A person's future path is greatly influenced by their childhood. As an ordinary only child, Chen Ke had few companions to play with. His parents were busy with work, so if Chen Ke could stay at home quietly reading books and not cause trouble outside, it was a huge convenience for them. And indeed, Chen Ke spent his childhood just as they had hoped.

Among many popular science books, *The Chemical History of a Candle* and *The Road to Conquering Germs* had a profound impact on Chen Ke at that time. These were already accessible works, explaining the history of chemistry and medicine in language that children could understand. Later, Chen Ke chose to major in chemistry; it cannot be denied that these two books played a huge role.

*The Road to Conquering Germs* introduced the story of the visionary doctor Ehrlich researching the magic bullet "606". Chen Ke later specifically studied the preparation methods of 606 and 914. He had even produced them personally. He could still remember the inner joy he felt after completing that experiment. Therefore, on June 27, 1905, Chen Ke felt that joy doubled.

606 and 914 pioneered chemotherapy. In 1908, Ehrlich received countless honors. Chen Ke was very envious of the glory this great predecessor received back then. Now, although he didn't expect to gain the predecessor's "face" (fame), he could at least get the "lining" (practical benefits). Ehrlich was German, and the British couldn't replicate this drug until the outbreak of World War I. During the war, the British couldn't get supplies of the drug and had to spend huge sums researching alternatives. It wasn't until Germany was defeated and the war ended that the British, as victors, mastered this magic drug.

"We must save He Zudao. He is our colleague, our comrade; we cannot abandon him," Chen Ke said to the young men. "Huishen, take me to see He Zudao. Tell him this news."

Qi Huishen looked at Chen Ke with emotion. "Mr. Wenqing, you'd better write a letter for me to take over. He Zudao said he respects you very much, and having contracted this disease, he has no face to see you."

"What is there to be embarrassed about with this kind of thing?"

"Mr. Wenqing, I will go tell He Zudao right now about your intention to make medicine for him. Having caught this disease, He Zudao has the heart to die. If you go see him now, I'm afraid he might really do something rash. Write a letter, and I'll take it to him."

Hearing Qi Huishen speak so earnestly, Chen Ke had to take a notebook and a disposable pen. Under the envious and surprised gazes of the youths, he wrote a letter in his terrible handwriting. The content of the letter was simple: Chen Ke wanted He Zudao to believe that he could definitely produce a specific medicine to save him. This new group would never abandon any companion.

Watching Qi Huishen run out the gate with the letter, Chen Ke looked at the other youths gazing at him eagerly, and he didn't feel very assured about confidentiality. So far, the only person Chen Ke could cooperate with was You Gou. It would do no good, only harm, for these young people to know too much.

Chen Ke was not in Germany right now, nor was he the renowned Dr. Ehrlich. This specific medicine was a double-edged sword for Chen Ke; he had to have collaborators.

Chen Ke called the youths to the blackboard and began to explain the causes of the transmission of syphilis. Upon learning that skin contact was enough to contract the disease, none of the listeners kept their color. As for how to ensure disinfection, it was changing clothes, bathing, and exposing clothes to the sun. Although he didn't know if the sterilization methods he mentioned were correct, this was the only way Chen Ke could scare these people into going home.

Seeing the youths all anxious and uneasy, Chen Ke told them to go back first. Hearing this, the youths felt as if they had been granted amnesty and all ran away in a flash.

Hua Xiongmao also looked unwell. "Wenqing, is it really that serious?"

"Definitely not. But when we are doing experiments, you shouldn't go back either. How about this, we go back first, I have some things to discuss with Sister Qiu. We'll go back to get a change of clothes and won't return to the residence for these few days."

"Alright. I'll listen to you, Wenqing."

Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin were not at the residence. Chen Ke asked the maid, Lin Jian, but she wasn't very clear either. Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao simply went towards the location of their last meeting. Since it had been a long time, the two of them couldn't remember exactly where it was. They circled around like headless flies, not daring to knock on doors randomly to ask. Finally, they simply returned to pack their things and wait.

While packing, Chen Ke asked, "Zhenglan, do you think those people are credible?"

"Wenqing is worried that once this medicine comes out, someone will loot a burning house, right?" Hua Xiongmao laughed.

"Indeed."

"We really do need to find a backer. The people from the government are absolutely unreliable. People in the underworld... are also unreliable. If it really doesn't work..." Hua Xiongmao muttered, "If it really doesn't work, Wenqing, you'll have to play the *guanggun* (act tough). Don't let them scare you. They need you. As long as the prescription isn't leaked, they won't dare do anything to you. This medicine is a life-saving thing."

Hearing Hua Xiongmao's words, Chen Ke felt this was the only way. After packing their things, the two instructed Lin Jian that if Qiu Jin returned, she must be asked to wait for Chen Ke at the residence. Only then did they go out.

Returning to the workshop, You Gou hadn't come back yet. Zhou Yuanxiao had said he would return to the workshop in three days. Since there was no one in the workshop, Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao thoroughly cleaned the entire place. While they were working enthusiastically, they heard You Gou shout excitedly, "Thank you for your hard work, you two."

Finally waiting for the person, Chen Ke's mood relaxed immediately.

"You Gou, I have important matters to discuss!" Chen Ke shouted.

You Gou was dressed very beautifully. The cloth dyeing was finished, and she deliberately changed into a brand-new sapphire blue silk dress. You Gou, who usually didn't wear jewelry, even had a silver hairpin in her hair today.

After listening to Chen Ke for not very long, You Gou, who was originally smiling, suddenly stood up. Her face was as gloomy as water, looking at the stool with disgust. "I won't be infected, right?" Her tone sounded frighteningly cold.

"Definitely not."

"Hmph!" You Gou kicked the stool aside in a rage. "A person sits on a stool, and disaster falls from the sky! Brother Wenqing, if I catch this disease..." At this point, You Gou's small mouth flattened, her eyes turned red, and she began to shed tears in grievance.

"Calm down! Calm down! Aren't I making this medicine?" Chen Ke knew that for a young lady like You Gou, if she caught this disease, it would be impossible to explain her innocence.

"I don't want to hear this nonsense. I... I'm going back right now to burn all the clothes I've worn." At this point, the panic-stricken You Gou grabbed Chen Ke's collar. She choked out, "Wenqing, Wenqing, my family won't be infected, right?" Speaking of this, You Gou had been scared to tears by her own imagination.

"Damn it! What kind of mess is this!" Chen Ke had mixed feelings in his heart. He had thought about researching the new medicine with You Gou, but he hadn't expected You Gou to pull a stunt like this. It completely disrupted Chen Ke's plan. Usually, You Gou was quite a confident girl, but encountering this matter, she completely lost her footing. "Women are unreliable!" Even Chen Ke, who always advocated gender equality and respect for women, couldn't help but complain in his heart.

But seeing You Gou trembling all over like a frightened little rabbit, her face stained with tears, Chen Ke had to have the patience to comfort her first. Exhausting all the medical and biological knowledge of infectious diseases he knew, Chen Ke talked eloquently about how You Gou was safe, even explaining the human immune system to her, but it didn't give You Gou any sense of security. The knowledge Chen Ke just explained was instead used by You Gou to question Chen Ke indiscriminately.

In the end, Chen Ke simply roared, "I said, you are fine, and your family will be fine too. So it's definitely fine!" This angry shout with clear meaning scared You Gou into stopping. But this angry shout actually stabilized You Gou's spirit.

"This matter has nothing to do with you. We are going to save He Zudao now! That guy is almost dying," Chen Ke continued to roar.

"Ah... Oh, it's good that my family is fine." You Gou finally squeezed out such a sentence. It almost amused Chen Ke again.

Chen Ke asked You Gou to sit down. You Gou looked at the stool timidly and refused to sit. Chen Ke ignored her and pulled up a stool to sit upright himself. "First, we go to Wang Bin to buy materials. You absolutely cannot reveal what you are doing."

You Gou nodded desperately after hearing this.

"Second, we are starting to make the medicine now. You cannot leak our medicine."

You Gou nodded again.

"Third, this is money. How much money is this? If even ten thousand patients in the whole world buy this medicine, and one person gives you twenty pounds. How much money is this?"

"Two million," You Gou calculated the result somewhat neurotically, but she obviously didn't realize the concept of this sum of money.

"So, young one, come with me to find Wang Bin now," Chen Ke said, pretending to be relaxed.

"Huh? Two million? Two million pounds?" You Gou finally understood Chen Ke's meaning. "Wenqing, two million pounds!"

"It's definitely impossible to give it all to you!" Chen Ke looked at You Gou's eyes, which were almost radiating golden light, and gave her a blow to the head.

"I want ten percent! No, half of ten percent! No, fifty thousand! No, thirty thousand! Thirty thousand pounds is enough." You Gou started to get confused again.

"If you take thirty thousand pounds, aren't you afraid others will take your life?" Chen Ke was amused and annoyed.

After the emotional roller coaster, You Gou rested for a while before returning to normal. She calmed herself, "Let's go find Wang Bin now."

The scientific name of 606 is Arsphenamine, also known as "Salvarsan", an arsenic-containing anti-syphilis drug. It was researched by Ehrlich and his colleagues after long-term experiments. Discovered by Paul Ehrlich's laboratory in 1908, they screened hundreds of newly synthesized organic arsenic compounds and finally determined that the 606th compound had anti-syphilis activity. This was the first organized and purposeful attempt to achieve optimal biological activity through chemical modification of lead compounds. It was specific and relatively safe for syphilis and other spirochete diseases.

Paul Ehrlich pioneered chemotherapy. 606 went on the market in 1910 under the trade name Salvarsan. It was the first organic substance to treat syphilis, a major step forward compared to the inorganic mercury compounds used at the time. In 1912, Neosalvarsan (also an arsenic compound, 914), which had better solubility and was easier to operate but slightly less effective, went on the market. The invention of 606 was a major achievement in medicine at that time, later improved into "914" (Neosalvarsan) and Sulfarsphenamine, which were more convenient to use. The latter could be used for intramuscular injection.

Arsphenamine, the predecessor of 606 and 914, was actually a very common thing. This compound was widely used as a corpse preservative in seventeenth-century England. Arsphenamine seeping from ancient cemeteries is one of the known pollutants of underground water sources in England in the 21st century.

Wang Bin frowned slightly when he saw this drug. It wasn't because Wang Bin possessed any foresight into the future and had concerns about China's environmental protection. He just couldn't understand why there was such a thing used for soaking corpses on the long procurement list.

On the way, Chen Ke had strictly ordered You Gou not to talk nonsense. So You Gou remained silent.

"Are these things hard to get?" Chen Ke asked.

"Not hard to get. I'll give you the things the day after tomorrow. Come tomorrow first, I'll give you whatever I get first," Wang Bin replied.

"I'll trouble Brother Wang with this matter. I'll bring the money tomorrow."

Returning to the workshop, Chen Ke stopped You Gou from asking questions. He and Hua Xiongmao carried a bolt of white cloth that had undergone fading treatment. Cloth had a market these days. Chen Ke kept dozens of bolts of various colors in the workshop for his own use. The dark blue work clothes last time were sewn by Chen Ke and You Gou together.

"Make ten white lab coats." Chen Ke dropped this sentence and left with Hua Xiongmao.

Returning to the residence in the evening, as soon as they entered the door, they heard Qiu Jin talking to Lin Jian inside. Chen Ke breathed a sigh of relief. Finally found the person.

"Sister Qiu, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

Chen Ke took out a small packet and pushed it to Qiu Jin across the table. Qiu Jin opened it and saw it was a pile of silver. She sighed and prepared to take off the watch on her wrist.

"Am I such a stingy person in Sister Qiu's eyes?" Chen Ke laughed.

"Then what is this for, Wenqing?"

"I heard Sister Qiu is going to Japan. I want to ask Sister Qiu a favor. Mr. Chen Tianhua is currently in Japan. Sister Qiu will definitely be able to see him when you go. I want Sister Qiu to invite Mr. Chen Tianhua to return to China to meet me. These fifty taels of silver are for Mr. Chen Tianhua's travel expenses."

"Oh." Qiu Jin then understood Chen Ke's meaning.

"I have never met Mr. Chen Tianhua. Sister Qiu, you have a distinguished reputation. It couldn't be more appropriate for you to contact Mr. Chen Tianhua for me. I should have gone to Japan with Sister Qiu to visit Mr. Chen Tianhua, but I have things here and can't get away. I definitely can't go."

"Ha, Wenqing is always busy," Qiu Jin laughed. Knowing Chen Ke's intention, Qiu Jin was quite curious. After these days of contact, Qiu Jin knew that Chen Ke was a person who wouldn't release the hawk until he saw the rabbit. It was so with Xu Xilin, and so with Tao Chengzhang and Cai Yuanpei. Relying merely on the little silver she provided, Chen Ke had made money in Shanghai empty-handed. Indeed, Chen Ke relied on his own ability, but without the helping hands of so many people, Chen Ke definitely couldn't have achieved what he had today.

Chen Tianhua's *A Sudden Look Back* and *Warning Bell* were famous among revolutionaries. Like Zou Rong, who had unfortunately passed away, he was a very prestigious figure among the younger generation. That Chen Ke had such great interest in Chen Tianhua surely had some special reason.

"Does Wenqing know this Mr. Chen Tianhua?"

"I don't know him, I've just read his books. I very much want to make friends with this Mr. Chen."

"Then why not go to Japan with me? Wouldn't it be more sincere for you to visit this Mr. Chen personally? Is Wenqing really that busy?"

"For the next month, I don't know how many hours I'll be able to sleep," Chen Ke smiled helplessly. There was an article in Chen Ke's English textbook about Dr. Ehrlich, who researched 606, having to write a letter to himself to avoid forgetting his family's birthdays so he could attend the birthday party on time. Although he had made this medicine, that was in a laboratory in the 21st century. In 1905, exactly what kind of "Chen Ke Laboratory" would be whipped up was still beyond imagination.

Qiu Jin knew that Chen Ke didn't like to tell lies. Although she hadn't seen Chen Ke's specific dyeing operations, the strong smell on Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao every time they came back proved what the two of them were doing. Since Chen Ke said so, he must truly be too busy to get away.

"Then I will help Wenqing with this favor." After speaking, Qiu Jin put away the silver.

Rushing back to the workshop, You Gou was no longer there. A letter was left on the table. Before Chen Ke opened it, he first armed his spirit. Even if the letter contained something like You Gou demanding to break off relations with Chen Ke, Chen Ke could accept it.

The content of the letter really surprised Chen Ke. You Gou didn't complain or anything in the letter. On the contrary, she clearly informed Chen Ke that during the period of medicine production, she prepared to live in the workshop. To avoid trouble, You Gou would bring a maid to live here together. She went home this time to persuade her family about this matter. So she wouldn't come over too early tomorrow, or might not be able to come at all.

Chen Ke put down the letter. As expected of someone from a chemistry background, everyone really had the same awareness. There was no one in the workshop, so Chen Ke prepared to go back. But he heard the sound of the door being pushed open. The dyeing was finished, so the curfew was naturally broken. Who was running over here at night?

The door opened, and Qi Huishen appeared in the doorway.

"Mr. Wenqing, I have seen He Zudao. I came a few times today, but no one was here. No matter what, I had to deliver He Zudao's reply to you."

"Huishen, sit down quickly," Chen Ke said hurriedly. Qi Huishen's earnest spirit really made Chen Ke like him. "There is nothing difficult in the world for those who are conscientious. We Communists value conscientiousness the most." This clear standard was proposed by that great man. Chen Ke already liked Qi Huishen, this revolutionary, and now he listed Qi Huishen as the number one person to recruit.

He Zudao's letter moved Chen Ke deeply. The child's painful mood was completely revealed between the lines. Contracting this disease was a shameful thing in itself. He Zudao repeatedly swore in the letter that he had not done any "bad things". Moreover, he begged Chen Ke to save him. He Zudao stated that after the disease was cured, he would follow Chen Ke with dead-set loyalty; he would be willing to go through mountains of knives and seas of fire for Chen Ke.

"Huishen, did you tell He Zudao what I said? I will never abandon our colleagues."

"Mr. Wenqing, I went to find He Zudao, but he locked the door and wouldn't let me in. I specifically told him your words. Although He Zudao didn't open the door, I heard him crying his heart out inside the room. Mr. Wenqing, I trust you, please, you must save He Zudao!" Qi Huishen hadn't sat down to begin with; speaking of this, he bowed deeply.

Chen Ke quickly helped Qi Huishen up. "Huishen, we are all colleagues, all friends. How can there be a reason not to save the dying? He Zudao has been with us all these days, he definitely didn't go to any places of ill repute. I trust him."

"Mr. Wenqing, during the time you are making the medicine, as long as you have any instructions, I will definitely listen to you. I'll do whatever you ask."

"Whatever I ask?"

"Exactly."

"Hmm, can you come and stay here during this period? We have to start work day and night. The sooner we get this medicine out, the sooner we save He Zudao."

"I obey Mr. Wenqing's instructions," Qi Huishen answered without hesitation.

"That's good. I studied chemistry, and since I was young, I have admired those predecessors who could work through the night without rest or sleep. I'm going to do it this time too, to save He Zudao. To experience the hard work of the predecessors. Haha," Chen Ke said with full confidence.

"You shouldn't work too hard either," Qi Huishen advised.

"Labor is the most glorious. Huishen. Labor is the most glorious. Sitting there doing nothing, will a pie fall from the sky for you? Why do the Great Powers look down on China? Because China has made no contribution to the world. Only if our generation goes to labor, to create, and fight out a New China, will the world respect you. Millions of people like you and me, laboring together, working, risking our lives. Only then can a New China emerge. Huishen, do you want to join the revolution with me?"

"Mr. Wenqing, this is revolution?" Qi Huishen didn't want to dampen Chen Ke's enthusiasm, but the doubtful tone couldn't be concealed.

"Huishen, revolution is not for killing people. Revolution is to save people. Revolution is a kind of humanitarianism!" Chen Ke's voice was deep and powerful.

Hearing this, Qi Huishen was stunned.

Chen Ke patted Qi Huishen's shoulder. "Huishen, I am not some cruel and bloodthirsty person. With my skills, I won't say I could be as rich as the country, but having no worries about food and clothing, having three wives and four concubines, and in the future having groups of children and grandchildren around my knees to enjoy family happiness—that is not a difficult thing. But I love our China, I love the common people of China. China shouldn't have fallen to this state today. Looking at today's China, I feel worse than death. But what can I do alone? Without many comrades, I can do nothing. Revolution with me, Huishen. Let us gather comrades willing to rejuvenate China. We won't abandon anyone. We will save the people of China, save China from its current plight."

Listening to Chen Ke's words, Qi Huishen remained silent in a daze. Gradually, Qi Huishen's eyes turned red. "Mr. Wenqing, you are a true revolutionary."

"Don't flatter me here. Speak frankly, do you want to join?"

Qi Huishen wiped away his tears. "I will definitely follow Mr. Wenqing through thick and thin."

"What Mr. Wenqing? You and I are not many years apart. Since we are comrades, just call me Wenqing. You hurry back and rest, come over tomorrow at noon. The days ahead will be very hard. Let's save He Zudao first."

"Wenqing, am I also a revolutionary comrade?" Hua Xiongmao interrupted. Seeing Chen Ke formally recruiting Qi Huishen, Hua Xiongmao felt uncomfortable all over.

"Zhenglan, naturally you are a revolutionary comrade. You joined earlier than Huishen, you're a senior. So I ask you not to show off your seniority here," Chen Ke laughed. Turning back to look at the tearful Qi Huishen, Chen Ke slapped Qi Huishen hard on the shoulder. "Huishen, revolution is not a dinner party. Why are you so excited? Starting tomorrow, prepare yourself to work to death. Go, let's go back now. If we don't nurture our spirit well, where will we get the strength to work?"

Chen Ke dragged Qi Huishen, and together with Hua Xiongmao, extinguished the lights, inspected everywhere in the courtyard, and then left the workshop together.