Chen Xiao learned that the influx of foreign companies was entirely Song Anran's doing.
She had publicly announced a global recruitment for partners and investors. Once the news broke, those large corporations swarmed in like sharks smelling blood.
Chen Xiao shook his head helplessly, "I thought they were uninvited guests, but it turns out you invited the wolves in yourself."
Song Anran gave a wry smile, "I had no choice. The initial investment and technical support required for drug research and development are immense. While I can hire professional talent for the technical aspects, that also requires money. So, at its core, it's a funding issue."
"I never expected that these big companies, so outwardly respectable, would resort to any means necessary behind the scenes to achieve their goals. If I had known this, I would never have chosen to recruit publicly."
Song Anran was, after all, a technical expert, and her business acumen was rather naive.
Capital is bloodthirsty. Profits exceeding fifty percent are enough to make capitalists take risks. What's more, it's a groundbreaking technology like novel transaminase, with boundless prospects that can change the fate of all humanity.
"Those who are not of our kind are bound to have different intentions. Consider it a lesson learned."
Chen Xiao said calmly, "But aren't there several large and well-funded pharmaceutical companies domestically? Didn't you consider collaborating with them?"
Song Anran shook her head, "It's not that I didn't consider collaborating with them, but you don't understand them. Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers would rather spend money on marketing and promotion. As for R&D funds, a few tens of millions are considered generous."
"But in the early stages of research and development, tens of millions are like a drop in the bucket, not even enough to make a ripple."
Song Anran was quite helpless, but she couldn't say that the domestic manufacturers' approach was wrong.
It could only be said that their pursuits differed. They sought more stable ways of making money, while Song Anran's pursuit was to change the world and benefit all of humanity.
Chen Xiao asked again, "Haven't you thought about asking your family for help?"
The Song family was one of the five great families of the capital. With such a background, how could they be troubled by money?
The more Chen Xiao mentioned it, the more unpleasant Song Anran's expression became.
"My family and I are in a state of semi-severance. They won't support me at all!"
Chen Xiao was quite shocked to hear this, "Why? With your current achievements, it's no exaggeration to say you've brought honor to your ancestors. Why wouldn't they support you?"
Song Anran explained with a cold laugh, "Because I'm a woman. In the Song family, a woman's best destiny is family. In their eyes, being able to manage the household is far more meaningful than what I'm doing now."
Chen Xiao was speechless. What era was this? How could such a large family like the Song family still have such rigid and outdated ideas?
He didn't realize that the more prominent the family, the more common the situation Song Anran described.
Because they had achieved success through old ways of thinking, it was naturally as difficult as climbing to heaven to make them change.
"So, how much money is needed for the initial investment? If not, can I help you think of a way?"
Chen Xiao asked tentatively.
His total assets now amounted to hundreds of billions.
But even so, there was still a significant gap compared to international business tycoons. Therefore, he was unsure if he could afford to invest in Anchen Technology.
Song Anran smiled, "What way can you think of? This isn't a matter of millions. The initial investment alone will be at least tens of billions, and that much money might only last for a year."
"Tens of billions..."
Chen Xiao looked astonished.
Song Anran initially thought the figure had shocked Chen Xiao. However, Chen Xiao's next reaction truly startled her.
"I thought it would cost more. With this little money, why are you still looking for foreign companies? I'll provide it!"
Song Anran looked at Chen Xiao incredulously, "Chen Xiao, did I hear you correctly? Where did you get so much money?"
"You don't need to worry about that. Whether it's tens of billions, hundreds of billions, or even a thousand billion, it's nothing to me,"
Chen Xiao said casually.
"Are you serious?"
After a slight pause, Song Anran suddenly remembered something and pouted, "That money, isn't it Li Ziqing's?"
Chen Xiao awkwardly touched his nose, "You don't need to worry about that. Just tell me if you need it. If you do, you'll have to negotiate the specifics with Li Ziqing. But don't worry, the money isn't entirely hers. I can make this decision one hundred percent!"
Song Anran was still a bit hesitant, so she said, "How about this, then? Miss Li and I can meet first, and we can discuss the specifics in person."
"That would be even better. I'll host tonight, and we'll all go for hot pot!"
Chen Xiao settled the matter just like that, giving Song Anran no chance to refuse.
Meanwhile, Jin Zaishi had brought Mitsui Akiha and Kuriyama Chizuru to his residence.
It was a luxurious villa located by the river, owned by the Gaishi Group.
Upon entering the villa, Jin Zaishi took out his prized red wine and personally poured a glass for Mitsui Akiha.
The two stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the river view outside, and began to chat.
Kuriyama Chizuru, on the other hand, walked around with her hands behind her back, like a curious young girl fascinated by everything.
This was a tradition among their island nation's people; women were not to participate when men were discussing business.
However, she didn't wander too far, as she still had to protect Mitsui Akiha's personal safety.
She stopped in front of a wardrobe, staring at the cabinet door, a sinister smile suddenly appearing on her lips.
A moment later, she walked away.
Inside the wardrobe, Guan Shilan was terrified.
She had originally hidden in the wardrobe to play a game of intimacy and surprise Jin Zaishi.
But when she realized Jin Zaishi had brought two strangers back with him, she immediately hid there to eavesdrop.
Through the gap in the cabinet door, Guan Shilan saw Kuriyama Chizuru's eerie smile, and her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
Fortunately, it was just a false alarm. Otherwise, she wouldn't have known how to explain herself.
"Mr. Jin, so you mean that the Gaishi Group is willing to join forces with our Mitsui Corporation to take down that kid surnamed Chen, correct?"
After some small talk with Jin Zaishi, Mitsui Akiha suddenly got to the point.
Jin Zaishi was slightly taken aback, then sneered, "No, no, no, Mr. Mitsui, you've misunderstood. What I mean is, Chen Xiao is too dangerous, and our Gaishi Group will handle him. As for your Mitsui family, it's best if you stay as far away as possible!"