PCJ – Chapter 662 Confidence

“Why don’t we set up our own lab for this project?” Mei Qing suddenly suggested with interest.

“For this?” Zhang Jiaohua raised an eyebrow. “Do you think researching this will be meaningful for us?”

“It’s quite simple,” Mei Qing replied. “Even if ordinary people have sufficient spiritual energy, they may not be able to cultivate successfully due to poor innate talent and low efficiency in utilizing spiritual energy. But if we stimulate the embryo with spiritual spring water during the embryonic stage, we can improve their innate talent. In that case, Meishan Sect could raise countless cultivation geniuses in the future. It would be extremely beneficial for the sect’s growth.”

What Mei Qing said wasn’t wrong. A normal white mouse wouldn’t necessarily become a spirit beast even if thrown into a cultivation diagram. Even if it could, it would take a long time. However, the white mice cultivated through ex vivo embryo experiments had all grown to be nearly spirit beast level—clearly showing how important prenatal nurturing was to development.

“If you think what I said makes sense, why don’t we go ahead and study this topic?” Mei Qing smiled.

“Let’s wait a little. Professor Huang will probably contact us soon,” Zhang Jiaohua said, as if suddenly remembering something.

“How do you know?” Mei Qing asked.

“I handed over most of the super soldiers to the government. What do you think their reaction would be?” Zhang Jiaohua replied with a smile.

“They’ll probably try to research the technology behind creating these super soldiers! And since our research team is already at the forefront globally, they’ll most likely reach out to Professor Huang—and then he’ll come to you,” Mei Qing quickly understood.

Sure enough, Zhang Jiaohua soon received a call from Professor Huang Zhongfang.

“Professor Huang, what you mentioned—I actually already guessed with Teacher Mei. This project is indeed important for our team. I think we can take it on, but it’s no longer suitable to conduct the experiment at Qingda University. Otherwise, the same incident might repeat itself. There’s no guarantee they won’t send more super soldiers to cause trouble in Beijing. That would be impossible to guard against,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

Professor Huang also expressed concern: “Well, the higher-ups should consider this, right?”

“They considered it last time too,” Zhang Jiaohua replied. “These super soldiers might have obvious flaws, but their offensive capability is terrifying. Once they attack, there’s no effective response in an urban area like Beijing.”

Professor Huang frowned. “Then what do you suggest?”

Zhang Jiaohua responded, “If you agree, let Teacher Mei lead this project. Ma Nanli can assist. But the facility can’t be on campus. I’ll provide a new location, and we’ll equip it with all necessary infrastructure. You’re welcome to inspect the site.”

Professor Huang immediately brightened up. “That works! I happen to be free today. Can you arrange someone to pick me up?”

He was quite pleased—this way, it was like pulling Zhang Jiaohua and Mei Qing back into the project. Where the lab was based didn’t really matter. The university’s current lab building really wasn’t suitable for such a major national project anymore.

Zhang Jiaohua had Wei Chenguang send someone to escort Professor Huang to the secret realm. As soon as Professor Huang entered, he said to Zhang Jiaohua, “This place is perfect. It’s the best location for this project.”

“As long as you’re satisfied, Professor. Besides safety, this location is ideal because it’s where we can produce the active reagent,” Zhang Jiaohua explained, leading him to a clearing where a high-level biochemical lab was being constructed.

“Zhang Jiaohua, can our research team members come here to study in the future? Even though we’re leading globally thanks to your results, we’re still behind in many ways overall. This is a rare opportunity. I hope you can help uplift our entire team—or even the broader domestic bioscience community,” Professor Huang said earnestly.

Zhang Jiaohua readily agreed. “Just coordinate with Teacher Mei. She’ll have full authority over this lab from now on.”

“The facilities and equipment will be funded by the project. You just need to provide the space,” Professor Huang reassured him, worried that Zhang Jiaohua might be displeased later with the cost.

“That’s no problem. I can easily fund a lab like this,” Zhang Jiaohua laughed.

“It’s not about whether you can afford it. Since this is a national-level project, all the lab construction will be covered by government funding. It’s a top-priority project, and there’s ample budget. Even building a full lab complex at the highest standard wouldn’t be an issue,” Professor Huang added.

“They’re welcome to join the project. But once inside the lab, no matter who they are or what their background is, they must follow Teacher Mei’s instructions. If not, she has the authority to remove them. Let me be clear: we don’t welcome people looking to pad their resumes,” Zhang Jiaohua said seriously, knowing that many people would envy and try to latch onto such a major project. He had no interest in their money or motives.

“I’ll make this clear to the military and the Science Committee. If anyone refuses to follow lab rules, they’ll be removed,” Professor Huang agreed. He was also concerned that interference from others might slow down progress. Everyone wanted a piece of the pie when it came to major national projects—whether for funding or reputation. He didn’t want Zhang Jiaohua to lose faith in the team if things went badly.

Professor Huang’s prediction turned out to be accurate. People from the Science Committee and military did try to insert themselves. After all, this was a golden opportunity to earn credit. Even if they didn’t get funding, being named in the project would be useful for promotions and future grants.

But they didn’t expect Professor Huang to take such a firm stance. He demanded that all research personnel from their side must be screened and have solid academic credentials. Furthermore, everyone in the team must obey the project lead—Mei Qing—or they would be removed.

Science Committee Director Li Ningbo wasn’t pleased. He believed the project should be jointly led by all three parties—not just Huang Zhongfang’s lab.

“Professor Huang, this is a key national project, jointly run by the Science Committee and the military biochemical research center. Your lab should be a cooperating party—not the lead,” Li Ningbo said.

“If that’s how it’s going to be, then our team will not participate at all. We have the technology, the people, and the funding. We don’t need your support to conduct this project. If you want our involvement, we must maintain absolute independence. No interference—otherwise, there’s nothing more to discuss,” Professor Huang responded confidently.