Chapter 34-35

Chapter 34: The Election Approaches

After the bizarre breakfast, Bruce had to freshen up and change before heading to the helipad behind the villa. Gus and the bodyguards were already waiting respectfully, and even Isaiah Christian and Kit Leslie had driven over early, standing in wait.

They had come specially to report to Bruce on the company's recent operations, especially since the latest news confirmed that Sheila would be representing the Democrats in the upcoming U.S. presidential race.

Although the Democratic National Convention was scheduled for September 11 to announce the presidential and vice-presidential nominees, Bruce knew this seemingly grand convention wasn't significant. The real decisions had been made after the voting in July and August.

This meant Sheila would soon be in New York for major fundraising events, and Bruce couldn't miss meeting with the presidential candidate. Therefore, knowing he would be leaving Los Angeles, Isaiah and Kit had to hurry to report the latest developments to him. Unaware of their boss's leisurely morning, they had been waiting outside on the lawn for quite some time.

Even if they knew, they probably wouldn't mind. Both, driven by high income, were models of professionalism, giving their all, which Bruce often observed from the sidelines. So far, both were satisfactory.

Parked on the lawn was a Bell-407 helicopter, its length over ten meters, coated in Bruce's favored black, with Solar Corona Group's black and gold logo on either side, looking particularly profound and atmospheric in the sunlight.

As one of Textron's Bell Helicopter company's most successful models, the Bell-407 had a maximum range of 675 kilometers and a cruising speed of 250 kilometers per hour. It was internationally competitive for business, private club flights, law enforcement, anti-terrorism, air support, firefighting, and medical rescue. It was also the world's most frequently used helicopter for such tasks.

Typically, this model had 2 plus 5 seats, but Bruce's luxurious business configuration was specially modified. Not only did it feature comfortable all-leather seats, but it also had enhanced body protection, noise reduction, space, and comfort. The side windows were 35% larger than the original model, changing the seating to 2 plus 6. Special glass increased cabin lighting and broadened the pilot and passengers' field of view. For Bruce, who never traveled with less than two companions, the ultra-light helicopters with a capacity of under one ton were clearly not spacious enough.

As everyone boarded the helicopter amidst the roaring winds from the rotors, they fully appreciated the comfort it offered. Typically, all aircraft off the manufacturer's line are pre-ordered by clients or dealers. Especially in the U.S., the supply of business jets and helicopters is quite tight, with delivery periods for many models exceeding two to three years. Even if some models might be available from pre-ordered dealers, the shortest delivery period is half a year.

Bruce's Bell-407, however, was acquired much quicker through Citibank, getting it as soon as the original buyer gave up their spot. For this, he paid an extra 10% in public relations and fees, a true example of wealth at its most whimsical. He actually ordered three helicopters, with the other two being Bell427s, practically an upgrade of the current model. One of them would be sent directly to his luxurious New York penthouse.

On the recommendation of financial officer Kit Leslie, these three helicopters, costing over 15 million dollars, were purchased in the name of Solar Corona Company. This allowed for tax benefits and asset preservation as investment tools. Using straight-line depreciation over eight years, the aircraft's book value would be zero, but each year, they could save Solar Corona Company over 600,000 dollars in taxes (33% corporate tax * aircraft price/8 years), assuming the company was profitable, which was undoubtedly the case.

The world's general aircraft residual value is calculated at 70% of the purchase price after eight years of use, or conservatively, 50%. This means that after eight years, despite the aircraft's book value being zero, their market selling price would still be at least half of the purchase price.

Bruce didn't bother with more complex calculations, knowing that following Kit's advice, he hadn't spent much but got three helicopters, a luxury problem of sorts. After paying, he didn't have to worry about the details. From pilot training to all procedures, Bell handled everything and delivered them to his door.

Of course, there were pilot salaries, annual insurance, and more, which he left to Bell to coordinate with management agencies. They were responsible for the helicopters' daily maintenance, repair, scheduling, service bulletins, airworthiness directives, and route applications. The annual cost of maintaining three helicopters ranged from 800,000 to 1.5 million dollars, the bulk of the expense.

The helicopter smoothly ascended, heading towards CoBIS1 lab. To facilitate inspections by Bruce, the big boss, all labs had constructed at least two helipads. This included the Incyte lab in the Central Valley's Bakersfield. Even a direct flight from his Beverly Hills house to the Incyte lab took just over an hour.

Isaiah Christian and Kit Leslie, after marveling at the helicopter's interior and comfort, reported their tasks to Bruce. Kit even shared bad news: he was running low on funds.

Yes, with Solar Corona's heavy investment in R&D and Bruce's own extravagance, his bank account dwindled to less than ten million dollars.

But this wasn't a significant issue. If not for Solar Corona's desire to make a splash, results like Spruill lab's cancer treatment could have gradually translated into economic benefits. In this regard, Robert Reeves was particularly eager.

"What's your suggestion?" Bruce casually flipped through the report Kit handed him, briefly understanding the situation, and put it aside.

"According to information from Pfizer, the first quarter's profits from Vilda will be paid to us by the end of January. If, Boss, you don't want to open the labs' results now, then my suggestion is to take out a loan," Kit said calmly, adjusting his glasses. "Actually, it's quite normal. Appropriate debt can be more beneficial than detrimental to a company's healthy development." He knew his boss was unpredictable, so he just honestly made the suggestion without elaborating.

"Then let's go for the loan, using Vilda's profits as collateral. I'm sure Citibank would be happy to lend to us." Bruce could have asked Pfizer to pay this quarter's drug earnings ahead of schedule, but he didn't want this to become an excuse for future dealings. "Kit, you'll accompany me to New York this time to handle this. I think a loan of one billion dollars seems appropriate, and I believe we can earn it back soon."

The helicopter landed on the rooftop of CoBIS1 lab. Bruce patted Kit on the shoulder with a smile and entered the building. Kit, who had access to some of the lab's research projects and progress, had no doubts about this. He and Isaiah had firmly decided to stick with Solar Corona Company—or rather, Bruce—believing their path to wealth wasn't far off.

"One last thing, Izzy," Bruce called without slowing his pace, and Isaiah hurried to keep up. "You need to find me two people, a personal secretary and a work secretary. I don't want to spend endless time reviewing documents. Actually, just a work secretary will do.

 You don't need to worry about the personal one."

Considering his identity wasn't public yet, private matters needed caution, so Bruce decided to hire just one person.

"No problem, Boss. Any specific requirements for this work secretary?" Isaiah knew that given Bruce's personality, this position was far more important than an ordinary secretary, even potentially acting as his spokesperson at times.

"Pretty, obedient, and capable."

Isaiah was taken aback. What kind of requirements were these? The third was understandable, but the first two seemed a bit off, typical of his boss.

"One more thing, it's none of your business," Bruce added meaningfully, ensuring Isaiah got his point.

Isaiah nodded vigorously, shelving any lingering thoughts.

Chapter 35: Synthetic Genomes

Gilbert Gordon and nearly a hundred researchers were already waiting excitedly in the lab, as they had finally achieved some results.

Compared to other Solar Corona-owned labs, CoBIS1 had the highest security level, the most staff, and the most robust funding. However, the delayed results had put significant pressure on them. Finally, they could hold their heads high in front of Bruce, their young Boss.

"Following your suggestion, Boss, we continued to increase investment in genetic reagent development, and we've also begun attempting direct methods to refine and modify receptor genes," Gilbert indicated, pointing to the massive display in the center of the lab, which visually and promptly illustrated the situation he described. Spirals of DNA sequences and more complex data and explanations were displayed.

"These are the two methods we've ultimately developed for modification. We use the prototype as a blueprint to create synthetic genomes and then replace specific DNA sequences in the test subjects using gene editing technology."

Gene editing wasn't pioneered by CoBIS lab. As a cutting-edge technology in recent years, institutions including Harvard University have been involved in this field. It's a technology that allows precise modification of the genome, capable of targeted indel mutations, knock-ins, simultaneous mutations at multiple sites, and deletions of small fragments.

In simpler terms, this technology enables the accurate, effective, and relatively simple replacement of DNA at specific chromosome locations, targeting even the genes of primates, including humans. For example, it's conceivable that through this method, genes from monkeys, gorillas, or even flies could be swapped into the human body.

It might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel or movie, but this technology is almost a reality. The only two barriers to breakthrough are ethical constraints and technical limitations.

The most significant issue is the technical limitation, including how to increase the speed and stability of genome editing. After all, gene editing can't be equated to copy-pasting on a computer or treated like other drug treatments or lab tools. It's not a "steady-state" chemical process. Only when gene editing activity bursts enough to modify one or two target genes and then disappears without affecting subsequent cell processes can gene editing be considered truly successful.

"But this is no longer a problem for us!"

Gilbert Gordon's eyes sparkled with immense excitement and fervor as he directed the researchers to busily operate their computers. "Our synthetic genome, synthesized based on the prototype reagent, can perfectly address these issues. We just need to precisely control the editing process to achieve rapid, accurate, and stable gene editing."

The massive central screen displayed the entire gene editing process as he spoke, providing a clear and comprehensible visualization for Bruce and the others.

"Currently, there are three major gene editing technologies: CRISPR/Cas9, TALEN, and ZFN. Compared to traditional TALEN and ZFN technologies, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is more convenient and efficient, which is why we've chosen it," Gilbert continued, his agility betraying his middle age.

"Have we solved the immune rejection issue that appeared previously?" Bruce asked, always closely monitoring each lab's research projects, receiving progress reports almost daily, with CoBIS1 being a top priority.

"The rejection occurred because the synthetic genome isn't a product of methylation. It must grow in yeast, which doesn't provide the chemicals needed for its chemical changes, making it susceptible to restriction enzyme attacks," Gilbert instructed the researchers to continue the demonstration. "That's why we added a separate methylation step to the synthetic genome cultivation. This step effectively protects the synthetic genome against the host cell's defenses, shielding them from chemical interference and viral harm. It's similar to using immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection."

After the simulated demonstration of the gene editing process, Gilbert excitedly waved his hand, leading Bruce and the others deeper into the lab.

They stopped in front of the third cage on the left, where a nondescript, sandy-colored dog lay in the corner, its eyes somberly watching everyone. Since the dog was lying down, it was hard to estimate its height accurately, but it seemed to be a large breed, especially with its thick limbs and body.

"That's a big dog. What breed is it?" Isaiah, a dog enthusiast, surprisingly couldn't recognize what breed it was at first glance, finding it oddly familiar.

"It's a Pit Bull," one of the researchers, aware of Isaiah's position as Bruce's right-hand man, replied without hesitation.

"What? A Pit Bull? You're joking, right? Impossible!" Isaiah was shocked. "Is it because of genetic modification?"

Pit Bulls, originating in 19th-century America, are fierce dogs, typically 46-56 cm tall, weighing 15-35 kg. They have strong jaws, muscular bodies, powerful bite force, endurance, and determination, making them super dogs in the eyes of enthusiasts. The American Kennel Club describes them as a great breed that combines a graceful body, developed muscles, an extremely smart brain, a strong will, amazing endurance, and good hygiene habits, ranking them as the world's number one dog breed.

The only drawback is that due to breed genetics, Pit Bulls aren't particularly large, rarely exceeding 60 pounds (27.2 kg). Yet, this sandy-colored Pit Bull in front of them was over a meter tall, likely weighing over sixty or seventy kilograms! Isaiah had never even heard of a Pit Bull that large.