Saria changed jobs? A crucial opportunity to treat the Infected / Heading to Lungmen: Chen Qi's new items and new member!

"Director Chen Qi... truly gave us a... beautiful dream."

"... Yes, it was a dream, a dream beyond our imagination. For a naive promise, they reached a realm we could never have explored. Humanity and achievement—he uses this story to warn us."

Kal'tsit slowly closed her eyes as well. She didn't use the tissue in front of her—but that didn't mean she wasn't crying. Her tears were inside, not outwardly displayed; she was used to it.

"... This film is worthy of being recorded in history, not only because it unveiled another world for us, but also because it reminds us all not to forget to look up at the sky, and even more importantly, not to forget the path our civilization and our race have come from."

Only by remembering where we came from can we move forward. All achievements must be grounded in humanity.

Kal'tsit slowly opened her eyes again, swallowing back all her emotions. At that moment, as the movie ended, a line of small text suddenly appeared on the screen.

It was written in Columbia; against the black screen, the white text stood out so clearly, reading:

According to Rhine Lab's statistics, in Columbia alone, tens of thousands of children suffer from mental illnesses due to Oripathy. And across the country, hundreds of thousands more children, like River, are struggling with autism.

"According to statistics, the probability of a child Infected developing autism is as high as 43.8%, with most cases being caused by acquired trauma. Even among non- Infected children who develop autism, the success rate of treatment is less than 10%."

"Most of these children's families cannot afford the expensive medical treatment for autism. Therefore, Rhine Lab collaborated with director Chen Qi to produce this film, calling on everyone in the country to provide more help and care for those Infected and children with autism."

"Following discussions with the Columbia government, Rhine Lab has announced that April 2nd of each year, which is today's premiere date for 'To the To the Moon,' will be designated as 'World Autism Awareness Day.'"

"Rhine Lab will also establish the 'Columbia Oripathy and Autism Treatment Research Foundation' and dedicate 10% of the company's annual net profit to the treatment of children with autism and those Infected."

"Director Chen Qi has decided to donate all proceeds from 'To the To the Moon' to various countries to build more shelters for Infected -19, autism research organizations, and other medical and research institutions, in order to improve and help the lives of more people living with Infected and autism."

[Presented by Rhine Lab and the entire Integrated Cultural Troupe]

As the subtitles disappeared and the familiar piano music of "For River" began to play, the list of cast members finally appeared. This news left the high-ranking officials of Rhodes Island and all the countries of Terra in silence and in shock.

"Director Chen Qi... has a heart that truly helps the world..."

Kal'tsit didn't know how much time had passed before she finally sighed with emotion. Now, she had to admit that Chen Qi's vision and character were beyond her reach, and that this land could not nurture such goodness.

Chen Qi has sent a signal: if someone as influential as him publicly cares for people with Infected and autism, how can countries with close ties to Chen Qi, or those seeking to cultivate good relations with Chen Qi, not express their support for Chen Qi ideas?

Chen Qi, in a way that no one in Terra had ever imagined, changed the living environment of all the Infected and related vulnerable groups on this land. Such an unparalleled achievement... is a great act of kindness that everyone must admire.

In just two short years, Chen Qi accomplished what Kal'tsit couldn't do even with several lifetimes... Such an achievement made Kal'tsit feel ashamed and also filled her with heartfelt admiration.

"The desire to save this land... perhaps, is not far off."

Chapter 197: Saria Switched Teams? A Key Opportunity to Treat Infected

"Director Chen Qi has sent a signal. He may not be the first person to have such thoughts, but he is the first to have such a huge influence and be willing to publicly express such goodwill, without putting it into action, and without any country opposing him."

"Amiya, the opportunity to save this land has arrived. It's time to seize this golden opportunity and add fuel to the fire."

After the viewing of " To the To the Moon" ended, Kal'tsit did not let everyone leave. After sending Warfarin, who was too emotional to participate in the meeting and was a disgrace to the Bloodfiend, Kal'tsit immediately issued the next plan for Rhodes Island based on Chen Qi's decision.

That is to closely follow Chen Qi's step and, based on this step, push forward to take a few more steps to improve the treatment of Infected and vulnerable groups throughout Terra. Perhaps this is the best opportunity!

"Amiya, it's time for you to represent Rhodes Island and negotiate with Columbia." Kal'tsit turned her gaze to Amiya, Amiya quickly understood Kal'tsit meaning and nodded, saying:

"I know what I should do, Dr. Kal'tsit. Join this project in the name of Rhodes Island and cooperate with Rhine Lab, right?"

"Yes, and it must be done as soon as possible. Now that Rhine Lab and Director Chen Qi have reached a consensus on this issue, Rhodes Island should be the first international force to express its support."

Kal'tsit was well aware of how important this opportunity was, and she immediately instructed Amiya:

"The size of Rhodes Island cannot compare with that of other countries and forces that are now on good terms with Director Chen Qi. Rhodes Island can provide assistance to thousands of Infected and vulnerable groups, but perhaps it is still not as large as other forces."

"However, being the first to respond to such a project is very important. It will greatly help Rhodes Island's external image, making more people aware of Rhodes Island's efforts to help the Infected and its mission to prioritize the rescue of the Infected... It will also help Rhodes Island's finances."

"Dr. Kal'tsit, are you saying that Director Chen Qi might also provide funding to Rhodes Island?" Amiya quickly understood Kal'tsit's meaning. As the leader of Rhodes Island, she was well aware of the current situation of Rhodes Island. Although it was much better than before, the financial situation was still not very good.

The improved situation at Rhodes Island is largely due to Chen Qi. Chen Qi's close relationship with Rhodes Island has enabled the Rhodes Island to indirectly reach agreements and collaborations with many countries. Rhodes Island no longer lacks orders and is naturally in a much better position than before.

This is already the best Rhodes Island has been in recent years. And if Chen Qi were to give Rhodes Island another helping hand... Amiya doesn't even dare to imagine whether Rhodes Island's situation would become even better.

"... Probably so. After all, Director Chen Qi is funding all the companies across Terra that are helping Infected. If Rhodes Island is the first to express its support, we can secure a good position among them. We can also provide orders for Oripathy Suppressant and other related medicines. And if we can benefit from this, that would be even better."

"Of course, even if there are no benefits, it doesn't matter. Sufficient orders and improvements in the condition of those Infected are enough for us to express our support immediately."

Kal'tsit knew very well that Rhodes Island was currently severely understaffed. Many of the assembly line jobs within Rhodes Island were done by Infected stayed on the island for treatment but couldn't afford their medical bills. What Rhodes Island lacked were people with expertise in the medical field.

This is a great opportunity for more talented but unappreciated individuals, or those with lofty ideals, to connect with Rhodes Island. That's why Kal'tsit values the first response slots so highly.

"--Understood, Dr. Kal'tsit, I'll go as soon as possible!" Amiya nodded heavily upon hearing this, and then went to prepare the materials for her trip to Columbia.

"As for Dr. Silence, we should now discuss Ifrit, and the status of your and Operator Ptilopsis's Oripathy control."

"I'm very clear about my infection status, and I've been managing it very well. The main concern is with the Ptilopsis and Ifrit." Silence pushed up his glasses, pulling himself out of the emotional reverie of " To the To the Moon," and the gloom between his brows seemed to have dissipated somewhat.

Although Silence didn't fully understand the message Saria wanted to convey through the film, she now felt that she had at least seen a glimmer of hope... and Saria was definitely one of the people pushing this hope forward—only Saria had the power to make Rhine Lab make such a decision.

Silence also harbored the ideal of helping the Infected, and what Saria was doing was something Silence had always hoped to achieve. Subtly, Silence's resentment towards Saria lessened somewhat.

Perhaps... I misunderstood her? Looking at what Saria was doing now, Silence couldn't help but wonder again if her judgment had been flawed.

Of course, Silence put all these things aside for now; her primary concern was Ifrit and Ptilopsis's Oripathy condition. She immediately said:

"I understand Rhodes Island's rules, don't worry. Mayer, Ptilopsis, and I can all provide a lot of help with the work, the main focus being Ifrit's treatment process..."

"--No, what I mean is, we have a better treatment option here, a contract that would encourage you to stay at Rhodes Island, utilize your strengths, and help us develop even better drugs."

Kal'tsit interrupted Silence, and seeing Silence's somewhat confused look, Kal'tsit smiled, a rare occurrence, and said softly:

"Dr. Silence, if Rhodes Island could provide a cure for Oripathy, would you be willing to stay on Rhodes Island and assist us in helping more Infected?"

"What?!" X3

However, after Kal'tsit said this, Silence, Ptilopsis, and Mayer, after a brief mental freeze, finally understood what it meant, and each of them showed a look of great shock on their faces.

So, you're still planning to leave?

At Rhine Lab, Kristen, facing the resignation letter from Saria presented to him, remained silent for a moment before speaking:

"I have agreed to Muelsyse's proposal. Muelsyse will be fully responsible for the Foundation's operations, and I have also ordered a complete ban on all human experiments within Rhine Lab..."

"Isn't everything I've done enough to prove my transformation, Saria?"

"--You're just putting on a show for me, Kristen." However, Saria, as always, was straightforward, and even with Kristen, she made no attempt to hide her thoughts, saying:

"Everything you've done is nothing more than a sudden pang of conscience, an attempt to atone for your sins... But this cannot conceal the evil deeds you've condoned. I cannot simply pretend I didn't see what you've done in the past."

"And my departure now is also my way of atoneing for my sins. I intend to do more meaningful things, to try to build a better order in this turbulent world."

"It seems you've made up your mind." Seeing that Saria remained so resolute, Kristen slowly closed her eyes. She wasn't particularly surprised by this outcome, but she hadn't expected that their first meeting after filming " To the To the Moon" would be their farewell.

"... So, have you decided on your next step?"

"I'd like to... first travel around Terra with Director Chen Qi's film crew."

Saria's next move surprised Kristen, who opened her eyes wide. However, Saria, who never joked, spoke with a very serious expression, enunciating each word clearly:

"Kristen... it's my responsibility that you've become like this. As the head of the security department at Rhine Lab... I want Protection not only the industry we've worked so hard to build today, but also Rhine Lab's bottom line."

"But now, I've Protection nothing—neither Rhine Lab, nor you, nor Ifrit."

"Perhaps I should go and gain more experience, travel the world with Director Chen Qi and the others. By the way, I think I can also Protection Director Chen Qi's kind heart and his desire to help the world."

What truly made Saria decide was Chen Qi's announcement that he would donate all the proceeds from " To the To the Moon." She knew that when Kristen first brought this up with Chen Qi, Kristen thought that even if Chen Qi only donated 10%, the fame he would gain would be astonishing.

But to everyone's surprise, Chen Qi donated all the profits upon hearing this, and everyone in the Integrated Cultural Troupe had no objections; everyone supported Chen Qi's idea.

Although this was likely related to the fact that almost all members of the Integrated Cultural Troupe Infected, Saria felt that this group, which showed no hesitation or objection in helping those who needed assistance more, was the one she most wanted to Protection.

This reminded Saria of her original intention in founding Rhine Lab with Kristen and others... Since she couldn't Protection Rhine Lab, she wanted to at least Protection everything she Protection.

"In two weeks, I will be heading to Lungmen with Director Chen Qi and the others. Kristen, Rhine Lab... I'm entrusting it to you."

After saying that, Saria slowly turned and left, leaving only her resignation letter. Kristen, seeing Saria leave without any hesitation, looked at the resignation letter in his hand and silently put it into the drawer.

She certainly wouldn't approve Saria's resignation. Although Saria still chose to leave, compared to when they first broke up, Saria could still talk to her calmly. Kristen felt that there might still be a chance for things to turn around.

Even if it takes a long time of so-called "hypocrisy" to win her back, at least Kristen is willing to believe that Saria will come back sooner or later... at least she can find out where Saria is anytime.

"But, Saria, you said you wanted to Protection Director Chen Qi... Does he really need your Protection?"

Kristen muttered to herself, reflecting on Chen Qi, whom she couldn't see through at all, the attitudes of the women around him towards him, and the jealous Talulah... She couldn't help but worry that Saria's trip to Chen Qi's film set might have resulted in her losing something precious instead of Protection properly...

Chapter 198: Heading to Lungmen, Chen Qi's New Items and New Members!

During his two-week stay in Columbia, while Kristen felt a sense of loss due to Saria's departure, Chen Qi thoroughly enjoyed his time there.

The reason is simple: as he predicted, the influence of " To the To the Moon" is constantly expanding. This influence doesn't just refer to the reputation points gained from the film. Rather, it's because after Chen Qi decided to donate all the proceeds from " To the To the Moon" to improve the lives of vulnerable groups such as those with Infected /AIDS and autism, Chen Qi reputation points increased several times faster.

As Kal'tsit said, Chen Qi's achievements are irreplaceable. Terra is not without people like Chen Qi who have proposed improving the treatment of Infected, but most of their words either go unanswered or they no longer dare to say such things after they have risen to high positions.

Infected are at the very bottom of every country's social hierarchy, yet they are an indispensable part of every nation. For these Infected only want to "survive," their needs are extremely low, but in return, the labor they provide is considerable.

Therefore, proposals to improve the living conditions of Infected are difficult to implement at the highest levels of government in various countries, especially in countries whose national systems rely on a large number of Infected for maintenance, such as Ursus and Leithania. If such policies were implemented, it would mean that a large portion of the national budget would have to be spent on Infected.

Moreover, this isn't just a one-time loss; it's a continuous loss from now on. Once ordinary people have dignity, it won't be so easy to take it away again, and it might even backfire on you.

Therefore, it is difficult to improve the treatment of the Infected, because the situation on this land does not allow it. Even the most enlightened Yan and Laterano either expel or manage the Infected. Of course, Yan does allow highly talented Infected to serve as officials in the court.

However, how many people Infected from birth have the opportunity to become so-called "great talents"? Therefore, Yan's policy is actually to recruit those Infected later in life, while the attitude towards those Infected at birth has not changed much.

But Chen Qi is different. He and his crew have no political stance, but there are many countries and forces that support their existence. Therefore, it is perfectly appropriate for Chen Qi to say such things, and no one refutes him.

After all, Chen Qi himself set an example by donating all the proceeds from " To the To the Moon." No one would say that such a good deed was motivated by ulterior motives, right? If anyone did say that, the country's reputation would probably plummet.

The foundation jointly established by Chen Qi and Rhine Lab quickly received responses from various countries that supported Chen Qi. Rhodes Island was the first to respond, with Amiya traveling a long distance to Rhine Lab and immediately announcing Rhodes Island's support for the proposal.

"Rhodes Island will support all efforts to alleviate the suffering of this land, and in this regard, Rhodes Island is willing to provide the Foundation with a steady supply of medical supplies, especially Oripathy Suppressant!"

Kal'tsit didn't let Amiya immediately reveal the Oripathy Cure, to prevent Rhodes Island from getting into trouble for raising the social status of the Infected. It needed to be done step by step. Telling the Infected that Oripathy could be cured all at once... whether the Infected would be grateful is unknown, but several countries would be in a panic, to the point of destroying Rhodes Island.

If the status of the Infected doesn't improve by then, Rhodes Island might be wiped out first... Therefore, providing stable inhibitors is the best help Rhodes Island can offer.

The person who followed Amiya was quite unexpected for Chen Qi — Manfred, representing the Sarkaz from Londinium, supported Chen Qi and the Rhine Lab Foundation.

"Nearly 90% of the Sarkaz Infected, and any plan that supports improving the status of the Infected is worthy of our Sarkaz's support—that's what General Theresis said."

"Therefore, we, the Sarkaz people, are willing to stand with Victoria in supporting Director Chen Qi's actions and are willing to cooperate with the foundation to extend our helping hand to those Infected, as well as vulnerable groups such as autistic individuals and children."

Clearly, this was also Theresis's way of seizing the opportunity to change the Sarkaz's public image. The Sarkaz, almost entirely Infected, were extending a helping hand to this noble cause, which, in a sense, meant the Sarkaz had won twice.

Soon after, Chen Qi received envoys from Victoria, Laterano, and Syracuse, who all expressed their willingness to join the foundation and support this achievement.

Although most people have their own agendas, this might actually save more Infected —and Chen Qi never intended to change the status of Infected just by doing this.

All he needed was an opening, a glimmer of hope. Once something is started, it can grow into a towering tree if left to develop.

Finally, Chen Qi took a group photo with everyone as the first supporters of the foundation that helps Infected and other vulnerable groups upon its official establishment.

Chen Qi, who had just taken a group photo with all the representatives, suddenly received another message from the system.

[Congratulations, host, you have obtained the rare item, "A Group Photo of Hope".]

[A Group Photo of Hope: a portrait of several countries and ethnic groups, including those with deep-seated hatred towards each other, yet they stand together, temporarily setting aside their prejudices to help those most in need in the world. As the one who brought this to fruition, you have earned everyone's respect, and your good deed will be remembered forever through this photograph.]

[Effect: Affinity with all races +10%, reputation of works permanently increased by 10%, and affinity and reputation conversion between Infected and other disadvantaged groups +20%]

Chen Qi never expected that he would come to Columbia with the expectation that he would not get any rare items, but he would coincidentally get another rare item, and one with a very high effect.

For this alone, Chen Qi could say that his trip was worthwhile. In addition, Chen Qi also received a large sum of money from Kristen as a token of his gratitude, as well as a member who Chen Qi had never expected to join the crew.

"Ms. Saria, are you really willing to work with our crew? With your abilities, it's practically a waste of your talent to work for us."

"It's alright, I just wanted to relax with everyone and do some work so I wouldn't seem so useless."

Facing Chen Qi, Saria's attitude softened somewhat. Perhaps Chen Qi's actions had made her Saria. Saria wasn't as serious as usual and continued:

"I can develop more efficient plans for the production team. Although I don't know much about filming, as a researcher, I'm quite clear on what lighting angles are best, and I can also assist with procurement and security."

Wow, what an all-rounder! A production manager delivered right to our doorstep! Upon hearing this, Chen Qi immediately became interested. It has to be said that the fact that " To the To the Moon" could be completed in a week was largely due to Saria's planning. Although she didn't know much about filming, she could still design reasonable plans, which was exactly what Chen Qi's crew needed most.

Furthermore, Saria can always fill in for security and procurement. Alina and Patriot are also quite busy at times, and with Saria's help, the production team can indeed be more efficient.

"Wait! I object! I object!"

However, Nian was extremely wary of Saria's addition. Having witnessed Saria's planning efficiency in the scroll, Nian felt a great sense of crisis and immediately shouted:

"Our crew doesn't need a second technical advisor! Otherwise, where would I put my position?"

"Chen Qi, you hired this diamond-studded girl, are you planning to fire me?! Waaah! My dear sister, save me! Director Chen is firing your sister!"

"What does this have to do with me? I'm not getting fired." However, facing her loud and boisterous older sister, Xi was also exasperated, using one hand to keep Nian away from her, while slowly saying:

"Besides, your role as technical advisor is practically useless. You probably have the least workload on set, right? It doesn't matter whether you're there or not."