Chapter 395 The Ancestor Virus
“The snow is really heavy...”
Looking at the vast whiteness in front of him, Wang Tao could only slow down helplessly.
The road is not slippery for the time being, but the wind and snow are so heavy that we can’t see the road.
Going out at this time is obviously not a wise decision, but fortunately Wang Tao can control mental power. Although the detection distance is not far, it can guarantee that he will not drive into a ditch, but the speed is too slow. few.
It took a long time to grind all the way, and finally arrived at the research institute.
There are several machines at the entrance of the institute that are automatically shoveling snow, but because the snow is so heavy, a thick layer will accumulate again not long after they finish shoveling. They can only keep shoveling snow.
Of course, shoveling snow still has an effect, such as allowing Wang Tao to see Qu Shilin in the snow at a glance. She was wearing a military coat, wrapped up tightly, and was waving to Wang Tao.
Wang Tao drove the car slowly, then said with a smile:
"Are you waiting for me? You are too polite!"
Qu Shilin quickly opened the door and got in the car.
“I don’t want to wait for you outside in such a cold weather. It’s just that the signal tower was affected by the heavy snow, so the message couldn’t be sent out. I originally wanted to tell you that you don’t need to be in such a hurry to send the car over. , it’s snowing too much outside, and the road is difficult to walk... But I can’t contact you, but I contacted Yulian. She said that you have already set off, so I will wait to see if you can come over and don’t have any accidents. ..."
Wang Tao then discovered that the signal on his information watch was intermittent.
The signal transmission methods in the base are divided into limited and unlimited. Fixed places are wired, such as his villa. After going out, I rely on wireless signals. Under normal circumstances, there is a signal outside. But Qu Shilin said that the heavy snow had affected the signal tower, so there was nothing we could do.
“Thank you for your concern!”
Wang Tao thanked him first, and then frowned.
"In such a large base city, if the wireless signal is cut off, will it be a bit troublesome?"
Hearing this, Qu Shilin rolled her eyes at him.
“Do you think people are as tough as you, running out in such a snowy weather? Most people will definitely stay at home at this time. Those who have installed communication lines can receive information, and those who have not installed them can also listen to the speakers. Broadcast..."
"Well, it seems so, that's because I'm worrying too much..."
Wang Tao smiled awkwardly.
But Qu Shilin quickly continued:
“But there are some problems. I can’t go out. I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold today’s party. I still want to go and see it. Watching the party... And if the heavy snow of this level lasts for three or five days, it is not a question of whether the party can be held, but a question of whether the people can live a normal life..."
Wang Tao estimates that the party It should be cancelled. As for the future, we can only look at it later.
Under the command of Qu Shilin, Wang Tao quickly parked the car in a studio, where someone was already waiting.
"We are going to make your car more modular, with special accessories that can be quickly replaced, such as adding crawler tracks. Tracks are definitely useful in snowy weather, but they consume more energy. Of course, you don't have to worry too much about energy for crystal energy vehicles. For the carrying problem, just bring more crystal cores, but this puts new requirements on the stability and lifespan of the car..."
Qu Shilin briefly explained it to Wang Tao, and Wang Tao said this. I don’t know much about it either. They can just change it casually, and it doesn't cost them their own money anyway.
During the introduction, Qu Shilin directed people to lift the food compressor off the car. This machine is quite big, but it doesn’t look very technological. However, machines should not be judged by their appearance. This kind of food compression technology is currently beyond the reach of the institute.
"This is the 'food compressor'..."
Qu Shilin gently stroked the machine, her eyes shining.
Food is definitely the top priority of the base. If the technology of food compressors can be researched into Chou Yin Mao, it will definitely bring benefits to everyone. At least in the same space, you can carry more food out.
Qu Shilin tried it out and put some food in it, and some nutrient solution would appear in a moment. Even if the food is unclean or even poisonous, as long as it is edible food, the compressor can still produce clean nutrient solution! There will be some consumption in the process, but it’s good if you can eat it, and you don’t have the right to be picky.
“What a good thing!”
Qu Shilin was amazed. Then she looked at Wang Tao, but she hesitated to speak.
Wang Tao seemed to know what she wanted to ask and immediately spoke:
"I picked it up, and I don't know who made it. So don't ask me about the specific origin, I don't know."
"Okay~"
Qu Shilin helplessly spread the Spread your hands.
But she was simply curious, and it didn’t matter who made it now. After all, even if she knew, could she go find someone else?
Anyway, the thing is already with her, she just needs to research the technology of this machine.
"By the way, you should still use this food compressor, right? Then if you need it in the future..."
Before Qu Shilin finished speaking, she was interrupted by Wang Tao.
"No, I was lucky enough to pick up another one before. Just feel free to study it if you want."
"..."
Looking at it with an indifferent expression Wang Tao, Qu Shilin suddenly didn't know what to say.
She really believed that Wang Tao picked up this thing before, but now, Wang Tao actually said that he still has one!
It doesn’t matter if you pick up one of these magical things, how can you pick up two? This is too fake!
But seeing that Wang Tao didn’t want to say more, Qu Shilin didn’t ask any more questions.
Anyway, there is no need to worry about the origin of this thing now. It can’t be made by Wang Tao, right?
What she needs to do now is to research the technology of food compressors. If it can be popularized in the base, it will definitely be a major benefit to people who go out.
But now there is a small problem in front of Qu Shilin - she has too many projects now!
Mechanical prosthetics, power armor, crystal energy engines, crystal energy weapons, night devil hearts, iron beetles, food compressors, the weapons and equipment Wang Tao gave her before, and the creatures she loves more, Research on viruses... I'm so busy, so busy at all!
Qu Shilin glanced at Wang Tao secretly, then put her hands behind her back and coughed.
“Ahem, Wang Tao, can I discuss something with you?”
“What is it?”
Wang Tao was a little confused. After getting to know Qu Shilin, he found that she still preferred to be straightforward. Why was she suddenly so shy?
"Can you..." Qu Shilin stretched out her right hand and made a gesture with her index finger and thumb, "Sponsor me a little bit of scientific research funds?"
"Huh? Scientific research funds? Doesn’t your research institute have funds?”
Wang Tao was suddenly surprised. He didn’t expect Qu Shilin to ask him for money.
Logically speaking, the research institute should be very rich, right? After all, this is the strongest and only scientific research institution in Changhe Base, and the city hall will definitely not be stingy in investing in this area. And if nothing else, the inhibitor alone should be able to make a lot of money for the institute, so is Cheng Yiyi still short of money?
Cheng Yiyi saw Wang Tao's doubts, and she explained helplessly:
"The institute is rich, but we also spend a lot of money. If nothing else, we just study the energy in the crystal nucleus. , we all consume the crystal cores directly, which is a 'real money burn'... Of course, the institute is not so poor that it needs to borrow money from others. After all, it is supported by the city hall, and it can continue to research. …But as more and more projects are studied, more and more funds are needed, and it may not be able to make ends meet in the future. The city hall itself is also very short of money. After all, they have to be responsible for all aspects. We cannot always count on the city hall... ...So we have to find a way ourselves..."
Hearing this explanation, Wang Tao nodded silently. No matter when, doing research is a costly affair.
Qu Shilin then explained:
“If you can become a sponsor of the institute, whatever things are researched in the future, the sponsor will definitely use it first and enjoy VIP Benefits! If it is a mass-produced product that can be sold, there may be bonuses in the future! If the sponsor has any special needs, it can also be customized and there are various other benefits! ”
"But we also have to guard against sponsors using our research results to do bad things, so not everyone can sponsor if they want to... If you sponsor me personally, and something unexpected happens, then this I have to take the blame..."
She had no intention of finding anyone to sponsor her, because if she took other people's money, she would not be so free.
Although the institute has regulations, sponsors are not allowed to interfere with any research. Theoretically, even if they receive sponsorship, they will not be affected in any way. But in fact, it is impossible not to be influenced by others, after all, people are short-handed...
Qu Shilin still likes to be unfettered and free.
But now as the institute has more and more projects, the follow-up funds will most likely not be able to keep up... Especially since Qu Shilin still has so many projects in her hands, the institute has allocated Her funds are no longer enough, and she has even donated money herself, but scientific research is a bottomless pit, and the money is obviously not enough.
Therefore, when she came back this time and the institute asked for sponsors again, she thought of Wang Tao.
Strong, rich, and not too involved, this is obviously a great partner.
But then again, she thinks Wang Tao is good, but Wang Tao may not necessarily think she is good. Sponsorship requires both parties to be satisfied...
Qu Shilin looked at Wang Tao longingly.
“No problem, how much do you want?”
Wang Tao smiled and nodded.
He has a good relationship with Qu Shilin, and scientific research, in Wang Tao's opinion, is a relatively sacred matter that benefits the people. If Wang Tao doesn't have the ability, forget it. If he has the ability, it's okay to support him.
Seeing that Wang Tao did not refuse the call, but was actually very interested, Qu Shilin breathed a sigh of relief.
She thinks she has a good relationship with Wang Tao, but money is the thing that is most likely to cause rifts between friends. She doesn't value money very much, but who knows what Wang Tao thinks...
"Ahem, are you sponsoring me, or the entire institute?"
"Of course it's you."
"Ahem, I still have 10 projects in hand, so you...sponsor me 10 million crystal coins first?"
Qu Shilin He spoke tentatively.
“Ten million, yes.”
Wang Tao agreed directly.
He currently has more than 60 million crystal coins in his hand, and some of the things he got this time have not been sold. In addition, he has a lot of valuable things in his hand, so 10 million crystal coins is nothing to him. .
And Qu Shilin has 10 projects. If he can research some results with ten million, it will be very profitable.
"Thank you, thank you! With your ten million, I can pick a project to start..."
Seeing Wang Tao, he agreed without blinking, Qu Shi Lin was immediately overjoyed.
She knew she had found the right person!
After Wang Tao heard what she said, he was suddenly stunned.
"Wait! You just said that you want to pick a project to start? In other words... these ten million can only support one project?"
"...Ahem, that's accurate. Said, this ten million is the start-up capital for a project..."
Qu Shilin recited the four words "start-up capital" emphatically. After finishing speaking, she looked at Wang Tao with some anxiety, for fear that Wang Tao withdrew his capital before giving any money.
“……”
Wang Tao thought that the ten million yuan could support 10 projects, but it turned out that it could only support one project, and it was just start-up capital. This meant that money would have to be spent in the future!
Wang Tao felt a little sore.
According to Qu Shilin’s money-burning method, he can’t even afford tens of millions!
Before the apocalypse, he was just a hardworking worker. Now that the apocalypse is over, he can’t still work to make money, right?
"Wang Tao, let me first introduce to you my research projects..."
Perhaps because she was afraid that Wang Tao would regret it, Qu Shilin hurriedly explained to Wang Tao, or in other words... painted a bigger picture.
“For example, in terms of power armor, Jiang Wenyou and I studied this together. Both of us have to contribute money and effort... Jiang Wenyou is the researcher who gave you the power armor at the exchange meeting... We The ultimate goal is to create a mecha that is tens or hundreds of meters tall and is comparable to giant zombies!"
"Crystal energy engines and crystal energy weapons are not needed! I said it. We want to be ordinary people. When you hold these weapons, you can also kill powerful zombies! If everyone in the army can have a crystal energy weapon, what else can be scary about these zombies?"
"..."
"There is also my favorite research in biotechnology and viruses. If there can be a breakthrough in this area, the impact will be even greater! For example... we can create a real antidote to the zombie virus, and we will no longer be afraid of being Infection..." At the end of the sentence, Qu Shilin's eyes lit up.
Creating an antidote to the zombie virus is one of the ultimate goals that all researchers strive for, and she is no exception.
Wang Tao never eats the pie painted by others, but don’t tell me, what Qu Shilin introduced made him a little excited - this excitement does not refer to the research results, but to the ability to make people See hope for the future.
After all, the last days are so hard, and it is difficult to persevere without hope...
Of course, it would be better if the results could be researched.
"It sounds... quite good. Putting aside everything else, if you can really develop an antidote to the zombie virus, then you will be the heroes of all mankind!"
Wang Tao nodded seriously.
Seeing that Wang Tao did not regret it, Qu Shilin finally breathed a sigh of relief. But when she heard Wang Tao talk about the zombie virus, she smiled bitterly and shook her head.
"Hey, it's too difficult to develop an antidote to the zombie virus! Even...I think there's a high probability that it won't be developed..."
"Huh? Didn't you just Are you still confident? Why, you changed your mind?”
Wang Tao was a little speechless.
“Ahem, I don’t want to deceive you...”
Qu Shilin was a little embarrassed, and then explained very seriously:
“I really I don’t think an antidote to the zombie virus can be developed! To put it simply, the current zombie viruses are the result of countless rounds of mutations. They are of different types and very complex. From what we can see, There are tens of thousands of species! Not to mention there are more that we haven’t seen yet. There must be more than dozens or even millions of species! So even if we are lucky enough to develop an antidote to the zombie virus, it will only be It’s just an antidote, it can’t cure dozens or millions of zombie viruses...”
Hearing Qu Shilin’s explanation, Wang Tao frowned and said:
"I don't understand this aspect, but based on my humble understanding, even if these zombie viruses have mutated, they must be related and have something in common, right? If these patterns are found, then maybe it's still possible?"< br>
Qu Shilin shook her head.
"There is no problem with your idea, but the problem is that zombie viruses have mutated no matter how many times. They are all very different. And the most important thing is that they are still mutating. Mutating all the time!”
“Our research has found that the reason why zombies can become stronger without doing anything is because the zombie viruses in their bodies are constantly evolving! The virus has undergone a mutation..."
"So the speed of our research is not as fast as their mutation speed. Even if we can really develop an antidote, it may only be usable on the same day, and the effect will be greatly reduced the next day. , it may become invalid on the third day..."
"..."
Wang Tao knew that studying zombie viruses was difficult, but he didn't expect it to be so difficult.
"Of course, this does not mean that there is no hope at all. If we can find the most original zombie virus, there may be hope..."
"The original virus was the first outbreak. Zombie virus, and it must be during the first round of outbreak, that is, at that time on April 4th..."
"This most primitive virus is called the 'ancestral virus' by us. Now These dozens or millions of zombie diseases The viruses are all mutated from the "ancestral virus". Zombie viruses are different from other viruses. After other viruses mutate, they may become new viruses. However, after the zombie virus mutates, there is still a difference between it and the ancestor virus. The unspeakable connection... Simply put, the ancestor virus is the 'root', and the current zombie virus is the 'leaf'! As long as the ancestor virus can be thoroughly studied, we should be able to find a solution to the zombie virus! But..."
"But this is basically impossible. Because it has been 10 months since the virus outbreak, how can there be an ancestor virus that has not undergone any mutation..."
"You know why we can We were able to develop zombie virus inhibitors very early on. Now we are safer and have better research conditions. , but there has not been much breakthrough in viruses? This is not because we were lazy, but because we were studying early viruses at that time, and drugs that can suppress early viruses are also effective against current viruses. There are no such research conditions anymore..."
Qu Shilin slumped down, her face looking a little desperate.
The more people know about zombie viruses, the more they know how difficult it is to develop an antidote to zombie viruses, and the more desperate they become.
In their Hope Research Institute, many people are working on the project of antidote to the zombie virus, but unless there is some big breakthrough, no one will talk about these things at all, because the more they talk about it, the more desperate they become...< br>
"In other words, we will never be able to create an antidote to the zombie virus in this life?"
Wang Tao asked with a frown.
"Maybe, unless the ancestor virus can be found..."
Qu Shilin shook her head.
"The Ancestor Virus..."
Wang Tao muttered silently.
This is obviously an impossible task, unless time stops somewhere when a virus breaks out, then maybe there is an ancestor virus here.
Or maybe someone can turn back time, directly to the beginning of the apocalyptic outbreak - but if you really have this ability, then why study the ancestor virus? You must be trying to find a way to prevent the apocalyptic outbreak!
Wang Tao also didn’t expect that he would get a piece of desperate information just by saying it casually.
But he has a good mentality, and now he has a certain strength. Even if he really cannot develop an antidote, he will definitely survive!
"Alas, I actually regret it a bit. When the virus broke out, I sought protection as soon as possible. This indeed made me safer, but it also lost the opportunity to study the virus on the front line. If I could have studied more For the sub-ancestral virus, even if you read the research records of your predecessors a few more times, you might find some clues about the zombie virus. Some breakthroughs..."
Wang Tao suddenly asked:
"Have any of the frontline researchers survived?"
"...No."
“That’s it, living is the greatest victory, we still have a chance!”
Wang Tao patted Qu Shilin on the shoulder, and he slapped Qu Shilin with a little force, causing Qu Shilin to stagger.
Qu Shilin suddenly rolled her eyes at Wang Tao speechlessly.
"Okay, okay, let's not talk about this matter. Anyway, I still want to thank you for your sponsorship. If there is any benefit then, I will definitely think of you as soon as possible! Of course, if you can sponsor again If I take a little bit, it will be better..."
Qu Shilin extended her index finger and thumb to gesture again.
“……”
This gesture is worth ten million!
Even if Wang Tao is rich, he can’t afford to do this!
Shaked his head. When Wang Tao was about to say something, he was suddenly stunned.
“What did you just say?”
“Sponsored?”
"No, you just said that if you were allowed to study the ancestor virus a few more times, or watch the research records of your predecessors..."
"Uh, I said..."
Qu Shilin didn't understand what Wang Tao meant.
"I have something I want to show you. I don't know if it will be of use to you... Can you come to my house?"
Wang Tao said.
"Ah? Okay."
Qu Shilin didn't ask any more questions.
Wang Tao's car was undergoing modifications, so Qu Shilin borrowed a car from the institute. This car also came with anti-skid chains, making it much easier to drive in the snow.
“Huh? The snow has lightened up!”
After driving the car out, Qu Shilin was a little surprised.
"It's good that the snow is light..."
Wang Tao and Qu Shilin returned to his villa together.
Since the snow is light and the car has snow chains, the return speed is much faster than before.
While Qu Shilin was greeting others, Wang Tao came over with a thick brown paper bag.
“Look.”
"This is..."
Qu Shilin took it over curiously. Inside were neat documents, and after seeing the contents on the documents, her eyes suddenly widened.
"Research records on the Ancestral Virus! You, how could you have these..."
Qu Shilin opened her mouth in shock while carefully looking through them.
"Is it really the ancestor virus..."
Wang Tao nodded secretly, and then slowly explained:
"When the virus broke out, the No. 1 Hospital in Wuyang Province, Huangfeng City, and Shuize County also suffered large-scale infections. At that time, there was a group of medical experts in the hospital. One of them brought his daughter who was tired of studying. His daughter was infected, but he was still alive. In order to save his daughter, he hid in the underground of the hospital. He used crude instruments to study zombie viruses in the hope of finding an antidote, but unfortunately, he failed and he himself became a zombie, a mutated zombie... These documents are all the research he left behind. Results. He said in his diary that these are useless things and were given to me, but I think they still have a certain commemorative significance, so I have kept them as souvenirs until now..."
Wang Tao's eyes were a little complicated.
The one who left this document was the original green-eyed zombie.
Wang Tao has experienced many things since he came to the end of the world, among which the green-eyed zombies are the most impressive.
After all, green-eyed zombies are powerful and can produce many elite zombies in batches, which makes Wang Tao feel good about killing them.
And most importantly, the green-eyed zombie left a diary. Through the diary, I can feel his despair and his love for his daughter when he was still a human being.
Of course, Wang Tao gained his night vision ability as well.
Regarding the green-eyed zombies, except for Han Rui, who had experienced it with Wang Tao, Wei Zhenguo and the others did not know the details, and Yang Changhong and the others had never heard of it.
Now that Wang Tao is talking about it, everyone feels a little sad.
Qu Shilin's vision was also very complex. The result of the green-eyed zombies was the same as those of the researchers struggling on the front line. But the difference is that the green-eyed zombie left some precious wealth and was brought out by Wang Tao! And other researchers...
“These information are the research data of the ancestor virus! They are very important to me and the institute! I don’t dare to say that a zombie virus can be developed, but it will definitely be possible. There is something to gain! So this information..."
Qu Shilin looked at Wang Tao eagerly.
"Of course I give it to you. It is a complete waste here. Only you can make it play its due role..."
Wang Tao said without thinking.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Qu Shilin hugged the research materials tightly with excitement.
(End of this chapter)