In response to Lily's question, the man laughed indifferently, saying slowly, "That's nothing you should worry about. It could be you, me, or any other intellectual, but never those idiots." Arrogance and disdain colored his tone, making Lily frown and scoff. "You think you're one of the intellectuals, then?"

"Of course!" He spread his arms wide, answering confidently. "Haven't recent events proven my intelligence? I planned everything, threw the world into chaos. If you hadn't disrupted the process, I would have completed the entire project by now!"

He regretted not recruiting Lily from the start. With her, he would have succeeded. However, he hadn't initially perceived her as essential. The other researchers, after she left, couldn't properly blend the fragrances and herbs, delaying the project until now. They had no choice but to bring her back.

She was an unpredictable liability, a hidden danger to their project. They would not have recruited her given the choice.

"No, you're wrong," Lily said quietly. "It's not because of me. Many are more brilliant than you or I—than anyone in your organization. You're simply too uncultured to see it. Even without my involvement, with proper action, the plague would have been quickly controlled. Even with me, your organization wouldn't have succeeded!"

"That's your perspective, but I see things differently!" He dismissed her words. His understanding, based on the news he'd received, was that the plague was controlled quickly because Lily had created an antidote.

Their initial plan called for at least 25% of humanity to perish. But that was past. Their priority was the project, which could no longer be delayed.

Lily didn't argue; it would be pointless. One day, he would pay for his actions.

"Fine, let's move past this. What exactly do you need me to do? Just blend the fragrances and herbs as before?" She paused. "Or do you want me to completely mask the poison's scent, so people will willingly inhale the drug?"

"That's right!" The man was pleased. "You're indeed an intelligent lady."

Lily felt only revulsion at his praise, standing with one hand on her hip. "Let's not waste time. Show me this 'great research' of yours."

Mike and the man stood motionless, staring intently at her, seemingly pondering something.

"What is it? Concerns?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course!" The man nodded, readily admitting his concerns. "First, welcome to the organization! Second, to prevent problems, you must refrain from all external communication during your service. Therefore, you must surrender your phone."

He glanced at Mike, who, though hesitant, moved toward Lily. "Lily..."