Chapter 844: The Antidote Dilemma
However, according to the confessions of several individuals, most of them were also invited with generous compensation to participate in the research. More than half were foreigners, and they received lucrative offers to partake in certain parts of the HST project development. Each base only worked on a segment of the project, some on genetic modification, others on clinical testing. The bases were unaware of each other's existence. Nonetheless, their actions constituted a crime, as Ye Shikai personally witnessed the people used as experimental subjects—such acts are indeed grave offenses.
If they were threatened with their lives by armed guards to continue the experiments, Ye Shikai might somewhat understand. But if it was just for money, it makes them no different from Boss Xing and others—they are all criminals.
Speaking of which, there is another troublesome matter at hand: among those rescued, there are thirty to forty survivors. They were all captured for experimentation, and they have already been injected with the HST drug, although it's unclear which generation. But what is certain is that their condition is dire, as they have all been admitted to the intensive care unit of the National Security Bureau, and worst of all, none of the twelve experimental teams were working on an antidote.
If they don't receive effective treatment, the consequences are self-evident.
Ye Shikai grew increasingly enraged the more he thought about it. Boss Xing didn't even consider giving the Mothmen a chance to revert to normal, let alone developing an antidote.
Currently, the biological experts of the National Security Bureau are "working overtime," and have also summoned many renowned specialists. However, faced with this "inhuman and insane" drug, they are at a loss. Boss Xing's teams had researched for several months, and even if the bureau's experts develop a cure, by then those subjects will have already mutated.
Ye Shikai felt deep sympathy for them—these innocent people were barely rescued, only to suffer this torment. And once they mutate, how should they be dealt with...
"How exactly were the Mothmen created?" Zhang Ting suddenly murmured. Listening to her, Ye Shikai regained his composure and sighed softly, "If anyone knew, they'd probably be as crazy as them."
Indeed, such terrifying technology—who else but madmen would 'dare' to know?
.......................................…
Yanjing, Netherworld Palace Base.
"Well, any leads?" Ye Shikai looked at Zi Yun and a group of researchers dressed in hazmat suits and quickly asked.
"Bro, this time frame is way too short, plus this stuff can't be researched in a jiffy," Zi Yun grumbled, pouting. She was extremely proficient in chemistry and biology, often quite confident. Now she was stumped by the problem, naturally disgruntled. Ye Shikai had retrieved a vial of blood and some skin tissue from a deceased Mothman, along with its 'heaven-defying' exoskeleton for analysis at the base, while Zi Yun was handling the Mothman's blood.
"If it were simple, I wouldn't be asking you." Ye Shikai flicked Zi Yun's forehead. "I need to crack this quickly and develop an antidote; those affected by the drug are waiting for salvation."
"Ugh, the blood is green and contains both human and moth genes, which have already merged; it resembles a new species."
"That's man-made. Can you separate the two genes?" Ye Shikai quickly asked.
"If I could, I'd have won international awards long ago." Zi Yun scratched her head, greatly troubled.
"Well, keep at it." Ye Shikai sighed, no wonder bioengineering is high-tech; it can achieve such feats.
"Bro, you didn't get hurt this time, did you?"
"Not injured, but I have a friend who was hit by the Mothman. I'm here to collect some medicine while I'm at it."
"For bruises and sprains, I've got some here." Zi Yun removed her hazmat suit. Since there's no antidote for the drug for now, it's hopeless; they can only pin their hopes on the research experts.
Dark Night Bar.
"Oh, you're quite a rare guest." Luo Shiqi, holding a Bloody Mary, sat beside Ye Shikai and said with a smile. Her crimson lips and bright red dress gave her an enchanting and seductive style. Ye Shikai drank his cocktail, casually watching the men and women dancing in revelry in front of him.
"Just came out to relax occasionally." Ye Shikai lay on the sofa, looking completely at ease. It's been quite a while since he enjoyed such a lifestyle; the mild alcohol stimulation is a way to release stress.
"Recently, my people said you've got big movements."
"Seems you've found out after all." Ye Shikai chuckled wryly. During the Qing District operation, there was quite a footprint of Luo Shiqi's influence, especially around the docks. He thought the operation had been concealed enough, yet was discovered.
"Don't worry, I won't pry." Luo Shiqi pursed her lips, her eyes seductive, staring directly at Ye Shikai.
"This matter is tangled with too many undesirables. Even if I told you, you probably wouldn't believe it."
"You saying that... makes me inclined to commit a crime." Ye Shikai looked at the alluring Luo Shiqi before him, took a subtle sip of his cocktail—whether intentional or not, Luo Shiqi tended to inadvertently tempt Ye Shikai. As the saying goes, food and lust are human nature. Although Ye Shikai was a 'normal male,' due to his legitimate partner at home, Su Qingyu, he could only suppress the fire within.
"What, a big shot like you doesn't dare commit a crime with me?" Luo Shiqi's words swirled around Ye Shikai's ear. Unknowingly, she was close to Ye Shikai.
"Ahem, Shiqi, let's talk business. I'm really tired today." Ye Shikai suddenly remembered the recent scene of him kissing Ji Qian at the airport. If he really went through with it, Su Qingyu would be impossible to handle.
"You're no fun." Luo Shiqi gently tapped Ye Shikai's head with her finger.
Suddenly.
Ye Shikai abruptly stood up from the sofa, his gaze locked dead ahead with surprising speed, startling Luo Shiqi.
"What's up with you, feeling regret?" Luo Shiqi laughed smugly, lightly brushed her hair, striking a provocative pose.
"Not talking to you anymore, I suddenly have an urgent matter." Ye Shikai hurriedly rushed forward, leaving Luo Shiqi behind...
"Hmph, this wooden block." Luo Shiqi turned around, displaying the demeanor of a petite woman, angrily stomping her foot.
The person who excited Ye Shikai was none other than an 'old man' at the bar.
"Master Dugu, Master Dugu." Ye Shikai excitedly rushed up. Upon seeing the face clearly, he clapped his hands "Haha, Master, it really is you."
"Oh, it's you, huh." Indeed, the person drinking at the bar was none other than the elusive Divine Doctor, Dugu Tianke.