Chapter 32: Being "Set Up on a Blind Date"
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There are an astonishing number of viruses in the natural world. The ones people commonly hear about include hepatitis B and C viruses, tobacco mosaic virus, T2 bacteriophage, rabies virus, smallpox virus, poliovirus, simian virus, respiratory syncytial virus, HIV, polyhedral occlusion viruses, and so on. Almost every year, new viruses are discovered by mankind. These tiny entities, invisible to the naked eye, are intricately connected to our lives. Each of us carries a vast number of viruses within our bodies. Most of them are harmless, some even beneficial, and coupled with our robust human immune system, we are well-protected against viral invasions. Thus, although we are constantly surrounded by viruses, we can still live healthy lives.
Now, Li Fu must choose a few cultivable viruses from among the countless varieties—a task far from easy, for it requires at least an understanding of their various characteristics to make an informed selection.
Of course, none of this poses a difficulty for Xiao Ying, the intelligent program within the super-civilization seed. Its capabilities in supporting scientific research are truly exceptional. Soon, it had compared and filtered the viruses discovered by humans so far, listing several names.
"Master, the viruses most suitable for cultivation at present are three: Goulbo virus, Pandora virus, and Mimi virus!"
"Goulbo virus, Pandora virus, Mimi virus? I've only ever heard of the Pandora virus among these three; I don't recall hearing about the other two," Li Fu wondered aloud.
"The Goulbo virus was recently discovered by American scientist Goulbo, and the Mimi virus was found in 2003 by Didier Raoult and Jean Michel at Marseille Medical School in France, during their research on Legionella, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires' disease."
"The three viruses I've selected for you share a unique trait—they are all exceptionally large. The Goulbo virus has a diameter of about 300 nanometers, the Mimi virus reaches up to 800 nanometers, and the Pandora virus is as large as 1 micron."
Xiao Ying projected all relevant data in Li Fu's mind. These viruses are giants compared to others; most viruses are only 10–100 nanometers in size. Even the relatively larger ones, such as smallpox virus, are only 300 nanometers in diameter, and HIV measures just 120 nanometers.
"They're all heavyweights! Looks like cultivating viruses in the direction of big viruses swallowing small ones is viable," Li Fu, a biomedical specialist, understood the significance of their size immediately. Compared to other viruses, these are true behemoths, suggesting a clear direction for his research.
"Let me check if the laboratory has these three viruses available. Then I'll apply for experiments, classify and cultivate them, and use different methods for induction," Li Fu planned out his next steps in his mind. His work ahead was now well-defined.
...
Busy times always pass swiftly. Li Fu carefully preserved each experimental sample, meticulously recording their processes and methods. The work was tedious and repetitive, often dull.
Scientific research is like this: repeating tasks again and again, searching for subtle differences, and pondering the meaning behind those distinctions.
Research is not as light or interesting as people imagine. On the contrary, it is a monotonous pursuit. One of a scientist's essential qualities is the ability to find joy amid the tedium of research, or else it is impossible to adapt to such a life.
"Master, someone is looking for you. Bai Wei from your company sent a message," Xiao Ying reminded Li Fu in his mind.
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Inside his mind, Xiao Ying gently notified Li Fu.
"Bai Wei? What does she want with me? Is it another technical issue?" Li Fu paused his work. Today's tasks were nearly complete, only waiting for experimental results. He wondered about Bai Wei's message.
After about ten minutes, Li Fu left the research center, phone in hand, and began contacting Bai Wei.
"Hello, Bai Wei, what can I do for you?"
"It's something good—come quickly to Ju Wei," Bai Wei said with a hint of mystery and hung up before Li Fu could ask further.
"Really, couldn't she explain a bit more?" Li Fu chuckled and shook his head, then hopped onto his Number 12 bicycle and headed toward the place Bai Wei mentioned. "Ju Wei" was a well-known milk tea lounge on the campus of Yanhuang University, famous for its expensive prices. Despite the cost, its environment and service were excellent, making it a favorite spot for couples' dates.
Even a simple cup of milk tea at Ju Wei cost dozens at least, and the prices of fruit and snacks were no less extravagant. Li Fu had never been there before, simply because he couldn't afford it.
In a private room at Ju Wei, Bai Wei was chatting and laughing with her close friend Jiang Yanrong. They had ordered milk tea and several exquisite snacks, leisurely sipping their drinks and discussing intimate topics while occasionally admiring the autumn and winter scenery outside Yanhuang University—a rare enjoyment.
"Let me tell you, the person I'm introducing you to this time is Li Fu. He's exceptionally talented. If I didn't already have a boyfriend, I'd pursue him myself," Bai Wei said, peering out the window to check if Li Fu had arrived, while smiling at her friend Jiang Yanrong. Jiang Yanrong had long, curly red hair, a beautiful face, and a tall, striking figure; the bulky down jacket did nothing to conceal her alluring curves.
"Is he really as good as you say? I don't believe it," Jiang Yanrong blushed slightly. Bai Wei had dragged her along, insisting on introducing her to a potential boyfriend.
"Absolutely. Li Fu may look rather ordinary, but he's extremely capable, with boundless prospects. He's exactly the wealthy type you've been searching for," Bai Wei nodded earnestly. In her time working with Li Fu, she had been thoroughly impressed by his powerful learning ability and exceptional computer skills. More importantly, Li Fu was easygoing and approachable.
Her friend wanted a boyfriend, and Li Fu—perpetually single—had always been the subject of jokes among their group. Bai Wei thought she might as well play matchmaker for the two.
"He's here, he's here! See the one on the bicycle? That's Li Fu," Bai Wei called out to Jiang Yanrong, who moved to the window for a closer look.
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At that moment, Bai Wei pointed outside, calling Jiang Yanrong over. Jiang Yanrong went to the window and peered out.
Li Fu was neither tall nor particularly handsome, but that wasn't what disappointed Jiang Yanrong. What truly let her down was his bicycle—not some rare, high-end model, but a very ordinary, even somewhat shabby one. His clothes were clearly cheap, the kind found at street stalls.
"Is he really a wealthy man?" Jiang Yanrong felt utterly disappointed. She had come with high hopes, trusting Bai Wei's claims that this introduction was for someone outstanding. But with just one look, Jiang Yanrong was certain Li Fu was nothing but a poor nobody.
"Not driving a luxury car is one thing—plenty of rich kids ride bikes for fitness—but that battered bicycle probably isn't even worth two hundred, and his whole outfit wouldn't add up to a thousand. How could he possibly be wealthy?" Jiang Yanrong thought. She had always wanted a rich boyfriend. Coming from a small city, she had grown fond of the glamorous lifestyle in the capital, but it was expensive, so she always hoped to marry into wealth.
Soon, Li Fu arrived at the private room Bai Wei had mentioned.
"Sorry, I was held up and arrived a bit late," Li Fu smiled, glanced at Bai Wei, then nodded politely to Jiang Yanrong.
"Li Fu, let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Jiang Yanrong—she's still single, you know what that means!" Bai Wei said with a grin, winking at Li Fu.
Li Fu was both amused and exasperated. Ever since Zhao Dongye at the company's first meeting asked everyone to help introduce girlfriends, the girls in the art department had often tried to set him up. Usually, it was just a phone number or a chat ID, but this time Bai Wei had actually brought someone directly—she was being very enthusiastic.
"Hello, I'm Li Fu," he said. Currently, his relationship with Wang Yun was blossoming, so he had no intention of seeking another girlfriend. Still, Bai Wei meant well, and since she had brought someone along, Li Fu knew he couldn't be rude. He greeted Jiang Yanrong with a warm smile.
At the same time, Li Fu took a closer look at Jiang Yanrong. She was indeed beautiful, a goddess type, but compared to Wang Yun, there was still a considerable gap.
PS: Thanks to Da Bing Xiao Jiang 1113 for the 500 reward. Thanks to Wo Shi Xiao Pang xxx and Wu Xing Zhuang Shi San for the tips. Thank you!
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