1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 356 Su! Are you a devil from hell?

The jeep bumped along in the night.

After learning the news, Lei Bailiang felt that communicating with his superiors from Xuzhou was not safe.

He turned the steering wheel and drove straight towards the barracks of the troops stationed in Xuzhou.

Su Wenchen leaned back in the passenger seat, closing his eyes to rest, but his slightly furrowed brows showed that his brain was working at high speed, repeatedly considering the wording of his report and the questions he might face.

It was already midnight when they arrived at a heavily guarded camp in Xuzhou.

After Lei Bailiang presented his credentials, the two were immediately ushered into the camp.

After going through layers of verification, they were finally led into a confidential communications room.

In the communications room, Lei Bailiang looked at Su Wenchen.

"I have just had a brief conversation with the highest-ranking person in charge of our security department for this foreign affairs reception."

"He has already gone to call the hospital leaders."

"He'll call you back in a bit. I didn't go into the details with him; you'll have to decide the appropriate course of action yourself!"

"I'll keep watch for you outside."

Su Wenchen nodded slightly.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Lei!"

Lei Boliang waved his hand, said nothing more, walked out of the communications room, closed the door for Su Wenchen, and stood guard at the door.

Su Wenchen, who was in the communications room, didn't have to wait long.

About ten minutes later, the telephone rang in the room.

Su Wenchen took a deep breath and slowly answered the phone.

Soon, an aged yet clear and steady voice came through the phone.

"Hello, this is XXX. Has something happened to the advance team?"

The old man clearly knew that being called to him in the middle of the night was absolutely a very important thing.

Su Wenchen heard the voice on the phone; this was the first time he had ever had a real conversation with the other party in this era.

After a slight pause, Su Wenchen answered the receiver in a calm voice.

"Sir, this is Su Wenchen. The advance team is doing well in the special zone."

"I have something important to report!"

Su Wenchen then elaborated on Ronald's strong interest in their Golden Feather Chicken and Alkali-Treating Rabbit technology.

Especially after the other party tried to recruit him, and after being explicitly rejected, they still tried to probe him by contacting the "core researchers" several times.

Su Wenchen slowly revealed his plan.

"Sir, Ronald is young and promising, and enjoys the president's deep trust."

“He showed a strong interest in our unique biotechnology achievements, and I felt that this person could be utilized.”

"Moreover, I think that instead of passively guarding against the other side's attempts to subvert us, we should take the initiative to establish contact."

"By using mutually beneficial means, such as the technology for treating alkaline soil, the agency rights for Golden Feather Chickens, or even potential future cooperation on California remediation projects, we can develop Ronald into a friend in advance."

"The value of this friend lies in..."

"First, he may reveal, depending on the situation, the core negotiating team's internal assessment of our bottom line."

"Secondly, in future matters involving the United States, especially in the areas of our unique products entering the US market or technology exchange, he can play a guiding or even facilitating role."

"Thirdly, we can even use him to appropriately support some of our friends who are friendly to us, which may help us in finding ways to reduce the embargo list later."

"I hope my superiors can authorize me to conduct cautious exploration and operations in this direction, the specific form of which will depend on subsequent contact."

"The aim is to establish a covert, unofficial communication channel, with the ultimate goal of helping us solve or procure things that are not easily obtained through official channels."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, as if they were also processing this bold suggestion.

A moment later, a voice came through the phone, neither agreeing nor refusing directly, but asking a question.

"I heard you're in Xuzhou right now?"

Su Wenchen nodded and replied immediately.

"Yes, sir. I'm worried that the advance team's equipment may contain eavesdropping devices. Just to be on the safe side, I'm making this call from the barracks of the troops stationed in Xuzhou."

"Your caution is indeed necessary. I'll discuss this with my supervisor and get back to you in a bit."

Beijing.

Inside the red walls.

The two elderly people sat facing each other.

An old man, wearing a coat, slowly lit a cigarette.

What brings you here so late at night?

"It seems something happened with the advance team?"

"Are they causing trouble in the Special Economic Zone too? That young comrade doesn't seem like someone who can take a beating!"

"Young people are like the sun at eight or nine in the morning!"

"Even if they make a mess, as long as it's not a matter of principle, we should still give young people more opportunities."

The old man opposite smiled and handed over a document he had just handwritten.

"It certainly doesn't seem like it can handle gas!"

"This is a message I just received from the Special Economic Zone. Please take a look at it."

The old man took the document, glanced at it, and his expression gradually became serious. Then, he took a few deep drags on his cigarette.

"Given your understanding of the United States, how feasible is that?"

The old man opposite thought for a moment.

“It’s feasible to some extent. They’re different from us; they’re much more lenient when it comes to these kinds of things.”

"If it is truly attractive, I think it is very feasible."

The old man's hand holding the cigarette swayed slightly.

"Then let him give it a try, just like he said, let's make friends!"

"Tell him to strictly control the boundaries of friendship, to focus on the exchange of benefits, not to cross the political bottom line, and not to leave any written evidence against him."

"Also, you need to keep a close eye on the progress of this matter, lest we throw out bait only to have it fall into someone else's trap."

"I have high hopes for this young comrade, especially for his exceptional talent in having a global perspective."

"Take this time for example, look at how well he handled the situation, he got it just right."

"My personal vigilance is more than enough, it's just a pity I'd be twenty years older!"

Upon hearing this, the other elderly man smiled and nodded.

"We can't force things to grow too fast."

"However, this young comrade is indeed gifted with a broad perspective. He is a natural-born diplomat. He had already shown his talent at the Canton Fair back then, and the leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at the time even tried to recruit him in public!"

"In the end, it was because the young comrade was so eager to work in agriculture that he went to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry."

The old man took a drag of his cigarette.

"I don't deny your diplomatic work!"

"But I still think this young comrade has achieved more in agriculture."

"Whether it's the white pig or the moon rabbit, they were all bred in the last few years."

"Oh right, what about that alkali-curing rabbit?"

"Look, we need to have something in our hands to have the ability to negotiate with the outside world!"

"Otherwise, like this time, even if we have more ideas, it's all just empty talk if we don't attract their interests."

"After all, even a skilled cook can't cook without rice!"

"Well, sir, that young comrade is still waiting!"

"I'll go reply to him first!"

"Okay, that's settled. Go and inform him!"

"As long as we don't leave any written evidence, let him figure out the rest and communicate on his own."

"By the way, find another pretext and arrange a dedicated communication line in their special zone to connect with you."

"Otherwise, it's inconvenient to keep going back to the military base!"

This side of the camp.

Su Wenchen waited anxiously by the phone, after all, this kind of thing was still a bit risky.

However, given the resources he currently possesses, taking a few risks shouldn't be a big problem.

Just then, the phone rang again.

Su Wenchen, who had been waiting by the phone, picked it up.

The next moment, a familiar voice came from the phone.

"Comrade Wenchen, your strategy and principles are feasible, but you must be cautious and strictly control the boundaries of friendship."

"The overall strategy is based on the exchange of commercial interests, but must not cross the political bottom line and must not leave any written evidence against us."

"Depending on the actual situation, you can appropriately show Ronald some of our achievements to enhance his confidence in cooperation."

"I will arrange a special communications team to go there later. If you need anything, you can communicate with me directly through this communications team."

I heard the message coming from the phone.

Su Wenchen solemnly replied, "Please rest assured, leader, I will strictly control the degree of discretion and proceed steadily as appropriate."

"At most, this is just a local business interaction between the local authorities and their advance team."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the old man nodded slightly.

"Alright, it's getting late, you should go back and rest too. There's no rush for this kind of thing."

"You can take it slowly from here on out."

"Okay, boss. You should get some rest too. I won't bother you any longer."

After hanging up the phone, a heavy sense of responsibility and a touch of adventurous excitement rose in Su Wenchen's heart.

On the way back, it was already getting light.

Su Wenchen had only rested for a short while when someone came to call him.

It was said that Ronald had come to invite Su Wenchen to breakfast—clearly, the other party wanted to visit the laboratory related to the treatment of alkali rabbits.

At the breakfast table, Ronald regained his professional demeanor.

While praising the unique flavors of their special economic zone's breakfast, he subtly steered the conversation back to something that interested him.

Clearly, his mind wasn't on breakfast at all.

"Su, I was very impressed with yesterday's demonstration of the golden-feathered chickens and collective agriculture. I'm curious when a visit to the Alkali-Treating Rabbit Laboratory can be arranged?"

"The President is very concerned about technological development, especially innovations that can solve practical problems."

"I believe your market for alkali-treating rabbits is huge, extremely huge!"

After Ronald finished speaking, Hague, who was also having a meal at the same time, did not offer any rebuttal.

He was clearly very interested in treating alkali rabbits and wanted to know the specifics.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen calmly swallowed a mouthful of porridge and smiled at the two of them.

"According to the itinerary, the visit to the Alkali-Treating Rabbit Laboratory was scheduled as the third item on the itinerary after the president's arrival."

"However, if you are in a hurry, I can make some arrangements so that you can split into two groups and carry out the second and third itineraries at the same time."

"What are your opinions, gentlemen?"

Upon hearing this, Ronald quickly raised the milk in his hand.

"Thank you so much, Sue! Your efficiency is as amazing as ever."

"We are on a tight schedule this time, with only seven days for the entire trip, so it would be great if we could move up the time."

"And visiting the laboratory for treating alkali rabbits is definitely one of the parts of this trip that I'm most looking forward to!"

Hearing this, Hager frowned slightly, but before he could say anything...

Ronald added.

"General Haig, I'll leave the security checks for the second item on the itinerary, related to circular agriculture, to you."

"After I finish this part, I will report to you on the specific details of the third part of the itinerary, which concerns the treatment of alkali-resistant rabbits."

Hearing this, Hager's sullen expression softened slightly.

However, I'd like to add something else.

"Ronald, I hope you understand that security is our most important task."

"Everything else needs to come later!"

"General, I understand, I will not relax security checks."

The research laboratory for treating alkaline rabbits is not far from the conference venue.

The main thing is that the research station here was built along with the reception venue.

The entire research station was jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The main issue is that treating alkaline soil involves not only microorganisms, but also a series of sub-disciplines such as soil improvement.

Therefore, the research station here was ultimately established with the joint efforts of both sides.

When Su Wenchen arrived with Ronald, the research station had already been notified. The current person in charge is Deputy Director Cai, who is also the current station chief.

He personally waited at the door with several core researchers.

They were all dressed in neat white lab coats, their faces bearing the simplicity and focus unique to researchers of this era.

"Mr. Ronald, welcome to our Special Economic Zone Research Station."

Su Wenchen introduced with a smile: "This is Cai Qiming, the station director and the main person in charge of our research station."

Ronald shook hands with Cai Qiming warmly, but his gaze swept quickly across the exterior and furnishings of the entire research station like a searchlight.

A barely perceptible frown flashed across his eyes.

The scene here was far more rudimentary than he had imagined—there were no gleaming stainless steel instrument walls, no sophisticated temperature control equipment. There was even a faint, mixed odor, similar to that of a livestock farm, lingering in the air.

"Station Chief Cai, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your laboratory..."

"Very unique!"

Cai Qiming naturally understood the other party's implied meaning and introduced it with displeasure.

“Mr. Ronald, our research station has limited resources and certainly cannot compare with yours.”

"Even so, the Alkali-Controlling Rabbit originated in our country, didn't it?"

Upon hearing Cai Qiming's words, Ronald realized that he had said something wrong earlier.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it earlier, you might not know that."

"On our side"

Su Wenchen interrupted him directly.

“Mr. Ronald, I think we shouldn’t waste any more time outside.”

"I'm sure you didn't come here to see our lab environment, did you?"

The group entered the core breeding observation room.

Several rows of neat rabbit cages were arranged, and the rabbits inside had shiny fur and were slightly larger than ordinary domestic rabbits, exuding a healthy and lively vitality.

The distinctive smell of hay and rabbit droppings in the air became even more pronounced.

Ronald approached to observe, his brow furrowing slightly, but he maintained a polite smile.

Because he is more focused on specific data and processes.

"Su, are these rabbits the carriers of the so-called 'salt and alkali nemesis'?"

Ronald pointed to the rabbit cage.

"Could you explain how they work? And... the relevant breeding and experimental data? For example, strain isolation, stability testing, and comparison of ion concentrations before and after soil remediation?"

Clearly, Ronald must have communicated with people back home last night and done some basic work before coming here.

Cai Qiming was prepared and took out several bound documents.

"Of course. This is a summary of our preliminary experimental data, covering the changes in soil salinity, pH value, EC value, and Na+ ion concentration under different soil types and dosages."

And the activity monitoring report of the 'salt-alkali nemesis' bacterial group.

Currently, we are still unable to replicate the culture environment of this bacterial community.

In other words, the current 'salt-alkali nemesis' bacteria will immediately stop multiplying after leaving the rabbit's intestinal flora environment.

However, after coming into contact with salt and alkali molecules, the bacterial community can maintain its activity by decomposing and absorbing these molecules.

Once all the salt and alkali molecules in the soil have been decomposed, the microbial community will gradually lose its activity, as if it has lost its nutrients.

After hearing this, Ronald took the document and quickly flipped through it a few times.

The document is written in both Chinese and English, with clear data tables and standardized charts.

However, he naturally couldn't understand it, since he wasn't a professional, so he simply handed it to the technician who had come with him.

Although he still couldn't understand it, there was one thing he understood.

That means this type of bacteria cannot be cultured on its own; it can only be generated within the organism itself.

If that's the case, it's the worst news he could hear.

After all, the best news for him is that they can obtain breeding rabbits or bacterial strains and then cultivate them on a large scale.

This way, you'll have complete control over the technology, which is the most profitable approach.

Secondly, we can purchase fertilizers from the other country to treat saline-alkali land, which can cure the land in one go.

Even if it costs a little more, it's acceptable.

But what he least wants to see is the current situation, where all the technology is in the hands of others.

They will continue to purchase fertilizers for remediation, even though the price is not high for the other country.

This is the situation they least want to see.

Because this is equivalent to giving the other country a handle to use against you.

Just then, the technicians nearby, after watching it, couldn't help but exclaim in English in praise.

"Oh my god! It's unbelievable..."

"They actually found a completely new breakthrough from the biological perspective, despite the huge technological gap!"

"Indeed, life is the most amazing thing about nature; it will find a completely new way out on its own!"

Ronald was not happy at all after hearing these words of praise from his own people.

After all, it was someone else who created this.

However, he still spoke in a low voice in English.

"Could you try to replicate this?"

The technician shook his head.

“Mr. Ronald, you’re oversimplifying things. This kind of thing can’t be replicated.”

"Even they themselves would find it difficult to replicate the first generation of alkaline-resistant rabbits. The evolution of life is the most complex and exquisite evolution in nature."

"Even organisms of the same species can evolve in opposite directions if there are even the slightest differences."

"So we want to replicate their experiment, but what are the chances of that success? Only God knows."

"However, this bacterial community activity remains at a stable high level even when it leaves the environment."

"So we can try to build a breeding environment to allow the bacteria to multiply."

"This way the cost is lower and the feasibility of operation is slightly higher."

"However, I still cannot guarantee the success rate."

Ronald sighed upon hearing this.

"And what about the results? How does it compare to our current efforts in treating saline-alkali land?"

The other party remained silent for a moment after hearing this.

He thought about it for a moment before speaking seriously.

"Based on the information they provided, the two sides are completely incomparable."

“They have almost no costs other than farming, according to our domestic cost calculations.”

"It's roughly $1 to $100 per hectare, mainly due to labor costs."

Even so, its cost is far lower than our treatment cost of $78 per hectare!

Hearing this, Ronald felt even more somber, realizing that there was no room for further competition between the two sides.

Su Wenchen naturally saw the two whispering to each other, but although he didn't deliberately go over, he knew what they were thinking.

After all, if you put yourself in someone else's shoes for a moment, you'll be able to figure it out.

Ronald then quietly discussed the matter with his technical staff.

"Su, do you have the original experimental records for this data? For example, photos of the bacterial strains under a microscope, records of bacterial separation from different batches?"

"Otherwise, it would be difficult for us to believe in the correctness of the experiment, and we would not be able to discuss this aspect in detail during our subsequent negotiations."

Upon hearing this, Cai Qiming immediately looked at Su Wenchen.

This public report was a simplified version that he and Su Wenchen had carefully prepared, containing only the conclusions and omitting key details.

If more critical experimental data is released, including confidential original bacterial strain data, the other party could potentially create an environment for the bacterial colony to reproduce.

Su Wenchen responded at the opportune moment, his face bearing a gentle yet undeniable smile.

“Mr. Ronald, this report covers the core experimental data and conclusions of the project.”

"This is a summary of the results that can be presented to the public at present."

"As you know, in the field of scientific research, original experimental records often involve more technical details and stages of exploration, and reading them directly would be very tedious and complicated."

"We focus more on demonstrating the final, effective solution, which makes things simpler for both sides, doesn't it?"

He cleverly shifted the focus.

"If you do need the raw data, then I'm afraid we also need to discuss some issues regarding the core technology of the advanced equipment that we have negotiated for import."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, Ronald quickly shook his head.

"NO! NO! NO!"

"Su, the core technology you mentioned belongs to a domestic commercial company."

"We have no right to provide it!"

"At most, I'll just help you make purchases."

Clearly, Ronald felt that granting them purchasing power was already a favor.

How dare you ask for core technologies?

Seeing the other person's expression, Su Wenchen simply shrugged.

"Sir, just as you said, our core technology also belongs to our country's Blue Water Farm."

"Our special administrative region has no right to make that decision directly!"

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's response, Ronald was momentarily at a loss for words.

We can't just say, "We can't give you our core technologies, but you have to give us yours."

Although that's what he really thought.

But we certainly can't say that, since those countries aren't the ones where their troops are stationed.

Seeing this, Su Wenchen knew that negotiations could not be completed in one go.

So he immediately softened the tone.

"Sir, I think it's best to leave these matters to the higher-ups to discuss later!"

"What do you think!"

Ronald knew he couldn't decide either, so he nodded.

"Su, you're right. Let's leave this matter to the president and the others to discuss!"

Seeing this, Su Wenchen immediately reached out to guide him.

"Then let your team's technicians and Station Chief Cai handle this!"

"I'll show you around our research station on my own."

Ronald hadn't expected Su Wenchen to have other ideas about him, but he was still quite interested in taking a look around the area.

After all, in his mind, this ancient country always seemed to create miracles whenever it faced difficulties.

Therefore, he is personally very interested in places that create miracles in underdeveloped environments.

"Su! Thank you for your help."

Su Wenchen smiled and gestured to lead the way.

"Isn't this part of my job?"

Soon, Su Wenchen led the people to the experimental area.

Pointing to the different colored lands, they looked like they were in different specially made glass cases.

"This is our experimental area. This is the saline-alkali soil that is being treated in the laboratory."

"The experimental conditions are all displayed on the glass boxes."

"I think that compared to complex data, this kind of data is more intuitive and easier to understand at a glance."

After all, even Su Wenchen himself found that kind of data overwhelming.

Not to mention a complete novice like Ronald.

The other party seemed genuinely interested in Su Wenchen's statement and walked over.

"Su! You're right. To be honest, I didn't understand those data at all."

"This simple and direct approach suits my understanding better."

As he spoke, he walked to a glass box and looked at the data recorded in both Chinese and English.

"Su, is what you wrote on it true? It's only been about thirty days and it's almost finished being improved."

"Your improved saline-alkali land can even increase output to some extent?"

Su Wenchen walked over with a smile.

"As recorded in the previous data, our product is a pure biological alkali-remediating fertilizer."

"Nature itself also carries some basic capabilities of bio-fertilizers."

"As I mentioned last night, the real value of the Alkali Rabbit Project lies in the fact that it provides an unprecedented, low-cost, and sustainable solution for the remediation of saline-alkali land."

"By the way, Ronald, I heard you say earlier that you're from California? And your Central Valley area has vast areas of land that have been converted from farmland."

After finishing speaking, Su Wenchen patiently guided him.

"If you can transform large tracts of wasteland in your hometown into high-yield farmland with extremely low cost and high efficiency."

"I believe that Mr. Ronald's beneficial actions in serving the local people will definitely receive the support of the farmers in your hometown!"

Upon hearing this, Ronald immediately turned to look at Su Wenchen.

Although he was young, as a politician, he clearly understood what Su Wenchen meant.

Considering the various possibilities ahead, especially the wide range of farmers who could be affected this time, plus their employees.

Even though he had seen many grand occasions alongside the president, he couldn't help but swallow hard.

After all, nothing is more tempting than following the president!

He had to admit that the other party was indeed very good at manipulating people.

Just a few words were enough to throw him into a state of turmoil.

Even though he knew there was a trap ahead, he couldn't move an inch for some reason.

Sue! Are you a devil from hell?

Thinking about this made him a little scared.

Ronald was afraid that if things continued like this, he really wouldn't be able to hold onto his principles!
(End of this chapter)