Chapter 220
Here, Shi Lei finally felt the atmosphere of a bustling metropolis like Lungmen. Unlike the previous two weeks, when he often traveled by This Ship to very remote villages.
"Just a little further ahead, we'll arrive."
Following Zilan's directions, Texas took more than an hour to reach the designated neighborhood in District 11. If they had taken the main road, it would have probably taken two or three hours.
This upscale residential area is located near the city center, where land prices are extremely high. Those who can afford to live here are either very wealthy or of high social standing.
The security guards at the entrance are well-equipped and have dedicated video conferencing phones to contact homeowners. They only allow entry after verifying the visitor's identity; the process is very strict.
The community has a high green coverage area, with many plants that Shi Lei doesn't recognize. These plants produce a small amount of oxygen through photosynthesis and don't compete with the residents for air quality.
"Ahead, number 21."
The homeowner had already informed the security guard that Zilan was visiting, and the villa gate and garage were both open.
After parking and turning off the engine, the six people walked out of the garage. They went around to the front and entered through the wide entrance.
An elderly man named Liberi, wearing reading glasses and a brown overcoat, stood at the door with a cane.
"Zilan, I thought you had disappeared."
"No, I've been extremely busy these past few years, traveling all over the place and haven't had a chance to come back. I just arrived in Trimon and came to see you without even having a sip of water."
The Old Man smiled and squinted slightly. Through his thick glasses, he looked at the Special Operations Team:
"Zilan, you're getting worse and worse. Back when you were an editor at a fashion magazine, you had more than twenty people under you. Now you have so few?"
After saying that, he turned and went into the house, leaning on his cane.
"Robert, what are you saying?"
Zilan didn't answer directly, but instead made a shushing gesture towards Shi Lei and the others, offering a vague answer:
"Let bygones be bygones."
Shi Lei nodded, indicating that he understood. Explaining to an Old Man on their deathbed was pointless. They might forget about it the next second.
"Yes."
Robert stopped upon hearing this, his face, etched with deep lines and wrinkles, seemingly telling a story:
"Let bygones be bygones."
He seemed to be responding to Zilan, yet also talking to himself, making it somewhat difficult to discern.
The six people stepped into the courtyard and into the more spacious living room. Sunlight streamed in through the eight louvered windows, adding a warm and airy feel to the room.
On an elegant round wooden table sat two empty wine glasses and a bottle of royal liqueur bearing a crown emblem. This was a royal wine from the exiled kingdom of Gaul. Just looking at the old bottle, one could tell it was expensive. During the partitioning of Gaul by four kingdoms, it was seized and taken by Sargon, and legend has it that its brewing techniques were lost.
There were two bottles of Royal Liqueur in the Emperor's Sunset Bar, but Exusiai.
Zilan
Fearing that Shi Lei and the others might not understand the rules, he made a shushing gesture again when Robert turned his back. This was the second reminder to the Special Operations Team not to interrupt during this time.
This type of unassuming older man, with a certain social standing and background, often has a lot of outdated historical matters on his mind and holds conservative and rigid views. He will feel extremely annoyed if interrupted during a conversation.
Zilan took her seat and first exchanged pleasantries with Robert.
Shi Lei and the other three, along with Miss Nian, listened in the entire time without saying a word, allowing her to speak freely.
Zilan continued chatting until the atmosphere was lively, and then she revealed the purpose of her visit:
"Robert, after the 'Locken Water Tank' incident was exposed, did you know that Trimon and other Pharmaceutical Companies were secretly conducting human experiments behind the scenes?"
The Old Man lowered his head, lost in thought, and did not respond.
A moment later, he leaned forward and reached into the fruit bowl, taking out a piece of apple.
"Those insane human experiments are never done in the light of day. If you find a worm in your first bite, it means there are definitely more worms hiding in the pit."
Research in this area has only increased compared to previous years. Locken Water Tank set a bad precedent. But if you ask about specific plans, I can't answer. I'm retired now and no longer concern myself with these things. If you're interested, I can introduce you to someone."
At this point, Robert stood up.
With guests present, he did not allow the Butler to help him or do things for him, but instead walked with his cane to the study deep inside.
Five or six minutes later, Robert returned to the living room.
He brought the business card very close to his eyes, checked it twice, and then handed it over with a smile.
"Go find them what you want to know."
"Thank you, Robert."
Zilan accepted the gold-embossed business card with both hands, and the words 'Melander Foundation' were prominently displayed above her eyes.
She had heard of this foundation before she went to Rhodes Island for treatment. It was said to be a very powerful organization, with connections that extended to almost every level.
"I'm so glad your father is back safe and sound. Buying information from Maylander will cost a lot of money. If you're short on cash, you can ask me for some."
As the business representative for this trip, all of Zilan's expenses were reimbursed by Rhodes Island. She had no intention of wasting any goodwill here, and smiled faintly.
"No need, thank you for your kindness. I have some things to take care of here, so I'll take them with me first."
Robert knew she had come for this reason, but he still felt a bit resentful, and tapped his cane lightly on the ground:
"Are you... in such a hurry to leave? Why don't you stay with this old man and finish this bottle of wine before you go? Who knows when we'll meet again?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of sadness flashed in Zilan's eyes. She nodded in agreement and solemnly accepted:
"Good."
Everyone stayed until 1:30 PM before leaving Robert's house. As soon as Zilan stepped out of the garage, she called the Melander Foundation.
After some inquiries, she learned that the head of the intelligence department was out and an appointment was required in advance. Zilan, along with Shi Lei and others, discussed the matter and registered their information through the operator. They finalized the time and location for the meeting the following day.
In any case, Rhodes Island's This Ship will stay in Trimon for more than two weeks. Whether they contact the Melander Foundation a day earlier or a day later will not make much difference.
After finishing these chores, Zilan started searching online for the contact number for Rhine Lab's Business Department.
March 22, 1:40 pm
Rhine Lab, Headquarters Building.
Justin Roy, the head of the Business Department, sat in his office chair. He had his hands behind his head, looking relaxed and at ease.
Just now, Justin Roy secured a massive 1 billion yuan order for Rhine Lab, a testament to his hard work and efforts over the past few days.
Unfortunately, the Director General Kristen Wright, has never been particularly interested in making money. He spends all his time locked in the lab researching how to get into the sky, a fact known to many department heads at Rhine Lab.
In the vast history of Terra, the sky was something that humans had never conquered. According to existing records, the highest point humans could reach was created by Kristen's parents the Wrights.
6152.31 meters, that is the height of the sky.
Over the past tens of thousands of years, countless scientists have attempted to challenge the heavens, but all have failed.
They thought this groundbreaking experiment would mark the beginning of Terra astronomy. However, a sudden car accident tragically claimed the Wrights' lives.
This is the beginning, and also the end.
Developing an aircraft capable of exceeding this value would require a massive financial investment.
It's like a bottomless pit; even if it swallows hundreds of millions, it might not make a splash.
Even if they didn't eat or drink for decades, they still couldn't raise enough money from Rhine Lab's legitimate revenue alone.
At the beginning of the month, Kristen expressed his desire to contact senior officials in the Ministry of Defense. Through Justin's mediation, a meeting between the two sides was successfully arranged.
At the meeting, Kristen made a proposal that the Ministry of Defense could not refuse.
Horizon Arc Plan.
The plan aims to establish a large launcher to drop the aircraft to an altitude of five to six thousand meters.
Then, using principles and methods that even Justin couldn't understand, they launched the aircraft as a long-range missile towards an area more than 100 kilometers away.
Given the air defense capabilities of this region, there is no way to defend against such long-range attacks.
One
If Kristen's research is successful, it will become a powerful weapon for Columbia to deter neighboring countries.
It's not impossible that Columbia could become a world superpower as a result.
Currently, large airships in various countries can reach altitudes of 300 to 500 meters. Drones can reach 1,000 meters, and military drones can reach up to 3,000 meters.
There are absolutely no aircraft above 4,000 meters.
If the Director General Kristen develops an aircraft capable of flying at altitudes above 4,000 meters, he will receive a full-scale investment from the Ministry of Defense.
With her extensive experience in astronomy and aerospace, building a drone that meets the standards would not be difficult.
At that time, this will be Rhine Lab's largest research project in recent years.
If it really works out, Justin must have played a part in it, which is why he's so happy.
So, what exactly is above the sky?
Justin looked up at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window, and this question had flashed through his mind more than once. But these things seemed too far away for him.
Perhaps only scientists like Kristen, with their unwavering dedication to the sky, can reach the heavens and see a view unlike anything others can.
Just as Justin was gazing out the window in a daze, a series of knocks on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Director!"
"Please come in."
The female assistant from the Business Department picked up a freshly printed document and respectfully placed it on the desk:
"A pharmaceutical company called Rhodes Island called us, wanting to establish a long-term partnership. Here is their company information."
Justin, as the head of the Business Department, has an exceptionally keen sense for money.
Many proposals can be identified at a glance whether they have commercial value and are suitable for investment.
Rhodes Island...
Justin had only intended to glance at it, but that was clearly not enough. His gaze returned to the beginning, then again, then a third time, until he saw the very end.
A pharmaceutical company dedicated to researching Originium-related illness and helping infected people around the world.
Ha, where did this great philanthropist come from?
Justin grinned, immediately judging that collaborating with them wouldn't have much commercial value, but...
If they do have experience in treating and alleviating infections, they can share research data with many departments within the company, thus accelerating research progress.
The value in this respect far exceeds the economic benefits that the cooperation between the two parties can produce.
Of course, any collaboration with Rhodes Island requires in-person visits and assessments. We cannot draw hasty conclusions based solely on information provided online.
Justin picked up his teacup and took a sip of warm coffee, hoping it would keep him alert for the rest of the day.
He immediately left the office and went to his assistant:
"You can contact them and say I'm free this afternoon. If you're in Trimon, it would be best to come to Rhine Lab's headquarters immediately so we can talk in person."
The female assistant was startled upon hearing this and reminded her:
"No, Director, you're playing golf with Congressman Chris this afternoon, aren't you?"
"Just help me cancel it. Tell them I'm very busy, extremely busy."
"And what about the ballroom dance tonight?"
"Same here, I declined. In a few days, I will bring a sincere gift to apologize in person."
The female assistant had no choice; she knew what kind of person Director Justin was. She quickly dialed the number he had left, and after a short while hung up, said:
"Director, they're nearby. They said they'll be at headquarters within ten minutes."
"Heh, that's pretty efficient, I like it."
285 The Old Doctor of Rhodes Island (4K)
"Director, I don't quite understand."
The female assistant, after all, was paid by Rhine Lab Insurance, and after hesitating for a moment, she finally asked: