After saying that, Chen Xu helped the old man sit down in a chair, then dashed out like a wild dog, plunging back into the toilet. Less than five minutes had passed since he came out. The cleaning lady at the door shook her head, thinking, "This kid must have eaten something bad; look at his stomach..."
"Xiaomin!" Chen Xu called out to his watch as soon as he closed the door, "The prescription has been found?!"
“Yes,” Xiaomin replied. If one were to judge by her emotions, she would probably be quite agitated right now. However, Xiaomin remained calm and said, “We happened to find the drug formula for ‘Rabies Buster’ in the data, including clinical trials, drug reactions, and so on. Based on this data, given the necessary conditions, we can make the finished product within a few days.”
"Very good!" Chen Xu glanced at the screen and noticed it was filled with dense text. A quick scan revealed that the drug had extremely strict requirements regarding the dosage of several traditional Chinese medicines, and he couldn't understand much of the data. However, the date listed in the clinical trial report was somewhat alarming… 2044?!
Chen Xu hesitated when he saw the document.
Chen Xu had originally planned everything perfectly. His father owned a pharmaceutical factory, and he envisioned an easy path: give the formula to his father, have his factory produce the medicine, and keep the profits within the family. This way, he could save Liu Lingtian and give his father's pharmaceutical factory another brand—a world-class brand at that! Moreover, as an only child, he wouldn't have any brothers fighting over the inheritance, so any money he made would be his in the future.
But after seeing this information, Chen Xu suddenly felt a little scared... How could he explain the origin of this prescription to his father?
Even if he erased all traces of future clinical trials, how would he explain it to his father? And even if he managed to fool his father, how would his father explain it to the world?
Because of Liu Lingtian's situation these past few days, Chen Xu has been diligently studying rabies. He's no longer the naive guy who thought a rabies vaccine was all it took. If such a global problem were solved so easily, wouldn't his father be in trouble? Would people suspect him?
After carefully considering all the details, and looking at the grieving old man Liu in the distance, Chen Xu was certain that he had told a colossal lie.
He found a secluded spot and dialed his father's cell phone. After only two rings, his father's voice came through: "You brat? What made you think of calling your old man? Did you run out of living expenses in less than two weeks?"
Hearing his father's shameless voice, Chen Xu felt a strange sense of familiarity, probably because of seeing Old Liu's appearance earlier. At that moment, he felt that his own home was the best place. Composing himself, Chen Xu spoke in a furtive voice, "Dad, are you online right now? I have something I want to send you?"
"Oh?" Chen Xu's dad perked up immediately. "What is it? Is it some great movie? Oh right, that AiCheng website you found for me last time is down. Damn it, you have to fix it for me right now! I spent over three hundred yuan on a VIP account! I can't just lose it like that!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu felt incredibly embarrassed. Luckily, no one was around... How did he end up with such a trendy father?
However, these interruptions also dispelled Chen Xu's tension. He asked impatiently, "Dad, I wanted to ask you, is there any medicine that can cure rabies now?"
"Rabies? Oh my god, son, you don't have rabies, do you? Don't scare your old man like that!"
Hearing his father's exaggerated reaction, Chen Xu broke out in a cold sweat and said, "It's not me who got it, it's one of my classmates. He's in the hospital right now. He just had a lumbar puncture, and it's confirmed that he's infected."
"It wasn't you?" Chen Xu's father wiped his sweat on the other end of the phone before saying that if it was really diagnosed that way, then there was really nothing that could be done. Rabies has a 100% mortality rate. Once you are infected, it's death. There are no medicines or treatments... At most, we can only delay the inevitable.
After saying that, Chen Xu's father sighed and told the classmate next to him, who called the boy "brat," that it had been confirmed that he had been infected with the rabies virus.
A woman's sigh came from the other end of the phone. Chen Xu recognized it; his mother was there too. He was very familiar with that sigh; she always sighed like that when watching those melodramatic TV dramas.
After thinking for a while, Chen Xu finally mustered up the courage to say, "Dad, when I was browsing the internet yesterday, I found a document that described how to treat rabies. It was a prescription, a traditional Chinese medicine formula."
"Nonsense!" Chen Xu's father cursed. "How could such a thing exist? If it really existed, it would have been reported in the news long ago! It might even have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine! How could you possibly find it online?"
Chen Xu coughed and said somewhat awkwardly, "Well, it's not on the webpage, it's on someone else's server... I found it after hacking into a company's server. It contains detailed ingredient information and clinical trial records."
"No way? You've learned hacking? You've become a hacker?" Chen Xu's father exclaimed in surprise. "And what did you say? Clinical trial records?! How is that possible? How could such important information have ended up in your hands?!"
"It's true! The information in this document is quite detailed. I've been hanging out with you for so long, and I'm pretty familiar with medicines. How could I not tell if this is real or a prank? It's just that I haven't tried any of the drugs listed, so I don't know."
Hearing Chen Xu say this, Chen Xu's father's tone also became serious. He quickly said, "Son, if that's the case, find a place online and send it to me so I can see it. If it's true... no, no, no, you'd better come home right away and give it to me. It's not safe online these days!"
Chen Xu didn't care about this, because Xiao Min was absolutely safe. As for his own computer, although it was junk and had many vulnerabilities, hackers would at most use it as a botnet, maybe create a Trojan horse to steal account passwords, but they wouldn't monitor his computer or chat history.
However, for safety reasons, Chen Xu said, "Dad, I can't go back right now. It's okay, I'll send you the file online. After you receive the file, immediately unplug the network cable and delete all the chat history. We'll talk on the phone."
Chapter 43: The First Pot of Gold (Part Two)
Chen Xu took his laptop and sat down at a nearby KFC, where he used the wireless network to access the internet.
Now Chen Xu has discovered a new function of Xiaomin's supercomputer: a chameleon simulation system, which is a system that can change the appearance of hardware. As mentioned before, biological computers can change the shape and style of the computer through cell recombination. Of course, this shape and style cannot be changed arbitrarily; you can't make it into a real person.
If shape can be changed, then appearance is even simpler. The Chameleon system can scan other electronic instruments and thus transform the supercomputer's appearance into that of a specified other electronic instrument.
Because the original designs of supercomputers, whether they were computer-shaped, watch-shaped, or the appearance of other electronic instruments, were all so beautiful! They were so exquisite, they were practically works of art, and taking them out would be incredibly cool!
Chen Xu naturally wouldn't do something so flashy, so he rather sneakily transformed the laptop into the shape of IBM's Black King Kong, a thick, black brick that no one would notice.
This was Chen Xu's first time using a supercomputer in a public place. Although he had already blocked Xiao Min's voice system and everything was done through text input and output, he still felt like a thief, with a kind of thrill that was similar to the fear of being discovered while having sex on the street...
The communicator Chen Xu was using was specially integrated by Xiao Min, compatible with various popular communication software such as QQ and MSN, and without any vulnerabilities. After sending the file to his father, he casually opened a webpage to browse the news and happened to come across this headline: "Fire breaks out at a pharmaceutical factory in Zhengzhou last night, killing three people and injuring more than ten, suspected to be an internal employee's operational error."
Chen Xu didn't pay much attention to the message at first and planned to just skip it, but he suddenly paused, quickly opened the webpage and read it carefully. He almost couldn't help but exclaim, "Heaven is helping me!"
Chen Xu quickly copied the webpage and sent it to his father. His father replied with a series of question marks on QQ, and Chen Xu continued, "The server address I hacked yesterday is in Zhengzhou."
There was silence on the other end for a while, and then Dad's message appeared on the screen: "Call me now, find a secluded place!"
Chen Xu quickly turned off his phone, found a quiet alley, and dialed his father's number. His father's voice came through the phone: "Son?! You wouldn't be so heartless, would you? You stole their data and then burned their factory down?!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu broke out in a cold sweat and replied irritably to his father, "What are you saying? Zhengzhou is so far away, and besides, do you think I'm that kind of person?!"
The old man chuckled obsequiously, then his voice turned serious as he said, "Son, you might really hit the jackpot this time! Your mother and I just looked at the documents. Although we don't understand the prescription yet, the clinical trial records are absolutely genuine. We also called the patent office, and no one has registered this patent. In other words, as long as we verify that this drug is real, we can register the patent and start production in a short time! But we're worried that the original developers might cause us trouble."
Why bother with all this trouble! Chen Xu really wanted to tell his father that this drug didn't belong to this era, but thinking that saying so would only make things worse, he held back. After much earnest persuasion, his father finally agreed to test it immediately, and if the experiment was successful, they would make further plans... This was also Chen Xu's request, because his most important goal right now was for his father to quickly develop the drug and save lives!
Since the prescription and all the data are already prepared, you just need to copy them. As for the clinical trials, there are complete records, so there is almost no need for verification.
Three days later, the first batch of finished drug was produced, and after testing, it was found that the effect was indeed as described in the experimental records, with a very strong efficacy against the virus infecting the spinal cord. A week later, the first batch of experimental animals had almost fully recovered, and the effect was truly immediate! However, since human trials have not yet been conducted, it is still unknown whether this drug will have any side effects on humans.
When Chen Xu told Old Liu about this, and showed him the experimental records of the animals over the past week that his father had passed down to him, Old Liu, who was also in the medical field, almost fainted when he saw the records. Although Chen Xu tried to persuade him that the drug was still in the experimental stage and had not yet been fully put into production, and that it was unknown how effective it would be on humans, Old Liu immediately decided to make Liu Lingtian the first human test subject.
Upon hearing the news, Chen Xu's father rushed over with the medicine. The recent success of the drug trials had filled him with excitement, and all his previous concerns had vanished… because everyone knew that if this drug could truly be put into production, it wouldn't just be a matter of profit, but more importantly, fame!
Chen Xu's father's pharmaceutical factory originally produced only a few common medicines, such as cold medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines are now widely available on the market. Although the medicines produced by Chen Xu's family are known for their good quality and low price and have gained a certain market share, they are in the middle, neither high-end nor low-end category.
However, the medications used to treat rabies are different.
Currently, there are no comparable drugs worldwide, and rabies is enough to make anyone terrified of dogs. The release of this new drug would cause an absolutely massive stir! Although rabies is not a common disease, the fact that there is only one drug in the world that can treat it makes a world-class difference.
When Chen Xu's father flew to the hospital, he was stunned when he saw Mr. Liu. "You are... Mr. Liu Jianguo?"
Chen Xu was taken aback: "What, you know each other?"
Chen Xu's father nudged him, glared at him, and whispered, "You little brat, you've ruined everything! Why didn't you say earlier that it was Mr. Liu's son who was sick? Do you know that Mr. Liu is the largest pharmaceutical distributor and developer in Northwest China!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu's mouth formed an "O" shape.
Who would have thought this old man, who looked like a farmer, was so successful? While the Northwest region may not be as prosperous as other areas, the money earned here is definitely not small. What impressed Chen Xu even more was that, according to Liu Lingtian, his family was very strict. Many older parents suffered a lot in their youth, so they inevitably spoiled their children, not wanting them to experience too much hardship. This often resulted in children developing bad habits from a young age. But this old man, even after becoming wealthy, still maintained such strict discipline towards his son; it was truly admirable.
Old Liu wasn't really interested in cultivating a relationship with Chen Xu's father right now; his entire focus was on the new drug. Chen Xu's father, being shrewd, knew that nothing he said would make a difference at this point. If the drug could truly cure Liu Lingtian, the favor Liu would owe him would be so immense that no further words were necessary.
Although it contains traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, it is still administered via injection... Traditional Chinese medicine injections do exist now, but they are far inferior to Western medicines. This is because the components of traditional Chinese medicine are complex, making their production particularly troublesome and requiring extremely precise formulations, as the proportions are difficult to control due to their efficacy.
“Go ahead with the injection,” Old Liu nodded and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t blame you even if something goes wrong.”
These words left Chen Xu's father unsure of the situation. Although the drug's trial was very successful, it was, after all, the first time it had been used on humans. Fortunately, it was a pure traditional Chinese medicine reagent, and judging from the prescription, even if it didn't work, it shouldn't cause any harm to the human body. It wouldn't produce the side effects that Western medicine does.
However, Chen Xu's father still admired Liu Jianguo's courage, because these days some people would do anything to become famous. Yet, Liu Jianguo chose to trust him. What Chen Xu's father didn't know was that Liu Jianguo didn't trust him, but rather Chen Xu… As a seasoned old man, what kind of people hadn't Liu Jianguo seen in his life? Chen Xu seemed very genuine to him, and he was also the first to discover Liu Lingtian's illness, which led Liu Jianguo to choose to trust him.
"Based on the test results, the drug takes effect immediately after entering the human body. Blood, saliva and spinal fluid samples are taken again after 24 hours for testing. If the number of viruses is found to have decreased, it means that the drug is effective."
Liu Jianguo excitedly grabbed Chen Xu's father's hand and said, "Our family owes you and your son so much this time. If Ling Tian can really be saved, I will give my old life to you and your son from now on!"
Chen Xu's father quickly said he didn't deserve such praise, but inside he was overjoyed. With Liu Jianguo's support, his pharmaceutical factory could expand production even further, and the sales area for his medicines could be expanded even more—that was already a tremendous benefit!
The pharmaceutical market in China is like this in many places now: there are too many similar drugs, the competition is too fierce, and it is difficult to expand the market. But with such a strong backing, there is no need to worry. Moreover, the halo effect of the world's first drug to cure rabies is enough to make Chen Xu's father's pharmaceutical factory well-known.
Twenty-four hours—it was truly unbearable. Guan Yi came by once during that time. Seeing his son seemingly very close to a beautiful woman, Chen Xu's father's eyes widened. After chatting with Guan Yi for a bit, he found the girl to be poised and well-mannered, and he liked her more and more each time he looked at her. So, in his usual uncouth manner, he pulled Chen Xu aside and said, "Son, this girl is great. You'd better make the most of her! In recognition of your contribution this time, your allowance will be increased by fifty percent. Remember, try to bring her home to meet your mother during this year's holiday."
Chen Xu was both amused and exasperated, wondering how he had ended up with such a lovable, eccentric father. He then explained, "We're just classmates!"
Chen Xu's father rolled his eyes: "Your mother and I were just innocent classmates back then, but I still managed to win her over, didn't I? Let me tell you, when you're chasing a girl, you have to be bold, meticulous, and thick-skinned! I think this girl is pretty good. If you don't work hard, don't come crying to your mother and me if someone else beats you to it."
Chen Xu was speechless and could only say, "Dad, your ideas belong to the 60s and 70s, don't use them to mislead this post-80s generation!"
"Pah! Haven't you heard of the saying 'one trick is enough to make a living'?" Chen Xu's father said disdainfully. "Let's put it this way: if you don't bring her back during winter break this year, your New Year's money will be gone."
"How could this happen?!" Chen Xu was on the verge of tears, thinking that his father was incredibly irresponsible. He wondered if his father could at least do some research. This woman was a master of deception, having tricked countless people. With his physique, could he possibly fill that bottomless abyss?
Time passed quickly, and the next day, everyone was nervously waiting for the results at the laboratory door. Chen Xu could see that his father was probably even more nervous than Old Man Liu... after all, this was the first experiment to be conducted on a human body!
The doctor came out quickly, and before the anxious crowd could ask any questions, Dr. Wang's loud voice rang out: "A miracle! This is absolutely a miracle! My God! The virus in the saliva sample has decreased by more than a quarter compared to yesterday! The virus in the blood has also decreased! The results of the spinal fluid test are not yet available, but it is already certain! This medicine is definitely effective against the rabies virus!"
Upon hearing this, everyone cheered. Chen Xu felt a sudden weakness in his body as he realized that Guan Yi was overjoyed and had hugged him tightly.
"Uh, it's so soft!" Chen Xu didn't know what to do at this moment. He couldn't hug her back or push her away, so he could only stand still like a wooden stake, looking embarrassed.
Old Liu gripped Chen Xu's father's hand tightly, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, thank you! Thank you so much! You've saved my whole family! Just let me know if you need anything! I'd be a monster if you even frowned!"
The scene descended into chaos. Soon after, reporters, having received the news, rushed over, their microphones all pointed at Chen Xu's father. Rabies had been conquered for the first time in human history! The disease known as the deadliest in the world! This was incredible news!
Chen Xu watched as his father, surrounded by a group of microphones, spoke eloquently, explaining that the prescription was discovered in an ancient book, and after countless experiments and research, the final product was finally obtained...
He realized for the first time that his father was such a good liar!
Chapter 44: The First Pot of Gold (The End)
To use Qin Xiaoan's favorite phrase, this time things have really "gone too far, gone too far!"
Rabies is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, with a staggering 100% mortality rate... It's important to understand that there's a huge difference between 100% and 99%; the latter means there's hope, while the former is a death sentence.
The fact that a provincial media outlet was promoting a new drug that could treat rabies was met with skepticism from many. There are so many false advertisements these days, and even though Liu Jianguo is a leading figure in the pharmaceutical industry in Northwest China, many people were still unwilling to believe it… Many even thought that for such a terrible disease, even if a drug were developed, it would only be possible in large foreign laboratories. A small, unheard-of pharmaceutical factory in a small town claiming to have conquered one of the most terrifying diseases in human society—isn't that like a toad sneezing? What a boastful claim!
However, there are still some people who believe it, or rather, who have no choice but to believe it.
Upon hearing this report, some rabies patients rushed over immediately... because they had all been given death notices by major hospitals, and basically none of them had the money to go to major hospitals to spend high fees to prolong their lives. They could only try some folk remedies, or they would rush to try any possible news they saw.
For these patients, Chen Xu's father made a decisive decision to use the method of delivering medicine free of charge, without charging these patients money, and directly administering the medicine for treatment.
Even though it's free, how much can a few injections of the medicine cost? With these patients spreading the word, why worry about not being able to sell the medicine?
Moreover, the only case of treatment so far is Liu Lingtian, which lacks persuasiveness.
After this group of rabies patients were cured, and with Liu Jianguo's tireless efforts to spend money on media promotion during this period, a report about this "rabies killer" was finally published in the Journal of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
The Journal of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences is a national-level academic journal. Being able to publish relevant articles in such a journal will instantly shake the entire medical community.
The reporters of this academic journal are unlike those of ordinary third-rate tabloids who believe everything they hear or even fabricate news. The reporters of this publication strive for rigor, so someone specifically came to the hospital to carefully investigate and even reviewed the medical records.
Now, the "rabies killer" has truly become famous!
Following this, even national-level newspapers like the People's Daily published an article on their front page titled "Traditional Chinese Medicine Conquers the World's Most Terrifying Disease; Rabies Is No Longer a Nightmare." This article was subsequently reprinted by major newspapers, and the news quickly spread overseas. Several foreign patients who had traveled from overseas also arrived at the hospital and were subsequently cured.
The "rabies killer" has caused a sensation around the world!
The British journal Nature was the first to publish an introduction to this new drug, followed shortly by the American journal Science.
The efficacy of the rabies killer is beyond doubt!
What's more dramatic is that a professor at the Karolinska Institute proposed awarding this year's Nobel Prize in Medicine to the developers of a rabies cure... Of course, the proposal itself isn't dramatic; the Nobel Prize in Medicine was created to reward those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of physiology and medicine, regardless of nationality or race.