NFBE Chapter 1455 We Are All Soldiers
Chapter 1455 We Are All Soldiers
For the next three days, the top-secret laboratory was brightly lit, and the air was filled with a mixture of medicinal herbs, alcohol, and a unique sense of tension brought on by intense focus.
Chen Jun was like a sophisticated central processing unit, orchestrating the entire research and development process. His thinking was extremely clear, and his instructions were precise, specifying the temperature, time, stirring speed, and order of addition for each step. The experts, who were usually considered authorities in their respective fields, willingly played the role of the most meticulous assistants, executing Chen Jun's every request meticulously and quickly recording massive amounts of experimental data.
The process was not smooth sailing.
Subtle batch variations in medicinal materials, occasional fluctuations in environmental temperature and humidity, and even minute errors in the instruments themselves can all affect the purity and stability of the final product. Chen Jun demonstrates remarkable patience and insight, always able to quickly identify the root cause of the problem and propose ingenious adjustment solutions.
He seemed to possess an intuition that transcended instruments regarding the fusion and changes in the properties of medicine.
Finally, on the evening of the third day, after the last batch of reactions was completed and after a series of complex extraction, purification, condensation and packaging processes, two sets of finished pharmaceutical products of different specifications were quietly presented on the sterile operating table.
A set of potions, a deep amber color, was packaged in specially made dark glass bottles. The quantity was small, but it subtly exuded a restrained yet mellow energy. It was an "essence version" made from rare medicinal herbs.
The other set of medicines is a clear, pale gold color, packaged in standard medical ampoules. There are a relatively large quantity of these ampoules, and they exude a mild and stable aroma. This is the "universal version" that uses optimized alternative medicinal materials.
When the final analysis report showed that the content of key active ingredients, stability, and preliminary in vitro cell inhibition experimental data of the two groups of drugs all met or even exceeded Chen Jun's pre-set theoretical model—
The entire laboratory fell into a brief, almost vacuum-like silence.
Then, someone let out a suppressed, choked gasp.
Immediately afterward, all the experts and assistants involved in the research and development, regardless of age or seniority, had tears welling up in their eyes. Their bodies trembled slightly uncontrollably; some covered their mouths tightly, some held onto the experimental table for support, and some tilted their heads back, blinking frantically to prevent the scalding liquid from spilling.
It's a success... it's really a success!
It is not an ethereal theory, nor a miracle based on hearsay, but a real medicine that they personally participated in, witnessed firsthand, and verified through a rigorous scientific process!
They conquered it? Or at least found the key to unlock the door to despair called "late-stage cancer," a door that had been closed for centuries and caused countless geniuses to fail! Although there is still a long road of clinical validation and optimization ahead, this first step, this most difficult and crucial step from zero to one, is in their hands, in this inconspicuous laboratory, and has become a reality!
They are witnesses to history, and even more so, participants! This honor and excitement is enough to make any scientific researcher's blood boil and their emotions overflow.
The hospital director, who had been waiting in his temporary office outside the laboratory, jumped up from his chair after receiving a brief report in the internal communication, unaware that the thermos in his hand had fallen to the ground with a clatter. His cheeks flushed, his breathing became rapid, and he spun around in place three times before he could barely calm down.
"Quickly! Immediately prepare for a press conference according to the highest level of secrecy! No, a global press conference!" The dean practically roared at his secretary, his voice hoarse with excitement. "We must announce this great achievement to the world! This is a medical milestone for our Yan country! It is the dawn of humanity's fight against disease!"
The world-renowned scene of the press conference was already flashing through his mind: flowers, applause, flashing lights, praise from all over the world... and the key figure standing in the center of the stage, accepting all this glory—Chen Jun.
However, when he personally approached Chen Jun, who was packing his personal belongings and preparing to leave the laboratory, with immense respect and excitement, and asked him to attend the upcoming global launch event as the "pioneer" and "core contributor," he was met with a decisive refusal from Chen Jun.
"General Chen!" The dean almost pleaded, utterly unable to comprehend it. "This potion was developed under your leadership! You are the true creator, the undisputed hero! We are all your assistants! This is a moment destined to be recorded in history; you should stand in the spotlight, receiving applause and flowers from around the world, accepting the glory that belongs to you! How... how can you not participate? This is tantamount to giving up the opportunity to be remembered in history!"
In the dean's view, once this press conference is held, the name "Chen Jun" will instantly resonate throughout the world, becoming synonymous with "hope to conquer cancer." What follows will be unparalleled prestige, status, wealth, and a legendary life remembered by countless people. This young man, who so many dream of reaching the pinnacle, is actually going to voluntarily give it up? And not even show his face?
Chen Jun merely glanced at him indifferently, as if what the other person was talking about was not a globally sensational event, but a trivial matter.
“No need.” Chen Jun’s voice was calm and even. “I prefer peace and quiet and don’t like those kinds of occasions. Besides,” he paused, a slight smile even appearing on his lips, “I promised my wife that I would go on vacation with her soon. I can’t manage the time.”
Taking...taking his wife on vacation?!
The dean's mind went blank for a moment, almost thinking he'd misheard. Compared to the upcoming global press conference, one that could change the world order and individual destinies, taking a vacation with his wife? What kind of ridiculous reason was that? Who exactly was this General Chen's wife... that she could be more important than such a historic moment? The dean himself wasn't exactly known for his promiscuous private life, having several mistresses, and at that moment, he instinctively blurted out, "His...wife is that important?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jun's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, then relaxed, the relaxed smile on his face vanishing, replaced by a calm yet undeniably solemn expression.
“My wife is of course important.” He looked at the dean, his eyes clear and firm. “As for who she is… I don’t need to tell you.”
After saying that, ignoring the stunned and bewildered dean, as well as the experts around him who were equally incredulous and hesitant to speak, Chen Jun picked up his simple bag, strode across the corridor, and left the hospital building that was about to be abuzz with excitement because of his achievement.
They left behind a trail of astonishment and bewilderment.
He really gave up... He gave up the global fame that was within his grasp, he gave up the glory that was destined to be written into textbooks, and he gave up the pinnacle position that countless people pursue their whole lives but cannot attain.
Why? Nobody can figure it out.
Only Jiang Ling, who was also observing all of this from behind the scenes, remained silent for a moment on the phone after receiving the dean's report. Then, he slowly exhaled a long breath, a complex smile of understanding and admiration appearing on his face, and muttered to himself:
"This is him... a true recluse in the city, his heart is beyond the clouds, his body conceals his merits and fame."
……
The following day, the globally anticipated press conference was held as scheduled amidst tight security and a global live broadcast. The dean, as the official representative of the project, stood at the podium. He did not, and dared not, take credit for anything; strictly following instructions, he solemnly announced that Yan Country had achieved a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, successfully developing two epoch-making therapeutic agents, and released some desensitized experimental data. Its rigor and groundbreaking nature immediately triggered a massive wave of shock and discussion both at the scene and in front of the screen.
However, when the dean mentioned that "the project's initiator and core research leader is unable to attend this press conference due to personal family reasons," the entire audience and viewers watching the live broadcast around the world were instantly in an uproar!
Family reasons? Inability to attend? The "miracle doctor" who conquered cancer was absent from his own results announcement due to family reasons? This is more unbelievable than the drug itself, sparking countless speculations, curiosities, and even doubts. Who exactly is this mysterious "pioneer"? And what kind of "important" family situation could make him forgo such a glorious moment?
At this moment, Chen Jun, the "mysterious pioneer" who has sparked global speculation and uproar, is embracing his wife An Ran, leaning back in the spacious first-class seat of a Boeing passenger plane bound for a tropical resort island.
The plane flew smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters, with an endless sea of clouds outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun dyeing the clouds a magnificent golden red.
An Ran, like a languid cat, rested her head on Chen Jun's broad, firm chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat and feeling the reassuring aura emanating from him. Her eyes were closed, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upwards, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"My God... I can hardly remember the last time we went on vacation alone. Chen Jun, pinch me right now, let me see if I'm dreaming! This is all so wonderful it's unreal!"
Upon hearing this, a gentle ripple appeared in Chen Jun's eyes. He reached out his right hand and lightly pinched An Ran's smooth arm.
"Ouch!" An Ran exclaimed softly, opened her eyes, and glared at him reproachfully, "You really pinched me!"
“Of course I’ll pinch you,” Chen Jun chuckled, his voice ringing in her ear, “to let you know this isn’t a dream. It’s real, we really are on our way to vacation.”
An Ran leaned back, her face radiant with happiness, but then she seemed to remember something. She turned her head, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Chen Jun, her tone filled with disbelief and sweetness: "Honestly, the whole world is frantically searching for you, this 'miracle doctor.' Every major media outlet is making headlines with news of your successful research. And you, on the other hand, skipped such an important press conference just to be on vacation with me... Am I that important to you? More important than being remembered in history?"
Chen Jun lowered his head and gently kissed her smooth forehead, his gaze deep and resolute, without the slightest hesitation:
"That is important. All my efforts are ultimately aimed at better protecting you, protecting our home, and protecting this peace."
There were no fancy words, no exaggerated vows, but this simple sentence touched An Ran's heart more than any sweet talk. She happily hummed in agreement, like a small boat that had found the warmest harbor, burying herself even deeper into Chen Jun's arms, as if she had returned to the clingy and sweet state of their early relationship.
……
After several hours of flight, the plane landed at the international airport in Country T in the evening local time. The humid sea breeze wafted through the jet bridge, carrying the atmosphere of an exotic vacation.
After collecting their luggage, Anran excitedly pushed her suitcase, linked arms with Chen Jun, and couldn't wait to begin their sweet vacation. The warm climate, azure waters, and golden beaches of Thailand seemed to be beckoning her.
Just as they were following the flow of people toward the airport arrival hall, preparing to contact the resort's pick-up personnel, An Ran suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure not far away out of the corner of her eye.
He was a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, with dark skin and a weathered face. He wore a faded gray shirt, clutching an old canvas duffel bag tightly in his hand. He stood blankly at the edge of the bustling crowd, his eyes vacant as he gazed at the travelers of various skin colors coming and going. His face was filled with helplessness, anxiety, and a deep-seated pain. His expression was completely out of place with the relaxed and cheerful vacationers around him.
“Chen Jun, look over there,” An Ran stopped and gently tugged at Chen Jun’s arm, whispering, “That looks like one of our compatriots? He seems… to be in some serious trouble?”