Li Chengzhi sat quietly in the reception room, sipping tea while watching a movie on the projection screen. He had visited the Marching Ant Company several times and was now quite familiar with the routine—and with Chen Mo's habits.
Every time he came, if Chen Mo was in the lab, he had to wait. Only when Chen Mo emerged would their meeting begin.
He understood completely.
Chen Mo wasn't like typical entrepreneurs. His time was incredibly valuable. Most of it was devoted to research and development, with very little left for socializing.
That was why Chen Mo rarely appeared in public. If he spent his days networking and entertaining, he wouldn't have time for scientific breakthroughs.
At the Marching Ant Company, there was even an unwritten rule: never disturb Chen Mo while he's in the lab.
Still, the reception room was hardly a boring place to wait. Set in the heart of the Marching Ant industrial park, it had everything—food, drinks, entertainment. A pleasant environment made the wait tolerable.
"Mr. Li, the boss has asked me to take you up," said a robot, gliding over to him.
"Alright."
Li Chengzhi smiled and followed the robot. Upon seeing Chen Mo, he grinned warmly.
"Brother Chen, you're a hard man to catch," he joked.
"Please, sit. Brother Li, I assume you're here with a reply?" Chen Mo gestured toward the sofa.
"Yes," Li Chengzhi said, sitting down. "After review by the higher-ups, your proposed cooperation has been approved."
This was no surprise. The offer Chen Mo made was like a gift—there was no reason for them to refuse. The partnership would significantly speed up the Huaxia Captain project, cutting costs and time in half.
Chen Mo nodded. This outcome was expected.
"Also, before I came, Academician Wu contacted me. She asked me to inform you that the clinical trial application for the bio-enhancement drug has been approved. Human trials are now officially underway. As promised, you'll be participating as one of the lead researchers."
Chen Mo raised his eyebrows slightly.
Wu Bing had indeed mentioned this before, but he hadn't expected the process to move this fast. Most drug trials—especially clinical trials—involved lengthy approval timelines.
Then again, this was the Academy of Engineering. Things moved differently at that level.
If development were forced to crawl through the same red tape as standard commercial R&D, progress would grind to a halt.
"When do the trials begin?" Chen Mo asked.
"In a few days. They're still recruiting volunteers. Due to the nature of the drug, the criteria are more strict, so it's taking a little longer," Li Chengzhi explained with a shrug.
"In that case, I'll go to the capital with you," Chen Mo said after a moment's thought. "I've got some free time now. I'll also bring the final version of the formula and technical documents with me."
Li Chengzhi's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected Chen Mo to be so straightforward. He admired this about Chen Mo—he never dragged things out or overcomplicated them. Efficient and decisive.
"When would be convenient for you?"
"Since volunteers are still being screened, let's leave the day after tomorrow."
Now that the superconducting computer was complete, and he'd just acquired the new holographic technology, Chen Mo could afford a short break before diving into the next research phase.
"Perfect. I'll come pick you up the day after tomorrow."
With the plan set, Li Chengzhi left the Marching Ant Company in good spirits. The mission had gone smoothly, and the handover was seamless.
Thanks to his longstanding relationship with Chen Mo, he'd been entrusted with all direct contact. Especially for sensitive matters like this, there was no better candidate.
—
After Li Chengzhi left, Chen Mo turned his attention to the computer and began organizing the massive cache of holographic technology data he had obtained from the Science and Technology Library.
—
Two days later, five individuals dressed in formal military-style uniforms arrived outside Chen Mo's villa in the early morning. Their presence was imposing—people instinctively kept their distance, sensing they were anything but ordinary.
They were the escort team Li Chengzhi had dispatched to pick up Chen Mo.
Wang Hai and Bai Ze (White Pearl) stood calmly at the villa entrance. Having once served in special operations, they instantly recognized the identities of the newcomers and weren't surprised in the least.
What did surprise them was the fact that a specialized team had been dispatched to escort Chen Mo. That level of security was rare—even for high-ranking officials. It showed just how important Chen Mo had become.
As Chen Mo and Xiao Yu stepped out of the villa, the team leader, Yang Jun, snapped to attention and approached with a smile. The other four moved quickly to help carry Chen Mo's luggage—though the only item was a simple black suitcase.
Still, they treated it with utmost care.
All eyes were on Chen Mo.
This was the tech genius behind the seismograph, a man whose innovations had impacted millions. For most of the escort team, it was their first time meeting him in person.
It was difficult to believe that this unassuming young man had achieved so much.
"Mr. Chen, I'm Yang Jun. Our commander assigned us to escort you," the team leader said respectfully.
Before they had departed, their orders had been very clear: treat Chen Mo with full courtesy. Any disrespect could bring serious consequences. Yang Jun understood this and maintained a respectful tone throughout.
"Nice to meet you," Chen Mo replied, shaking his hand. He then turned to Xiao Yu. "I'll be back in a few days. Call me if anything comes up."
"I will." Xiao Yu nodded, her voice soft with concern. "The weather in the north has gotten cold. I packed your warm clothes in the suitcase—don't forget to put them on before you get off the plane. And remember to eat on time."
"I will," Chen Mo said, heart warmed by her care.
"White Pearl, help look after Xiao Yu while I'm gone," Chen Mo added.
"Understood," she said with a nod.
With the farewells complete, Chen Mo and Wang Hai entered the vehicle with Yang Jun and the others, leaving the villa neighborhood behind.
"Are we headed to the airport?" Chen Mo asked, glancing at Yang Jun in the front passenger seat.
Yang Jun, with his buzz cut and tanned complexion, had the look of a seasoned soldier. Even while speaking, his eyes stayed sharp, scanning the road ahead.
"No. We're going straight to the base. A special military aircraft is on standby to take you to the capital. No need for the airport."
This was a high-level mission. Their orders were to ensure Chen Mo's safety at all costs. Even a minor slip-up would be considered a mission failure.
Chen Mo chuckled, lightly rubbing his nose. "Didn't expect to have my own special plane. That's a first."
He didn't say much more after that. Watching the scenery pass outside the window, he soon leaned back, closed his eyes, and rested.