Chapter 71: Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals Soars Again

In the sealed chamber, Qin Feng felt the surging, renewed power within him; the Life Matrix Optimization to 92.3% had elevated him comprehensively. Not only had his injuries fully healed, but his physical strength, nerve reaction speed, and spiritual perception acuity had all surged to a higher tier. Though the lingering Decay aura still hovered like dark clouds, it could no longer easily shake his rock-solid aura as before.

"System, bring up my status panel."

【Host: Qin Feng】【Physique: 98 (Life Matrix Optimization 92.3%, Base Physique Greatly Enhanced)】【Spirit: 105 (Absorbed Star Marrow energy, Spiritual Power Significantly Increased)】【Charisma: 90 (Slightly Fluctuating Due to Weak Decay Influence)】【Points: 5120 (Deducted for Spirit Barrier Consumption)】【Special Status: Ancient Evil Will Curse (Active, Effect Partially Suppressed)】【System Level: 2 (Upgrade Available, Upgrade Conditions Met)】

Gazing at the status panel, Qin Feng's gaze finally settled on the 【System Level】 entry. The conditions had long been met; he only needed to supply resources. Previously, due to the curse's interference, he dared not act rashly. Now, with his strength greatly enhanced and the Life Matrix stabilized, it was time.

"System, initiate upgrade procedure!"

【Ding! Detected host command. System upgrade procedure initiated. Upgrade requires substantial energy; system functions will be temporarily disabled or restricted. Please ensure you are in a safe environment. Confirm upgrade?】

"Confirm!"

Qin Feng did not hesitate. He had already piled the rare jades, precious metals, and some previously stockpiled high-end electronic components he had acquired into the corner of the chamber. These were all the system's designated "resources."

As he confirmed the command, an invisible force field spread from him, engulfing the pile of resources. The next instant, a shocking scene unfolded: the priceless jades lost their luster and turned to dust before his eyes; the precious metals began to melt and vaporize; the electronic components instantly overloaded and blackened… The "energy" contained within all these materials was forcibly extracted, forming a vast, invisible current Qin Feng could clearly sense, surging violently into the system core within him.

【Resource confirmed… Energy extraction in progress… 1%… 5%… 15%…】

The system interface began displaying a loading bar; the upgrade had officially begun.

Meanwhile, outside.

Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., CEO's Office.

Su Xiaowan stared at her computer screen, frowning. The screen displayed the sales data backend and public sentiment monitoring for "Life No. 1" nutritional liquid.

Since the last press conference successfully defused the crisis—and leveraging the sensational "paralyzed volunteer walking again" incident—"Life No. 1"'s reputation and sales hadn't just recovered rapidly; they had rocketed into the stratosphere!

Online flagship store inventory sold out within minutes of every restock. Offline partner pharmacies and premium health clubs were flooded with calls for consultations and pre-orders; lines formed outside their doors. On the black market, "Life No. 1" prices had soared over three times the official rate—and still, there was no supply to meet demand.

"Insane… everyone's insane…" Su Xiaowan murmured, her fingers scrolling through the feverish consumer reviews on screen.

"Thank you, Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals! My mother's Alzheimer's symptoms have noticeably improved!" "This is literally divine medicine! After a week of drinking it, I feel completely revitalized from chronic overwork and poor health!" "Please, official, release more stock! I can't get any!" "Where are the media outlets that previously slandered 'Life No. 1'? Come out and show yourselves!"

The explosive sales brought massive cash flow; the company's valuation soared daily. Countless capital firms waved checks wanting to invest, all of which Su Xiaowan had politely refused per Qin Feng's prior instructions.

Yet beneath this peak of prosperity, Su Xiaowan sensed a subtle unease.

First, production pressure. Extracting "Life No. 1"'s core ingredient was extremely complex, with stringent raw material requirements; capacity had always been a bottleneck. Though Qin Feng had left behind a batch of "concentrated stock solution" for dilution, current sales trends meant even this reserve wouldn't last long.

Second, surveillance from all sides. Corporate spies, competitors' covert probes, even shadows of foreign powers, had begun appearing frequently around the company. Though the technological barrier was high, immense profits might tempt someone to take desperate risks.

Finally—and most concerning to Su Xiaowan—Qin Feng had been unreachable for over 48 hours. She knew he was undergoing a critical "seclusion," and had instructed her not to disturb him under any circumstances. But now, with the company at the epicenter of public attention and countless eyes watching, she felt unsteady without him present.

"Boss Qin, when will you finally emerge…" Su Xiaowan gazed out the window, the city's splendor laid bare before her, yet her eyes filled with worry.

At that moment, the office door knocked. The Assistant hurried in, face tense.

"Director Su, something's happened!"

"What is it?" Su Xiaowan's heart tightened.

"We just received notice from the market regulatory authority: they've received numerous anonymous reports questioning the claimed efficacy and ingredient safety of our 'Life No. 1,' demanding we immediately submit the most detailed production processes, core ingredient analysis reports, and all clinical data for a 'temporary review'!" the Assistant said urgently. "Moreover, several media outlets linked to investment firms we previously rejected simultaneously published critical articles, implying our technology's origin is unclear and may involve… biosecurity risks!"

Su Xiaowan's face darkened instantly.

Here it comes! She knew it—great success inevitably drew fierce backlash. This so-called "anonymous reporting" and coordinated media assault clearly had a hidden hand pushing it, aiming to crush Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals through official pressure and public opinion.

Was this the Decay's influence? She didn't know. But she knew this was one of the greatest crises the company had ever faced. If mishandled, all prior efforts could vanish.

She forced herself to calm down, her mind racing. Qin Feng was gone; she had to stand alone.

"Immediately do the following: First, Legal Department to fully coordinate with regulatory authorities—provide all requested materials, excluding core secrets, with sincere, cooperative attitude. Second, PR Department to activate emergency protocol: contact all friendly media to release authoritative expert testimonials and genuine user endorsements, countering negative sentiment. Emphasize the data and cases from our prior press conference. Third, Production and R&D Departments prepare to allow limited, non-core production process inspections if required. Fourth, connect me with Mr. Li Zeming (the paralyzed volunteer's father)—we need him and his son to speak out again in support!"

The Assistant swiftly took notes: "Yes, Director Su!"

After the Assistant left, Su Xiaowan took a deep breath, picked up the encrypted phone, and tried contacting Qin Feng again—still unreachable.

She set the phone down, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and stared at the bustling crowds and traffic below; her gaze gradually hardened.

"Qin Feng, focus on your seclusion. I'll guard the company. Anyone who dares move against Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals will find it far from easy!"

She didn't know that, in the sealed chamber at that very moment, Qin Feng was undergoing the most critical phase of the system upgrade—and that this storm against the company was merely another manifestation of the ever-present Decay on a different plane.

Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals' renewed explosion in popularity and the surging crisis beneath it both reached their zenith simultaneously.