Though the night was brilliantly illuminated by various neon lights, casting a colorful and vibrant glow, this city, under the threat of the Mandala Gene, was gradually fading, turning grey and dim.
"No, I can't die, I—"
Ren Yuanhao held the somewhat hysterical Meng Meihui, saying gently, "I know. You have elderly parents and young children at home. You are their pillar of support. If something happens to you, the consequences are imaginable."
"How do you know everything?"
"Because after you clicked send, your data was transmitted to me. So, I understand you better than you think."
Meng Meihui's body felt weak, as if the Mandala Gene was raging within her again.
"Actually, you don't need to worry too much. The Mandala Gene hasn't been consuming you for a long time, and we still have ways to treat it. However, the premise is that you must trust me completely."
Meng Meihui looked into Ren Yuanhao's clear, gentle eyes. She couldn't find any reason not to believe him. Even if the path ahead led to the sea, an abyss, or a cliff, she had the courage to leap.
"I trust you."
"Alright, take me home. I want to go to the south city to have a look."
...
On such a gloomy, breath-catching night, within the 'Grey Wolf' base in the S sector of Xiling City, the council hall welcomed two new faces.
Of course, these were not people promoted from the A-level sectors. Moreover, Dr. William, who highly valued these two individuals, directly initiated a video conference.
Upon hearing about the major changes at the 'Grey Wolf' base, Dr. William's expression remained calm and composed. To him, as long as he still controlled 'Emperor,' everything could be regained.
"A rare visitor indeed. If I remember correctly, this is the man who brought 'Emperor' to my underground laboratory a few months ago, Zhang Liang, correct?"
Zhang Liang nodded, a hidden edge in his smile.
"However, this other gentleman is unfamiliar to me. May I ask who you are?"
The other person, holding a cup of instant coffee, stirred the surface with a spoon for a moment before replying, "I am Dr. Guan Xishun, from Lionheart Group, in charge of cloning technology and intelligent mechanical modification."
His tone was neither humble nor arrogant, and his words fully represented the Lionheart Group.
"Lionheart Group, I've heard of it, but I've never had the chance to meet you. Today, I am fortunate."
Dr. William extended his hand through the screen, and Guan Xishun reciprocated, a form of greeting.
"May I know why Brother Zhang Liang has brought a talent from the Lionheart Group to my Grey Wolf base this time?"
Zhang Liang replied almost without hesitation, "Given my relationship with Jiang Cheng, surely you know the purpose of my visit?"
Dr. William slowly said, "Cooperation?"
"Precisely. The Lionheart Group possesses relatively mature cloning technology, while you require a large number of living bodies for experimentation. Coupled with the Lionheart Group's immense wealth, don't you think that by joining forces, we can achieve the ultimate goal?"
Dr. William chuckled with interest, "It is indeed quite tempting. However, as researchers, our ultimate goal in life is not like that of ambitious people like yourselves. I merely wish to create genes that will make the entire world tremble. Now, my goal is almost achieved."
"No, you haven't. Genes whose success rate cannot be guaranteed are failed products. Furthermore, we have inquired, and you are currently severely lacking funds, and your database was damaged by a virus. Is that correct?"
Such information was not difficult for Zhang Liang, who was skilled in psychological warfare.
Dr. William gave a cold laugh. "It seems you've done your homework. Yes, you are correct. We are indeed in an awkward situation."
Zhang Liang spread his hands. "Therefore, we are here today with sincere intent to form an alliance. And to show our sincerity—"
Zhang Liang took out a black card presented by Guan Xishun. It was a black card symbolizing the world's top Visa users, with funds inside enough to drive people mad.
"Zhang Liang, are you trying to slap me in the face with this money?"
Dr. William was clearly less calculating than Zhang Liang; after all, he was primarily a researcher.
Zhang Liang softened his tone and replied, "We each take what we need. This is just a small token of our sincerity for cooperation. As I said, my relationship with Jiang Cheng dictates that we will only be allies. Our goals are aligned; we both seek revenge. If Dr. William cannot understand, the Lionheart Group will not give up and will persist until you do."
Dr. William fell silent for a moment. He knew very well that with cloned humans, the research progress of the Mandala Gene would greatly accelerate. With money, all departments could operate normally, and even the damaged database could be rebuilt in the shortest possible time.
And the foundation for all of this, it seemed, could truly be provided by the Lionheart Group!
He appeared to have no reason to refuse.
"Alright. Since the Lionheart Group has extended an olive branch to us, I will agree for now. However, you cannot interfere or participate in the research of the Mandala Gene. At the same time, we will not interfere with your research. The best way for us to maintain cooperation is for you and I to be each other's suppliers, not like-minded researchers. Do you understand?"
Zhang Liang nodded. "Of course, that would be best. I believe that with the cooperation between our two sides, the progress of all research will accelerate."
"Very good. Then, regarding the details of our cooperation, you can discuss them with Dr. Jarvis and Allen."
As soon as Dr. William finished speaking, the signal was interrupted.
Zhang Liang shook his head. "Dr. William is as stubborn and focused as ever. Money is just a number to him, which is truly admirable."
Dr. Jarvis chuckled. "Without Dr. William's singular dedication, the Mandala Gene would not have reached its current progress. After all, in research and development, if too much personal gain is involved, success may never be achieved."
Guan Xishun strongly agreed with this statement. "That's right. Our Lionheart Group has been researching cloning technology for many years, and progress has been difficult. We hope the Mandala Gene can inject new vitality into our research."
As a civilian official, Guan Xishun shook hands with Jarvis. Similarly, as a military general, Allen shook hands with Zhang Liang.
However, the moment Allen shook hands with Zhang Liang, he was completely stunned by the extraordinary power within Zhang Liang!
This was because the storm of extraordinary power that erupted within Zhang Liang was unlike anything he had ever witnessed in his life. Moreover, even his own extraordinary core began to tremble slightly!
One must realize that his extraordinary power was infinitely close to S-class!
Zhang Liang's eyes held a fierce glint, while Allen saw a vision of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
And this alliance between the two parties would undoubtedly be the biggest blow to Ren Yuanhao.