Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 178：The Fraud

"National Pharmaceutical Research Institute?"

Ren Dayuan and Song Zhe exchanged a glance, both taken aback, as it was the first time they had ever heard of such an institute.

"Ren, could this be a scammer?" Song Zhe asked, once the call was over.

He had a background in pharmaceutical research and kept a close watch on the national trends in the industry. He was certain that no such institute existed in Longguo.

Ren Dayuan sighed, "Our company is on the brink of collapse. What more could he possibly be scamming us for? Anyway, he's already at the gate. Let's go see what this is about."

He then walked alone to the main entrance.

In no time, Ren Dayuan returned, accompanied by an elderly man.

"Professor Long, this is our lab where we research the anti-cancer drugs..." Ren Dayuan said warmly as he introduced their lab to Professor Long.

Earlier, when he had gone to the gate, he was still uncertain whether this was a scam, but to his surprise, the man turned out to be none other than Longguo's renowned academician, Professor Long.

Upon learning that the nation had established a pharmaceutical research institute, Ren Dayuan couldn't hide his excitement. Despite his company's impending closure, at least Song Zhe would have a future.

Professor Long observed the lab equipment, some of which he vaguely recognized from his recent studies on pharmaceutical development.

"Ren, your company's equipment is quite advanced," Professor Long remarked.

Ren Dayuan beamed, "I'm not exaggerating, Professor Long. These pieces of equipment were purchased at great expense from overseas, representing the most cutting-edge technology available."

Looking over the lab, Professor Long inquired, "Given the caliber of your equipment, how is it that your company is facing closure?"

Ren Dayuan sighed, his voice tinged with frustration. "Unfortunately, it all comes down to the investment in this lab. Over three years, we poured 6 billion yuan into it, leaving the company without the funds to survive. We ran into financial difficulties, and reluctantly had no choice but to announce the closure."

"Professor Long, let's set that aside for now. You mentioned you were looking for pharmaceutical talent—well, I have someone to introduce to you, and I'm certain you'll be impressed."

Professor Long, eager to meet potential talent, replied immediately, "Where is he? I'll go meet him."

"He's upstairs, in the second-floor lab," Ren Dayuan said, leading Professor Long to the second floor.

As they arrived, they found Song Zhe still engrossed in his experiments. Upon hearing their footsteps, he turned around but didn't immediately look up.

"Ren, that person who claimed to be from the National Pharmaceutical Research Institute is definitely a scam. There's no such department in Longguo," Song Zhe declared confidently.

Ren Dayuan, momentarily embarrassed, quickly responded, "Song, I've brought him here—why don't you take a look for yourself?"

When Song Zhe heard Ren Dayuan's words, he turned around hastily and, to his surprise, saw the elderly man standing behind them.

A wave of embarrassment washed over him. He had assumed Ren Dayuan had returned alone. To his dismay, the man had followed them, and now he was caught in the awkward situation of speaking ill of someone only to have the subject of his comments overhear.

Realizing who it was, Song Zhe was stunned, his voice faltering, "Professor... Professor Long? Is it really you?"

Song Zhe, having followed Longguo's scientific achievements closely during his university years, recognized the academician immediately. He hurriedly apologized, "Professor Long, I... I didn't know it was you!"

"Haha, it's alright!" Professor Long chuckled warmly. "I heard from Ren that you've made some breakthroughs. Why don't you tell me about them?"

Relieved that Professor Long didn't seem upset, Song Zhe relaxed. Yet, his curiosity remained—Professor Long's expertise was in nanotechnology and rocket fuel, so what was he doing heading a national pharmaceutical institute?

For the moment, he pushed his questions aside and began explaining the new drug molecule nm-9 to Professor Long.

Having recently studied relevant materials, Professor Long was able to grasp much of what Song Zhe explained.

"Song, as you say, if the new drug molecule nm-9 passes clinical trials, does that mean the research is a success?" Professor Long asked.

"Yes, essentially," Song Zhe confirmed. "We still need to go through preclinical and clinical stages, but once both phases are complete, the drug will be ready for market."

"Understood. How confident are you about nm-9's success?" Professor Long inquired.

"About 80%," Song Zhe replied confidently.

Hearing this, Professor Long felt a surge of excitement—an 80% success rate was already very high.

"Ren, would your lab be willing to sell its research to the state?" Professor Long turned to Ren Dayuan.

Ren Dayuan, already overwhelmed, responded, "Professor Long, I'd be more than happy to, but our company is on the verge of closing down, so this lab won't belong to us much longer."

Professor Long thought for a moment before saying, "Ren, give me your company's records. I'll see what I can do to help with the funding."

"Really?" Ren Dayuan asked, his voice filled with hope.

If Professor Long could help secure the necessary funding, their company wouldn't have to close down.

Without further delay, Ren Dayuan handed over the company's records to Professor Long.