Rebirth 70: I am a Koi

The night wind howled like a wild animal, blowing up the fallen leaves on the ground and stirring up the uneasiness in my heart. After Hanchuan arranged for the base workers to repel the uninvited guests, we returned to the villa.

"It seems that we have to speed up the progress." I took a deep breath and looked at Hanchuan, "Have you found the address recorded in the diary?"

Hanchuan nodded and took out a yellowed piece of paper from the drawer, on which was written an address in beautiful handwriting. That was the content of the last page of the diary, and it was also the key to solving all the mysteries.

"I've sent someone to check, and the address points to an abandoned gardening field in the suburbs." Hanchuan said in a deep voice, "It has been abandoned for many years, and it is very suitable for us to conduct secret research."

That night, we drove to the suburban garden with our diaries. The pale moonlight shone on the dilapidated buildings, making them even more eerie.

Following the instructions in the diary, we found the laboratory hidden underground. Although the laboratory had been abandoned for a long time, it was still fully equipped. We carefully cleaned the dust and installed and debugged the instruments we brought.

"Is this the mysterious ally you mentioned?" Hanchuan looked at the kind-looking old man in front of him, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The old man is Professor Li, a retired horticultural master and a close friend of the original owner of the diary. He is proficient in plant cultivation and has done some research on genetic modification technology.

"Professor Li, this is Professor Wang, a botany expert." I introduced the elegant middle-aged man next to me to Professor Li. "He is my friend. He is very interested in our research and is willing to provide help."

Professor Li nodded, his eyes fell on the diary on the laboratory table, his eyes flashing with nostalgia and admiration: "I will do my best to complete my old friend's research."

News also came from Lin Xiao. She found suspicious footprints and damaged surveillance equipment near the base, confirming the existence of commercial espionage.

"It seems that we have to be more careful." I said solemnly.

Time was running out, so we didn't dare to slack off and started the experiment overnight. Professor Li tried to extract plant genes and conduct transformation experiments based on the methods recorded in his diary. Professor Wang assisted and recorded the experimental data.

Hanchuan was responsible for our safety. He strengthened the security around the garden and arranged for people to take turns on duty.

Late at night, the laboratory is brightly lit, and we seem to be in another world, a world full of unknowns and challenges.

"Wait, look..." Professor Li pointed at the scene under the microscope, with a hint of disbelief in his tone, "The gene chain seems to have changed..."

Professor Li's excited voice made Hanchuan and I move closer, holding our breath and looking at the microscope. The originally chaotic gene chain now showed a strange regularity, as if it had been rearranged by some force.

"This... this is simply a miracle!" Professor Wang pushed his glasses up and muttered to himself in disbelief, "According to the method in the diary, it is really possible to change the genes of plants!"

I was overwhelmed with joy. This not only meant that what was recorded in the diary was true, but also that we were one step closer to uncovering the secret and finding a solution to the food crisis.

However, before we could be happy for too long, Professor Li's face suddenly turned serious. "What's wrong, Professor Li?" I noticed something was wrong and asked anxiously.

Professor Li pointed at the scene under the microscope and said in a deep voice: "You see, although the changes in the gene chain show regularity, we cannot control this regularity yet, and we can't even predict how it will eventually develop."

His words were like cold water poured over my head, instantly extinguishing the joy in my heart. Yes, although we can change genes, we cannot completely control it, and no one knows what will appear in the end.

"Will it be possible...will it be possible to breed some terrible mutant species like in science fiction movies?" Lin Xiao's voice trembled a little, and he was obviously shrouded in this unknown fear.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. "Professor Li, what do you think are the risks of continuing the experiment?"

Professor Li pondered for a moment and said slowly: "The biggest risk is gene mutation. We have only mastered the preliminary methods of changing genes, but our understanding of genes is far from enough. Once the experiment gets out of control, it is very likely to cause gene mutation and cultivate some mutant plants that we cannot control."

His worries were not without reason. I looked at Hanchuan, and his deep eyes were also full of worry and solemnity.

"It seems that we have to suspend the experiment first." Hanchuan made a decisive decision, "Until we find a way to control gene mutation, we can't take any more risks."

I nodded in agreement. The most urgent task now is not only to continue researching genetic modification technology, but also to solve the problem of industrial espionage.

"I have sent people to strengthen the security of the base and will not give those people the chance to get close." Hanchuan's tone was firm, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

I know he must have another trick up his sleeve.

"I have found the traitor." Hanchuan's voice was low, but it was like a bomb exploding in my ears.

"Who is it?!" I stood up suddenly and asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, I have already laid a net, just waiting for him to fall into it." Han Chuan's mouth curled up in an icy arc, and a cold light flashed in his eyes, "This time, I will catch them all in one fell swoop!"

Late at night, we were lying in ambush in the woods near the base. Hanchuan held my hand tightly and whispered, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

In the distance, a dark shadow was stealthily approaching the base. I held my breath, my heart pounding.

"Now!" Han Chuan gave an order and we rushed out of the woods...

The shadow was stunned by the sudden light, and before he could react, he was pinned to the ground by the men brought by Hanchuan. I saw his face clearly in the light, and he turned out to be an inconspicuous employee in the planting base. He was usually taciturn and I had almost no impression of him.

"Tell me, who sent you here?" Hanchuan asked harshly, his tone icy cold.

The employee was obviously frightened and trembled and couldn't speak. Han Chuan didn't show any mercy and said in a more serious tone: "Don't say it? Then don't blame me for being rude!"

"I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" The employee finally broke down. "Someone gave me some money and asked me to steal the research data from the base..."

"Who is it?!" I couldn't help but ask, anger welling up in my heart. These people were so despicable and shameless for the sake of profit!

"I... I don't know... he... he only gave me an account... and asked me to transfer the information..." The employee looked at us in horror, his eyes full of fear and regret.

Hanchuan ignored him and had him taken away. I know this is just the beginning, and the mastermind has not yet shown up.

"Don't worry, I will find out." Hanchuan held my hand, his tone firm but gentle.

In the following days, we strengthened the security of the base while waiting for news from the mysterious ally. Finally, one night, we received a call from him.

"I have found some clues." His voice was low and mysterious. "The one who ordered the industrial espionage was an international agricultural giant called 'Agriculture Company'."

"Agricultural company?" I was surprised. I was familiar with this name. It is one of the largest agricultural companies in the world with business all over the world.

"Why are they doing this?" I asked in confusion, "Could it be...could it be that they are also interested in our research results?"

"It's very likely." Hanchuan's face also became solemn. "Agricultural companies have been committed to developing new crops to increase yields and profits. If our research results are mastered by them, it will pose a huge threat to their market position."

The mysterious ally continued, "According to my investigation, there is a secret laboratory inside the agricultural company that specializes in genetic engineering research. They have been secretly collecting various plant gene samples in an attempt to develop super crops that can monopolize the global market."

"It seems like we have really stirred up a hornet's nest this time." I muttered to myself, with an unprecedented pressure surging in my heart.

Agricultural company, a huge business empire, can we really compete with it? I looked at Hanchuan, but found that there was no fear in his eyes, but a burning fighting spirit.

"Don't be afraid, we still have time." He held my hand tightly, his tone firm and confident, "As long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties!"

However, none of us expected that even greater challenges were still to come... Just then, a rapid phone ring broke the tranquility of the night, and a strange and anxious voice came from the other end of the phone... It was a strange male voice on the other end of the phone, with a bit of urgency and anxiety: "Excuse me, is this Ms. Mu Jinli? I am Professor Wang's student, my name is Li Ming, the teacher wants to see you and Mr. Bai, it's related to the research on the diary, it's a matter of great importance, the sooner the better!"

Professor Wang is a leading figure in the field of botany in China. He retired a few years ago due to health reasons. I didn't expect that he would be interested in the contents of the diary. I felt as if I had grabbed a life-saving straw. Maybe Professor Wang could help us!

I quickly exchanged a glance with Hanchuan, and he nodded slightly. I immediately said to Li Ming on the other end of the phone, "Okay, we'll be there right away. Please tell us the address."

After hanging up the phone, I immediately arranged for Lin Xiao to prepare the vehicle, and briefly explained the matter to Han Chuan. Han Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "Professor Wang is highly respected and has extensive research in the field of botany. If we can get his help, it will be a great help to our research."

"I thought so too, and from Li Ming's tone, the matter seems very urgent." I felt a little uneasy in my heart, and hoped that everything would go well.

An hour later, we arrived at Professor Wang's residence, a simple two-story building with a yard full of exotic flowers and plants, exuding a faint fragrance.

Li Ming was already waiting at the door. He welcomed us into the living room. Professor Wang was sitting on the sofa, flipping through a thick book. Although he was over 70 years old, he was in good spirits and had sharp eyes.

"Hello, Professor Wang, I'm sorry for disturbing you." I greeted him respectfully.

Professor Wang put down the book in his hand, motioned us to sit down, and said, "You're welcome. I heard that you are researching a special plant cultivation technology. I am very interested in it."

I briefly introduced the origin of the diary and our current research progress to Professor Wang, and expressed my desire for his help.

After listening to my story, Professor Wang paused for a moment and said, "Your discovery is valuable, but it is also full of risks. Agricultural companies are not good people. They will do anything for profit. You must be extra careful."

His words were full of worry. My heart tightened and I asked, "Professor Wang, you seem to know something?"

Professor Wang sighed and said, "When I was young, I worked in an agricultural company's laboratory for a period of time, and I know a thing or two about their style of doing things. They have been secretly conducting genetic modification research, trying to cultivate super crops that can control the global food market. Your discovery has touched their core interests."

"It's true!" I was shocked. The agricultural company's ambition is far greater than we thought. We must be more careful.

Professor Wang continued, "I have found a way to crack the key technology in the diary. I need a reliable botanical expert to help me complete this research. I wonder if you..."

I was about to speak when suddenly, a rapid knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Li Ming's face changed, and he walked quickly to the door and looked out through the peephole. After a moment, he turned his head sharply and said in a low voice, "It's someone from the agricultural company!"

I suddenly felt a chill running from the soles of my feet to my heart. They actually came to my door so quickly!

Hanchuan held my hand tightly, his eyes firm and cold, he whispered: "It seems that we have no way out..."

Li Ming paced anxiously in the room. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, he looked up and said, "There is a secret passage downstairs that leads to the backyard. We can go from there..."

Before he finished speaking, there was a loud bang, and the door was violently opened. A tall and burly figure appeared at the door. He had a sneer on his face, and glanced at everyone in the room with sinister eyes. He slowly said, "Ms. Mu, Mr. Bai, we meet again..."