Li Chengzhi hadn't expected Chen Mo to offer such a generous cooperation proposal. It was practically a gift.
From their perspective, this was a massive windfall.
Given the complexity and depth of the technology, developing it from scratch would easily cost billions—not just in R&D funding, but in time, manpower, and failed trials. Those were resources that couldn't simply be bought.
But now? With just a few words, Chen Mo had handed them a shortcut.
Ten thousand yuan in technical fees per dose—after tax, no less—was so symbolic it bordered on absurd. For something this strategically valuable, it was practically being sold at the price of cabbage. Li Chengzhi almost thought he misheard.
"You'll provide the pharmaceutical equipment, raw materials, and research personnel," Chen Mo said again, clearly and calmly. "For each unit produced, we charge 10,000 yuan in technical fees—post-tax. That's my condition. If the authorities can offer some policy support for our other products, even better."
"I'll report this back to my superiors," Li Chengzhi said, giving Chen Mo a deep, contemplative look.
Even with all his experience, he couldn't quite figure out what Chen Mo was really thinking. Was he hiding something? Was this some kind of strategic trap? But after a moment, he dismissed the thought—unless Chen Mo had a death wish, there was no way he'd risk that kind of move.
Besides, he wasn't giving this away entirely.
"Brother Chen, about those experimental samples—our researchers could use more doses for testing," Li added.
"Sure," Chen Mo replied. "But this batch isn't free. I haven't gone into mass production yet, and it's costly to make. One hundred thousand yuan per vial. How many do you need?"
Li Chengzhi nodded without hesitation. For what they were getting, the price was more than fair.
"Fifty vials should be enough for the next round of testing. If we need more, I'll contact you."
After receiving the first test report, Wu Bing had urgently requested more of the agent. The tiny sample they had earlier wasn't enough to conduct comprehensive tests—especially clinical ones. With more material, they could begin evaluating the technology's full maturity and scope.
But then Chen Mo shook his head.
"I don't have fifty vials."
Purifying this agent was an especially tedious process. He hadn't stockpiled much—there was no need to, since he had no plans to mass-produce or commercialize it.
"Twenty. That's the best I can do," Chen Mo said.
Li Chengzhi thought for a second, then nodded. "That's fine."
After some final coordination, Li carefully packed the vials into a secure container and left the Marching Ant headquarters. He needed to report Chen Mo's terms back to the higher-ups as soon as possible.
"You really know how to do business," Zhao Min muttered once Li Chengzhi was gone. "You didn't even leave him a pair of pants."
She had stayed silent while Li was present, but now she could speak freely.
"That thing won't make us any real money anyway," Chen Mo said, glancing toward the door Li had exited. "You think that kind of drug would ever be publicly sold?"
Zhao Min shook her head.
The implications of this drug were enormous. It was the kind of technology that would be classified and absorbed directly into military systems. Even if fully developed, it would never reach the market. At most, it might be used in extremely limited quantities for elite soldiers or special operations personnel.
Once word got out, the secret would be lost. There was no chance of it going public.
"Even if we could produce ten thousand, a hundred thousand doses a year—what kind of profit would that be? Raise the price five, ten times, it still wouldn't be a game-changer," Chen Mo said. "Instead of chasing peanuts, better to offer it symbolically—and earn some goodwill."
"Then why not just give it to them outright?" Zhao Min asked.
"Giving it away for free is boring," Chen Mo replied with a chuckle. "It's not in our company's nature. Charging a little symbolic fee makes it clear the technology wasn't handed over casually. And at the same time, it buys us a favor. It's a win-win. Besides, it sets the stage for future cooperation—we won't be giving away the next thing."
Zhao Min nodded.
She had been looking at it purely from a business perspective—thinking in terms of return on investment. But Chen Mo's goal had never been profit from this drug. It was about building rapport, planting seeds for bigger opportunities down the line.
Now it all made sense.
After their talk, Zhao Min returned to her own office to handle company matters. Meanwhile, Chen Mo lay back on the office sofa and entered the Science and Technology Library, scanning through foundational technologies that might be useful to him.
After work, Chen Mo left with Xiao Yu. They stopped by the supermarket, with Chen Mo pushing the cart while Xiao Yu browsed the vegetables, occasionally pausing to examine them carefully.
"Still swamped with work lately?" Chen Mo asked.
"Of course," Xiao Yu replied with a smile. "But now that the company uses smart office systems, everything runs really efficiently. Data analysis and copywriting are lightning-fast. Sister Zhao asked me to help check some project budgets and reports. Keeps me busy, but I still sneak time for a cup of tea."
"Don't overwork yourself," Chen Mo reminded gently.
If Xiao Yu wanted to stay home, he wouldn't mind. But he'd never force her to become a housewife either. Xiao Yu wasn't the type to sit idle—and honestly, he didn't want her to be.
A person who did nothing at home all day would eventually lose their spark.
As long as she was happy and not exhausted, he was content. He didn't need her to be amazing or versatile—just to be herself.
"What do you want for dinner? I'll cook," Xiao Yu asked as they finished picking out vegetables.
"Do you even need to ask?" Chen Mo grinned. "Seafood, of course. Preferably fish."
Hearing that, Xiao Yu's eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed. "You're so indecent."
"What? I'm being serious. Grilled fish tonight, some crabs and crayfish... we'll eat while watching TV," Chen Mo said casually. "Save the smallest fish... for the late night."
"You really don't know how to behave." Xiao Yu's face turned crimson, but she smiled, gently swatting his arm.
"Oh? You're even stealing my lines now," Chen Mo teased, laughing. "But seriously—I just really like fish."
"Bad egg! I'll feed you till you're full tonight."
Xiao Yu rolled her eyes, blushing as she clung to his arm and led him toward the seafood section.
"What bad guy?" Chen Mo grinned. "This is called enjoying life. Can't I eat fish? Let's make it extra spicy tonight."
"You have no shame... Stop talking like that in public! Wait till we get home." Xiao Yu's face was as red as a cherry.
"Why be afraid? No one knows what I mean—just eating fish." Chen Mo chuckled, but before he could finish, a sharp pinch to his waist made him yelp.
"Ow!"
"You're not eating anything if you keep that up."
Xiao Yu huffed and turned away, her face still pink. Even though she was already his wife, she still blushed easily when he teased her like that.
They finished their shopping, bags filled with seafood and vegetables. Chen Mo, grinning like a fool, carried two big bags back to the villa—ready for a cozy night in.