I am a necromancer, and I absolutely love America.

Chapter 101 Project Launch and Alaric's Departure (7K-word long chapter, please vote and subscribe)

Christina made a call to Benjamin Gray's cell phone, making an outrageous demand: "Mr. Gray, I need five hundred million dollars for anti-aging research. I won't disclose the principles and research methods, only a portion of the results. You have priority in granting permission to release the results."

*Pfft*—Benjamin sprayed a mouthful of water onto the table: "Dr. Shepard—"

He has indeed funded cell laboratories for many years, for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, federal regulations stipulate that corporate donations to compliant universities or non-profit laboratories can be tax-deducted in equal amounts; in other words, the amount donated can be deducted from the taxable income.

In that case, instead of giving the money to the federal government, it would be better to give it to universities or laboratories, using some of the money that should be paid in taxes to gain recognition for research and social reputation.

Leveraging Christina's standing in the scientific research field, maintaining long-term cooperation with her will help enhance Ruitu Group's reputation in the industry.

Secondly, the law stipulates that private foundations must spend 5% of their total assets on charitable research each year, or face severe penalties.

Also, there is the right of priority authorization.

If commercialization is desired, the donating companies can obtain priority purchase rights under the same conditions. Over the decades, he has indeed obtained more than ten scientific research results from Christina, which have generated considerable profits for him.

The doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and project leaders in the cell laboratory are all top talents in the industry. Companies recruit them in advance and then directly poach them into the company's research institute with high salaries. Over the decades, Ruitu has indeed poached a lot of people.

Finally, and most secretly.

When enacting industry-specific legislation, Congress needs to hold hearings and invite top experts in the industry to provide professional advice to Congress.

Christina, a top expert in the biomedical field, has been invited to attend congressional meetings on numerous occasions. Her opinions are very important, and her public speeches can even influence the opinions of many scientists in the biomedical field.

Given that Ruttor has long funded cell laboratories, Christina will naturally speak up for Ruttor at the hearing to help Benjamin push for the legislation he wants to implement.

This relationship is kept secret by both parties and represents the most clandestine collaboration between top scientists and capitalists.

Therefore, Benjamin provided long-term financial support to the cell laboratory through donations, investing at least $2000 annually.

3000 million US dollars.

However, this does not mean he is an idiot.

Christina casually asked for $500 million, and only gave priority authorization rights. That's outrageous!

He took a deep breath, and said with a wry smile, "Christina, it's not that I don't trust you, but five hundred million dollars is a significant investment; we can't be so hasty. Have you seen any preliminary results? Show me!"

Christina replied matter-of-factly, "No. There are no results yet."

"Then give me a simple explanation of the principle. I don't need you to disclose how it's implemented; I want to have experts evaluate it."

Christina paused for a moment, then said proudly, "I can't explain it, and no one can assess it. This is a completely new research direction; everything is new."

Benjamin:

If it weren't for Christina, Benjamin would have been cursing long ago.

Completely brand new?

I don't believe you for a second!

This is no way to rip people off!

He is a capitalist, not a philanthropist.

Oh, he does indeed donate money to a cancer research foundation under the guise of a philanthropist for many years, but that's just in name only!

That foundation belongs to him!

The money in the foundation is still his own money, and he doesn't have to pay taxes on it.

Benjamin sighed, "Christina, this won't do. I can't explain this to the shareholders."

Christina hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'll go ask Northwestern Polytechnical University."

"Wait!" Benjamin quickly interrupted.

Elon Thorne, that old bastard from Northwestern Polytechnical, has always been at odds with him, and he also frequently donates to the Cell Lab.

Moreover, Northwestern Industrial has also been venturing into the biomedical field in recent years, making it a direct competitor of Ruitu.

"Is this really a completely new study?"

"Of course! The world will be amazed!"

Benjamin took a deep breath.

He would scoff at anyone else saying such things.

But Christina was different. He knew Christina; the Bio-Tyrant never boasted...

"I'll pay! But I really don't have 500 million. Every expenditure is budgeted, and every penny has a purpose. It's impossible to come up with so much money all the time. I'll give you 30 million, no! 40 million. It's like giving you an advance on next year's funds. If it fails, so be it. I don't need your principles and methods, but next year's money will be gone. If it succeeds, I want priority authorization to still donate 40 million every year."

Christina considered it for a moment.

This is equivalent to using next year's money this year, which is certainly feasible.

If we can achieve results, we will naturally receive more money later.

Of course, she will first need to assess with Richard which results can be made public and which cannot.

"No problem, will the 4000 million arrive in the account tomorrow?"

Benjamin almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

You're the boss of a giant laboratory that invests billions of dollars a year, don't you know that money isn't something to be taken lightly?

"We need to sign an agreement first, Christina. This money can only be used for... Damn, I don't even know what this project is called." Benjamin realized as he spoke that he knew nothing at all.

Am I being scammed?

These top scientists will make any boast they can think of to raise money, and he's been fooled by them before.

The world's smartest brain, coupled with a serious scientific face, makes them incredibly cunning when it comes to deceiving people!

"The Rejuvenation Project, titled: Molecular Mechanism of Human Natural Endogenous Active Substances Regulating Telomerase Activation and Reversing Telomere Loss, and Construction of an In Vitro Induction System," Christina said very frankly.

Unfortunately, it's just a scam.

Even if substance X exists, it is not "naturally endogenous to the human body".

That thing was originally created by Richard using his divine power.

Once the results are published, other scientists will naturally follow suit and search for this so-called "natural endogenous" substance X in the human body.

Go ahead and search. I guarantee you won't make a sound once you find one.

This name alone can mislead the outside world's research direction for at least 3 years.

Scientists can be incredibly deceitful when they lie.

Benjamin's mouth twitched.

Natural endogenous active substance X reverses telomere loss.

This sounds like a scam.

Immortality, rejuvenation...

To reiterate, if Christina hadn't spoken to him, he would have hung up the phone on the spot.

He had absolutely no idea what Christina wanted to study.

Even capitalists' money is still money!

See, I really told you, but you didn't believe me. Christina emphasized again, "Don't worry, this will be a world-shaking achievement."

"Okay, okay—" Benjamin was having a headache; this was the same thing these damn scientists always said when they asked him for money.

He sponsored not only Christina, but also seven or eight top scientists.

Every year when they ask for money, the projects they describe are more and more extravagant than ever.

Only Christina was honest enough to say what she thought.

Christina, you've gone astray!

Benjamin could only say, "The money should arrive within one to two weeks."

"OK, no problem." Christina hung up the phone: "My lord, the money is enough, I've raised another $4000 million."

Richard's lips twitched slightly.

Good grief, getting money is that easy?

Of course, he knew this was the result of Christina's decades of accumulated academic reputation.

If it fails, then next year's money will be gone, and the news will spread throughout the entire investment community, making others more cautious about investing in the future.

"The money we have, plus the advance payment, is enough for us to start the first phase of research."

The first phase of the study only focused on skin rejuvenation.

Reviving a dead body is too far-fetched, and it involves complex issues such as the essence of the soul, which cannot be solved in a short time.

Skin should be the simplest, and also the most noticeable.

Christina explained, "The research is divided into several steps. The first step is to screen all the materials in these resurrected limbs to look for Substance X."

"Then the research group will split into two branches: one is to try to explore the origin of substance X, which is a long-term study that may not yield results for three or four years, and only about 10% of the manpower and resources will be invested."

"On the other hand, most of the resources are used to try to replicate substance X. If it cannot be replicated, we need to find a way to dilute it and prolong its activity in living people."

"The third step is to try to limit the application of Substance X to epidermal and dermal cells. Other general anti-aging technologies for muscles, bones, and organs can wait; that would be much more difficult. Skin is the most obvious target, and its commercial value is the highest. Once we break through, every cosmetics and biomedical company will be waving their checks and rushing in; any resources we want will no longer be a problem."

Richard pondered for a moment.

Making technology public may indeed carry certain risks.

However, if it's not made public, there won't be enough resources.

He only realized how expensive scientific research could be after listening to Christina's analysis.

Christina estimates that just the first step, finding Substance X, will cost more than $1 million.

The subsequent steps will consume an astronomical amount of funds.

For example, the second step, which aims to prolong the activity of substance X in living human bodies, would inevitably involve a large number of human trials, which is obviously not very humane and would face pressure and attacks from all sectors of society.

Humanitarian organizations, biomedical companies looking to get on board, competitors in the scientific field, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)...

The amount of money and resources consumed will be terrifying.

Moreover, this kind of research requires a lot of manpower, and you can't just grab any person; you need at least someone like Edgar.

In any case, it is impossible to completely block the news.

A certain degree of exposure, coupled with deliberate misleading, is necessary.

Moreover, Christina is the biggest firewall; the brilliance of the Nobel Prize overshadows Richard's existence.

In the event of an uncontrollable incident, all that is needed is for Christina to commit suicide, which will sever all ties.

The premise is that you cannot get too involved in core research, or at least you cannot let outsiders think that you know anything about it.

Let Edgar, that beast of burden, handle the core research. If he gets into trouble, he won't be the one who suffers.

I still play the role of a talented but still immature high school student, secretly getting liposuction to earn a little money.

"That's settled then," Richard said. "From now on, I won't enter your underground lab anymore. I will resurrect the remains outside and secretly hand them over to you. You can bring them into the lab yourself. All sampling operations on the resurrected remains must be performed by you; no one else is allowed to participate."

Additionally, you must not leave the lab while the remains are still alive. Be prepared for one-click destruction in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Richard was very cautious.

He would assume the most malicious intent about the powerful figures in the Lighthouse.

When Christina reveals the results of her skin rejuvenation, she will inevitably face scrutiny and probing from all sides.

If you frequently enter and leave the laboratory, you can easily become a weak point for others to exploit.

Christina was from the Plain White Banner of Ansar, and she had a high reputation and great influence, so others generally dared not make a move against her.

He was just a yellow-skinned international student at the University of Tokyo who disappeared without a trace, and no one would ever seek justice for him.

So what if I'm a necromancer?

Even then, they can't withstand being shot in the back.

Even with eye-sensing and desire-sensing abilities, if you're not careful, someone could shoot you from a distance with a Taser or a hypnotic needle and knock you out on the spot. After that, you won't be able to control what happens next.

Haven't you seen that even the mighty President has become one-eared? What makes Richard think he can compare his security measures to the President's?

In short, it's better to play it safe.

Christina is extremely fast.

With the research direction and steps determined, and funding secured, all that remained was finding the right people.

This project is no longer a small-scale undertaking.

She directly incorporated the newly established skin anti-aging project into it, expanding the number of people involved from two oxen and one horse, Edgar and Klin, plus Daniel, to fifty.

She activated the only BSL-4 biochemical laboratory in the lab.

Evelyn, under Christina's instructions, selected eighty people and spoke with each of them individually.

Ultimately, thirty-eight people agreed to join this top-secret new project: the "Rejuvenation Project."

All 38 people are required to sign a lifetime confidentiality agreement. Data is stored locally, physically isolated from the network, and only partial results are disclosed to investors. The process and methods are kept permanently confidential.

All personnel involved in the experiments are prohibited from disclosing any information to the public.

Any exposure would invite severe repercussions from cell labs and investors; life imprisonment would be the least of their worries, and even jail time would be a luxury.

If it really affects such a promising project, Christina doesn't hesitate to use some extreme measures.

Surely no one really thinks Christina is a great philanthropist?

You can't do biochemical and medical research if you're not tough-hearted enough, and you can't hold your position as the principal investigator (PI) of a super laboratory with billions of dollars in funding.

position.

Edgar and Klin hesitated.

Christina went directly to the two of them: "After you finish your PhD, I'll give you a postdoctoral position with an annual salary of 15. If you can continue to produce results in this new project, I'll raise it to 25."

He then said to Klin, "You can continue your doctoral studies with me. If this project doesn't produce results, I'll help you make up for the papers you need from other projects. Edgar, the same goes for you."

Edgar and Klin immediately knelt down.

To put it bluntly, this means they recommend you for a doctoral dissertation, then send you to a postdoctoral position, and offer you a high salary.

Then why would you need a bicycle?

"What exactly is the research objective of our project?" With tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars invested, no one believes that the goal is the so-called skin rejuvenation.

Christina stated bluntly: "It's about rejuvenating the skin."

You actually research this?

Both of them were stunned.

But thinking about it, it seems normal. Given Christina's status, doing some ordinary research would no longer be of much use to her.

Even CNS journals are worthless.

To achieve further breakthroughs in scientific research, we must delve into more cutting-edge trends: immortality of consciousness, the supernatural, cyborg warfare, the nature of life, and immortality...

It doesn't seem that difficult to understand.

For them, they're just employees; as long as they get paid, that's all that matters.

Even if they conduct some inhumane experiments, Christina will take the blame after it's exposed; they can simply find another job.

Christina is extremely fast.

Three days later, the project was officially launched, and the first research project, "separating substance X," began.

The lights in the entire underground laboratory are always on, working in shifts 24 hours a day.

According to Christina's estimate, this study may last four to six months.

As long as the funding is in place, there will be no shortage of volunteers.

Richard arrived at the blood-drawing station, took a vial of freshly drawn blood and tried it, but couldn't absorb the "fresh flesh and blood".

Blood that is separated from the body is no longer considered fresh flesh and blood. Why?

He then tried to absorb the blood directly while drawing blood from a patient.

This time it was a success.

The black man lying on the hospital bed looked at Richard shakily and asked, "Bro, is it okay now?"

His face was deathly pale; he had just signed the volunteer agreement and was filled with dread.

He had no idea what these masked, white-suited mad scientists wanted to do with him.

I felt a sudden chill all over my body, as if something had flowed out of my veins.

"No problem, go ahead."

Richard tested seven or eight more patients and basically confirmed that only blood inside the body could be absorbed as "fresh flesh and blood," while blood outside the body could not.

unknown reason.

Since drawing blood can also steal a little bit of "fresh flesh and blood," it might as well be a regular method.

However, drawing blood requires a license. Drawing blood once or twice on an ad-hoc basis is fine, but drawing blood without a license all the time can easily lead to being reported.

I need to get a blood-drawing license.

There's no need to take the risk for such a small matter.

Richard picked up his phone and called Daniel, the know-it-all: "What's the fastest way to get a blood-drawing license?"

Why are you learning blood drawing again? Daniel was a little confused, but quickly said, "It's simple. I'll find you a reliable blood drawing training course, thirty lessons. Don't worry, I'll find you a reliable teacher, five or six hours of class every day, and you'll finish in a week. Then you'll need to do 40 or 50 real blood drawing practice sessions under the teacher's guidance. Finally, you'll take a computer-based exam, that's it. The whole process won't take more than a week."

"No problem, please register me. I'll transfer the tuition fee to you."

Soon, an address and name were sent over: Saide Health Vocational Training Center, located next to Flushing.

Richard drove away from the volunteer blood donation site.

Richard was in a good mood as the research on immortality finally got on track.

In addition, Christina has started a small $12 project on cadaver disease and disposal, using this as grounds to apply to the New York City government for a temporary research site on Hart Island, but the process will take time.

About a month later, Richard will be able to legally and legitimately stay on Hart Island indefinitely.

Alaric stood at the end of the corridor, watching his project team shrink from fifteen to twelve people.

The reduction wasn't significant, but these were the most capable oxen and horses.

He was very unhappy, but there was nothing he could do.

Perhaps it's time to leave this place and set up my own laboratory.

He has worked with Christina for many years and believes he has accumulated a lot of project experience and skills.

In this place, his brilliance will forever be overshadowed by Christina's.

He was merely an insignificant senior scientist under Christina's tutelage.

He was confident that he was capable of making some groundbreaking research and had some good ideas; he just needed to secure some research funding.

He believed that his previous achievements in the cell laboratory were enough to secure $200-300 million in funding.

Alaric went straight to Christina and said seriously, "My project is basically finished. Next, I want to study some of my own things."

Christina put down her pen.

She understood what Alaric meant; she knew Alaric was leaving.

However, Christina did not try to stop her. This kind of thing has happened countless times in the cell laboratory, and it will happen countless times in the future.

She simply asked, "Do you need me to help you find some start-up funding?"

Alaric shook his head: "Thank you very much, but it's not necessary. I can find the funding."

He also has his pride.

Working with Christina for many years, he learned a lot, including the ability to make money.

He believed he was just missing an opportunity to soar to new heights.

Christina thought for a moment and decided that Alaric was a promising talent. She added, "The de-aging project is likely to expand in the future. In one to two years at most, I might need you to join it. You will receive Nobel Prize-level research in the future."

Rejuvenation? Immortality? Alaric, of course, didn't believe it, and his attitude was firm: "No, I have things I want to do."

Over the years, he has accumulated a lot of ideas and inspirations, but because he is in Christina's laboratory, he has no control over what he researches.

Now he feels he has the ability to research new topics.

Christina stood up and straightened her clothes: "In that case, alright. If you ever want to come back in the future, the doors of the cell lab will always be open to you."

""

Alaric said confidently, "I hope that day never comes."

"Hahaha." Christina laughed.

The two shook hands formally, marking a peaceful parting.

After more than a decade of collaboration, Alaric's proud personality prevented him from doing anything to harm Christina.

Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment before specifically reminding Christina: "You know I'm not one to speak ill of people, but you should be careful with Ivan Lee and Cole Barnes, those two postdocs. Their attitude towards Richard doesn't seem quite right. I know you really like that young man Richard."

Christina nodded: "Okay, I understand, I'll handle it."

Goodbye then.

Christina smiled and said, "Don't rush things. Give me a week to find a successor."

"no problem."

The two parted amicably and went their separate ways.

Everyone has their own ideas.

Christina glanced at his retreating figure but said nothing.

In the decades to come, she will explore areas that no one before her could have imagined.

Alaric had no idea what he had missed. Even if Richard hadn't allowed the most crucial parts to be revealed, and had only released some peripheral details, it would have been enough to generate a whole bunch of more Nobel Prizes.

For example, the fact that telomeres can resume growth and continue to divide is enough to earn a Nobel Prize.

Alaric, what a pity.

Christina looked away, opened the personnel system, and checked the list of candidates.

Cell labs are full of geniuses, but there aren't many positions available.

Alaric's departure was not unexpected; many talented young people choose to leave after conducting research in the lab for a period of time.

People come and go, gather and disperse, she's gotten used to it.

She simply lamented that Alaric had missed a huge opportunity; someone else could have won the Nobel Prize instead.

For example, getting telomeres to resume growth and continue dividing could be enough to win a Nobel Prize.

A reproducible phenomenon was right in front of her, and she didn't believe it was impossible to figure out; it was just a matter of time.

If a researcher were to spend ten or even twenty years breaking through a difficult problem and then potentially win the Nobel Prize, countless scientists would fight tooth and nail for it.

Alaric, what a pity.

Christina sighed and crossed Alaric's name off the list.

Who should be promoted next?

A few minutes later, Christina summoned Evelyn: "Schedule a time for everyone on this list. I need to meet with each of them to find Alaric's successor."

"Alaric is gone?" Evelyn remained calm, simply noting it down: "Okay."

"And one more thing," Christina said, bowing her head to continue her work without looking up, "make sure Ivan Lee and Cole Barnes leave immediately and pay the penalty for breach of contract."

Evelyn didn't ask anything, but simply said again, "Okay."

Richard finished his day's work and walked out of the OCME building.

Helen wore thick woolen gloves and a scarf around her neck. Her classically beautiful face had a unique charm under the dim streetlights.

"Oh, it's snowing." Helen reached out to catch the snowflakes, her face beaming under the dim streetlights.

Richard looked up at the sky.

The first snowflake fell slowly.

Christmas is just around the corner.

Richard said quietly:

.

"Yes, it's snowing."

Snowflakes glistened on Helen's cheeks, reflecting the dappled light of the streetlights.

Click!

The flash went off.

The two turned around at the sound and saw Irving walking over with a smile.

"I saw you two standing there, you looked so beautiful, so I took a picture and sent it to you."

Irving sent the photos to Helen and Richard.

Helen looked at the photos on her phone.

The two stood side by side under the dim streetlights, and the snow was falling from the sky; it was truly a beautiful scene.

"Thank you, I really like it." Helen's cheeks were flushed.

"You're welcome." Owen winked at Richard. "Good luck!"

Richard smiled, and Helen's face turned even redder.

Richard watched Irving's departing figure; Irving wasn't as sunny as he appeared on the surface.

A huge flame of despair burned above his head; he still hadn't recovered from the blow of OCME selling corpses.

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