Chapter 900: Chapter 900

Before Ding Fan returned, Qin Manshu had already learned through a call with Hu Jin what was missing on Yongfan Island. So, before Ding Fan could even speak, she had already prepared everything.

"If nothing unexpected happens, I believe the first batch of building materials will be delivered to Yongfan Island within three days," Qin Manshu said with a smile.

Looking at Qin Manshu, Ding Fan suddenly thought of the term "wise wife."

With Qin Manshu around, she had indeed helped him solve a lot of problems. First, she helped him manage Huaxia Group, and now she proactively assisted him in contacting suppliers for building materials.

Ding Fan's gratitude came from the heart.

Upon hearing Ding Fan's words, Qin Manshu chuckled, "What I've done is what any master's wife should do, right?"

Ding Fan smiled, naturally understanding that Qin Manshu was joking about Mei Zhi's earlier comment.

"Ding Fan, I just called Grandfather. He knows you're back today, so he hopes you can go visit him," Qin Manshu suddenly said, shifting the topic.

Ding Fan nodded slightly.

Actually, even if Qin Manshu hadn't mentioned it, Ding Fan would still have gone to pay his respects to Old Master Qin. After all, the Qin family had once helped Ding Fan in many ways.

Visiting Old Master Qin felt somewhat like a son-in-law paying respects to his father-in-law, so at this moment, bringing Mei Zhi along didn't seem appropriate.

Qin Manshu immediately arranged for her secretary to find a place for Mei Zhi to rest.

After settling Mei Zhi, Ding Fan and Qin Manshu went to visit Old Master Qin together.

Qin Manshu drove, and after they left the company, Ding Fan insisted they stop by a nearby winery, where he bought a select batch of aged wine for Old Master Qin.

At his age, Old Master Qin still enjoyed a drink or two. Ding Fan's gifts were not only a respectful gesture from a younger generation but also hinted at wanting to gain favor with Qin Manshu.

With the gifts now in hand, Qin Manshu drove straight to the Qin family's residence without any further delay.

However, when they arrived at the villa's courtyard, there was a luxury car parked outside, indicating that Old Master Qin might have important guests.

Although Old Master Qin was retired, his social status remained extremely high. After all, the Qin family was one of the Four Great Families in Huaxia Country.

Seeing there were visitors, Ding Fan and Qin Manshu decided not to disturb them. Instead, they sat in the flower pavilion outside the villa to cool off.

Bang… Just then, a sound of glass shattering came from the villa's living room.

Worried about Old Master Qin, Ding Fan immediately used his Divine Sense to investigate.

After searching, Ding Fan found that Old Master Qin was unharmed. It was merely Old Master Qin venting his anger and smashing glass.

Inside the living room with Old Master Qin, there were two people. To Ding Fan's surprise, one of them was someone he recognized.

It was none other than Mao Zhen, the deputy general manager of Sophie Group.

Ding Fan was a bit taken aback. Just an hour ago, this Mao Zhen was in his office, and now he appeared at Old Master Qin's residence. This speed was impressive.

"Old Master Qin… Please don't be angry," said an elder man in his sixties with thinning hair, accompanying Mao Zhen.

"I told you, Huaxia Group cannot be touched. Let me make myself clear—even if you, Elder Du, come here, or even the nation's top leader—my stance remains the same. I will not let you touch Huaxia Group," Old Master Qin declared.

The elder known as Elder Du quickly replied, "Old Master Qin, it's not that we want to target Huaxia Group. It's just that Sophie Group wants to acquire it. You know how Sophie Group helped us during the country's toughest times. Now that they've taken an interest in our pharmaceutical companies, it's an honor for us. We can't repay kindness with ingratitude…"

Old Master Qin shook his hand dismissively. "Indeed, Sophie Group helped us. But repayment shouldn't come at the cost of exploiting someone else's achievements, right? Elder Du, you know well that Huaxia Group's current achievements are all due to their own hard work. We have no reason to use their fruits of labor to settle a debt of gratitude."

Elder Du frowned. "Old Master Qin, it's merely a pharmaceutical company. Don't you realize that your staunch protection of Huaxia Group might impact national interests?"

"I don't believe this matter is connected to the nation's interests," Old Master Qin replied.

At that moment, Mao Zhen, who had been silent, finally spoke, "We've already reached an agreement. If you help us acquire Huaxia Group, we will share all current data regarding our research into cancer prevention and treatment with your country. Furthermore, we'd establish medical teams to collaborate on further research and discussion." Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥

Research data for cancer prevention and treatment…

Old Master Qin glanced at Mao Zhen.

Cancer is a globally recognized incurable disease. Even the Stars and Stripes Country, with its advanced medical technology, remains helpless against it.

"Cancer isn't something just anyone can cure," Old Master Qin said.

"Our research is already nearing completion. Samples have been produced and tested, and within three years, mass production won't be an issue. By then, cancer, a threat to humanity, will be completely eradicated," Mao Zhen said with pride, adding, "Experts from Huaxia Group have already visited our laboratory and can attest to our results."

Elder Du interjected, "This matter is under central supervision. You must understand that if our country leads in mastering this cancer treatment, it will greatly benefit our citizens. What's more important—the well-being of the people or a small pharmaceutical company? Additionally, we are not taking it for free; we are paying significantly more than market value…"

"If it's just about a cancer treatment, I don't think you need to continue persuading," Ding Fan suddenly interrupted. He pushed the door open and walked in from outside.

"Who are you?" Elder Du, unfamiliar with Ding Fan, scrutinized him.

"I know him," Mao Zhen replied with a grin. "Old Master Qin, no wonder you've been so protective. Turns out you have a special relationship."

"He's my grandson-in-law. What's wrong with me protecting my grandson-in-law?" Old Master Qin said, standing up with righteous confidence.

Elder Du furrowed his brows. "Old Master Qin, you fought in the founding war of this nation. Without the country, there'd be no family. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

"I don't think this sacrifice is necessary," Ding Fan replied. "Sophie Group's research into cancer prevention and treatment—Huaxia Group can achieve the same."

Mao Zhen sneered, "Chairman Ding, you do have a sense of humor. Cancer treatment remains unresolved even in pharmaceutical powerhouses like the Stars and Stripes Country. Are you not afraid of speaking so boldly? As far as I know, Huaxia Country simply doesn't possess the necessary research capabilities."

Despite Mao Zhen's sarcasm, Ding Fan remained calm. "In that case, would you dare place a bet?"

"A bet? What kind of bet?" Mao Zhen asked, puzzled.

"We wager that within one month, we can produce a pill capable of treating cancer," Ding Fan responded, his tone composed.

Although Ding Fan spoke calmly, his words stunned everyone present.

Sophie Pharmaceutical is a globally renowned brand. After prolonged efforts, they've only just produced samples, and the shortest conservative estimate for mass production is at least three months.

Yet Ding Fan was claiming he could accomplish it in under a month.

This seemed rather unbelievable.

"Ding Fan…" Qin Manshu pulled on Ding Fan's sleeve, trying to remind him not to act out of emotion.

But Ding Fan simply smiled at Qin Manshu. "It's just cancer. We in Huaxia can figure it out."

Mao Zhen, hearing this, chuckled as if he'd just heard the most absurd joke. "I didn't expect Chairman Ding to be not only a business magnate but also a dreamer. Well then, how do you propose this bet be arranged?"

Ding Fan replied calmly, "If we fail to produce a sample capable of treating cancer within three months, I'll concede and sell Huaxia Group."

Mao Zhen's eyes lit up. "Are you serious?"

Ding Fan nodded. "I'm absolutely serious."

Mao Zhen pondered for a moment before responding, "Then we must have official certification—a notarized agreement."

Ding Fan nodded without hesitation. "But if we succeed in producing the cancer treatment pill within a month, what will you offer in return?"

Mao Zhen hesitated slightly, clearly not expecting Ding Fan to pose such a question. After a moment of reflection, he said, "If you truly win, I'll sell all my Sophie Group shares to you. I hold 30% of the company's shares, which should be on par with the value of Huaxia Group."

Qin Manshu turned to Mao Zhen in surprise. For Sophie Group, an international giant, even 1% of shares amounted to a considerable fortune. Yet here Mao Zhen was, wagering 30%.

In terms of valuation, Mao Zhen's statement was correct—the value of 30% of Sophie Group indeed equated roughly to Huaxia Group's worth.

"Alright, let's do this," Ding Fan replied indifferently.

"Then we'll need an official notarization." Mao Zhen emphasized the need for a legal framework, seeing it as essential.

"Notarizations are too cumbersome. I propose that Old Master Qin and myself act as guarantors," Elder Du suggested, turning to Old Master Qin.

Old Master Qin hesitated. "This… this…"

Though Old Master Qin knew Ding Fan was full of surprises, he couldn't believe Ding Fan could develop what the global medical community hadn't within a month. It seemed like a losing bet.

As Old Master Qin hesitated, Ding Fan spoke confidently, "Old Master Qin, if you wouldn't mind, we'd appreciate your help as our guarantor."

Old Master Qin sized up Ding Fan.

Ding Fan exuded an air of absolute confidence.

"Old Master Qin, your grandson-in-law is so self-assured—what's there to fear? Come on, let's both act as their guarantors," Elder Du encouraged.