On the very day the last of the Averson Family was wiped out, the news swept through the upper echelons of Beautiful Country like a storm.
Especially for those multinational pharmaceutical giants closely related to the incident, which convened secret meetings immediately.
The shadowy controllers of these pharmaceutical companies discussed through video conference what steps to take next in response to this event.
"Let's hear it, what do you all think?"
The strongest of the pharmaceutical companies, controlled by the Drake Family of Huirui Pharmaceutical, broke the silence as its patriarch, Claudio Drake, took the lead.
"How did the Jieke Group manage it? To take care of Pedro and the rest under such tight security."
A Caucasian male spoke up; he was the chairman of Qiangsheng Pharmaceutical, Walker Yue.
"Aside from those Super Soldiers, the Jieke Group clearly has some undisclosed technology, such as their Advanced Electronic Shielding Ability. They demonstrated it in Jiwei City, blocking the function of drones, and this time the shielding was even more formidable, preventing any message from getting out, and even satellites were jammed by electronic means, according to the CIA's findings."
An elderly Caucasian woman from Bayer Pharmaceuticals spoke up. Her name was Margaretta Aliyichuk, the hidden controller of Bayer.
Officially, these pharmaceutical companies had highly dispersed shareholdings, but in reality, many of these shares in the century-old pharmaceutical companies were secretly held by the controlling families.
Then, through alliances and cross-shareholdings, they bound and exchanged interests with other conglomerates and families.
"The question now is, will the Jieke Group turn their sights on us after dealing with Asder Pharmaceutical?"
"Does that even need analysis? With the Jieke Group's modus operandi, they will surely do so."
"Well then, are we, so many pharmaceutical companies united, supposed to be frightened and scatter at the mere sight of the opponent?"
"Do you want to keep fighting with the Jieke Group? We sell medicines, not arms, and when it comes to corporate warfare, the other side is out for blood. Aren't you afraid of dying?"
"Hmph, if we can get our hands on the Universal Medicine Quality the Jieke Group possesses, a little risk is worth taking."
More and more medical conglomerates began joining the discussion during the video conference.
Faced with the blunt high-end corporate warfare from the Jieke Group, directly attacking competitors on a physical level, the room split into two factions.
One faction wanted to mend relations with the Jieke Group, no longer continuing the feud.
The other faction wanted to continue the resistance, willing to risk it all for the vast benefits that the Jieke Group had to offer.
Claudio, observing the chaotic scene, rubbed his forehead and smacked the table in slight frustration, saying, "Quiet down, everyone. What's the use of all this squabbling? Let's vote by a show of hands—a left hand for those who want to keep fighting the Jieke Group, and right hand for those against."
The clamorous crowd gradually quieted down, facing a decision that could potentially affect the fate of their entire clan, everyone became more circumspect.
After a silence of several seconds, Margaretta from Bayer Pharmaceuticals slowly raised her left hand.
Her face, despite the various treatments, still showed signs of sagging and aging, wore an expression of greed and fervor uncommon to ordinary people.
"We from Bayer Pharmaceuticals cannot give up just because of some risks. The technologies that Jieke Group holds, including Tianyuan Hair Growth Liquid, Tianyuan Myopia Pills, Strengthening Pill human body transformation technology, heart parasite planting technology, Advanced Electronic Shielding Ability, Virtual AI Glasses, Underground Tunnel Excavation Machines...
The interests they represent are only a fraction of what we pharmaceutical companies want. And what about those military-industrial complexes, technology elites, and large financial conglomerates? Which one of them wouldn't want a piece of Jieke Group?
If we pull out now, by the time our Country deals with Jieke Group, we'll only get the scraps."
Hearing Margaretta's words, many nodded, beginning to waver.
Claudio looked seriously at Margaretta and said, "Margaretta, you want to find a way to extend your lifespan from the Jieke Group, don't you? I've heard that you are very keen on Jieke Group's Strengthening Pill and heart parasite planting technology, having invested billions of US Dollars in research."
"You'll understand when you reach my age; the passing of time and the loss of life makes one truly fear."
Margaretta did not deny it; she was already in her eighties. No matter how well she took care of herself or how many drugs she took to maintain her health, her bodily functions continued to deteriorate inexorably.
Doctors had made it clear that she might only have three years left to live, and current scientific advancements and the pace of progress made it nearly impossible to avert death due to age-related decline in bodily functions.
It was like a machine that had outlasted its intended lifespan; the natural aging of various components was inevitable, and repair was difficult without a complete overhaul.
Margaretta wanted to live longer, and now she saw hope in the Jieke Group.
If she could only unlock the secrets of the Strengthening Pill and the heart parasite planting technology, perhaps she could enhance her body as a whole and gain a longer life.
The people at the meeting had varying thoughts; some empathized, while others were dismissive.
But the former outnumbered the latter since most of those in high positions were not young. The more power and wealth one had, the more they feared the arrival of death.
Because no matter how much wealth and power they amassed, death leaves them with nothing.