Chapter 314

Buckingham Palace.

American President William straightened his collar and turned to face a statue of the Virgin Mary.

He looked at the painting for a long time, and then prayed in a low voice.

William is a Southern Baptist, familiar with various statements of the Bible and Christian theology, but he was not a devout believer in the past. He also knew this. His understanding of religion ultimately only served as a tool for his political career.

But all this changed more than half a month ago.

At that time, he was praying with his mother at her request, but suddenly, he saw a miracle appear.

Radiance, hymns, and inspiration, he clearly felt that power, as if it had raised his spirit to another realm, making him see the truth that did not belong to this world.

The solemnity and holiness he felt in the church when he was a child were like a farce of mud puppets in the face of a real miracle.

That was a miracle that manifested only to him, so he knew that he indeed had a mission to complete, an extraordinary mission far more important than secular status, power, and human enjoyment.

That is, to make his god gain glory.

"Mr. President." A waiter opened the door, "Prime Minister John is waiting for you outside."

"Okay," William buttoned his suit, "Don't keep our friends waiting. There are a bunch of things to talk about today."

……

The day after the meeting between the heads of the two countries, Boris received a message from 10 Downing Street, requesting Murphy Anon to attend a hearing.

That afternoon, Boris came to the Palace of Westminster where Parliament is located.

In a room, more than a dozen serious men in suits and leather shoes sat on the podium opposite, including some people in military uniforms.

Boris sat opposite them.

"Mr. Murphy, we know your time is precious, thank you for taking the time to attend the hearing. Regarding the purpose of this hearing, I believe the previous liaison personnel have already notified you."

"The Prime Minister and Parliament are very concerned about the impact of the Umbrella Corporation's products on public health and national security. Therefore, we have some questions to ask you, and we hope you can answer truthfully."

Boris glanced behind him. Various long guns and short cannons were set up in the press gallery. Clearly, this hearing was open to the public.

His response at the hearing would likely affect the reputation of the entire Umbrella Corporation, and he must be very cautious.

After a swearing-in session, the hearing committee first asked some basic questions, such as the safety testing of White Potion, the approval process for various White Potion products, etc.

But soon, things began to develop in a not-so-good direction.

"Regarding the 'anti-cancer medicine' launched by your company not long ago, we received a report saying that your company developed this anti-cancer miracle drug after less than a year of research and development and experimentation, and its principle is to use the cell killing effect of a certain mutant virus group?"

Boris immediately became vigilant, "Although it sounds like a virus, I must emphasize that this anti-cancer medicine has also undergone normal cell testing comparable to the number of cancer cell tests, and has shown harmlessness."

The other party was noncommittal, "Our virology experts have looked at your company's research report, and they said it is difficult to believe that your company used the screening method for virus group cultivation. In one year, the mutation rate of the virus is not enough to support the effect of today's anti-cancer medicine... Did Umbrella lie about the mechanism of the medicine?"

"No, we used a brand-new screening method, and at the same time, it was an extremely large-scale screening with countless samples performed simultaneously, so we could achieve today's effect. But the specific steps and screening methods used are involved in the company's technical secrets, and I cannot disclose them." Boris said.

"Then do we have reason to suspect that your company used a virus with an extremely fast mutation rate for screening? In this way, has your company considered the possibility of the virus mutating again and causing harm to the human body?"

"I need to emphasize again that regarding the screening steps and methods, it involves the company's core technical secrets, and I cannot disclose them. But we have undergone a large number of tests to ensure the safety of the anti-cancer medicine. In several of our public reports, we have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the medicine under double-blind tests, both far exceeding industry standards."

"But this is a virus, a living thing, different from ordinary drugs." One person on the committee said.

"Respected committee members, drugs may have side effects or toxic effects. As a prescription drug, the anti-cancer medicine will be used for the treatment of specific diseases. Its harm to the human body and the choice of treatment plan will ultimately be weighed by the attending physician. We just provided a new treatment method that can meet safety standards."

Several committee members looked at each other, "Let's talk about anti-aging medicine."

"In March this year, your company launched an anti-aging medicine, which is undergoing clinical trials. Umbrella claims that it will be sold globally and claims that it can effectively improve the state of human aging. Is it true?"

"Yes, anti-aging medicine will be Umbrella's most important product this year." Boris said, "After testing, the medicine can work on the vast majority of the population, making various aging indicators significantly improved, with an improvement range between 10%-19%."

"Is the main ingredient of anti-aging medicine an adenovirus?" Suddenly, a hearing committee member asked.

Boris frowned, "This involves product confidential information, and I cannot answer."

"You don't have to answer. A staff member working in the R&D department has confirmed this."

Boris was stunned, "I object! Respected committee members, all employees related to anti-aging medicine have signed confidentiality agreements. If anyone violates the agreement and discloses information to the outside world, he will face huge fines and continuous accountability from the Umbrella Corporation. And at the same time, the act of requiring Umbrella employees to provide internal information is also extremely unethical!"

"Unless, your confidentiality agreement itself violates the law." A woman on the committee opened her mouth, "I have read your confidentiality agreement. It is too harsh, suspected of violating the Labor Act, and even some clauses clearly contain components that restrict personal freedom and freedom of speech, and do not fully respect labor human rights."

"I object!" Boris said, "The committee's statement is biased and misleading!"

"This is not a court, Mr. Boris." A male official said.

"But we are facing the camera! And I believe every word in this hearing will spread to the outside world. If the committee mixes this biased and misleading statement in the hearing process, it will cause huge damage to Umbrella! I demand that the committee pay attention to the wording."

"Okay." A silver-haired woman in the center of the committee seat agreed.

"I need to explain." Boris said, "Umbrella Corporation is a high-tech enterprise. Behind every epoch-making product of ours, it contains the hard work and sweat of countless R&D personnel, as well as massive financial investment."

"In order to protect our research results, we must strictly enforce confidentiality agreements. Because any leakage behavior brings losses to Umbrella of at least millions of pounds."

"We must ensure that our results will not be stolen by competitors." Boris said.

"But, you sold the technology to the Soviet Union." A man with the rank of major general said, "In Umbrella's eyes, who is your ally and who is your enemy?"

"Or, change a question, the competitors you speak of, do they refer to allies like the United States, or enemies like the Soviet Union?"

(End of chapter)