"Director Zhao, you have the floor first!" Wei Liqun chaired the meeting.
"Sorry to be blunt! My question may involve commercial secrets. We've heard that Chenghuang has held something back regarding its Hibernation Technology, and that the actual progress is further along than the mouse revival shown at the Press Conference?" Director Zhao spoke rapidly. "Approximately how long until human cryonics becomes commercially viable? Is there a definite timeline?"
"We did hold something back. We're already freezing monkeys. After thawing, they only suffered minor frostbite, with no fatal injuries. That's why we dare to conduct clinical trials for Human Hibernation." Song He said, "There's no timeline."
"What's your rough estimate?" Director Zhao pressed. "This is very important. It concerns how much time we have left to prepare."
"Hibernation Technology is cutting-edge technology. There will be a luxury phase. When the technology first emerges, the costs will be enormous, and only the wealthy will be able to afford it. I estimate that we'll reach the end of the luxury phase within five years, perhaps even sooner." Song He said, "As for lowering costs enough for widespread adoption, an optimistic estimate would be more than ten years."
"Next, Director Qian!" Wei Liqun switched microphones.
"How much will it cost during the luxury phase?" Director Qian asked. "And what price does Mr. Song think would allow it to become accessible to everyone? How low could the price be pushed?"
"Hibernation fees come in two parts: a one-time service fee and an annual maintenance fee. To use a car as an analogy, the service fee is the price of buying the car, while the hibernation maintenance fee is the monthly cost of fuel and upkeep after buying it."
"The former is paid in full upfront and costs three million. The latter is charged annually