But Dr. Meng Ji collapsed first.
He had been drinking seven or eight bottles of his own concoction each day—a potent mixture akin to a stimulant—which led to severe overexertion. Eventually, he swayed and collapsed during his research.
Thus, Dr. Meng Ji was urgently rushed to the hospital, and Chen Gu suddenly found himself with unexpected free time.
The entire research project ground to a halt due to Dr. Meng Ji's illness. Dr. Meng Ji had never bothered to train a second-in-command or successor; his researchers were merely tools to him. All that was required of them was to be obedient, diligent, and error-free.
Consequently, with him gone, there was no one to lead. Everyone was at a loss, unsure how to proceed.
Gong Shuxu reported the matter to Aviloya. By this time, most of the data had been collected. Aviloya considered it and, with a resigned shake of her head, said, "It's time to let him out. Bai Yunpeng has already visited seven or eight times."
