The Gene Madman

"Very well, dear Helen, would you pour a drink for Mr. Leslie and Mr. Christian? Let's toast to their imminent entry into the realm of the wealthy." Bruce waved satisfactorily to Helen, the stunning stewardess who had been standing somewhat stunned by his side, to pour whiskey for the two men.

"Mr. Marcos will be the legal counsel for the new company. He will draft a lucrative contract for you both. A preliminary annual salary is set at $300,000, with a year-end bonus depending on job performance — mostly on my mood, actually. Any objections?" Bruce lifted his glass, posing the question with an unmistakable air of authority.

Kit and Isaiah snapped back to attention, shaking their heads promptly. They both belonged to the ambitious, hard-working, yet unrecognized category. Their prior annual incomes had hovered around $100,000, with Isaiah possibly earning around $150,000-160,000. Bruce's offer was an incredible leap. Any shadows Bruce's demeanor cast earlier seemed almost dispelled by their elation.

"So, gentlemen, finish your drinks and prepare to greet our first target. I intend to acquire all three companies," Bruce finally revealed.

"What?! Why?" All three, including Fowler, exclaimed in shock. Wasn't the plan to evaluate first? Incyte was the smallest, valued by Citibank at $90 million; Sleipnir followed at $170 million, while the least favored, CoBIS Genome Sciences, was the largest, valued at over $300 million.

"While their balance sheets and achievements might be average, all I need are their business units, research teams, and labs. Post-acquisition, all labs will transition to a new research direction, which I'll oversee, so don't fret," Bruce stated. In fact, CoBIS Genome Sciences intrigued him most compared to the other two.

"Meaning, Boss, you're more interested in research resources than outcomes? In that case, I have a suggestion. Due to the financial crisis, many small biotech firms have folded, leaving a vast number of professionals unemployed or facing unemployment. We can recruit them. In Europe, it's even more dire; over 20,000 biotech professionals face unemployment. If we can't find them in the US, we can look in Europe," Isaiah proposed after some thought.

"Good idea," Bruce remarked, acknowledging the oversight. "Isaiah, remind me about recruitment later." With their employment established, the formality of addressing each other shifted.

"Bruce, perhaps we should hold off on large-scale recruitment. We should consider the cost of human resources, consolidate based on the three acquired companies, and expand once results are in," Fowler cautioned.

"That's alright. We won't jump into recruitment right away. And the two matters don't conflict. I'll handle funding; you just help expand the research team." Bruce clapped lightly, applauding Isaiah's sound suggestion and displaying unyielding confidence.

...

California, located on the US west coast, borders the Pacific Ocean, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico's Baja California. Spanning roughly 410,000 square kilometers, it's the third-largest US state. Most major cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, sit along the cooler Pacific coast. Sacramento, the state capital, is less well-known.

Los Angeles, the state's largest city and America's second-largest after New York, is affectionately called "City of Angels." This coastal metropolis, a jewel on the US southwest coastline, is a harmonious blend of urban hustle and scenic beauty.

LA boasts an airport system comprising four airports: LAX, Ontario International, Palmdale Regional, and Van Nuys.

After a near six-hour flight, Bruce's business jet touched down in the evening, not at any of the aforementioned commercial airports but on a pre-arranged private airstrip. Citibank's luxury motorcade awaited: Cadillacs at the front and rear with a black Rolls-Royce Phantom in the middle — perhaps the favored vehicle of American elites. Bruce, however, wasn't particularly moved by it.

The evening breeze of Los Angeles, cool from the sea, felt delightful. Guarded by Gus and another bodyguard, Bruce descended the plane's steps. A shrewd and competent-looking middle-aged man approached with a smile, opening the car door for him.

"Welcome to Los Angeles, Mr. Lee. I'm Dewa Vijeri, your private banking executive. Whatever you need in LA, I'm at your service."

"Excellent, Mr. Vijeri. This is a good start." Bruce patted him on the shoulder approvingly and got into the car.

Over the next three days, Bruce, accompanied by Fowler and others, comprehensively inspected two of the acquisition targets: Spruill and CoBIS Genome Science Company. In general, the findings were consistent with the information they had gathered beforehand. If Bruce could acquire them, it would basically achieve his objective for this trip.

The president of Spruill was exceptionally welcoming, accompanying Bruce everywhere. It seemed the weary-looking man had long contemplated selling.

On the other hand, the struggling CoBIS, although its top management was equally welcoming, left Bruce with a sense of unease. Notably, the company's largest shareholder, Gilbert E. Gordon, was conspicuously absent throughout their visit, even though both parties had communicated beforehand.

Today marked the third day, and Bruce, along with his team, arrived at CoBIS's core facility — the CoBIS Laboratory. But they were stopped at the last section.

"Sorry, you can't go in there." The guards at the door appeared apprehensive, especially seeing the towering Gus, but they stood firm.

Bruce glanced at the sign on the door: Genetic Engineering Laboratory.

"I thought CoBIS's genetic labs were discontinued?"

"Yes, they were. We just have a small team left doing minor auxiliary tests," responded company president Christophe Henderson, sweating profusely despite the cool interior, evidently anxious not to derail the potential sale.

"And yet, we're not allowed in?" Isaiah, sensing an opportunity to defend his boss's interests, interjected, "Mr. Henderson, you should remember that transparency is a precondition for our acquisition."

"Sorry, sorry. Joey, open the door now!" Henderson's face turned ashen, clearly frustrated.

"But Mr. Henderson... Dr. Gordon said they're at a crucial stage in their experiment and can't be disturbed," the guards hesitated, clearly torn.

"Damn it! Open that door now!" Henderson erupted, his jowls quivering comically in his rage.

"It's okay. We'll be quiet. We won't disturb Dr. Gordon's experiment," Bruce, intrigued, assured the guards.

Reluctantly, the two guards yielded and opened the door, pleading with the group to remain silent.

Inside, the scene surprised Bruce. The space was large and well-equipped, but occupied by only a few individuals.

Two young aides were visible, while a middle-aged African-American man stood dejectedly: "Another failure... Why? My direction should be right... Why did it happen?"

It was evident this was Gilbert E. Gordon, CoBIS's primary shareholder and chief scientist.

"As expected, another failure. Gilbert, maybe it's time to face reality," Henderson gloated, showing no respect for the company's primary owner.

"Would you care to explain what's going on, Mr. Henderson, Dr. Gordon?" Bruce approached, shaking hands with a despondent Dr. Gordon. Despite his setback, the dapper middle-aged scientist still managed a weak smile.

"You see, Gilbert, Mr. Lee is a very sincere businessman. Time to snap back to reality! Your research has no future if it doesn't generate profits!" Henderson spat out, almost spraying Gordon in his fervor.

"No, no, you wouldn't understand, Chris. My research has academic value; it contributes," Dr. Gordon murmured, not heeding Henderson's words.

And Henderson, evidently used to such reactions from Gordon, ignored him and began explaining to Bruce and his team.

It turns out that in its early days, CoBIS Company was primarily involved in human genome sequencing. Under the leadership of Gilbert Gordon's team, the company flourished.

However, after the U.S. government declared that all human genome data couldn't be patented and had to be made available to all researchers, the company was forced to pivot its primary business toward drug development.

But Gilbert Gordon's passion truly lay in genetic engineering. He was reluctant to abandon the research he had dedicated so much of his life to. As a result, he bifurcated the company's research and development section. One team was assigned to biopharmaceuticals, while he personally led another team to continue studies in genetics.

Initially, Christophe Henderson, the company's president, was hopeful and lenient towards this approach. He understood the significance of research and development for a tech company. But as days turned into years, Gordon's team failed to produce any outstanding results. Even the occasional breakthroughs couldn't generate profits for the company. Consequently, many researchers lost hope and left, either switching to other firms or joining the pharmaceutical research team.

Eventually, Christophe, having reached the end of his patience, issued an ultimatum to Gordon: if he didn't produce tangible results soon, the company would discontinue its genetic engineering research department.