Chapter 122: The New Project

Chapter 122: The New Project

Yi Qian followed Zhou Yun into the office building, entering the top-floor office area, usually off-limits to him.

Along the way, people greeted Zhou Yun: "Good morning, Dr. Zhou."

"Got some time today?"

Zhou Yun nodded with a smile, then pushed open the office door: "Have a seat. What brings you here?"

Yi Qian said: "I heard that Green Bird Pharmaceuticals has established the Green Bird Laboratory, and I was wondering if there's any chance for me to go and learn. I'll put in my best effort!"

Zhou Yun glanced at him and smiled: "The Green Bird Laboratory? You're not quite ready yet. Applications are pouring in from renowned medical experts everywhere, and they all bring their own assistants. As you know, these experts won't use unfamiliar assistants."

"However, I have a project here about shadow hemp, which is very important. But we always look out for our own. If you're willing, I can assign it to you."

Yi Qian was both surprised and delighted: "Is it the shadow hemp project just announced by the city lord? With my background, am I really eligible?"

Zhou Yun smiled: "Yes, it's the mutated king-level shadow hemp airlifted from the north just two days ago. It's very beautiful. But in the hot south, especially in the sun-drenched Danlin City, it struggles to thrive. Now we've found a cave to cultivate it and are trying to use its seeds to grow more mutated shadow hemp."

He looked at Yi Qian: "You understand how crucial this is. Shadow hemp is the sole plant effective in restraining psychics. This is a very important and confidential project. We need to obtain a series of basic data to support further research, and this project is quite arduous. Think it over and let me know if you're up for it."

Yi Qian immediately said: "I'm willing!"

Zhou Yun looked at him appreciatively, as if encouraging and admiring a disciple from a past life: "Endure hardship, stay humble, and you'll go far in scientific research."

He opened a drawer, took out a thick folder, and handed it to him: "Here's the current data on this shadow hemp and initial findings on its mutated abilities. This research involves shadow psychic abilities, so Manager Qin Mu will cooperate with you in the research."

Yi Qian opened the folder and saw the color photos of the mutated shadow hemp inside—he was thrilled! Of course, he knew who Qin Mu was!

The general manager of Green Bird Pharmaceuticals, the only known shadow psychic!

He was even more excited! His eyes sparkled: "I'm committed to excelling in this research!"

Zhou Yun skillfully instructed: "Here's what I need: morphological traits, growth patterns, cultivation logs, 24-hour changes, genetic background, genotype-phenotype links, and an ecological adaptability assessment of this king-level mutated shadow hemp. Thoroughly explore its environmental adaptability, and its edible and medicinal uses."

Yi Qian quickly took notes, and Zhou Yun continued: "I need all biological data: morphology, growth cycle, genetics, and nutritional and medicinal components. We also need data on large-scale cultivation—propagation, planting density, fertilization, pest control—and industrial applications: market demand, costs, and economic benefits."

Yi Qian felt the familiar pressure of academic research. Zhou Yun looked at him: "Provide monthly progress reports. It's nearly January now. Starting from January, you need to produce a paper result by the first half of next year. The first quarter is for selecting your topic; by mid-year, complete your proposal report."

Yi Qian quickly said: "Yes! I guarantee to complete it!"

Zhou Yun nodded, picked up the phone on the desk, and dialed: "Get a car ready for Nanshan Herb Garden."

Then he said to Yi Qian: "Manager Qin will arrange one or two assistants and a driver for you, and arrange accommodation at Nanshan Herb Garden to facilitate your research. Meals and lodging are covered. The initial period will be tough, and you may need to stay there often. If you need anything, just reach out to Manager Qin. There are also plenty of people there to assist you in your research."

"But the project is confidential. I trust you're clear on the confidentiality requirements. You also have project research experience."

Yi Qian's eyes sparkled: "Yes! I will definitely complete the task! Thank you, Dr. Zhou!"

Zhou Yun said: "The car is downstairs. You can go down and head over directly. Once the research report is done, give it directly to Manager Qin or to the supervisor Zhu Zhuan at Nanshan Herb Garden. They will forward it to me."

Yi Qian was startled: "I think it would be better to report to you in person and discuss research ideas."

Zhou Yun smiled: "I have many projects under my hands. Although this project is important, the initial phase is mostly data collection and recording, and there may not be any significant research breakthroughs. If you have a breakthrough, I will find time to talk to you."

"I believe you can do a great job. Scientific research demands patience and resilience."

Yi Qian immediately felt inspired: "Yes!"

He quickly went downstairs and, as expected, there was an off-road vehicle waiting for him. He got into the car and set off, brimming with excitement.

Zhou Yun watched the car drive away from upstairs, knowing that he would definitely do well. This student of his was exceptionally talented, with a strong desire for fame and fortune, and his internal drive was extremely powerful. For this reason, he could handle even the most tedious basic data quickly and well, completely engrossed in his work.

This was also a trait he greatly admired in his past life, as scientific research itself requires such enduring passion and the patience to cultivate scientific literacy.

However, after meeting with Luo Shouchang and Yi Qian today, he felt tired again.

He sought out Qi Shuhong and reviewed the resumes, academic achievements, and research directions of the various experts who had applied to join the laboratory. After taking the materials, he returned to the mountain retreat.

He spent the whole afternoon screening experts, selecting current research topics, and recalling experts from his previous life who had genuine talent and knowledge. He narrowed down the list and had Qi Shuhong send out invitations.

Returning to his area of expertise, he finally felt at ease.

By evening, Guan Yuanfeng had returned. Zhou Yun smiled and said, "You're back? Let's eat. I've just prepared lotus root and pork rib soup, and the lemon duck is almost ready. How did your meeting with General Luo go today?"

Guan Yuanfeng, seeing him mention Luo Shouchang as soon as they met, grew even more puzzled: "He actually came this time to ask for my help. After the flood, winter came with snow, and near the Sanchu Base in the mountains, a water-element zombie king appeared. It's incredibly powerful and has drawn numerous zombie hordes."

"Originally, following the flood, the deceased turned into zombies, causing a serious zombie threat. He knows of my combat prowess and hopes I can investigate."

Zhou Yun, seeing his frustrated expression, laughed: "Isn't the water element advantageous? I'll accompany you to check it out."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "We had originally planned to go out to sea. I still owe you that sea trip." They had recently been fighting zombies, exploring the nearby deep mountains and ancient forests, mainly clearing zombies from the main traffic routes to various bases.

Zhou Yun said, "As long as we're together, the destination doesn't matter."

The Sanchu Base was also under Guan Yuanfeng's jurisdiction, and he couldn't just sit back and do nothing. His frustration stemmed mostly from having to part with Zhou Yun, so he decided to accompany him.

Guan Yuanfeng, comforted by his words, immediately took the spatula: "I'll stir-fry. Aren't you busy over there?"

Zhou Yun said, "Everything is proceeding as planned. Once the expert groups from various places arrive and the research project teams are formed, it will get busy. Now is the perfect time to take a break and investigate the zombie king." The current zombie king should be even stronger now.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Luo Shouchang admitted that he knew at first glance he couldn't win, so he fled."

Zhou Yun casually remarked, "General Luo is a Fire Psychic, right? Shouldn't he have an advantage? How could he not have the strength to fight?"

Guan Yuanfeng was somewhat surprised: "How did you know General Luo is a Fire Psychic?"

Zhou Yun mixed the duck meat with corn rice and fed it to Comet: "Since he was going to meet me, of course, I checked his information. There's plenty of information about the skills of major commanders online. But after meeting him today, it seems he didn't have anything serious to say. It seemed more like he just wanted to see what the Lord of Dongjun is like."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "That's exactly it. You didn't need to meet him at all. And you even gave him so many test strips as soon as you met."

Zhou Yun finally caught a hint of jealousy and looked up at Guan Yuanfeng: "Why does it seem like General Guan is feeling jealous?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "..." He was somewhat indignant: "That's not the case." How could he be jealous just from meeting a man? There aren't that many people who like the same sex in the world.

He was just curious; Zhou Yun's attitude towards Luo Shouchang was definitely different.

But he couldn't quite put his finger on what was different.

The mystery about Zhou Yun always attracted him.

Seeing that he was still stubborn, Zhou Yun held back his laughter and changed the subject, talking about other daily trivialities.

However, by night, Guan Yuanfeng kept demanding endlessly, and Zhou Yun was somewhat helpless: "Let's rest. We're about to set off soon, let's conserve our energy."

Guan Yuanfeng just held his wrist tightly: "One last time, just one last time."

Zhou Yun, after being kissed for a while, also got a bit excited. Vines wound around Guan Yuanfeng's arms, and he slowly slid a smooth ice cube from the broad, solid shoulder down to the chest, laughing as he saw the skin shiver from the cold, "It's too hot, let me cool you down."