Chapter 1602

"This lab is just a small pawn in the game. The main source isn't in Hyderland. Do you understand?" Mike said cryptically after a moment's thought. Lily, though not receiving a direct answer, understood and nodded thoughtfully.

"Are you saying Hyderland is just a subsidiary branch, and the headquarters is abroad?" Mike nodded. "The boss behind it is more powerful than we can imagine. We can't compete against him. Lily, you shouldn't dig any deeper. You might risk your life and the lives of those around you."

"That means this is all just to convince me not to investigate the lab further?" Lily asked mockingly, a smile playing on her lips.

"No!" Mike shook his head. "I want to strike a deal with you."

"What deal?"

"Come back and work for the lab. You'll be tasked with more important projects. But you shouldn't ask questions or concern yourself with the purpose of your work. Just concentrate on your experiments."

"What do I get?" Lily's curiosity was piqued; every deal had its conditions.

Mike looked at her and slowly said, "We can give you a sample of the virus infecting Alex. That way, you might be able to create an antidote."

Lily almost laughed. "Why don't you just give me the antidote?" The thought of receiving an antidote in exchange was ludicrous. He was offering a virus sample, leaving the antidote development entirely to her. 'What if I can't figure it out? This deal benefits me not at all. What's the use of working with the lab if I can't save Alex? This deal is preposterous!'

After a moment of silence, Mike said, "To be honest, there's no antidote for this virus yet."

"What?!" Lily nearly jumped, spilling her tea in shock. Mike quickly grabbed tissues to wipe up the spill. Their conversation was briefly interrupted by the arrival of their meal. By the time the waiter finished serving, Lily had composed herself.

"There's no antidote?" she repeated. 'Forget natural diseases; how can there be no antidote for a man-made virus? What if the scientists involved got infected?' Mike understood her doubts, sensing her disbelief. He explained, "When the virus was developed, no one considered creating an antidote. After all, it was aimed at a targeted group of people."

"Targeted group?" This shocked Lily. She considered herself knowledgeable, yet she'd never encountered the concept of group-specific viruses. 'What organization is this, and what are they doing?'

"So, who are the targeted people?" Though she harbored a suspicion, she remained uncertain.

Mike fell silent. After a pause, he finally said, "Lily, I'm telling you this so you understand you're no match for the virus or the boss behind it all. This deal is good for you, Alex, and us!"