"Young Master Fang, you've also said there are no free lunches in the world. I'd like to know what your conditions are," Han Rui said indifferently.

Fang Tong smiled faintly, "My demand is quite simple. Within three years, all of your research achievements must be credited to our research institute. In compensation, you'll have exclusive licensing rights to all research outcomes!"

Han Rui began to understand. What Fang Tong valued was the research prowess of Chaoyang Group! To be fair, the research team of Chaoyang Group was in some aspects second to none when compared to national research institutes, which was why Fang Tong had taken the initiative to approach them.

"I need to think about it," Han Rui hesitated.

"I can give you plenty of time," Fang Tong said lightly, "but if you wait until Milxi determines their partner, my demands might change!"

Han Rui nodded, "I understand!"

After Fang Tong left, Han Rui frowned, pondering something.

"I have some good news to announce now!" At that moment, Milxi spoke out loudly, "After our review team's evaluation, the collaborative project submitted by Jiangnan Jiuchong Pharmaceutical has shown great potential for development. In line with our requirements, our institute's first collaboration partner has been confirmed, and it is none other than Jiangnan Jiuchong Pharmaceutical!"

The crowd was astonished; they hadn't expected a spot to be confirmed so quickly! This instilled a sense of urgency in everyone present!

A smug smile appeared on Yang Rui's face. A collaboration with the National Institutes of Health represented a soaring opportunity for Jiangnan Jiuchong Pharmaceutical!

As the representative for the enterprise, naturally, all the credit went to him!

"Congratulations, Young Master Yang," a group of people crowded around him immediately, their faces beaming with pleasant smiles.

"We should collaborate more in the future!"

"Young Master Yang is truly talented and bold, snagging the first partnership spot. Truly, a hero emerges from the young!"

"Young Master Yang, about our previous contract, should we find some time to sign it?"

...

Enjoying the throng's attention, Yang Rui saw Han Rui standing off to the side and couldn't help walking over, "Tsk tsk, President Yun, it seems you might come up empty-handed today. Quite pitiful, isn't it?"

Han Rui glanced at him and remained silent.

"It's not really your fault, though. With your research data leaked online, who knows which grand thief did the deed," Yang Rui chuckled. "Have you found any suspects yet? Surely you must have some lead by now?"

"Is this matter any of your concern?" Han Rui retorted.

Yang Rui's expression became serious, "Of course it is. Think about it, we're acquaintances after all. How about this? Since we're now the National Institutes of Health's first partner, if you need it, I can put in a word for you and share one of the five annual research projects with you. What do you think?"

Faced with Yang Rui's smugness, Han Rui felt entirely helpless!

She spoke lightly, "No need, congratulations on securing the first slot! Honestly, I'm quite surprised that your third-rate research team was able to come up with a project. Must have really tapped into all energies, right? Now that you've finally found a strong backer, it must feel quite easy."

Yang Rui's face darkened, "Han Rui, don't..."

Han Rui interrupted him, "It's a pity, but even without a partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Chaoyang Group still has a top-notch research team in the country. Do you really think Chaoyang Group is in dire straits just because of the data leak?"

"Stubborn to the end!" Yang Rui scoffed, "We've done our research. Your data leak has cost you tens of billions at least. I admit Chaoyang Group is big and wealthy, but following this leak scandal, Chaoyang Group is no longer the untouchable leader it once was!"

"Your analysis is quite thorough!" Han Rui smiled faintly, "How about we make a bet? One year from now, Chaoyang Group will rise again from the ashes. Do you believe that?"

Looking into Han Rui's confident eyes, Yang Rui felt unnerved. A few years ago, he had been trapped by Han Rui's schemes, which resulted in a significant data leak causing massive losses to his company. Had he not been the direct son of the Clan Leader, he might have been done for.

"Hmph, why should I bet with a jumping grasshopper like you?" Yang Rui retorted.

Meanwhile, Milxi and Li Shanghui were conversing in hushed tones.

"Mr. Milxi, should we proceed with the Chaoyang Group as planned?"

"No rush, let's hang them out to dry first!" Milxi's eyes shone as he spoke, "I'm confident that Chaoyang Group is definitely in a tough spot right now, but just tough, far from hopeless! After all, Chaoyang Group's research team ranks among the top in the world, and several of their research achievements have reached world-class standards! I don't think Han Rui will give up so easily."

"Then what should we do now?"

"In the first round of partnerships, make sure Chaoyang Group isn't one of them!" Milxi thought for a moment before responding, "Right now, Chaoyang Group must be desperate for our support. Moreover, that guy, Yang Rui, is just the right person to be our scapegoat. When they get anxious, that's when we make our move. Only then can we reap the greatest benefits!"

Li Shanghui hesitated before asking, "Mr. Milxi, does Chaoyang Group really possess top-notch technical information? If they did, how could they still be in their current situation?"

Milxi said coldly, "Of course they do. This is information the American Intelligence Agency has obtained through great effort. Do you know why Chaoyang Group's data leaked? It was nothing but a scheme by Fusang People to seize the research data! To get their hands on it, they were willing to waste tens of billions worth of research data. You should understand now the value of what they were after, right?"

Li Shanghui's eyes narrowed. A leak of information worth tens of billions was merely bait used by Fusang People to get their hands on another set of data; such realization made him comprehend the terrifying value of that data!

"If we get our hands on that legendary data, we'll be heroes in America, heroes of the nation!" Milxi said lightly, "And leaving that data with Chaoyang Group is simply squandering heaven-sent resources!"

At that moment, the doors to the venue opened and in walked three men dressed in black from the West.

Upon seeing the three men, Milxi's eyes narrowed. "My God, what are these guys doing here? Could they also be..."

A wave of unease flooded into Milxi's heart.

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