by <unknown>
Parker shook his head and said, "Our company will soon be announcing our next step, which is to take out Alzheimer's disease."
Parker let out a peal of light laughter and continued. "I'm aware that Blacklight Biotechnology has a program that's called the Alzheimer's Disease Reversal Treatment that's capable of suppressing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. However, our goal isn't just to control the disease, we'd like to cure it."
Anthony and Jennifer looked at each other as a sudden revelation became apparent. It was not surprising they were so unwelcoming of their visit. Could it be that Osmond Biotech Ltd. thought the people from Blacklight Biotechnology had caught wind of their plans and assumed that they were here to thwart it?
Anthony then pondered a bit further and things started to make sense. The only reason why they could afford to be so snobbish was that they did not only have a plan, the cure was already here!
Then, Anthony could not help but shook his head. He thought that the management must have known about the cure and had sent him to make the investment.
However, it looked like Anthony was about to fail his task.
Hence, Anthony followed the usual procedure to persuade Parker further. It was until Parker rejected once more that Anthony stood up and said, "If that's the case, we'll not insist. We shall make a move."
From aside, Jennifer then passed a name card to Parker and said, "If you decide to change your mind or have a C Series financing, perhaps you can consider our company's proposition."
"For sure. Farewell, everyone."
Then, Parker proceeded to send Anthony and his group off. Once the elevator door was closed, Parker then let out a worrisome expression. "D*mn it, have many people known about our research on that drug already? How's this possible…"
…
"Yes, Director Qian. They've declined our offer…
"As far as we know, they seemed to be researching an Alzheimer's disease cure and were completely indifferent toward our proposal.
"Alright, got it. I'll take a look at the venture capital companies."
Outside the office building, Anthony gave Qian Wenhuan a phone call to provide the latest status update. Then, his next destination was to visit the venture capital companies that had invested in Osmond Biotech Ltd.
There were six venture capital companies that had invested in Osmond Biotech Ltd. Six separate financial conglomerates owned these companies and they owned a total of eighty percent stake in Osmond Biotech Ltd.
One of the companies, Munster Capital, had purchased a fifty percent stake in the company.
Unsurprisingly, it would be the next destination Anthony was heading to.
"During their negotiation, Munster Capital and Osmond Biotech Ltd. had both signed a bet-on agreement."
Jennifer was frowning as she read the report in the car. "The agreement's condition was that Munster Capital would invest one billion US dollars worth of capital into Osmond Biotech Ltd. for a fifty percent equity stake. However, if Osmond Biotech Ltd. had failed to produce an effective cure for Alzheimer's disease by 31 December 2025, Munster Capital reserves the rights to demand Osmond Biotech Ltd. to repurchase its share. The repurchasing amount shall be the total of the capital invested plus an additional imposition of eight percent annual interest."
Anthony was visibly at unease as he muttered, "Is Osmond Biotech Ltd. crazy? Many top pharmaceutical companies have failed to produce a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Signing this agreement isn't going to end well for them."
"Unless…"
Anthony thought for a while and said, "Unless this company already has a massive breakthrough in their research development, which explains their confidence!"
"If that's truly the case, I'm afraid it won't be as easy to acquire their shares anymore."
Jennifer was worried too. "After all, if they're able to truly come up with a cure, it'll be a revolution in the medical field. The impact of this would surpass the responses we received when we announced the Alzheimer's Disease Reversal Treatment."
"Agreed. I'll make sure to include this hypothesis in our report."
Anthony was tense. As an employee of Blacklight Biotechnology, he understood the gravity of the situation. Once this company successfully produced an effective cure, it would reduce the "Alzheimer's Disease Reversal Treatment" to mere trash. It would bring massive damage to Blacklight Biotechnology.
The best way to mitigate that harm was to acquire the company and sell it as one of the corporation's products.
Of course, Anthony would not be the only one having that idea. It was to be expected that these venture capital funds would have the same intentions too.
With a heavy heart, Anthony and his group found themselves at the entrance of a tower where Munster Capital was based. This time, none of the main stakeholders even came to greet Anthony. It was only a department manager who came to greet them.
It was evident that they had no interest in whatever proposition Anthony had. They were only here out of politeness.
Anthony could sense their true intention and proceed to inform the manager that they would visit another day before leaving the premises.
"There's another investor whose name is Clifford. He's the second-largest shareholder in Osmond Biotech Ltd. and is also Parker's business partner."
Jennifer continued reading the materials as she prepared for the final sprint. "The report indicates that Clifford had earlier invested three million US dollars into the company, acquiring a forty percent stake in the company. However, after a round of angel crowdfunding and AB series fundings, he's now left with a stake of seven percent. It's not much, but if we can get it, at least we'll have something to show for our company."
"Let me have a look."
Anthony went to the computer and saw a man who looked like a tycoon. "Very well, let's go meet him now."
Following the information provided by Blacklight Biotechnology, Anthony and Jennifer soon found themselves in front of Clifford's home only to realize that he was preparing to head out.
He was an elderly person well past his sixties and had white hair and a beard growing on his face.
"Are you all from Blacklight Biotechnology?"
As Anthony appeared at the gate, Clifford's eyes immediately brightened up as he greeted them affectionately. "I've been wanting to see you all for a while. I've recently just decided to visit Eco Science City early next year. I wouldn't have thought I'd bumped into you all so soon."
"Well then, do you have some time to discuss an issue relating to your stakes in Osmond Biotech Ltd.?" Jeniffer said hastily, "It won't take up too much time."
Hearing their proposal, Clifford then seemed to be in a conundrum. "I'm sorry, I was just about to head out to a good friend's party. Why not both of you follow me and we can discuss the details over at the event?"
"Are you sure?" Anthony felt that it was slightly inappropriate.
"Nothing inappropriate about that. The host is an affectionate gentleman who would welcome even uninvited guests. As long as I'm there, your presence won't bring any trouble at all to the host…"
Then, Clifford invited the duo into his car whereas the rest of the negotiation group returned to their hotel rooms.
Soon, Anthony and Jennifer found themselves in a manor at Beverly Hills.
Although they were no strangers to glamorous scenes, Jennifer still found herself awe-struck as she observed the glittering decorations of her surroundings that immediately transformed the manor into an elegant white palace.
There were luxury cars parked across the manor, each owned by a successful individual who was then personally escorted into the compound. Anthony had also received the same treatment.
"Old friend Clifford, long time no see!"
"Old friend!"
Near the entrance into the manor, a middle-aged man in his fifties gave Clifford a light hug. Then, he gave a curious look behind Clifford and asked, "Who are these people?"
"These are high-level representat
ives from Blacklight Biotechnology, they've come here to check out what the fuss is all about. You better not disappoint!"
The two men seemed to be close friends as Clifford was able to banter seamlessly with that person.
"The same Blacklight Biotechnology that came up with the Alzheimer's Disease Reversal Treatment and special anticancer medicines?" The man's eye brightened up as he took a closer look at the duo.
"Yes. I'm Anthony, a manager from Blacklight Biotechnology's Business Development Department. This is Jennifer, she's the manager of the Legal Department. It's an honor to meet you."
Anthony spoke and behaved like a true gentleman.
"My friends, welcome to the party. You all have come just at the right time."
The middle-aged man let out a burst of hearty laughter and said, "We have a few exciting scenes to show you all. I guarantee you'll have the shock of your lifetime!"
Then, the man passionately welcomed the guests into his property.
Chapter 243: An Upper-Class Party |
Once they settled down into the glamorous party, Anthony and Jeniffer had finally snapped out of the awe-struck feeling that they harbored since coming into this place.
The experience that they had just been through felt like a dream to them.
Although they were well-compensated working in Blacklight Biotechnology, it was still a huge gap away from becoming a true tycoon. For Jennifer and Anthony, it was their first time witnessing such an opulent occasion.
"By the way, Mr. Clifford," Jeniffer asked softly once the middle-aged man had left, "is that the organizer of this party?"
"Yes, his name's Gross. You can address him as Mr. Gross."
Clifford nodded. When he noticed a group approaching him, he preemptively said to his companions, "You both can go take a look around. Once I finish catching up with some old friends, we can talk about business later."
"Don't mind us."
Anthony and Jennifer nodded and hastily walked away.
As the party did not call for any dress codes, the duo did not seem to stand out too much despite being in their work clothes.
Once they walked toward a quiet corner, Jeniffer's eyes were beaming with envy as she said, "Is this how the upper-class live their lives? Why do I never see Mr. Chen live like this?"
"Mr. Chen is wealthy only fairly recently. His personality and culture wouldn't resonate with what we've observed here. These are tycoons who've been wealthy since decades ago, perhaps even up to a century."
Anthony lamented, "Besides, Mr. Chen is still a Chinese after all, his culture is fundamentally different. As far as I know, they don't typically host parties like these at night."
"What if we're comparing influence?"
Jeniffer asked softly, "Would these tycoons be as influential as Mr. Chen?"
"A normal tycoon would never be as influential as Mr. Chen."
Anthony was determined. "Although Mr. Chen was only wealthy recently, he had already amassed capitals that could rival an entire healthcare industry. This isn't something a normal tycoon can pull off.
"However, if we're talking about the top tycoons, then things might be different. After all, their capitals that have been amassed for centuries could probably be compared against Blacklight Biotechnology's properties. It's fifty-fifty at this point…"
"Are you overestimating Mr. Chen?"
Jennifer was shocked. "Although I concede that Mr. Chen's a remarkable individual, these Northern American and European tycoons are capable of influencing major government policies."
"Indeed, but don't forget that Mr. Chen also has support from dozens of wealthy families and financial conglomerates," Anthony said, "besides, do you think our company's as simple as it looks?"
"You mean…" Jennifer asked cluelessly.
"You've worked in Blacklight Biotechnology for a while now. I'm sure you would've noticed."
Anthony spoke softly, "For instance, arms smuggling. This has already been an open secret for a while now. There are hundreds of fully armed Black Security Service personnel as well as the Black Knights that were owned under Tara Private Security Company. These armed forces even have armored cars and military helicopters at their disposal…"
"Well, if you put it that way, our company seems much more powerful now."
Jennifer nodded and felt a wave of excitement.
Just when the duo was chatting away and sipping champagne, the middle-aged man suddenly went on stage and clapped his hands.
The music system of the hall was instantly turned off as all of the guests unanimously channeled their attention toward the person.
Even Anthony and Jennifer had stopped their conversation.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
Gross seemed to have put on a layer of foundation on his face. His cheekbone seemed to be protruded obviously from his cheeks as his face appeared to be extremely pale under the glare of the spotlight.
Gross continued smiling and said, "Aside from bringing you a source of entertainment, I've hosted tonight's party to show you an extremely important object. Now, would the lovely guests standing near the stairs entrance please take a few steps backward?"
Following his gesture, the few guests seemed to retreat subconsciously, forming an empty space near the staircase.
"As you all know, aside from being an entrepreneur, I'm also a collector who loves collecting precious artifacts. This time, my construction team has found this in a gold mine…"
Following his announcement, three showcases gradually rose from the ground. The guests were completely awe-struck by this scene as they gasped in shock. No one would have thought that there would be such platforms in this area.
"Come, let's take a look."
Anthony and Jennifer walked curiously toward the crowd as they saw the showcases that were still ascending from the ground.
After all, an object that was sought after by Gross would be one of invaluable price. Even if they could not get their hands on it, the duo thought there was no harm in learning something new.
The showcases were no different from those in museums, both were covered by a transparent glass case that was specially handled to become bulletproof.
As the platform continued raising, the crowd could finally see what was contained in these showcases. Those were three stone statues!
Anthony observed that these statues were completely carved out of stones. These statues seemed to have stood the test of time as their edges and boundaries were slowly blurring away. The statues seemed to belong in a group, each featuring a human head that had a peculiar expression on it.
The first statue was a human head that had its eyes tightly shut. It had long pointy ears that seemed to grow out of its temporal lobe, bearing resemblance to a person growing a bunny ear.
The second statue had its eyes wide opened and a deep eye socket, seemingly dragging its eyes into its skin. Under the shine of the spotlights, the eyes sockets seemed to become a deep abyss.
The third statue had eyes and ears that were fairly normal. However, its mouth stretched open so widely that it elongated its face by one-third of its normal length. The inside of the mouth was also pitch-black, resembling a black hole that could absorb any traces of lights.
Strange was the only word that Anthony could use to describe his first impression of these statues.
Unsure of whether it was an optical illusion, Anthony felt like the lights had dimmed significantly in the party the moment these statues were featured.
"Oh my god, look at that ancient texture and the traces that were left ages ago. How unbelievable…"
After a short silence, someone in the crowd abruptly marveled out loud. After all, if it was something Gross had brought out, no one would have second-guessed the authenticity of these items.
"Mr. Gross, is this an artifact of the Mayan civilization?"
"I think these were made during the times of Ancient Greece!"
"I don't think these fit the styles of Ancient Greece. In my opin
ion, they should be statues that were carved by the Sumeru civilization."
The crowd soon engaged in exciting discussions. In reality, everyone was merely supporting Mr. Gross as they attempted to appear interested.
"These statues are ugly…"
Jeniffer said softly, "Anthony, are you able to recognize which era these statues belong to?"
"Nope, but there are so many experts here, one of them ought to have the answer." Anthony shook his head.
Chapter 244: Turned Down Again |
"Mr. Gross, I really can't tell which era these sculptures are from."
After a while, everyone still had not reached a unified consensus, so one of them choked back his impatience and glanced at Gross on the steps. "Mr. Gross, please clarify."
"I don't know their year of production either."
Only then did Gross stopped beaming smugly as he proclaimed, "But what I want to tell everyone is that I've unearthed these three sculptures in a gold mine in the South American Continent."
"A gold mine?" Everyone was instantly bewildered.
"Yes, they were dug up from a gold mine."
Gross laughed and said, "I know it's hard to believe. Even when I received these three sculptures, I didn't believe it at all until I rushed to the gold mine and found the location of the excavation, where I saw the cavity where these sculptures had been. Then, I believed everything.
"I think everyone should know what this means."
Gross slowly became serious. "No traces of artificial excavation were found near these sculptures, which means that they were probably buried in gold mines due to geological changes. However, the last geological change that can be traced back to hundreds of thousands of years ago. This means that these sculptures probably have a history going back hundreds of thousands of years or even millions of years!"
"That, that's impossible…"
"The Stone Age can be traced back to three million years ago, but how could the ancient apes at that time have the technology to make such complex stone sculptures? It's impossible…"
"Still, they do look like the totems of some civilization…"