PCJ – Chapter 689 The Visitor Comes with Ill Intent

Mei Qing’s team’s pharmaceutical experiment caused a huge sensation across the country.

“Chinese scientists conquer a century-old medical challenge — cancer is no longer incurable.”

“A blessing for millions of cancer patients! Dr. Mei Qing’s team develops a cancer-specific drug, filling a domestic gap in cancer treatment.”

…

Major media outlets rushed to report on it. The public’s reaction was mixed — some believed it, others doubted. After all, a disease that had stumped the entire world was suddenly declared curable, which was hard to believe. But with so many concrete reports and such wide media coverage, it was hard not to believe it.

With such wide-reaching impact, foreign powers naturally took notice—especially those who had previously targeted Huang Zhongfang’s team.

At a secret U.S. super-soldier research facility, analysts were reviewing the findings of Mei Qing’s team.

“There’s one thing we don’t need to question—Mei Qing’s team has already mastered a more advanced gene technology. Their drug is, in fact, a gene therapy. The ability to reverse cancer cells back into normal cells essentially means they’ve found a way to control gene mutations. If they can guide cancer cells to revert, they can certainly direct normal cells to mutate in specific ways. Furthermore, we didn’t find any trace of one other individual on this project—the founder of in-vitro embryonic cultivation, Dr. Zhang Jiaohua. His absence likely means he’s working on something even more advanced,” said intelligence analyst Livingston, with a serious expression.

“In other words, this research team already possesses gene technologies that are well beyond ours. I’ve said before—no matter the cost, we must obtain their core technologies. And if we can’t get them, we should destroy them. But after our two teams of agents failed, the whole operation was shelved. Now what can we even say?” Tayler said angrily.

“Tayler, complaining won’t help. After our two agent teams failed, we really had no better options. Even our most powerful super-soldiers couldn’t get any advantage against the enemy. What do you expect us to do now—ask the President to declare war?” Donnie responded, clearly displeased with Tayler’s criticism.

“Gentlemen, arguing is pointless. If we keep fighting among ourselves instead of acting, the enemy will only pull further ahead. We no longer have the luxury of time,” Livingston quickly intervened.

“I think it’s time to report this situation to the President. This is beyond our current scope. If the Chinese start applying this technology for military use, it would pose a serious challenge to our nation. You all understand what the future of gene technology entails. A genetically optimized soldier could outperform a regular soldier several times over in reflexes, strength, and endurance. They could pilot faster aircraft and withstand extreme G-forces and harsh environments. We’ve seen firsthand the power of such super-soldiers,” said Settle.

“I agree with Settle,” added Frank, rising to his feet.

Hughes also stood. “Only the President has the authority to mobilize America’s most powerful and secretive forces.”

At the political center of the U.S., President Bush convened an emergency meeting with CIA Director Mortimer and other high-ranking officials.

“Someone’s telling me we must deploy our ultimate force to China for an extremely important mission. Director Mortimer, can you tell me if this is truly necessary?” President Bush asked, clearly dissatisfied with the intelligence agency’s slow response.

“Mr. President, based on all the intelligence I have so far, there is no immediate necessity for such action. As far as I know, the Chinese genetic weapons research departments are not currently developing any gene technologies that would pose a threat to us. As for the rumors about a new cancer drug from Chinese scientists, that alone doesn’t prove they’ve made military-use breakthroughs in gene technology,” said Mortimer.

“Director Mortimer, I suggest you listen more to the professionals. Mr. Livingston here is such an expert,” Bush said pointedly, gesturing at Livingston.

Livingston organized his notes and professional findings: “According to intel from within China, this Chinese genetic research team has made a critical breakthrough in human gene regulation. The cancer treatment is merely a byproduct of their gene technology work. If they’ve truly mastered gene mutation and reversal, they essentially possess the capability to manipulate genes in any direction. And this team has extremely close ties with China’s biochemical weapons research center—in fact, they might very well be part of it.”

“And what does that prove?” Mortimer asked, clearly displeased.

“I believe that regardless of how far the Chinese have come, we must investigate thoroughly—and ideally, acquire their technology. Given the crushing failures of our last two attempts, this time we must deploy even stronger forces,” said Livingston.

Mortimer immediately objected. “That would be extremely risky. China isn’t like Afghanistan or other such regions—our influence inside China is extremely limited. Even if we send in our most covert force, it will still be dangerous.”

“You don’t need to decide anything. Just give your recommendation. Perhaps you simply lack the courage. This operation will be handled by someone else,” said Bush, who had already made up his mind to send in elite forces to seize what he viewed as a national security threat.

Although the clinical trial had not yet concluded, Zhang Jiaohua already sensed something was off in Beijing. He quickly instructed Mei Qing and the others to retreat into the hidden realm.

“Some people just won’t give up,” Zhang Jiaohua muttered, having received intel from his hidden network in the capital. Lately, Huang Zhongfang’s team had encountered a series of strange mishaps, and unfamiliar academic groups had appeared at the university—uninvited. These teams included some suspicious individuals. Zhang Jiaohua knew very well—they were not here with good intentions.