Chapter 99: The Direction of Umbrella

A lifespan of over a thousand years... hiss, if you round this up, isn't it roughly equivalent to immortality?

Nicolas Flamel only lived for over six hundred years.

"But why haven't I heard of such long-lived vampires?" Murphy was puzzled.

"Cough, cough, this is just the theoretical upper limit of cell lifespan under laboratory conditions, but the real situation of the human body is much more complex than this. After all, a high number of divisions does not mean that cell function has not changed, not to mention cells that are difficult to regenerate, such as nerve cells."

"And the living environment of vampires is much harsher than that of ordinary people. For example, extreme photophobia means they can only act at night. If they don't get sunlight, they will lack Vitamin D, which will not only lead to osteoporosis and increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease, but may also affect their mental health."

"However, one point where vampires are similar to bats is that their resistance to germs and viruses is very high. They are extremely unlikely to get sick because of this. In addition, they can instantly increase their heart rate several times, thereby significantly enhancing various physical abilities. Their speed, reaction, and strength that exceed ordinary people all come from this."

"Currently, we have two team members who are trying to explore the deep-seated reasons for the vampire's DNA repair ability. This research will undoubtedly have great reference value for extending human lifespan."

"In addition, regarding the vampire's True Blood, we have also done research."

"We discovered that the cell concentration in True Blood is very high, and it contains a large amount of substances that can infect other cells. It can transform an ordinary cell into a cell containing vampire chromosomes in a very short time."

"However, we have not yet studied the specific transformation process and mechanism clearly. We observed some abnormal phenomena, among which there may be signs of the participation of magic power, but because there is no method for measuring and observing magic power, we cannot be sure. However, I heard that the Spell Research Group is making a magic power detector, and perhaps we can find some testing methods in the future."

"Hmm, they have already built it. You should communicate more with the Spell Research Group on this point. By the way, how is the research on Animagus going?" Murphy asked.

Although the vampire's DNA repair ability might be able to extend human lifespan, which was an unexpected joy, Murphy hadn't forgotten that the original purpose of studying vampires was for the Transformation Path, and the core of the Transformation Path was Animagus.

"Regarding this point, I was just about to discuss it with you," Andrew said. "We referred to the method of preparing Animagus Potion in the book and discovered that Muggles simply cannot make it, and Professor Alex also said that no one has ever sold this potion. But without the potion, we have no way to carry out research..."

The preparation method of Animagus Potion is almost the most complex of all the potions Murphy knows.

The first step is to have the wizard hold a single leaf of a Mandrake in their mouth for a whole month, not to mention that there is also collecting dew that has not seen sunlight or human contact for a full seven days, and chanting to oneself every morning and evening before the next thunderstorm arrives, etc.

The steps are too complicated, so much so that even though Murphy had long yearned to become an Animagus, he had tried two or three times during his school years, but all ended in failure.

There is a reason why Animagi are rare in the Wizarding World.

The fact that Sirius and the others could become Animagi is enough to show that their feelings for Lupin were truly very good.

However, this problem must be solved. Without the potion to refer to, wanting Andrew and the others to find the core principle of Animagus transformation out of thin air is simply a fantasy.

"I'll find a way," Murphy said.

Murphy had already made up his mind to recruit a bunch of wizards and have them put leaves in their mouths every day. If nothing else, he could just spend more money; there would always be people willing to do it.

"Boss." After chatting with Andrew for a while, Boris finished his physical examination and came over.

He didn't know if it was an illusion, but Murphy always felt that this guy seemed a little paler and thinner.

"How is it? Andrew didn't abuse you, did he?" Murphy teased.

"No, Dr. Andrew and the others have taken very good care of me," Boris answered seriously.

Uh, okay, Boris is good at everything, except that he is a bit too serious.

Taking him out of the Magic Laboratory and coming to the mansion through the gate, Murphy asked about Mariana's situation and learned that the other party had almost recovered and had been learning to paint recently.

"You've understood the situation of the company, right?" Murphy asked.

"I've understood it roughly. Umbrella is an amazing company," Boris said. "The profitability is breathtaking, and the development potential is limitless."

Murphy nodded. Anyone could see this. "How do you think Umbrella should develop in the future?"

This could also be considered a small test.

Boris pondered for a moment and said, "Umbrella is currently still in a stage of high-speed expansion. Generally, in this stage, there are actually two directions the company can choose for the future. One is to connect the upstream and downstream and deepen the industry vertically. The second is to expand the business and spread out horizontally to involve more industries."

"In fact, every enterprise with grand ambitions will be involved in these two directions, but the focus is different."

As a practicing accountant, Boris was no stranger to corporate strategy.

"Then which aspect do you think Umbrella should focus on?"

"I think Umbrella is more suitable to focus on the vertical deepening route."

"Umbrella currently owns a pharmaceutical brand, Isis Pharmaceuticals, which currently mainly sells products related to White Medicine. There is also a high-end cosmetics brand, Camelot, whose cosmetics are mainly the Venus series. In addition, there is a research center, which has already had patent output, and can also bring in a lot of revenue through patent licensing."

"To outsiders, the research center provides product research and development for Isis Pharmaceuticals and Camelot, and is a front-end department. But after I carefully studied those materials, I discovered that the research center is your ultimate goal, and Isis Pharmaceuticals and Camelot are just peripheral enterprises to provide blood for the research center."

"The research center is the core of Umbrella, or rather, what you need is the knowledge that the research center can produce."

This was not something that could be seen from the financial report alone, but Boris often came to the Underground Magic Research Institute and had some understanding of Murphy's true purpose.

"Guided by this purpose, I think Umbrella is more suitable to become a high-tech innovative enterprise."

"First, take innovation and R&D as the core driving force and competitiveness, and achieve differentiated advantages through continuous development of new products, adoption of new technologies, and other innovative means, maintaining profit levels far higher than the industry."

"Second, actively explore new markets, seek the transformation and monetization channels of R&D intermediate products, and ensure a virtuous cycle of R&D."

"Finally, build patent barriers, formulate industry standards, and become a monopoly oligarchy."

"And after deepening in one industry to this point, then continue to enter the next related field and gradually expand horizontally."

"Although the vertical deepening route expands relatively slowly, every step is extremely solid, always maintaining sufficient bargaining power, and being able to handle any decision with ease. It is the development path most suitable for Umbrella and most in line with your requirements."

Murphy stood up after listening.

"Very good, I'm relieved. Come with me to see Patrick."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 100 =====