NIP Chapter 3203 The Nearly Completed Torch Project
Chapter 3203 The Nearly Completed Torch Project
Chapter 3203 The Nearly Completed Torch Project
Rumble
As the rumbling in the sky gradually faded, the plane that had been circling above the airport finally landed at the airport in Beijing.
Yang Xiaotao followed behind Old Chen on the cold ground. Despite the howling wind, everyone around him smiled.
This is what it feels like to come home.
"Boss, would you like to go back together?"
Yang Xiaotao approached Old Chen and invited him to come, but Old Chen waved his hand and refused, saying, "No, I'm going home. This trip has been exhausting, and my old bones can't take any more of this."
"No way, you're still going strong for your age."
"Alright, stop joking around. Go home and check on things. Just be on time for work tomorrow."
"Oh, I was just thinking of taking a few days off to spend time with my family."
"What are you thinking? If you're going to be this lazy, come work for me!"
"No, no, no need. I'll go to work tomorrow. I mean what I say."
"Get out of here."
Old Chen didn't want to waste any more time arguing with Yang Xiaotao, so he waved his hand and told him to get lost.
Yang Xiaotao nodded to Secretary Guo beside him, then said goodbye to Old Chen before getting into his car and leaving.
Just as Yang Xiaotao was calling Ran Qiuye to get into the car, a sedan drove in from outside the airport and stopped in front of them.
Yang Xiaotao stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw the person getting out of the car.
Tong Xiaolong.
"Boss, Xiao Tao, don't go."
As soon as I got off the bus, I could hear Tong Xiaolong shouting from a distance. His voice was urgent and his face was anxious.
Yang Xiaotao quickly stepped forward, "Brother Tong, what's wrong?"
"Brother Xiao Tao, it's important. The commander wants you to come over right away."
"besides!"
Tong Xiaolong approached Old Chen and said, "Sir, the commander wants you to go there now."
Old Chen frowned, then said to Yang Xiaotao, "Get in the car."
"it is good!"
Yang Xiaotao nodded to Ran Qiuye, then got into Tong Xiaolong's car.
The car then turned a corner at the airport and sped off towards the West Garden.
"Brother Xiaolong, what exactly happened?"
Yang Xiaotao asked directly, so as not to arrive there clueless.
Of course, Yang Xiaotao was also worried that something was wrong with the Ninth Division.
Old Chen was also watching from behind, pondering where the problem might be.
Could it be something to do with the oil pipeline, or something to do with Persia?
However, just as Old Chen and Yang Xiaotao were pondering where things had happened, Tong Xiaolong's answer shocked them both.
"You mean, our genetic research project is about to be exposed?"
Old Chen almost stood up from his chair after hearing Tong Xiaolong's two simple words.
Even Yang Xiaotao, a good person, realized the seriousness of the problem.
This is something that's always done secretly; you can't let anyone know.
Even if you find out, you can't let others use it against you.
Otherwise, it would be morally untenable.
It could even become an excuse for other countries to attack it.
The key issue is that this could cause racial divisions and even damage national prestige.
"I'm not too clear on the specifics, but Director Bao from the Shanghai Institute of Biology has come in person and is reporting on his work in the West Garden."
"When the commander learned that you had returned, he sent me to pick you up."
"Secretary Tang mentioned something about this matter. Apparently, the United States has discovered something and is making arrangements. The situation is extremely dangerous."
Tong Xiaolong told them what he knew, and Yang Xiaotao and Old Chen both fell into deep thought.
They walked in silence and soon arrived at the West Garden.
As soon as Yang Xiaotao got off the bus, he saw his uncle walking quickly inside. After seeing the two of them, he stopped and waited for a while.
"You just got back?"
The uncle looked at the weariness on Old Chen's face and asked.
"They came looking for me as soon as I got off the plane."
Old Chen said something, and then asked about the specifics.
"I'm not quite sure either. I came over as soon as I got the call. What do you know?"
Yang Xiaotao quickly stepped forward and repeated what Tong Xiaolong had just said. The three of them walked to the reception room.
Upon seeing the group approaching, Tang Mingyue immediately opened the door, saying, "Three leaders, the commander is waiting for you inside."
"President Peng is here too."
The three nodded, and then the eldest uncle led the way through the door, followed by Old Chen and Yang Xiaotao.
As Yang Xiaotao passed by Tang Mingyue, he glanced at her. She looked a little flustered, but quickly recovered and nodded to him.
Upon entering the room, Elder Qing stood up from his chair, with three other people beside him.
Besides General Peng, there's also Director Bao, whom Tong Xiaolong mentioned.
Yang Xiaotao had met this person before. He had come to Beijing last time to apply for computer support from Yang Xiaotao when he was researching information from blood samples. Yang Xiaotao didn't know if the other party's blood information database had been established yet.
As for the remaining middle-aged man wearing glasses, he was not tall, rather thin, and had slightly yellow hair. He looked refined and gentle, but gave off a somewhat cold and gloomy feeling.
As Yang Xiaotao sized up the man, the man also looked at Yang Xiaotao.
Their eyes met, and then they nodded to each other.
Then the two began to introduce themselves, and Yang Xiaotao learned that the man was named Cao Yu and was a biologist.
As for which organism to study, Yang Xiaotao knew perfectly well.
To Yang Xiaotao's surprise, this person turned out to be one of Old Chen's subordinates.
Or rather, Mr. Chen knew these people.
"Something came up this time, so I had to call you all over."
After gesturing for everyone to sit down, Elder Qing spoke, then looked at Elder Chen, "This matter needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences could be enormous."
"Comrade Cao Yu, please tell us about the situation."
Cao Yu nodded, and then said to everyone, "Greetings, leaders. I am one of the heads of the racial genetics research project."
"Internally, we call this project the 'Torch Project'."
"Of course, whether it's racial genetic material or the torch project, they are actually doing the same thing."
"That is, when other countries study our Chinese genes in the future, we must have the ability to take the initiative."
"Based on this, we started our research ten years ago."
"Here, we would also like to thank Mr. Yang. It was because of Mr. Yang's concept of genes and racial characteristics that we realized the crisis and opportunity hidden in this matter."
At this point, Cao Yu looked at Yang Xiaotao, his eyes behind his glasses showing gratitude and relief.
Yang Xiaotao just smiled when he heard this, because it was indeed he who brought it up. At the time, Teacher Wang Guangmei was still there, and the two of them had talked about it during a casual chat.
Unexpectedly, the other party reported the matter to Bao Qingji, who was also Director Bao standing nearby.
At that time, research in this area began in China.
This was something Yang Xiaotao hadn't expected.
When the others heard this, they all glanced at Yang Xiaotao.
However, none of them found it strange.
Because I've gotten used to it.
Cao Yu then continued, "With continuous financial support over the years, leveraging the medical system and the convenience we've gained in spreading traditional Chinese medicine, we have completed 80% of the blood collection work in Europe through various channels."
At this point, everyone looked at each other, their faces filled with shock. If Yang Xiaotao remembered correctly, the total population of Europe in 1970 had already exceeded 300 million.
Eighty percent of that is over two hundred million.
If everyone has to have a little blood drawn, how much blood will that take?
How much money would that cost?
"We have also established three laboratories in France for on-site research overseas."
"However, the core research will still be conducted domestically."
"Of course, those people in France weren't aware of what was hidden behind this, but..."
At this point, Cao Yu looked nervous, took a deep breath, and continued, "However, if this matter is made public, it will inevitably be noticed by people."
"After all, what they are doing now is the truth, they just haven't revealed it yet."
After Cao Yu finished speaking, Old Chen asked, "What if we evacuate now? How much loss would we suffer?"
Cao Yu immediately replied, "Sir, if we withdraw now, we will lose at least one hundred million."
"All of this money was invested in purchasing a large number of scientific instruments, and some was used for research consumables. Its value is definitely over 100 million yuan."
"so much?"
Peng asked curiously from the side, and Cao Yu just nodded vigorously, "Only more, not less."
Everyone fell silent.
Because they all knew that one hundred million was in US dollars.
No matter how much money you make, you can't squander it like this.
"Director Cao!"
Suddenly, Yang Xiaotao spoke up and asked a question.
All eyes turned to him, and Cao Yu also looked at Yang Xiaotao.
"I want to know, if we evacuate, can these research materials be brought back intact?"
Cao Yu nodded vigorously upon hearing this, "When I received the news yesterday on the Japanese island, the boss was already in Europe overseeing the evacuation."
"All the data has been packed and transferred, and this time we are going through an alliance relationship, and we will be traveling by train from East Germany."
"I estimate that if everything goes smoothly, it will only take three days to get back from there."
"it is good!"
Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement, then looked at Qing Lao and the others, "Leader, I think we should activate the emergency plan."
"Have the comrades evacuate immediately and erase all traces."
"Even if it's burned down, we can't leave any evidence."
"As for the investment of 100 million, as long as everyone is safe and the data is brought back, it is not important at all."
After Yang Xiaotao finished expressing his opinion, his uncle nodded and said, "I agree with Comrade Xiaotao's opinion. People and materials are priceless and must be transferred as soon as possible."
"Nothing else matters."
Qingla nodded in agreement. "Then let's do it this way!"
"Moon!"
Tang Mingyue immediately stepped forward, and Elder Qing instructed, "Compile our opinions and release them immediately so that our comrades can evacuate as soon as possible."
"Ok."
Tang Mingyue turned and walked away in a hurry.
Yang Xiaotao looked at Cao Yu again, "Director Cao, you just said you came back from the Japanese islands?"
Cao Yu nodded in agreement. "This warning was brought back by Lu Xurong, who was working in the United States."
“Lu Xurong, I think I’ve heard of him before.”
After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Old Chen explained from the side, "The eldest brother in charge of the work in Europe is Li Zhongmin, Cao Yu is the second eldest, and the third eldest is Lu Xurong."
"The three of us worked together in the Northwest for over ten years, and we could be considered sworn brothers."
Yang Xiaotao listened with admiration.
Cao Yu smiled, then said seriously, "According to the message sent back by the third brother, the United States should have noticed something and has already sent people to investigate the blood collection and racial genetic research!"
"Our cover on the outskirts of the United States is a biological waste disposal company registered under French identities, which allows us to take on the discarded collected materials from various hospitals."
"Furthermore, we also bribed a group of people in the hospital who would transmit specific sample information so that we could assess the condition of the samples."
"This model has been in place for three years, and has now completed the collection and research of nearly five million samples."
"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, but the third brother has already begun preparations for evacuation."
"only."
"The United States has its eyes on our people, and it will be difficult for us to withdraw safely."
Yang Xiaotao frowned again upon hearing this, "So the main purpose of this meeting is to figure out how to get people back?"
Cao Yu remained silent, but Qing Lao spoke up, "This is one of the purposes."
"Another objective is how to conclude the matter in the worst-case scenario."
Yang Xiaotao lowered his head and remained silent, but President Peng spoke up, "We can handle the issue of personnel returning."
"But we can't guarantee that the United States won't discover the secrets here."
Old Chen wanted to say something, but didn't know how to start.
Emotionally, he wanted to protect these people.
But rationally, he realized that this matter had to be kept secret and absolutely could not be made public.
Otherwise, we really won't even be able to be friends anymore.
Yang Xiaotao picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and then tentatively asked, "Director Cao, do you think the United States' actions are to arrest people, or to reveal this secret?"
Cao Yu was stunned, unsure how to respond.
"I think they need to keep secrets."
As if he had seen through Yang Xiaotao's intentions, his uncle gave the answer directly.
I think so too.
After Elder Chen finished speaking, Elder Qing nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right. This kind of research is a secret that every country cannot talk about, yet it is also research that cannot be missed."
"Because this thing could very well be another mushroom egg."
After Qing Lao finished speaking, Yang Xiaotao nodded with a smile, "So, I think the United States will definitely try its best to help cover it up."
"At least they won't take action until they get the data from our research."
"They will only act when they find their prey beyond their grasp."
The goal is simple: if you can't have it, no one else should either.
After he finished speaking, both Mr. Chen and Mr. Peng nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let Comrade Lu Xurong continue to evacuate, and be sure to bring back the research results."
"As for the rescue operation, Lao Peng, I'll leave that to you."
"Yes!"
With Qing Lao making up his mind, the others also wanted to know how far the Torch Project had progressed.
After Cao Yu finished explaining the situation, Yang Xiaotao's eyes lit up.
"So, it means that both Japan and South Korea have already completed it?"
Cao Yu couldn't help but laugh when he heard the nickname Yang Xiaotao had given him.
"It's basically finished."
"Compared to Europe, Japan and South Korea are just... well, let's just say they're not that great."
"Both countries have placed great emphasis on healthcare infrastructure development due to the pandemic."
“We just put some money in, and we can achieve our goal.”
"Of course, if this is exposed, all this money will probably be lost."
Cao Yu looked somewhat dejected, but Yang Xiaotao felt relieved. Why was it that their Ninth Division earned so much money and handed over so much to Old Chen, yet every time they asked Old Chen for more money, Old Chen always looked troubled?
So that's where all the money went.