Chapter 190: Chapter 164: Cross-departmental Collaboration Project

Lin Qi paid no mind to Dong Wenlong’s reaction and proceeded to submit a request for live-subject experiments to the company’s intelligent system.

The live-subject experiment cycle for an A-Class Potion was very long, requiring the participation of Extraordinary Professions like Tier Two Martial Artists or Knights.

This would require arrangements from the company. Since United Pharmaceutical was only recently established, it would likely be some time before the live-subject experiments could begin.

The instant Lin Qi submitted the application, a communication request from Liu Weicai popped up.

"You succeeded? You created an A-Class Potion in such a short time?"

Liu Weicai’s eyes weren’t prosthetics, but on the screen, they seemed to be glowing.

"A coincidence."

Lin Qi sounded rather humble.

To be frank, Lin Qi’s current skill in Pharmacy had not yet truly reached an A-Class level.

The fact that he used more materials than standard indicated his grasp of their properties wasn’t precise enough.

The main reason he was able to create an A-Class Potion was thanks to his Spiritual Vision.

Dong Wenlong, who stood to the side, said nothing. He was still reeling from the shock.

At the same time, he felt a sense of relief.

Lin Qi had wrapped up his A-Class project. ’This means I’m about to be free!’

’No more of Lin Qi’s torture! Every day has been mentally exhausting, like I’m being completely wrung dry.’

A smile, long absent, returned to Dong Wenlong’s face.

’As for whether Lin Qi actually has the skill of an A-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher?’

’What business is it of mine?’

’Anyway, with Lin Qi’s Talent, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes A-Class. With Chairman Liu’s support, he could very well become the company’s first S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher.’

’Lin Qi’s affairs are nothing for me to worry about.’

Liu Weicai’s communication was connected to the lab’s screen.

Liu Weicai looked a little worried on the screen. "A fluke? That won’t do. You’re one of the company’s priority development candidates."

"Look, I’ll approve the live-subject experiments for this A-Class project for now. The company doesn’t have any spare A-Class labs at the moment, and anyway, you and Old Dong are still working together. If you have any questions, you can just ask him directly, same as always."

"Or... how about I approve another A-Class research project for you?"

The smile vanished from Dong Wenlong’s face, his expression gradually stiffening.

’Another one?’

’That would be a disaster!’

Dong Wenlong hurriedly interjected, "No! Absolutely not! I’ve been in peak condition lately and was preparing to apply for my own independent A-Class research project. As one of only three A-level Researchers in the Pharmaceutical Department, I want to take a shot at the share policy Chairman Liu rolled out."

Dong Wenlong had found the perfect excuse.

To earn points toward company shares, he would conduct independent research and would not be participating in collaborative projects for the time being.

He was simply trying to get ahead!

Thanks to this line of reasoning, Liu Weicai couldn’t very well force Dong Wenlong to comply.

Doing so would look like he was deliberately preventing Dong Wenlong from earning his points.

Liu Weicai was displeased with Dong Wenlong.

’This Old Dong... he really doesn’t care about the bigger picture.’

Where you stand depends on where you sit. In Liu Weicai’s mind, there was no room for an employee’s personal interests.

As a member of the Liu Clan, Liu Weicai was accustomed to viewing everything from the company’s perspective.

Hearing Dong Wenlong’s response, Lin Qi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"There’s no need to make things difficult for Elder Dong. I was just about to apply for a cross-departmental project anyway. I’ll be adjusting my research direction for the time being."

"Besides, my Pharmacy research has hit a temporary ceiling at A-Class. I need a change of perspective."

The whole reason Lin Qi finished his A-Class project early was to get in on Wei Wutao’s new project with Ninghang Technology.

So, naturally, he had to refuse Liu Weicai’s kind offer.

"A cross-departmental project?" Liu Weicai’s expression faltered.

’I just spoke to him about the Prosthetic Engineering Department this morning, and now he’s proposing a cross-departmental project this afternoon.’

’He’s clearly been swayed by Wei Wutao.’

Liu Weicai seethed internally, wondering if he should use the Liu Clan’s name to go and have a serious talk with Wei Wutao.

But after a moment’s thought, he realized that Lin Qi had a point.

’He’s an A-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher now; there’s a limit to the advanced Pharmacy knowledge the company can offer him.’

’If he wants to keep improving—and if he wants to follow Liu Xuan’s plan to acquire a majority of the available company stock...’

’...Lin Qi really does need to find a new path.’

Though he felt resigned, he had to appear magnanimous. "You have a point," he said to Lin Qi. "Alright, submit a project application, and I’ll approve it on my end."

"As for whether the Prosthetic Engineering Department signs off on it, well, that’s out of my hands."

Liu Weicai still clung to a sliver of hope. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

’What if it’s just Lin Qi’s own interest?’

’What if Wei Wutao hasn’t actually contacted him?’

’After all, Lin Qi is only an L-level Researcher in Prosthetic Engineering.’

’His Talent is high, but it hasn’t yet been converted into actual Ability.’

"I’ve already arranged it with Minister Wei. I can submit the application as soon as the project I’m working on is complete."

Lin Qi’s words were a dagger to Liu Weicai’s heart.

’That damned Wei Wutao!’

’Poaching one of my people so brazenly!’

’Thankfully, Lin Qi didn’t choose to transfer departments directly, opting for this cross-departmental collaboration trick instead.’

’Otherwise, if Lin Qi had left the Pharmaceutical Department, Liu Weicai would have made sure that anyone in Red Fruit City who dared to cross the Liu Clan would meet a terrible end.’

’It wouldn’t matter if they were a United Pharmaceutical executive or even a former big shot from the Weapon Research Institute.’

’If he wanted to, Liu Weicai could absolutely make Wei Wutao’s life a living hell!’

’This was the Cyber Society. This was a family-run corporate empire.’

’Even if Liu Weicai was a relatively unimportant member of the clan, he could still leverage immense resources in Red Fruit City.’