Help! The Villainess Trapped in the Beast World's Drama!

Chapter 153: Chapter 147: Return to the Imperial City

The research institute does not entertain such dubious individuals!

However, all of Shen Tang’s Beast Husbands are distinguished figures, and with the director present, they hesitated to speak.

Vine frowned and reprimanded the Bear Clan Beastman, ”Guests are guests, who allowed you to speak to them in such a tone? If you dare to speak rudely again, you can leave tomorrow.”

The Bear Beast instantly became silent as a cicada in winter, shrinking like a quail. The director had a peculiar temperament, and over the years, many had been driven away, including key personnel.

Yet, he still quietly muttered, ”This female has gone bankrupt, where would she get the money to research the inhibitor? The director need not waste words on such a person...”

Vine pressed his lips without speaking, and when he looked at Shen Tang and the others, there was a hint of guilt in his eyes, ”Yas spoke poorly, but he spoke the truth.”

”Presumably, Your Grace has already investigated our institute’s situation before coming. We have been losing money for a long time, and researching inhibitors is a costly endeavor; our institute likely cannot afford to operate.”

Shen Tang spoke plainly, ”I understand the director’s point. How much funding do you need directly?”

Vine’s gaze fell on Shen Tang. He had heard the rumors, yet the confident, dazzling aura she exuded was not one a bankrupt person would possess.

Suddenly intrigued, he chuckled lightly, ”We need an initial funding of 3 billion. The better the formula you provide, the higher the success rate, the less material loss and time, reducing the funding needed; otherwise, it’s a bottomless pit, which I can’t guarantee.”

”Understood.”

Shen Tang took out a Star Card, ”Is 5 billion Star Coins enough?”

Once these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

The Beastmen were full of disbelief.

Even director Vine had a surprised expression on his face.

He took the Star Card and specifically had someone check it; indeed, it contained a full five billion in legal funds.

This time, everyone present couldn’t remain calm. Wasn’t this disgraced Princess bankrupt? Hadn’t she owed a huge debt? Where did she get 5 billion in funds?!

The Bear Beast felt a burning sting on his face, wishing he could crawl into a hole. He’d never seen so much money in his life!

Vine regained his composure, his smile more gracious, ”Since you have the ability to provide the funds, we have no reason to refuse. Should we now discuss the agreement details?”

But this time, Shen Tang was unwilling.

She glanced around and spoke plainly, ”There are so many top-tier research institutes in the Empire; I’m not obligated to invest here; I can easily choose another.”

Vine knew she was angry. His subordinates did speak poorly, but it’s human nature.

But the impression Shen Tang gave... was truly poor, so they couldn’t help thinking that way.

”Your Grace is right, such a large investment requires careful consideration. We should also demonstrate sincerity and capability. Why not, Your Grace, have a look at our institute’s research achievements before deciding?” Vine’s attitude remained warm and friendly.

Seeing the director himself say this, Shen Tang gave him an out, ”Alright, please lead the way for us to take a look.”

Vine personally led them to the underground level.

The research institute above looked rather shabby, but the underground level was quite expansive.

It seems all the good stuff is hidden here.

The shelves were filled with various instruments and the research achievements developed by their team over the years.

Shen Tang surveyed the area, gaining substantial knowledge.

She felt intuitively that today’s visit was not in vain.

Suddenly, she noticed a familiar green potion, picked it up for a closer look, and confirmed it.

It was the Frenzy Potion that Shi Yin’s Beast Husband, White Lizard, had used at the time, boosting the City Lord’s strength from an Eighth Rank Beastman to a Ninth Rank briefly, almost causing their entire force to be annihilated.

Shen Tang then saw another vial, which was also brought by White Lizard to frame her—a potion that causes Mutant Species to go berserk.

Both potions had extremely potent effects.

At certain moments, they could even achieve surprisingly delightful results!

Shen Tang wanted to buy more later but couldn’t find any on the market; similar ones weren’t nearly as effective as those White Lizard had brought.

Originally, Shen Tang thought the potion was developed by White Lizard, and felt regretful. But today, she found its true source!

”Does Director Vine know White Lizard?” Shen Tang suddenly asked.

Upon hearing the name, Vine’s gentle smile paused, a dark gleam flashing in his green eyes, ”Oh? Do you know that damned fellow?”

Listening to his tone, Shen Tang knew they were acquainted; White Lizard was probably part of the research team back then, ”I met him in the polluted area; he later... died.”

She didn’t bother to elaborate on the polluted area since it was irrelevant.

Vine’s lips curled into a smile, ”That fellow should have died long ago.”

Seeing Shen Tang’s interest in his relationship with White Lizard, he didn’t attempt to hide, ”You should have guessed by now, White Lizard was once one of my people, a very valued right-hand man.”

”But I didn’t expect him to steal the institute’s research results for profit!”

”Which resulted in compensations for several major projects at the time, 20 billion in recompense from the institute.”

”And due to the scandal, the institute lost the trust of partners, who withdrew en masse, leading to the institute’s decline to such a state.”

Shen Tang hadn’t expected Zero Point Research Institute’s downfall to be due to this affair.

Looking at the potion in her hand, she made up her mind, ”I decide to establish a cooperation with your institute.”

Vine extended his hand for a handshake, ”May our partnership be fruitful!”

Then Shen Tang said, ”There’s one more thing; I hope the institute can develop the inhibitor as quickly as possible. The faster, the better.”

Without directly answering, Vine asked with a smile, ”Your Grace, how many days do you need?”

Shen Tang looked directly into his eyes and said in a determined voice, ”Ten days, how about it?”

The journey to the Imperial City would take another two to three days.

Ten days was the latest timeframe.

For the institute, it might be too difficult.

But she couldn’t wait any longer.

Vine nodded, ”Alright, within ten days, the institute will deliver the potion to you.”

Seeing him agree so readily, Shen Tang was surprised; she indeed chose the right place.

Shen Tang had scouted ahead; other institutes would take at least a month at best, which she couldn’t wait for, so she decided to try her luck here.

Only at Zero Point Research Institute did she hear of a scientific genius capable of developing a new potion within a few days.

It seems Vine was that genius.

”By the way, this matter must be kept confidential, absolutely no leaks.” Shen Tang looked at the staff behind her; surely there were followers of Shen Qingli in the research institute, especially the Bear Beast who first mocked her.

Vine understood her intent, ”Rest assured, the institute has learned from past mistakes and won’t repeat them. I can pledge my life that this will stay a secret.”

Hearing his assurance, Shen Tang was relieved.

Once matters at the institute were settled, Vine asked as she was leaving, ”Would Your Grace like to exchange contacts with me? So I can promptly inform you once the inhibitor is developed.”

The Beast Husbands at home were immediately alert.

Vine looked at Shen Li and the others, and warmly said, ”Rest assured, it’s purely business, no need to guard against me.”

Shen Tang also exchanged contact with him.

Not needing the full ten days.

On the seventh day.

Vine sent a message.

The inhibitor was ready.

Once Shen Tang received the potion, she led her Beast Husbands back to the Imperial City.