Chapter 80 (1/2)
”Did they mention when they would start the trial planting?” Ming Yi asked, displaying strong curiosity.
”They planted some experimental fields, and although it was only a trial, the amount they planted could be considered as a real production.” Qing Shui's knitted brows relaxed as he spoke, though his tone remained high. He was still concerned. ”Though, I am not yet sure if this plant is genetically stable enough to resist mutation in the red fog environment.
”However, this is good news overall. You can spread it to calm the riot,” Qing Shui said, smiling with determination at Ming Yi. ”But you don't need to feel obligated to do this. After all, stabilizing the military is the inst.i.tute's priority. It will inform the military soon.”
”Of course! The goal of the riot is to get food supplies, after all. So if the supply is guaranteed, there is no more benefit in rioting.” Ming Yi grinned. ”I shall leave now, can't wait to let my friends know about this!”
”Talk to you soon!” Qing Shui said, sending him away with a salute. He then returned to the computer immediately after closing the door.
His facial expression quickly changed once he made sure Ming Yi was no longer around. It turned grave, and the smile vanished.
”What's wrong?” Chang asked, knowing that Qing Shui had something on his mind when he looked burdened. ”Was it the food that they are working on?”
”Yes… I am seriously concerned about the food they are planting. Although they ”branded” it as a new type of crop, essentially it is a gene-altered horror.” The blue light emitted from the computer screen made Qing Shui look extra upset. ”They extracted DNAs from other plants and animals that they considered desirable and inserted them accordingly. Besides that, they also grew the crop with the aid of the red fog. I have to admit that the yield and the nutrients in it are impressive, but the way they made the crop is insane. They are bargaining with a demon!
”This just proves how they are the left-wings; they could have put more effort in finding naturally edible food, instead of artificially modifying crops without knowing the consequences.” Qing Shui was becoming more and more angry as he spoke. ”Zhuo even considered transferring genes from the mutated animals to human bodies to make super humans; the idea is just too bold and risky!”
”Is it bad to consume this modified food?” Chang asked, since he wasn't too knowledgeable about gene modification. His only issue with the food was its safety.
”Sadly I can't tell you the consequences that eating it might have. In fact, the safety of genetically modified food - acronymed as GM food - was highly controversial among scientists even before the red fog apocalypse. All I know is that it will be too late to regret when it causes severe harm,” Qing Shui patiently explained. ”To ill.u.s.trate my idea figuratively, the evolved plants and animals look strange to us, but they are natural products of evolution; such change isn't forced and didn't happen against their will. In theory, they are more natural than we perceive them to be. They aren't monsters even if their images deviate from what we think is normal.
”But what Zhuo plans to do next is building a creature by modifying and transferring genes from many different types of animals. It would then make this creature become the strongest being in the red fog. Zhuo is prompt on sketching the blueprint for this creature, but he ignores the potential of irreversible consequences.”
”What can we do about that?” Chang asked. This was the first time he'd heard such a strong statement from Qing Shui.
”There is nothing we can do; I am not in a position where I can dispute Zhuo. I can't stop anything from happening right now. And what makes me feel even more powerless is the fact that I have no time and resources to find something edible that could be consumed by the ma.s.ses. We'll just have to remain silent and keep to our diet,” stated Qing Shui, finally turning to Chang and gazing at him with mixed emotions. ”There must be spare food which is not genetically modified. It will be left in the inventory when they make this new crop available to the ma.s.ses and the military. We'll have to keep eating it until I find a different solution.”
Qing Shui was reluctant to confess the difficulties they were facing.
”Don't worry about us, we'll do as you say,” Chang promised. He simply put his full trust in Qing Shui. ”I'll help you find those edible crops soon.”
Qing Shui rubbed his tired eyes and thanked Chang, ”I am really happy that you understand me. I've almost finished reading the material they gave me. In another two or three days, I will draft the new ecology theory so I can enter the top level of the research inst.i.tute.”
”Sure!” Chang agreed easily. ”I will keep up with the training while you're working on your paper.”
He quietly left the room to go to the gym with Jing to ensure that Qing Shui was not bothered.
Three days later, the research inst.i.tute released news that blew everyone's mind.
The new crop was successfully built and produced in the experimental fields. It was named ”Crystal Pea” by Zhuo because of its clear appearance. Being a crop that had a short growth cycle, high yield and was rich in nutrients, its debut shocked the world. The Crystal Pea matured in seven days and yielded 16 - 20 tons per hectare.
If the previous two features didn't sound exceptional enough during the red fog, the fact of nutrient-richness was jaw dropping. According to Zhuo, the creator, 300 grams of the Crystal Pea could easily fulfill the nutritional needs of an adult; this product alone might be capable in solving the food crisis of all mankind.
”This 100% purity is pure bullsh*t!” Qing Shui shouted out upon reading the announcement to the public and cast the newspaper back on the desk.
At the same time, his door opened without a knock to reveal Chang and Jing.
”They gave you a great office, didn't they?” Chang asked, feeling happy for Qing Shui from the bottom of his heart. ”It feels good to get promoted, right? You even have your own office now! Did they also give you tons of work to do?”