Chapter 314: Take them back one by one!

Before the term "virus" had even spread throughout the world via the media,
the World Health Organization (WHO) had quietly sent an official letter to the world's top pharmaceutical companies.
The content was simple: requesting their assistance in developing a vaccine against a specific virus.
This proposal seemed somewhat inexplicable.
The major pharmaceutical giants generally hesitated to react.
In their view, this was tantamount to getting something for nothing.
Without providing dedicated research funding, they wanted us to burn money on research and development just with an official letter?
Who would bear the costs? Who would be responsible for the risks?
However, AstraZeneca, acquired by Fang Huan Investment, launched its vaccine development project with lightning speed the moment it received the letter.
They received all the virus data provided by the WHO and analyzed it day and night.
"Chairman Su, breaking news, Italy has also announced a complete lockdown," Liang Haiyuan reported.
“Ha, even Italy has fallen? So, a border closure across the entire EU system is only a matter of time.”
“Back then, they probably still harbored illusions, thinking this storm would pass quickly.”
Liang Haiyuan said softly.
But once the virus began to spread, its speed far exceeded everyone's predictions.
The number of infections increased exponentially, and the top leaders of various countries suddenly realized that this was not a problem that could be solved by simply blocking a few entry points!
And so, the most powerful blow finally struck.
The United States announced the activation of the highest level, Level 4 response measures, effectively preventing foreigners from almost all countries from entering the country.
The world's leading superpower also closed its own borders.
“How much has the US stock market fallen now?” Su Hao asked.
“Twenty percent. At this rate, the -30% circuit breaker will be reached very soon.
It's said that this is the fastest stock market decline in history.”
Yes, the fastest in history!
Even during the Great Depression, the stock market crash wasn't this devastating.
This clearly demonstrates that everyone is gripped by utter panic.
"After all, this is the first time we've seen a virus spread this way, and the first time we've seen global border closures,"
Su Hao calmly analyzed.
With two unprecedented events happening together, it's no wonder the market is panicking.
"Chairman Su, AstraZeneca is making rapid progress and has achieved considerable results.
Other vaccine companies estimate that the development cycle will take at least a year, while we…
only need three months, or even less!"
"But developing a vaccine in three months doesn't mean it can be immediately released to the market, right?"
"Yes, it requires approval from various countries. Typically, the development cycle for a new vaccine is over ten years."
The average time from vaccine development to market launch is 15 years.
The development itself might only take 3 years, but clinical trials take over 10 years.
Plus, the approval processes in various countries take another two or three years.
This is why major pharmaceutical companies initially showed little interest.
The time cost was too high.
What broke this deadlock was precisely what Fang Huan had already planned: mRNA technology!
This groundbreaking technology can compress the original three-year research and development cycle into just a few months!
However, the problem remains stuck in clinical trials and national approval.
“But this problem might be solved soon,” Liang Haiyuan said excitedly.
“The spread of the virus is completely out of control. If a vaccine cannot be developed quickly, all of humanity will be helpless!
I heard that the WHO is already communicating with the UN to establish an ‘emergency use authorization’ green channel to expedite the vaccine approval process as much as possible!”
In other words, from now on, a race concerning the fate of all humanity has officially begun!
Once the UN reaches a consensus, all pharmaceutical companies worldwide will invest heavily in this race, regardless of cost.
Whoever can develop the vaccine successfully first, achieve mass production, and distribute it globally,
will become the savior of this era and reap the most terrifying fortune in human history!
“Fortunately, Chairman Su, because you invested heavily in mRNA technology early on, regardless of cost, AstraZeneca is now unrivaled in this field!
Plus, AstraZeneca's massive production facilities… once they're all converted to vaccine production…”
Liang Haiyuan's voice trembled slightly with extreme excitement.
“We will be able to supply the world at the fastest speed!
At that time, we might create an unprecedented commercial miracle!”
Other large pharmaceutical companies are also working on mRNA technology, of course.
But none have treated it like their own child like Fang Huan Investment, pouring astronomical sums of money into forging a path to the top.
At this moment, Su Hao's strategy finally revealed a corner of its world-shaking brilliance!
“Report AstraZeneca's vaccine development progress to me daily, without any omissions.”
“Yes, Chairman Su! Then… what should we do with our short positions?”
Su Hao did not answer immediately.
His fingertip lightly touched the already disastrous US stock market candlestick chart on the screen.
“…!”
Not enough… the bloodshed isn’t enough!
The market’s lamentation is far from over!
“Take it for now.” Su Hao withdrew his finger, his tone as calm as if discussing a trivial matter.
“Let the bullets fly a little longer.”
“Ah, okay. Chairman Su, there’s one more thing I need your instructions on.”
“Speak.”
“It’s about… Fanghuan Shipping…”
Since being forcibly dismantled by the EU, Fanghuan Shipping has become a neglected pawn.
Following Su Hao’s instructions, the company retained only its core operational framework, and all employees continued to receive high salaries.
But in reality, they were idle, spending their days staring blankly at each other in the huge office.
As time went on, morale crumbled.
At first, everyone still held a sliver of hope, thinking this was just a temporary hibernation.
But as time passed, that glimmer of hope was gradually replaced by an emotion called "despair."
Everyone lived in a tremendous sense of crisis, as if they could be laid off or kicked out at any moment.
Of all those suffering, the most frustrated and tormented was Du Yuanhang, the shipping company's general manager.
"Huff—!"
He downed the last swig of strong liquor, letting out a long, pungent exhale.
Lately, he'd been living like he was drowning in bitterness, unable to close his eyes until he was completely drunk every night.
Should he… just quit?
A high salary for doing nothing sounded like paradise.
But for someone like Du Yuanhang, it was worse than death.
The pangs of conscience and the trampling of his pride had already tormented him beyond recognition.
"Hello? Mr. Du?"
"Hello, Chairman Su, it's me, Du Yuanhang."
Today it is.
Today I must say it, I quit!
However, just as he opened his mouth, about to utter those words…
"Hey! Perfect timing, I was just about to contact you."
"Huh?"
Could it be…
Is Chairman Su going to personally fire me?
Du Yuanhang's heart sank to the bottom.
"Get ready, Mr. Du."
"…?"
"We're going to restart operations."
Du Yuanhang was stunned. Chairman Su's words didn't seem to match his expectations.
"How the EU stole our shipping company back then,"
Su Hao's voice came through the receiver, carrying a hint of mocking sharpness,
"However, we took them all back, one by one!"