Chapter 148

After dinner, Zhao Shuqing got ready to head out with Yue Jiuchu. At the door, she reminded Auntie not to forget to go upstairs and retrieve the tray from which Lin Feng had finished eating, then let her take a nap.

Auntie asked, “Aren’t you going up to say something to her?”

Zhao Shuqing changed her shoes as she replied, “It’s fine. I’ll just check on the laboratory and come right back. If anything comes up, give me a call.”

Once she finished giving instructions, she hurriedly left with Yue Jiuchu. On the way, Yue Jiuchu took a detour to pick up Gu Yao.

“Research on the immortality enzyme?” Gu Yao leaned forward from the back seat, gripping the headrest as she asked, “This research project should involve a lot of people, right? Why pick us?”

Though both of them had strong professional skills, plenty of others were even more capable. Plus, neither had set foot in a laboratory for nearly half a year, so being suddenly pulled in felt a bit like being forced onto the stage.

Yue Jiuchu explained while driving, “The plan hasn’t been made public yet. We trust you two more than some of those with greater abilities. And don’t worry—this experiment won’t be just the two of you. There will be other experts assisting, but the team won’t exceed ten people.”

A small team. That shouldn’t be a problem.

When they arrived at the laboratory, they discovered that the other experts and scholars were already there. No real introductions were needed; just mentioning a name brought up an industry heavyweight. This made Gu Yao and Zhao Shuqing feel rather intimidated amid the group.

When it was their turn to introduce themselves, they could at least highlight their specialties.

Just as Zhao Shuqing was about to stand and speak, several experts pressed her back down. Without waiting for her to say a word, they remarked, “We know who you are—Zhao Shuqing, the marine biology expert and researcher on the mermaid Lin Feng. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t even know about the mermaids’ plan.”

They then turned to Gu Yao. “We’ve heard of you too. Gu Yao, right? The one who destroyed the mermaid cultivation embryos and helped the military find their hideout. If you hadn’t provided their weaknesses to ultrasonic sounds they couldn’t detect and sunglasses, we probably couldn’t have driven them out of the country.”

Gu Yao hadn’t expected to be remembered. Seeing these big names she’d only encountered in academic videos praising her made her face flush red. She could only stammer out repeated thanks.

With that icebreaker, everyone quickly warmed up. The academic circle wasn’t that large to begin with, and most people in the small team already knew each other. Some of the big shots even approached Zhao Shuqing and Gu Yao to chat, creating a very amiable atmosphere.

The group was chatting enthusiastically in the conference room when Zhao Shuqing ended up adding several senior experts’ WeChat contacts and phone numbers. One even extended an offer to join their studio, which Zhao Shuqing said she would consider later.

When Yue Jiuchu reappeared, the room fell silent as everyone’s eyes locked onto the small briefcase in her hand.

The case wasn’t large—about the length of half an arm. She walked over, placed it on the table, and addressed the group. “This is a freshly obtained sample of the immortality enzyme. Please come closer and take a look, everyone.”

With that, Yue Jiuchu opened the briefcase.

A faint chill emanated from the insulated lining, revealing two ampoules no bigger than an index finger. Yue Jiuchu explained, “Each bottle contains 10 ml. According to the mermaids, these 10 milliliters of immortality enzyme can extend a human lifespan by at least a century.”

Several elderly professors adjusted their glasses and crowded around. Zhao Shuqing exchanged a glance with Gu Yao before standing and moving closer for a better look.

Yue Jiuchu donned gloves and passed the two bottles of immortality enzyme around. The liquid inside was clear and transparent—nothing particularly remarkable at first glance.

“It doesn’t look all that special,” Gu Yao whispered to Zhao Shuqing. “Is this really effective? Have they even run clinical trials before promoting it?”

The other experts harbored similar doubts.

The production and research of any drug typically required extensive clinical trials—usually three phases at minimum—before market release. New drugs were especially expensive right out of the gate. Yet the mermaids’ migration had only occurred two months ago, so it was questionable whether this one had undergone any trials.

“Country A hasn’t disclosed details on the clinical trials,” Yue Jiuchu said calmly. “Each dose of immortality enzyme sells for fifty million. We’ve only managed to acquire two so far.”

Gu Yao’s eyes widened at the figure.

She turned to Zhao Shuqing and mouthed in exaggerated surprise: One billion?

Good thing this wasn’t coming out of their own pockets; she couldn’t have saved up that much even from her Warring States gig working nonstop.

Zhao Shuqing frowned as well. A drug without confirmed clinical trials, hyped as adding a hundred years to life— it sounded just like the sales pitch for scamming elderly folks with health supplements.

Two bottles alone worth a billion? Utterly absurd.

The other experts began discussing animatedly.

“If the effects are real, it’s definitely worth studying.”

“A brand-new drug like this would be prohibitively expensive for regular people anyway. And since it’s extracted from mermaid blood, production must be limited.”

“With a mermaid population of around twenty thousand, they probably couldn’t produce more than a few bottles a month.”

“For it to become widespread, we’d have to wait centuries.”

“And we’d still have to feed and house those mermaids while they breed more.”

The thought of mermaids eating people in their own country yet profiting off others infuriated most of the hot-blooded experts. One even blurted out, “We should have just wiped them all out back then and let none escape.”

Zhao Shuqing and Gu Yao exchanged a furtive glance and stayed silent. Yue Jiuchu spoke up instead. “That’s a decision from above. Let’s not dwell on past issues. Priority now is testing whether this immortality enzyme truly works.”

Yue Jiuchu made a fair point. Debating anything else was pointless at this stage. Better to focus on researching the so-called immortality enzyme.

They decided to use just one of the two bottles for initial experiments, saving the other until results came in. Yue Jiuchu appointed an elderly expert as group leader; all future experiments and progress reports would go through her.

“That’s all for today,” Yue Jiuchu announced to the group. “Everyone probably has other work to wrap up. This project isn’t urgent—the laboratory equipment hasn’t all arrived yet. Official start is about a month away. In the meantime, direct any questions to Leader Jin.”

Leader Jin stood as well. The plump middle-aged woman waved her phone amiably. “Let’s add each other to a group chat first. We’ll handle work matters there.”

Once the group was created, everyone dispersed.

Zhao Shuqing had just stepped out of the laboratory when her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID—Auntie—and her heart sank. She answered immediately.

“Hello, Dr. Zhao? Are you still busy?” Auntie’s tone was anxious yet polite, as if afraid of disturbing her.

“I’ve just finished the meeting. What happened?” Zhao Shuqing asked urgently. “Is it Lin Feng?”

“Yes, it’s Lin Feng. After you left, I went upstairs to check on her. She said she had no appetite and hadn’t eaten, so I let her rest. When I went to wake her, she was covered in sweat and in so much pain she couldn’t speak. I’ve already had the driver take her to Dr. Luo. You should hurry over too.”

Zhao Shuqing’s mind went blank with a buzz. She quickly explained to Gu Yao beside her and dashed downstairs. She tried hailing a car, but the location was too remote—none came. In the end, Yue Jiuchu drove over and took her to the hospital.

In the hospital ward, Zhao Shuqing burst in breathless and frantic. She spotted Lin Feng sitting up in bed right away, with Dr. Luo and a few nurses talking to her.

“Your condition isn’t ideal right now. I still suggest…”

Dr. Luo hadn’t finished when she noticed the commotion at the door. Zhao Shuqing rushed in, pale-faced. Dr. Luo glanced at her. “You’re here. Good timing—there’s something about Lin Feng I need to discuss with you.”

Zhao Shuqing’s heart clenched. “What is it? Is there a problem?”

Dr. Luo’s expression was grave. She glanced at Lin Feng before beckoning Zhao Shuqing into the hallway. Once there, Zhao Shuqing’s eyes darted nervously, dreading whatever dire news might come. Her stomach churned.

“Lin Feng’s condition isn’t great,” Dr. Luo said soothingly. “There are signs of early labor, but it’s not a major crisis. Twins often come early. We’ll keep her hospitalized for observation now and monitor her responses going forward.”

“Is it serious?” Zhao Shuqing asked desperately. “She’s not even nine months yet—isn’t that too soon?”

“That’s why it’s called a sign of preterm labor,” Dr. Luo replied. Seeing the new mother’s panicked state, she added reassuringly, “Don’t worry yet. We’ll focus on preserving the pregnancy for now. Staying in the hospital makes it easier for us to monitor her.”

Zhao Shuqing nodded vigorously. “Okay, but… her ID hasn’t been processed yet. Can she even be admitted?”

Dr. Luo smiled. “No issue—special cases get special handling. Just settle in comfortably.”

Zhao Shuqing exhaled in partial relief, though tension lingered. She peppered Dr. Luo with questions, which the doctor answered patiently without irritation. Before leaving, she reminded her to bring toiletries and changes of clothes.

Once the doctor departed, Zhao Shuqing turned back to the ward. She saw Gu Yao had already pulled up a chair and was chatting familiarly with Lin Feng, her hand even resting on her own wife’s belly. Zhao Shuqing’s face darkened.

“Wow, they’re really moving!” Gu Yao exclaimed loudly, wide-eyed like someone who’d never seen the world. “Are they saying hi to me? Oh, I think I felt a little foot!”

Zhao Shuqing walked over and shot her a look. “My daughter just kicked you, and you think it’s a greeting?”

Gu Yao turned. “Your daughter? Clearly they’re my daughters. Lin Feng and I already agreed—once they’re born, I’ll be their godmother.”

“Godmothers have to prepare gold bracelets, you know.”

“A mere pair of gold bracelets? I’ll hit the gold shop later and buy two sets.”

“Quit joking around and scoot over so I can sit.”

“Don’t you know how to grab your own chair, you oaf?”

Finally shoving Gu Yao aside, Zhao Shuqing sat on the bed’s edge. She gazed at Lin Feng, who leaned against the pillows watching her. Zhao Shuqing reached out and gently rubbed her cheek. Lin Feng’s face was somewhat pale; she nuzzled into Zhao Shuqing’s palm and murmured softly, “You’re back?”

“Mm.” Zhao Shuqing’s voice softened. “Is your belly still uncomfortable?”

Lin Feng shook her head and guided Zhao Shuqing’s hand to her belly. With a quiet sigh, she said, “Little Fish is too rowdy.”

Zhao Shuqing felt the warmth seeping through Lin Feng’s sleepwear. Softly, she replied, “It’ll be fine soon. I’ll stay with you the whole time.”