Chapter 437 - 5: A Conversation Between Men 2
Generally speaking, the higher the concentration of lactic acid accumulated in the body after intense exercise, the more physically exhausted the body becomes. The reason for the low lactic acid concentration in Sacred Heart Middle School students is still under investigation.
"That is indeed a curious matter, but apart from this news, are there any other investigation results?"
"Next up, it would be the turn of the Agricultural Science Academy. According to the results of the student fitness tests, 30 percent of students are overweight, 40 percent suffer from picky eating and a certain degree of malnutrition, and 60 percent have myopia. These are potential sub-health populations." Zhou Ziang opened his notebook, which contained the analysis results of the physical fitness tests he had compiled.
Yu Gang took the notebook and, looking at the flowing cursive penmanship line by line, couldn’t help but take another glance at Zhou Ziang.
A person long accustomed to drinking foreign ink yet capable of writing such dignified and masterly cursive script — this young man seemed not to be one who blindly worships foreign things.
"Thank you, Researcher Zhou, for the data analysis. I will send the relevant information to the appropriate departments and inform the school authorities to increase the frequency of physical education classes and improve the dietary structure of the student cafeteria," Yu Gang deftly changed the subject to the real reason he had invited Zhou Ziang over.
"Regarding last year, the batch of cotton seeds that Mengshan provided to our Xinjiang Autonomous Region had some issues when planted this year. And the same batch of soybeans that were buried were found to be genetically modified after we conducted tests. I believe this violates the terms agreed upon by both Chinese and American sides when signing the contract," Yu Gang spoke more solemnly and forcefully now that the conversation had moved on to negotiations, indicating no room for turning back.
Zhou Ziang had only recently learned of the problems with the premium cotton and genetically modified soybeans from headquarters feedback. One of his purposes for coming to China was to certify the existing level of biotechnological capabilities on behalf of Locke and others, who had pressured him under great duress. From the current situation, the research level of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences far exceeded what Locke and associates had anticipated.
"Dr. Yu, what is your view on applying genetic engineering to agriculture or even the field of biology?" Zhou Ziang had reviewed Yu Gang’s profile.
Yu Gang, a 40-year-old male, is one of the most renowned agronomists and soil scientists in the younger generation of China, and the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
He has visited countries such as Somalia in Africa multiple times to teach local farmers dryland farming techniques and has published a number of papers opposing American agricultural hegemony.
"I maintain a neutral stance; every technology has its pros and cons," Yu Gang kept a cautious attitude, well aware that the young man before him represented the American Mengshan Company.
"Let’s put aside nationality, titles, and age differences. Let’s approach this from an agricultural perspective." Zhou Ziang put down his teacup and stood up, his demeanor taking on a sharper edge.
"If genetic technology were to become borderless, opening up the granaries of food-surplus countries, there would be no more famines worldwide. If genetic technology is used correctly, nutrient-rich rice could replace penicillin for curing inflammations, without any side effects. Isn’t this what both Dr. Yu and I truly hope for?"
Yu Gang straightened his back, enthusiastically meeting Zhou Ziang’s gaze, "Is this the reason you stay with Mengshan? Has Mengshan Company already mastered...?"
Zhou Ziang gestured for silence, "Doctor, this is the dream of countless people, and we are always striving for it. But let’s return to the main topic. Regarding the long-staple cotton from Xinjiang and the bean seeds sown all over, the seeds themselves have no problems. The issue lies in the agricultural planting techniques. I will personally go to each location to give demonstrations on scientific planting and proper pruning, which could help recover some losses before the autumn harvest."
Yu Gang listened in disbelief, Zhou Ziang’s implication that he intended to inspect the crops’ conditions in various places did not fit with the traditional practice of foreign experts focusing solely on laboratory research.
As for the bean seeds, Zhou Ziang had learned from Locke during their time in the Underground Biopark that it was a deliberate setup by Mengshan Company. However, the truth could not be directly revealed to the Chinese side. Presently, he still needed Mengshan’s support, at least until he got the chance to experience the mysterious trial at Cangqiong Palace, he must act according to the wishes of Celeste and others. So the only solution was for Zhou Ziang himself to make the trip.
After all, Sacred Heart Middle School was already starting summer vacation in a week. Speaking of summer vacation, Zhou Ziang’s brows furrowed. Xiao Xian had been taken away by Mei Nian for over two months now. Previously, Mei Nian would regularly ask him for Purple Ginseng, but since the beginning of this month, Mei Nian suddenly stopped requesting it. He wondered if Xiao Xian was already healed. He needed to find a chance to reach out to Mei Nian.
"Isn’t there any other alternative besides Researcher Zhou making a trip himself? There are as many as seven or eight provinces that cultivated those crop seeds. If Researcher Zhou were to go around like this, it would be exhausting," Yu Gang hadn’t determined Zhou Ziang’s true intentions and inquired about other methods.
"There is an alternative. However, even Mengshan headquarters is still researching it—developing ’doctor-type’ bees and butterflies that can help treat diseased crops. Unfortunately, it’s still a conceptual experiment without stable results, so for now, I’ll have to take on the job of a temporary crop doctor," Zhou Ziang planned in his mind to locate Mei Nian and confirm Xiao Xian’s condition before setting out to visit the locations.
"That’s too bad, I hope the invention can be launched soon. I have spent time in those provinces, so this time, I will go with you," Yu Gang thought for a moment and made his decision.
Outside the window, a cluster of evening primroses was graced with several bees, and the two men inside shared a smile.
**
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