was a gold mine, and securing it became their sole aim.

But Zhu Lan imposed a strict lockdown and investigation. No products left the company, and with the military cordoning off the area, those who wanted to swallow up Fantasy Technology whole found no entry point.

The gene enhancement solution incident had brought Zhu Lan considerable protection. Regardless—whether the nation or the military—neither would stand by and allow Zhu Lan to be seized by others, not even domestic companies. Thus, Zhu Lan remained safe within the company under these conditions.

“How is her mood?” Zhu Lan suddenly changed the subject. Lan Tianxin paused, then smiled bitterly and shook her head. “According to Captain Yu, she’s quite irascible.” He referred, of course, to Xiao He.

Because of the gene optimization solution, some domestic parties began making moves. But without Zhu Lan’s consent, none could enter his office, and even if they did, they could accomplish nothing.

More and more domestic corporate representatives arrived. Xiao He could deal with most, but for some, her rank as major wasn’t enough. Some even pointed fingers, hurling abuse at her. Were it not for their identities, Xiao He would have dealt with them harshly long ago.

Zhu Lan found it amusing. “Is that so? She brought it on herself.” Zhu Lan hadn’t intended to make things hard for Xiao He, but when she first arrived, she was far too domineering, speaking to him as if commanding a subordinate—a manner that greatly irked Zhu Lan. Yet, as a state official, Zhu Lan could do nothing. Now, with the chance, Zhu Lan naturally returned the favor.

“Boss, Minister Li is here!” Cheng Xue pushed open the door and informed Zhu Lan.

“I know. Please invite him up.”

Lan Tianxin stood. “Boss, I’ll take my leave now.”

Zhu Lan nodded and waved her off.

Soon, Li Hongjin entered, accompanied by a woman in her forties.

Both were dressed in civilian attire, and Zhu Lan couldn’t immediately discern the woman’s identity.

“Minister Li! A rare guest!”

“Enough, spare me the politeness,” Li Hongjin said, sitting down directly. Zhu Lan smiled helplessly and took a seat beside him on the sofa.

Cheng Xue set down the tea and left, closing the door behind her.

“May I ask what brings you here today, Minister Li?”

“You don’t know? You’re aware how chaotic things are out there now?”

Zhu Lan shook his head. “I haven’t been out in ages. There’s too much going on at the company, and I have to oversee production.”

“You…” Li Hongjin knew Zhu Lan was feigning ignorance.

“Zhu Lan, drop the act. The issue is serious, and I don’t have time for games. If it weren’t for your mentor, I wouldn’t even want to see you!”

Zhu Lan frowned. “What do you mean?” He paid no mind to Li Hongjin’s status. In truth, Zhu Lan didn’t know exactly who Li Hongjin was, but anyone who moved in circles with Luo Guoqiang was at least a general.

“Hmph, let her explain!”

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Murong Yan Hong.”

Zhu Lan narrowed his eyes, sizing up the woman. “I recall someone claiming to be from the South Sea Development Group came to see me yesterday. Are you…?”

The woman made no attempt to hide her identity, nodding. “I am the general manager of the South Sea Development Group.”

Zhu Lan laughed. What kind of enterprise was the South Sea Development Group? It was a political entity, founded less than a year ago. Its predecessor comprised several marine development firms. Due to recent events in the South Sea, the state took the lead, merging over a dozen companies to form the South Sea Development Group. Overnight, it became one of the top hundred domestic enterprises. Now, all the natural gas, oil, marine platforms, and hundreds of other projects in the South Sea belonged to the group. Though not prominent, it was well known in the region, and Zhu Lan, living in the South Sea, naturally understood its national background.

Zhu Lan had heard that people from the South Sea Development Group would come, but had never met its manager. Unexpectedly, the general manager herself had come, escorted by Li Hongjin.

Clearly, the rumors of the group’s formidable connections were true. To have a general escort her, such people were rare, especially in the south.

“Manager Murong, you’re here for the gene market as well?” Knowing Murong Yan Hong’s identity, Zhu Lan could no longer feign ignorance, and replied with a wry smile.

Most people came seeking the gene optimization solution. Others, with greater foresight, sought not the solution itself but the gene market. Though the gene market had existed for over a decade, gene drugs and products had left it nearly forgotten. The possibility of cloning technology rendered the gene market a virtual void.

Once cloning was proven possible, the United Nations declared it forbidden. The gene market was left with only gene foods—other products were scarce. Later, gene foods were revealed to cause terminal illnesses, making the gene market even more abandoned.

Genes don’t make money? They do, and the market is as vast as that for narcotics or arms. Many tried to develop the gene market; hundreds of gene products launch annually, but most are just health supplements, unable to unlock the full potential of this enormous market.

But the authenticity of the gene optimization solution had caught the eyes of some. Compared to the solution’s value, the allure of leading the gene market was far greater. It was like the internet revolution, when Microsoft became the leader, commanding ninety percent of the market and creating wealth greater than many nations.

To develop a gene market comparable to the internet’s—its value was beyond most people’s comprehension, simply because their vision didn’t reach so far, nor did they need to.

But in the eyes of certain magnates, it was like a national strategic plan. Any product with the potential to become mainstream had to be seized: the burgeoning intelligent market, intelligent robots, space transport, space tourism, even interstellar development centuries in the future—all received investment. They cared not how much they lost; once successful, the returns were astonishing. To be wealthier than nations was merely the beginning!