Since there was no other way, Xuan Xingchang had no choice but to kill. After boarding this "pirate ship," he was later threatened. The murderer demanded he go downstairs and leave together. Does this mean the one who used the drug was Tan Baitao?
Because it was she who took Xuan Xingchang away.
The technical department hasn't yet found any other clues about their relationship, but I've deduced that they might have some shared interest in pharmaceutical development.
At this moment, Zhao Simeng returned and, after learning the situation, I instructed her to get a lab mouse and inject it with the toxin extracted from the deceased to observe the effects. She agreed that this was a good idea and got to work.
Shortly afterward, she concluded, "Look at this little mouse; it looks dazed, just like Huo Hong at the time."
Not long after she spoke, the mouse began moving like a zombie.
After waiting for it to stop moving, Zhao Simeng explained, "After being injected with this toxin, it enters a temporary state of suspended animation. If left untreated for about 30 minutes, it will die completely."
Suspended animation?
We've extracted some components from the deceased's toxin and found that they can induce a temporary state of suspended animation, almost like guiding corpses. I suspect that this drug was the source of the conflict between the two company executives.
But what is the purpose of developing a drug that induces suspended animation? Even after discussing it with the forensic team, we couldn't figure it out.
The development was probably conducted by two different companies; otherwise, Tan Baitao wouldn't have sought out Xuan Xingchang.
We finally got a lead. I decided to find Xiao Yuande and asked him to accompany me to Tan Baitao's company, Glorious Pharmaceuticals. At the same time, I sent Gao Qiang and Liu Chao to the wealthy Dragon Ascend Corporation. We divided into two teams.
We quickly arrived at Glorious Pharmaceuticals. After inquiring with numerous people upstairs, we learned that Tan Baitao was not in the office. However, the company's technical manager, Manager Du, said, "Our department handles all the pharmaceutical research."
I showed my police badge and asked, "Do you know what new drugs have been researched recently?"
"I can't disclose that. It's all company confidential."
"Heh, we suspect Tan Baitao is involved in a murder case. If you don't tell us, you'll be withholding information."
"Ah, well, I don't know much. All I know is that President Tan has been in close contact with Dragon Ascend Pharmaceuticals recently. She said there's a project that requires their cooperation to complete."
"Really? What kind of project is that?"
"It's a drug called Frost Elixir, which can induce a state of suspended animation for over a week."
Frost Elixir? How could such a drug exist?
Xiao Yuande and I exchanged a glance. Manager Du refused to elaborate further, so I asked him to take us to the research department. Reluctantly, he led us to the place where Frost Elixir was being developed. The electronic screens displayed design schematics that were beyond my understanding. Manager Du explained, "This is a new technology we're developing. It allows a person to be frozen and placed in a device for suspended animation. If an emergency occurs outside, they can survive."
"Really? How much does this cost?"
"Over 30 million yuan per week."
Hearing this, I swallowed hard. If this drug succeeds, the rich will have a way to continue living, while the poor will be left to die.
I couldn't help but sigh. The concept seemed too fantastical to believe. Xiao Yuande looked equally bewildered, as if he were watching a sci-fi movie while listening to Manager Du.
However, Manager Du mentioned that the development of Frost Elixir had encountered problems due to Dragon Ascend Pharmaceuticals' unwillingness to cooperate.
Hearing this, I thought, would President Tan go so far as to harm the Huo brothers and attempt to assassinate Xuan Xingchang over this?
Wouldn't negotiations have sufficed if the collaboration wasn't going well?
I asked, "Where is your research facility? We need to take a look!"
"Officers, that's not possible. I've already overstepped by telling you this much. If I let you in, I'll lose my job!" Manager Du said, embarrassed.
"Your president's life is at stake, and you're worried about your job?" I scolded him.
Xiao Yuande, equally frustrated, snapped, "Are you going to show us or not?"
Left with no choice, Manager Du led us to a sophisticated laboratory and used a magnetic card to open an advanced security door.
Seeing this, Xiao Yuande couldn't help exclaiming, "Wow! This is incredible—so high-tech!"
"Stop being dramatic; haven't you seen this on TV before?" I rolled my eyes at him. We entered a laboratory filled with precision equipment, vials, and numerous refrigerated cabinets.
The chilling atmosphere pervaded the space, with countless refrigerated cabinets resembling upright coffins on both the ceiling and floor.
Manager Du explained that all development activities took place here.
"Incredible, and quite sci-fi!" Xiao Yuande marveled. Ignoring him, I asked Manager Du, "How long has this technology been in development?"
"About a year or so."
I nodded and began inspecting the surroundings. Suddenly, I felt something scratching my back. Initially, I thought it was Xiao Yuande playing a prank, but he wasn't behind me. Then I noticed a snow-white hand extending from one of the cold cabinets, waving!
"Ah, Captain He, behind you!" Xiao Yuande exclaimed. I already knew. Just as I was about to open the cabinet, something grabbed my leg tightly!
Looking down, I saw a pale arm clutching my calf. Terrified, I tried to shake it off, but reason told me these were likely experimental subjects preserved here. Manager Du explained, "Don't worry. These are patients preserved here to escape death. Once the technology improves, they'll undergo treatment. They can be stored for about 100 years or even longer. That's the idea behind this new technology!"
"As I said, in the future, money could indeed extend one's life." Xiao Yuande repeated, sighing deeply.
I said, "Don't worry. Maybe by the time this technology becomes viable, you'll be wealthy."
We immediately called medical personnel. Since these were merely patients undergoing experimental preservation, there was no danger. We sent them to the hospital to save as many as possible.
Seeing the dried-out corpses, Xiao Yuande commented, "They look really thirsty!"
"Don't give them water. Direct rehydration after prolonged dehydration can be fatal!"
As I spoke, I noticed someone's eyes moving in the distance. Approaching their cabinet, I asked, "How long have you been frozen here? Blink once if it's been a week."