Chapter 22: The Reaction of the Great Powers

  The day after Jefferson's interview, a Washington Post article by Walt sparked widespread attention around the world. The resulting speculation and reaction were unforeseen by Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical.

  The Washington Post published an article titled "Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical - The Mysterious Backstage Boss", which caused widespread speculation in various countries. The article pointed out that Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical's president Jefferson personally confirmed that there is a mysterious major shareholder of the company, but the country of origin and shareholding ratio of this shareholder have not been verified.

  Major powers would stop at nothing to get their hands on such a drug. The sudden revelation of this news has left them all wondering if the person who discovered it is from their own country. If that's the case, they could gain an upper hand in war, not only reducing their own casualties but also preserving their strength and controlling the enemy's access to penicillin. In war, gaining the initiative often decides the outcome.

  USA, White House, Presidential Palace.

  "Mr. President, regarding the newly emerged Zhongsheng Company, we have started investigating, but the share transfer agreement was done internally, and currently, we cannot determine the nationality of the mastermind behind it?" A blond-haired man with a somewhat gloomy expression said to a middle-aged man in his 40s, who was none other than John Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The current signs indicate that this mastermind must have an enormous connection with America, and it's highly possible that he is an American," the reporter asked if they could donate the patent to the country when the news broke out about the existence of a mastermind behind the scenes. Obviously, they didn't want to donate it. However, as long as that company is in our America, we have the upper hand. So, you let your investigation bureau intervene from the outside, and ensure the safety of Zhongsheng Company. At this critical moment, on American soil, we cannot allow others to control this company. This is crucial." President Roosevelt said resolutely. "Yes, Mr. President!" Hoover replied before exiting the presidential office.

  Japan, Tokyo, Imperial Palace.

  "Your Imperial Majesty, according to the information transmitted from America, the pharmaceutical company Chugai Seiyaku has confirmed that there is a mastermind behind the emergence of new medicines. The effect of this medicine is extremely important for our Great Japanese Empire. Your Majesty, do you think we should spare no expense in obtaining it, so as to avoid unnecessary losses in future wars?" Prime Minister Okada Keisuke rushed to the Imperial Palace immediately after receiving the intelligence report from the Ministry of Intelligence.

  "Mr. Okada, according to the information from the Medical Department, this medicine has an unparalleled effect on the brave warriors of our Empire. I believe you also saw it, and I think there is a 50% chance that the people doing business with this medicine in America are Japanese. Our intelligence personnel have shown that there are some unknown individuals, possibly Japanese or Chinese, operating on the periphery. Given China's technological level, it is impossible for them to have such vision. Therefore, I have decided to dispatch military intelligence personnel to communicate with them and try to persuade them to relocate their company to Japan, with conditions of their choice. If that fails, we must obtain a long-term contract for priority supply to Japan."

  The Emperor thought for a moment and said seriously, "Yes, Your Majesty, but since they are in America, I think the Americans will also be paying attention to this company. Using military force is not an option, although our brave warriors of the Great Japanese Empire are invincible, it's still best not to provoke the Americans lightly for now. Let's wait until we occupy China and establish the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, then no one will care about anyone else!"

  Okada Keisuke analyzed, "Yes, Mr. Okada, you make sense. First, let's have the intelligence department take action. However, no matter what, we must obtain a large quantity of penicillin. I won't mention the interests at stake. Alright, go and arrange it."

  The Emperor finished speaking, closed his eyes, and waved his hand.

  United Kingdom, Cabinet meeting.

  "Your Excellency, Dr. Fleming's whereabouts are unknown, according to the investigation report, a group of people found Dr. Fleming some time ago, and since then, there has been no news, we are still investigating." A cabinet member whispered, "A bunch of rubbish, such a good opportunity we didn't grasp, if we had this medicine, our British Empire's position in the world would be greatly improved, those Americans, Japanese, Germans would definitely need this medicine too. Now the only thing that is certain is that the medicine that appeared is indeed Dr. Fleming's research product." MacDonald said with a bit of anxiety, "Yes, Your Excellency, also according to the latest intelligence from America, Chisso Pharmaceutical Company has leaked information to the outside world, they have a major shareholder behind the scenes, this shareholder hasn't revealed their nationality, I think it's very likely that Dr. Fleming has invested in technology and obtained absolute shares. However, I'm not certain, but at least one thing is certain, Dr. Fleming definitely has shares, either as the first or second largest shareholder!" The cabinet member analyzed, "Very well, you must spare no effort to contact Dr. Fleming, our British Empire will not mistreat someone who has made outstanding contributions to the country like this, so I'll go and apply to Her Majesty the Queen to confer a peerage on Dr. Fleming, and as for you, take care of it, you must obtain the formula and production method of the medicine! You must!" MacDonald thought for a moment and said, "Not only England, America, Japan, but many other countries are also analyzing this issue, the Soviet Union, Germany, France, etc., their topics are all different, they're all trying to get supply rights, but they also know that except for America, currently no country can guarantee obtaining supply rights. If an enemy nation appears, it's even more impossible to obtain the medicine's supply rights."

  The outer perimeter of Zhongsheng Company suddenly increased a large number of people with different skin colors from various countries, all of whom were elite spies. They are trying to approach the headquarters of Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical through various methods, but they cannot get close. Not only is the headquarters of Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical forcibly designated as a military restricted area by the United States, but also a large number of personnel have been added, and there are countless visible and hidden sentries on the outer perimeter. The United States spent enormous human and material resources on this, ostensibly to safeguard the legitimate interests of Zhongsheng Company, but anyone with discerning eyes can see that the political benefits far outweigh the economic benefits of the United States. There is no love without reason, nor is there hatred without reason!

  After Jefferson received the letter from the US FBI, he felt that this matter should be told to Wang Mingyu. A cryptic telegram was sent from the United States to China, and it was more than a week after Wang Mingyu said that the telegram had been received.

  Wang Mingyu learned of this matter and laughed, laughing very brightly. He knew that his plan had been realized because all countries understood the value of penicillin. This is why the United States wanted to protect Zhongsheng, while other countries wanted to get in touch with Zhongsheng. He also applauded Jefferson for revealing the backstage boss, this move was really wonderful. Other countries would have to consider it carefully, even if they intentionally wanted to destroy it, in case this person was from their own country, it would be a loss of both men and money, not worth it. Surviving in such a gap is not an adventurous chess game, but also the most beneficial chess game.

  King Mingyu sent a telegram to Wang Jie, stating: Firstly, make every effort to protect the safety of Dr. Fleming; secondly, expedite the production and secretly transport it to China, contacting Zhao Guotang in the process; thirdly, maintain contact with various countries, avoid sudden changes in relations, supply small quantities at high prices, while appropriately lowering prices for the United States, and improve relations with the US to facilitate exports; fourthly, promptly procure the items listed on the previous material list provided to him.

  After everything was settled, Wang Mingyu's mood was very pleasant. However, these problems were naturally not suitable to be discussed with others. The more people knew, the greater the danger would be, and this would not be conducive to one's own development. Not everyone understands the principle that "a tall tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind".