Chen Mo carefully studied the latest report generated by Mo Nu.
Ten trials had been conducted so far, and all the mice remained in excellent health—no deaths, no abnormalities.
After administering the drug, all test subjects displayed marked improvement. Their posture was more upright, and tests measuring flexibility and physical strength showed noticeable gains compared to the control group. This confirmed that the drug had a significant enhancing effect even on mice—a promising result.
Notably, the drug couldn't be overdosed. Once the body was exposed to a sufficient amount, the cells developed a form of immunity to the compound, rendering additional doses ineffective. That meant no matter how much was taken after a threshold, the effect wouldn't increase.
During trials, it was found that at a concentration of 0.06g per ml, all subsequent results stabilized—additional doses produced no further enhancement.
The drug functioned by enhancing cell vitality, increasing muscle toughness, and improving strength and sensitivity.
To put it simply, it was like adding rare earth elements to steel—a minuscule amount drastically improved strength. Similarly, this special substance—when absorbed by the body—could dramatically enhance physical capabilities.
Chen Mo wasn't surprised. His own body was the living proof.
Though mice and humans were biologically different, the drug's effectiveness on animals was a good indication. Still, it wasn't something that could be casually administered to humans—let alone released to the market.
Drug development was an extremely sensitive topic worldwide. No matter the country, strict review processes were mandatory before any human trials could begin. Conducting private experiments on people—even with good intentions—could lead to criminal charges or worse.
Drug research touched on life and death. Because of this, even some of the more benign products from Chen Mo's pharmaceutical branch—like breast enhancement or aphrodisiac formulations—had yet to make it to market. Clinical trials and safety certification were long, bureaucratic hurdles.
This potential-enhancing agent had little remaining value to Chen Mo personally, but for others, it could be monumental.
He had tried it on himself. He knew its terrifying potential. In the hands of a nation, this drug could drastically increase the combat effectiveness of its soldiers.
It absolutely could not be leaked.
Chen Mo began thinking of how to handle the drug. This sort of project would be classified as top-secret in any country.
He had no intention of publicizing it. The only viable path forward was through cooperation with the government. Though the drug held limited personal benefit now, it could be a valuable card in forging official collaboration.
After a while lost in thought, Chen Mo exhaled and returned to focus.
"Chen Mo, Miss Xiao Yu is waiting for you in your office," a second-generation robot assistant gently reminded him.
Mo Nu never interrupted him unless something was urgent or he was clearly done thinking.
"Oh, okay. Continue monitoring the mice and collecting data. If anything changes, notify me immediately."
"Understood, Master," Mo Nu replied.
Chen Mo removed his lab coat and stepped out. As he walked, his thoughts lingered on how best to use the potential-enhancing drug.
"Did the experiment go smoothly?" Xiao Yu asked as she met him outside the lab.
"The first phase was very successful," Chen Mo said with a smile, taking her hand as they walked.
As they approached the elevator, Xiao Yu noticed he was lost in thought. She didn't interrupt, simply holding his hand gently. When Chen Mo finally returned to the present, she smiled and asked, "What were you thinking about?"
"Just considering some potential applications for the new compound," Chen Mo replied, ruffling her hair fondly. "But enough of that—now it's time to be with my wife."
Research was important, but so was a balanced life. Chen Mo had long realized that even if he spent his whole life studying the Science and Technology Library, he'd never exhaust it. So when the workday ended, he tried to maintain a rhythm and give time to Xiao Yu.
Feeling his warmth and care, Xiao Yu beamed with joy.
That evening, when they got home, Xiao Yu clung to his arm and looked up at him with puppy-dog eyes.
"Honey, I want to go out tonight. Will you come with me?"
"Of course," Chen Mo answered without hesitation.
Whenever Xiao Yu acted a little clingy or spoiled, he found it impossible to refuse. It was rare for her to show this side of herself—only in front of him did she open up like this.
"Thank you!" she said sweetly, kissing him on the cheek.
Because of Chen Mo's identity, they didn't go out as freely as before. She knew that any outing required careful planning, and she couldn't just act on a whim anymore. That's why she rarely made requests, and only brought it up when she really wanted to go.
"I'll go start dinner," Xiao Yu said, slipping off her shoes and heading for the kitchen.
She was a simple, thoughtful girl. She knew how immersed Chen Mo got in his research and rarely demanded anything extravagant. When she did want something, it was usually nothing more than a walk, a movie, or a casual outing.
So Chen Mo often joked that she was "fishing for attention," and he was happy to be hooked. Her rare requests were always met with a smile—and sometimes, a surprise gift.
After dinner, the two of them went out for a simple date.
There were no dramatic romantic tropes or soap-opera-level love stories in their relationship. Just the quiet, sweet happiness of an ordinary couple—eating, shopping, watching a movie.
Xiao Yu didn't choose some fancy high-end venue either. They stuck to familiar places they were comfortable with.
As always, bodyguards like Wang Hai and White Pearl discreetly followed from a distance.
When Xiao Yu finally felt tired, they returned home together, content and relaxed.
The next morning, Chen Mo summoned Zhao Min to the biotech lab.
"New technology again?" Zhao Min asked with a sigh as she entered.
Ever since Chen Mo nearly gave her a heart attack with room-temperature superconductors, she had steeled herself for his surprises. Whenever he locked himself in the lab, it usually meant something big was coming.
She was used to the abnormal by now.
"Yeah," Chen Mo said. "Do you believe in sci-fi super soldiers? Or martial arts heroes from ancient wuxia novels?"
"Well, the science fiction ones sound more realistic. The wuxia guys? Not so much." Zhao Min narrowed her eyes. "Is this about the new project?"
Chen Mo led her to a nearby workbench and lifted a small vial of shimmering liquid.
"This drug can theoretically activate human potential. There's a unique compound inside I call the 'silencing factor.' Think of it like a rare earth element for the body—it enhances strength, agility, and endurance."
Zhao Min stared, wide-eyed.
"You're serious?" she asked, swallowing hard.
"Test data shows it works—at least in mice. I called you here for your opinion on how to handle this. You're the president, after all."
Zhao Min raised an eyebrow. "You're actually asking me before deciding? That's new."
Chen Mo smiled.
She'd been startled before by his inventions, but by now she understood that anything coming from him could be revolutionary. There were still countless secrets inside Building 1 she hadn't even begun to understand.
"If this drug works like you say, then it shouldn't be released to the public—at least not anytime soon," she said. "Something like this can only be used in very specific, controlled circumstances."
"I was thinking of working with the authorities on this. After all, collaboration is inevitable," Chen Mo replied.
"Exactly. After the superconductors, we were always going to build deeper ties with the top. This drug can serve as a soft entry point for formal cooperation. Military-civilian collaborations are a growing trend, and this fits that model perfectly."
"We're on the same page then," Chen Mo nodded.
Zhao Min glanced again at the vial in his hand.
"What did you say that compound was called?"
"Silencing Factor," Chen Mo replied with a playful grin. "Discovered by yours truly."
Zhao Min rolled her eyes. "You win."