"When we were completely helpless, the Trisolarans provided us with a treatment plan and related technology for you and Number Three," Ai Qi continued.
These words made Jiang Yu's heart leap to his throat, "Did you use it?"
Ai Qi replied, "We were going to use it, but Jiang Shiliu vehemently refused. He said he is your son and had the right to make such a decision while you were unconscious.
"And he used the technology from the 'Poison Apple Project' as an example to successfully persuade us."
Jiang Yu let out a long sigh of relief, "Thank goodness you all weren't muddleheaded."
With some confusion, Ai Qi asked, "If the technology given by the Trisolarans was useless, or had the opposite effect, wouldn't they be causing trouble for themselves?"
Jiang Yu sighed, "The technology provided by the Trisolarans would definitely be useful.
"But there would only be two outcomes, one being 'improper operation' on your part, failing to bring out the effect of the technology, leading to my death.
"The other outcome is my recovery, but the Trisolarans will certainly take the opportunity to leave a 'backdoor' in me, and I might be controlled by them in certain ways in the future, which would make my life worse than death!"
Ai Qi was taken aback, "Would the Trisolarans really scheme so intricately?"
"What's so intricate about it?" Jiang Yu said with a laugh, "It's just a simple deception!
"In my and Logic's view, every bit of help and technology shared by the Trisolarans is insidious, which is why we can easily see through their schemes.
"You think this scheme is complex only because deep down, you believe the Trisolarans inherently lack cunning, which is precisely why you fall so easily into their traps.
"The only reason the Trisolarans didn't see through mine and Logic's plan is due to their complacency and the blindness caused by their hatred for me, but it doesn't mean they lack the capability for scheming.
"You must remember, they are not very adept at scheming yet, but they have developed the capacity for it!"
Ai Qi nodded seriously, indicating he took note.
Jiang Yu then asked, "What technology did you use on me? And what are the side effects?"
"Your condition was extremely dangerous at the time," Ai Qi continued, "Even with existing technology that could save you, it was estimated that you would be paralyzed and suffer from severe brain damage afterward.
"However, the success rate of the new technology was too low, and no one dared to make that decision for you.
"At that point, Jiang Shiliu made the decision for us, saying, 'I know my father the best; he would rather die than become a fool or a paralytic.'"
Jiang Yu suddenly felt a reassuring sense of "my son knows me best."
Ai Qi went on, "Do you still remember the No. 7 Bacterium and the Orange Leaf Assassin? Yes, those two great weapons developed by Bo Xiangdong.
"We've been making genetic research breakthroughs using our study of them.
"This includes the 'Cell Immortality' technology, which can rejuvenate aging or deteriorating cells.
"Of course, although the project's name is 'Immortality,' it is far from achieving actual immortality; it can only greatly prolong the lifespan of cells.
"Researchers found that this technology can effectively control the telomeres on chromosomes, rejuvenating them.
"It can also repair damage to DNA and mitigate the damage caused by oxidation, achieving an effect of increasing the lifespan of somatic cells by two to three times.
"Unfortunately, in the past, we couldn't perform microscopic observations. Although we had mastered the method, we never understood the principle behind it, which is why this technology has always been quite immature and prone to gene mutation or irregular cell proliferation."
"Fortunately, in these past twenty days, you've developed only eight tumors, the last of which appeared on your face and was removed the day before yesterday.
"Since then, the cellular activities in your body have basically returned to normal, though there may be other sequelae that appear later on, and you'll need to undergo regular follow-up checks."
Jiang Yu nodded, "This is still better than using the Trisolarans' technology."
Ai Qi then reported the recent situation of the Solar System State, where people were immersed in the joy of defeating the Trisolarans, and the rule of the Governing Council was more stable than ever.
In the following two days, Jiang Yu focused on his recovery, he had already planned what he was going to do next—there was no need to tax his mind with further plotting for the moment.
The only thing that took him by surprise was the danger he faced when confronting The Waterdrop.
He previously had gone a bit too far in provoking hostility, causing Number Three to arrive in the Solar System half a year ahead of schedule despite the loss, making Logic's Snowfield Project overly tight with deadlines.
If Number Three had arrived in the Solar System at its original pace, there would have been no need for Jiang Yu to take the risk of being bait.
However, it was this serious injury that allowed Jiang Yu to truly feel the brutality of war.
Most of humanity, whether before, now, or in the future, do not have a concrete feeling: We are going through a war!
They only understand the outcome of this war through live broadcasts, not even clear on the process.
Only those who have actually clashed with The Waterdrop can feel the brutality and helplessness of interstellar conflict.
This was also why Jiang Yu valued the hundreds of thousands of military personnel who had retreated from the Uranus Battlefield so highly—they were like the UK and French forces evacuated to the British homeland from Dunkirk! They will be the main force in a potential second conflict with the Trisolarans!
Having suffered a loss once, they would never underestimate the enemy again! They will never make those unforgivable mistakes again!
Jiang Yu recovered quickly, and he was almost back to normal after just three days.
The protective mask on his left cheek had been removed, and Jiang Yu couldn't help but admire the current medical technology. Below the corner of his left eye, a palm-sized piece of skin looked tenderly pink.
That was where the tumors had been surgically removed just a few days ago, and surprisingly, the wound had already healed in this short period.
According to the doctors, in at most two weeks, even that tender-looking skin would have the same color as normal skin, and by then nothing would be noticeable.
Jiang Yu asked, "Are there any other sequelae?"
The military doctor smiled, "In my estimation, you may frequently experience symptoms like irritability and dizziness, and there may also be times when your strength fluctuates between being robust and weakened.
"Of course, what needs the most attention is the sensation of pain, because sometimes when your own cells divide unstably, they can tear your muscles or periosteum or viscera.
"If this pain lasts more than three minutes, you need to contact me immediately!
"Another sequela is that you will live a very long life."
Jiang Yu laughed, "Is longevity also considered a sequela?"
He then asked, "How long could that longevity be?"
The military doctor stroked his chin, "Currently, the average natural lifespan of Solar System State residents is 146 years, and we believe that the natural lifespan limit of humanity should be around 150 years.
"But your lifespan might be between 300 to 350 years, perhaps even longer. This needs further research since you are the first to utilize this technology."
Jiang Yu scratched his head, "Old man has hit the jackpot!"