Chapter 116: Mammoth A Gene
Chapter 116: Mammoth A Gene
In Li Xiaochou's laboratory, which is more appropriately called a virus research laboratory,
Li Zi and Leng Xue were waiting. The atmosphere in the room was full of concentration and rigor.
"I have conducted a detailed analysis of the virus samples you collected recently." Li Xiaochou's voice was calm and firm, and his eyes revealed his dedication to scientific research.
“As we’ve seen, these viruses are mutating far more than we expected,” he continued, his every word carrying the weight of his concern.
Just as Li Zi and Leng Xue were about to ask further questions, a rapid knock on the door broke the silence in the room.
Before Li Xiaochou could say anything, the person outside the door pushed it open and walked in. It was obvious that the identity of this visitor was extraordinary.
"Young Master!"
Li Zi and Leng Xue immediately bowed their heads respectfully when they saw this, and their words of greeting revealed their awe for the visitor. They knew very well that this Ma Qingshan was not an ordinary person, and his arrival must have important matters.
So, the two looked at each other tacitly and decided to leave temporarily to give Ma Qingshan and Li Xiaochou enough space. They quietly left the room and gently closed the door, leaving only the two important people talking inside.
"Qingshan, just say whatever you want to say." Seeing Ma Qingshan's hesitation, Li Xiaochou took the initiative to speak, his tone full of encouragement and trust.
The two then sat down on the chairs, ready to have an in-depth conversation.
"Qingshan, what have you been busy with these days?" Li Xiaochou asked calmly.
Ma Qingshan shook his head gently and replied, "Uncle Li, I didn't go anywhere special."
Then, he took a deep breath, seemed to muster up his courage, and asked, "Uncle Li, how is the research on our vaccine going?"
Li Xiaochou sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness on his face: "Qingshan, to tell you the truth, we have not made any substantial progress in vaccine research yet."
"This is mainly because we found that the virus mutates extremely quickly..." Li Xiaochou tried to explain the current dilemma.
However, before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Ma Qingshan angrily: "How can this be?! How come there is no progress at all?!" Ma Qingshan seemed a little agitated.
Li Xiaochou's eyes widened slightly, and he realized that Ma Qingshan's emotions were somewhat out of control.
So, he tried to remain calm and explained: "Qingshan, I understand your concerns, but please believe us, we are always working hard."
Ma Qingshan realized that he had lost his composure and quickly apologized: "Uncle Li, I'm sorry, I got a little emotional."
He swallowed and tried to calm himself down. "I just feel that time is so tight, but there is no progress in vaccine research. This makes me feel a little anxious."
Li Xiaochou nodded and said grimly, "Biochemical research is indeed full of uncertainties. Recently, we did find that the virus has mutated, which means that all previous virus samples and experimental data need to be re-evaluated."
He paused and continued: "Yes, we have to collect virus samples again and conduct experiments again. Therefore, the progress of the vaccine has been greatly affected. There is really no way to solve this problem."
When Ma Qingshan heard this, he clenched his fists, anger and despair revealed in his eyes: "How could this happen?! This is simply..." He was so angry that he couldn't continue speaking, but just kept repeating these words.
Li Xiaochou saw this and sneered. He had already learned from Leng Xue what happened before Ma Qingshan joined the company. Seeing Ma Qingshan's reaction, he already had the answer in his mind.
Ma Qingshan seemed unwilling to give up. He took a deep breath, calmed down, and then asked, "Uncle Li, how did you get this violent virus?"
Li Xiaochou knew the real intention of Ma Qingshan's question, but he still patiently explained:
"According to our research, the virus is mainly transmitted through the air. The car accident was the main reason for the spread of the first generation of the virus. As for other routes such as skin contact, although they cannot be completely ruled out, airborne transmission is the main way of infection by comparison."
After listening to Li Xiaochou's explanation, Ma Qingshan was convinced that he was infected with the Zangbo virus.
He asked this because he wanted to know how he was infected and whether there was any way to prevent the further spread of the virus.
However, Li Xiaochou's answer did not bring him any hope.
Ma Qingshan became even more worried when he heard Li Xiaochou mention that the virus could be transmitted through skin contact. He was worried that he would infect his mother Tan Fengqin and sister Ma Lingling with the virus.
"Well..." Li Xiaochou hesitated for a moment, "Based on previous cases, no. But because the virus has mutated, the possibility of skin transmission does exist."
When Ma Qingshan heard this, he clenched his fists, his heart filled with anger and helplessness. But then, Li Xiaochou's words made him feel a little relieved.
"But don't worry, this Zombie virus is different from other viruses. It will only infect those who have criminal tendencies, that is, those who have active Mammoth A genes in their bodies."
Ma Qingshan was very confused when he heard the term "Mammoth A gene". He asked, "Mammoth A gene? What is Mammoth A gene?"
Li Xiaochou explained: "To put it simply, the Mammoth A gene is a person's violent gene. Everyone has this gene, but the activity level is different. The violent virus is quite special. It only chooses those people with active Mammoth A genes as hosts, so ordinary people will not be infected."
After hearing the explanation, Ma Qingshan's brows relaxed slightly. He thought that his mother and sister were kind people, and their mammoth A gene should not be too active, so their risk of infection was greatly reduced.
However, he was still full of worries. After all, this virus was too mysterious and dangerous, and any negligence could lead to irreversible consequences.
Ma Qingshan felt mixed emotions after hearing Li Xiaochou's explanation about the Mammoth A gene and the Zombie virus.
He felt happy because it meant his mother and sister were less likely to be infected, but also sad and confused.
"So, anyone who is infected must have violent tendencies, right?" Ma Qingshan asked in a low voice, with a slight tremor in his voice.
He realized that he was infected, which meant that the Mammoth A gene in his body was more active.
This discovery made him start to question himself. Is he really a person with violent tendencies who might commit a crime?
However, he soon realized that this self-doubt was meaningless. He told himself that as long as he did not commit a crime, no one would suspect that he was infected with the violent virus.
Although this kind of self-comforting idea was a bit pale and powerless, it became his only support at the moment.
However, Ma Qingshan was so immersed in his own thoughts that he did not hear Li Xiaochou calling "Qingshan" more than a dozen times in his ear.
It was not until Li Xiaochou raised his voice that he came back to his senses. "Qingshan, what are you thinking about? I called you several times but you didn't respond." Li Xiaochou asked with concern.
Ma Qingshan then realized his gaffe. He quickly apologized to Li Xiaochou and explained that he was just thinking about the virus.
However, he did not tell Li Xiaochou that he had been infected, as he was afraid that the news would bring him more pressure and trouble.
......
"Duanmu Yan! Duanmu Yan! Get up quickly! It's time to work!!!"
Ma Lingling's voice echoed in the morning air, sounding particularly clear and loud.
Duanmu Yan, who was lying on the bed, was extremely frustrated by the noise. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and struggled to sit up from the bed.
He thought to himself: "This Lingling is too early, can't you let me sleep a little longer?"
Duanmu Yan stretched, yawned, and then slowly began to put on his clothes. He knew Ma Lingling's character, and if he didn't get up quickly, she might stand at the door and shout non-stop.
"Really? It's so noisy so early in the morning." Duanmu Yan muttered to herself as she quickened the pace of getting dressed.
He thought to himself: "Forget it, I'd better get up quickly, otherwise Lingling might rush into the room and pull me out of bed."
Ma Lingling waited at the door for a while, and saw Duanmu Yan finally move. She knew that Duanmu Yan was a responsible person and would not stay in bed for too long.
After Duanmu Yan got dressed, he simply washed up and walked out of the room. He was ready to start a new day's work. Although he was still a little reluctant, he knew that this was his responsibility and obligation.
......
“And what to do?”
Duanmu Yan stood in front of the stove in the kitchen and asked Tan Fengqin seriously. He was learning from Tan Fengqin how to make ramen.
Tan Fengqin smiled, her eyes full of love and respect for cooking, and she said patiently: "Then! Remember one very important thing."
"Listen carefully, no matter how luxurious the ingredients of a bowl of ramen may look, whether it is decorated with gold foil or sliced abalone, once the customer eats it, all these outward splendors will disappear."
"So! Appearance is not important, taste is the most fundamental and important! Only when customers taste delicious ramen will they truly remember your craftsmanship."
Tan Fengqin's words made Duanmu Yan fall into deep thought, and he nodded to show his understanding. He knew that whether it was making ramen or doing anything else, one should focus on the inner quality and value, rather than just pursuing the gorgeousness and show-off of the appearance. Only in this way can one truly win the recognition and respect of others.
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