The weekend was winding down, and Chen Mo was still basking in the lingering peace of spending time with Xiao Yu. The past two days had been a welcome break from his usual routine of high-intensity research and development.
His mind, however, hadn't been idle. The success of the miniature holographic projector had brought him one step closer to launching the large-scale version. Once that was complete, he could begin unlocking the next level of technology from the mysterious science and technology library. What it would be, even he wasn't sure yet—but he could feel something big on the horizon.
After arriving at the Marching Ant Company campus, Xiao Yu and Chen Mo separated to go to their respective offices.
On her way in, Xiao Yu was greeted warmly by passing employees.
Everyone at headquarters knew about her relationship with Chen Mo. It was no secret. In the early days, there had been whispers—jealousy, gossip, speculation. But once they learned that Xiao Yu had been by Chen Mo's side since his university startup days, the chatter died down.
She wasn't someone who had latched onto success halfway through—she was there from the beginning. Her gentle personality and refusal to exploit her position for personal gain only deepened the respect others had for her.
Though she had more privileges than most, she never acted above anyone. That humility earned her a quiet reverence throughout the company.
"Xiao Yu, what are you so happy about?" Zhao Min teased as she entered the office and saw Xiao Yu beaming.
"Nothing," Xiao Yu replied with a modest smile, clearly trying to play it off.
"Come on, you're glowing. Had a great weekend?" Zhao Min grinned knowingly.
The relationship between the two women had long since gone beyond workplace hierarchy. They felt more like sisters than coworkers.
"He said his research succeeded, so he spent the weekend with me," Xiao Yu admitted, her cheeks tinged with joy.
"Two days with you and you're this happy?" Zhao Min gave her a dramatic look. "Well, I'll be damned. Love really does make women glow. You look even more radiant—skin smoother, eyes brighter. Meanwhile, I'm over here aging like unrefrigerated yogurt."
"Zhao Jie, you're still young and beautiful. If you opened your doors, there'd be a line of men from the entrance to the parking lot," Xiao Yu laughed.
"Sweet talker." Zhao Min chuckled. "Come on, let's go visit that big boss of ours. I've got a few things to run by him."
Chen Mo had just arrived in his office and was about to head over to Building 1 to continue working on the holographic phone when Mo Nu's voice chimed in, alerting him.
"Xiao Yu and Zhao Min are outside."
"Weekend go well, big boss?" Zhao Min asked as she stepped in.
"No complaints," Chen Mo said casually.
"Tsk, poor me—working overtime and nobody taking me shopping. Next time bring me along. I'm sure Xiao Yu won't mind," Zhao Min said with a grin.
"Sure, but only if you're prepared to third-wheel and get force-fed dog food the whole time. Can't say I didn't warn you," Chen Mo shrugged.
Zhao Min rolled her eyes.
She didn't need to go shopping to feel the sting—these two displayed affection so publicly that even she, hardened as she was, felt personally attacked sometimes.
Xiao Yu giggled softly beside them. She was long used to their banter.
"Let's get to business," Chen Mo said, steering the conversation back on track.
"First up—Jianghe Pharmaceutical's new oral liquid has passed clinical trials. Here's the data." Zhao Min handed him a file.
She didn't say the product name aloud—it was, after all, a reproductive health supplement, and with Xiao Yu present, she wasn't going to make things awkward by spelling that out.
Chen Mo accepted the documents, flipping through them as she continued.
"The drug has shown no side effects so far. If someone wants to neutralize its effects midway, drinking 400 ml of water will dilute it. Its efficacy is impressive."
Even Zhao Min, normally composed, felt a bit awkward as she discussed the results.
"Unlike blue pills, which can't be taken with nitrates because of dangerous blood pressure drops, dizziness, or even temporary hearing loss, our formula appears safe and side-effect free. It's very competitive."
"Well, well. Someone's suddenly an expert," Chen Mo said with mock surprise.
Hearing his teasing tone, Xiao Yu nearly spit out her tea and had to quickly turn away, her cheeks flushed.
"You! Who are you calling old and experienced?" Zhao Min shot back, her face slightly pink. "I'm still a proper lady, thank you very much."
"Pffft—" Chen Mo couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.
"Xiao Yu, control your man!" Zhao Min huffed.
"Alright, alright," Chen Mo said, wiping his grin away. "I'll read through this carefully. Go ahead and prep it for market launch."
Zhao Min nodded, regaining her composure.
"Next item—our partnership with Roche is progressing well. The joint venture has been established. The company's name is Haixing—Starfish in English. We hold 90% of the shares; Roche holds 10%. We maintain full control."
"Nice name," Chen Mo commented.
"Tan Yong will serve as president of the domestic division, Kingsley will head the overseas division—he's Roche's pick. Haixing's board includes one overseas representative, the rest are our people. Hou Youliang is the executive director, and we've placed our own personnel in the finance department."
Chen Mo quietly absorbed the information as she continued.
"Roche confirmed their funding was transferred the day before yesterday. Overseas staff have been arranged. We've signed partnerships with 300 hospitals in China and 400 abroad. Once the drug is approved for release, we're ready for full-scale rollout."
Everything was in place. Once the final greenlight was given, the new drug would hit the market—and it was expected to generate considerable profit. The Marching Ant Company didn't mind making money. The more the better.
"The new drug's name is Haizhi Yu, English name: YoungLady. Ads are ready and scheduled for primetime tonight."
"Sea of the Royal, huh? That's a good name," Chen Mo nodded approvingly.
"And now for my final request," Zhao Min grinned. "You promised me the potential-enhancing serum, remember? You're finally free, so how about today? I even took the day off just for this."
She had been waiting ever since Chen Mo offered it to her. Last weekend, he was too busy. But now, Xiao Yu had mentioned his research was winding down, so this was her best chance.
"No need to waste a day off," Chen Mo replied with a smile. "You'll get paid for today. I'm free now—let's get it done."
With that, Chen Mo led both women toward the lab.