"Don't be silly. The G-Virus can't be transmitted through water, only directly into the bloodstream. You're such an idiot. What's the point of letting him research a G-Vaccine? It must be a T-Virus vaccine. How could you do something so stupid?" Eddie's expression was full of disdain. He didn't even know the most basic things, and he's a Senator?
Senator David's face turned pale, then red, from the scolding. In the end, he gritted his teeth and endured it. He could bully common people, but he didn't dare to speak harshly to someone with more power than him.
"You're right, let's leave it at that for now. Part of tomorrow's meeting will be about you. They'll require you to hand over your exclusive medicine, otherwise, they'll start to restrict and target you."
Restricting him was actually very simple. The Pharmaceutical Association still had a good reputation. All they needed to do was issue a statement saying that this symptom-suppressing drug might have some adverse effects, and patients should consider it carefully. Then, they would publish papers and use the media to launch a public opinion attack.
At the same time, they would mobilize their raw material companies to raise prices. There were many ways to be disgusting, including malicious reporting and so on. Envy is a disease everyone has.
"Then I really must thank you for the reminder. If they want to come, let them come. Also, regarding the downfall of Umbrella, you'd best not get involved. Saving a collapsing building is not something anyone can do," Eddie reminded him indifferently. Amidst the swirling smoke, a hint of red light flashed in his eyes.
This scene sent shivers down Senator David's spine. He felt as if he was looking at a lion waiting for an opportunity, especially one that possessed considerable wisdom, far beyond what a venomous snake could compare to.
"I understand. Let's go!" David waved his hand, letting his bodyguards lead the way.
After they left, Eddie extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray. "What a foolish fellow. People die for wealth, and birds die for food. It's understandable for a bit of money."
"As if you wouldn't be swayed by money," Alyssa also put out her cigarette, her expression full of teasing. She saw through her man; despite his many flaws, he wasn't a scumbag. He was responsible towards women, and that was enough. As for justice? Only the living had the right to speak of justice.
"You're really naughty. You're uncomfortable if you don't tease me for a day, aren't you? It seems I need to teach you a lesson." Eddie stood up and threw his tie aside. He wasn't going to pretend to be serious anymore.
Ding-dong, the doorbell rang again, interrupting Eddie's actions. "Alright, you're lucky. Michaela Schneider, open the door!"
The tall Michaela Schneider rolled her eyes. She, a medical expert from Wolf Team, was almost becoming a maid. Although a bit annoyed, she still walked over in her black strappy high heels to open the door.
The visitors were Excella, followed by an old acquaintance, Svetlana!
Michaela Schneider took out the 'do not disturb' sign and hung it up, then closed the door.
After giving them friendly hugs, Eddie said, "Please sit. Svetlana, long time no see. How did you end up working for Excella?"
"We're not working. Svetlana and I have a collaboration. I can't tell you the specifics," Excella explained with a smile.
"Hmph, I don't need you to tell me what to do," Svetlana snorted. The strong woman disdained explaining herself.
"I'm worried about you. Is that not allowed?" Eddie was a bit angry. Women should pay attention to their tone and attitude.
Seemingly sensing the man's displeasure, Svetlana was silent for a moment. "I said, I won't die before I accomplish what I need to do. You don't need to worry. Just take good care of yourself. Don't let me come back and find you dead. If that happens, I'll dig up your grave."
The way strong women speak is just different, saying soft words harshly, eating soft rice harshly. Is she Inspector Cao from the Serious Crime Unit?
"You're thinking too much. How could I die? You should worry about yourself first." Eddie took out a cigarette and gestured towards Svetlana with his chin.
Svetlana was a little annoyed. He was trying to show off again! Reluctantly, she walked over and picked up a match to light it for the man. "Smoking all day, can't you smoke less?"
"These are made from medicinal herbs, harmless to health. If you need some, you can tell me," Eddie's expression was very smug. If the cost weren't so high, he could earn a billion or two from these cigarettes.
"If I need them, I'll tell Annette directly. I'm too lazy to talk to you." Svetlana crossed her arms, raising her delicate eyebrows. Dressed in a women's suit, she still looked very much like a mature older sister.
Excella watched with a smile, a hint of jealousy flashing in her beautiful eyes. Svetlana was a very cunning woman, absolutely as clever as herself. Yet, her relationship with Eddie was surprisingly good. She had just guaranteed that if Eddie needed her, Svetlana would rush over immediately.
Chapter 293: Suicide Bombing Tactic, Are You Scared?
"Alright, sit down. What would you like to drink? Red wine? Just tell me what's on your mind." Eddie took out a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses.
Excella took the red wine, subtly scratching the back of his hand. "Tomorrow's meeting is mainly to discuss defensive measures needed after Umbrella's downfall, and also to re-divide the pharmaceutical market. They will invite you to join the association, on the condition that you share your two patented medicines."
"Don't you think they're dreaming?" Eddie picked up his wine glass, his expression playful.
"Whether they're dreaming or not, I don't know, but the Travis Family and other pharmaceutical companies will unite to suppress you. With Umbrella's downfall, Tricell is the most powerful, and they have special ways to circumvent risks," Excella explained.
No one understood Tricell's strength and foundation better than Excella. Dealing with Eddie was indeed not difficult; it just required a small price.
"Then let them try. We'll see if I can deal with them. Any other news?" Eddie didn't care. He had a million ways to deal with those people.
"The Pharmaceutical Association is preparing to form a special private armed force to help deal with bio-terrorism attacks, to recover their gradually falling stock prices. Everyone has to contribute money, and you are no exception," Excella revealed all the information she had without reservation.
Eddie's fingers tapped rhythmically on the sofa, starting from his pinky, gradually moving to his index finger, and repeating the cycle. This unique movement was his natural action when thinking rapidly.
Svetlana knew this very well. She found it difficult to help Eddie much, but as long as Eddie spoke, she would certainly not refuse.
"This matter isn't that simple. That old dog Morgan won't let others threaten his position. Only the Federal Bio-Terrorism Countermeasure Committee can do something like this," Eddie didn't think the Pharmaceutical Association could snatch any power from General Morgan.
Without official support, such an armed force would be somewhat disreputable.
"Also, I want your support. I can give everything. I want the treatment and benefits of a full member." Excella looked at Eddie seriously with her beautiful eyes, showing a hint of fanaticism and obsession.
That was the adoration a strong woman felt for a man stronger than her, and also a desire for power. Essentially, strength comes first, then whether one is handsome or not. Being handsome is useless.
Even Alyssa could get T-Virus enhancement, but Excella didn't. She was very jealous; she envied the treatment these women received. Especially after she asked Svetlana, the latter clearly told her that this was only for core members.
The price to pay for such treatment was not something an ordinary woman could bear.
The reason Svetlana could leave first was entirely because she had matters to deal with, just like Ada. Running away was impossible, and unnecessary. However, she firmly believed that things easily obtained were often not cherished.
"Oh? You want it? Alright, next time, after I finish the meeting," Eddie nodded.
"You mustn't deceive me. I'm serious. I really want to join. Please believe me." Excella bit her pearly teeth. She just couldn't understand why it was so difficult for her to join.
"Because you're not trustworthy enough," Michaela Schneider sneered. Her personality was very unique; she loved performing painful surgeries, refusing anesthesia and freezing, doing the most primitive surgical procedures to get precise results.
Eddie didn't scold Michaela Schneider. There was no need to speak to his own woman. As long as she wasn't tearing down the house, she could cause as much trouble as she wanted.
"I'll make you believe me. What do you want me to do? Stay tonight?" Excella was a bit frantic. She couldn't understand why, with her charm, he should be unable to refuse.
"I don't need that. Handle things well, and I'll judge. Alright, we've discussed everything. You two can go back first. If you have any questions, communicate with me then." Eddie stood up to see them out, sending Excella and Svetlana off together. As they left, he patted Svetlana.
Svetlana glared at the man, a little annoyed, but didn't say much. After all, to save this man, her back was left with an irreparable scar, which would definitely look bad in a bikini.
Excella was somewhat puzzled. "Am I very ugly? Why won't he accept me?"
"You find it difficult to be loyal to one person," Svetlana glanced at her, explaining.
This made Excella somewhat enlightened. She had harbored thoughts of making Eddie submit, but he saw through it and had been toying with her all along. This was too much.
In the room, Eddie was still deep in thought, considering how to handle tomorrow's situation. He definitely had to join the Pharmaceutical Association. The fact that this association had existed for so long meant it had some use. It was just that they wanted benefits but didn't want to bear responsibility, which was very convenient for them.
"What are you thinking about? Are you very troubled? As far as I know, the Pharmaceutical Association still has credibility. They regulate drug prices and the market, and they have connections with many drug distributors and hospitals," Alyssa walked over, placing her hands on Eddie's forehead, circling as she spoke.
"I know, I just need to let those old fogeys know my power tomorrow, so they won't dare to provoke me. This can't be done by force alone. You contact those reporters and prepare to have them publish articles. I'll have Yoko promote it online as well. We'll all sacrifice our reputations together," Eddie smiled sinisterly.
If anyone slandered his medicine as ineffective, he would publicize the cost of the medicine, letting the whole world see how black-hearted the Pharmaceutical Association was.
Selling something that costs one yuan for a thousand yuan—only they could do such a black-hearted thing.
After all, other businesses indeed made a lot of money, but life was only once. If you got sick, would you take medicine? Taking medicine meant falling into their trap. If you had the guts, don't take it, be principled and starve to death!
But no one would be that foolish. Money lost could be earned back, but if a person was gone, everything was gone. This led to a vicious cycle.