Chapter 35: Nemesis of HIV

The Rice Virus was successfully cultivated by Li Fu; it was as if he had bred a carnivorous beast within the world of viruses. A brand new virus, capable of devouring others, had emerged. Li Fu had achieved the first step in his plan to suppress HIV.

“Haha, let’s try introducing some HIV and see. I wonder if the Rice Virus will be picky.”

Through the electron microscope, Li Fu carefully observed the Rice Virus engulfing other viruses one by one. Its massive size endowed it with a voracious appetite; other viruses appeared tiny, reminiscent of a tiger devouring rabbits—no matter how many it ate, it was far from satiated.

Li Fu cautiously released the Rice Virus into a cluster of HIV, watching intently. HIV measured 120 nanometers—a considerable size, and compared to the Rice Virus, it was like a wild boar facing a tiger. Li Fu worried whether the Rice Virus could consume such a large virus.

But his concern proved unfounded. The Rice Virus had an excellent appetite; its tentacles explored in all directions, and when it encountered HIV, it wrapped itself around it just as it did with other viruses, then began to devour. However, due to HIV’s bulk, the Rice Virus’s consumption was slower than with other viruses. It relied on its enormous size to envelop HIV, slowly breaking it down.

“Wonderful! The Rice Virus truly has an effect on HIV.”

Seeing through the microscope as the Rice Virus gradually digested the HIV, Li Fu clenched his fists in excitement, elated beyond measure.

The Rice Virus’s ability to consume HIV was crucial to Li Fu’s next steps. It meant his experiment was halfway successful; he had found a virus capable of devouring HIV, and could realize his concept of fighting fire with fire.

“The next step is to cultivate this carnivore, the Rice Virus, into a beast that feeds exclusively on HIV!”

Li Fu followed the plan in his mind step by step. The human body hosts a vast array of viruses. If the Rice Virus were to devour any virus indiscriminately, it would wreak havoc, potentially eliminating both harmful and beneficial viruses within the body.

If one likens the body to a healthy ecosystem, then HIV, cancer viruses, flu viruses, and the like are the disruptors threatening that balance. The task is to eliminate these destroyers, not to ruin the entire ecosystem.

Thus, whether it was possible to further cultivate, based on the Rice Virus, a virus specialized in devouring only HIV was the true key to treating the disease. Otherwise, even a virus capable of consuming HIV would be useless for treatment.

“CD1 specimen: continue feeding with HIV.”

“CD2 specimen: continue mutagenic induction, then feed with HIV.”

“…”

Li Fu did not pause; new samples were created one after another, each carefully considered, each cultivated using different methods.

It was much like training a dog: to make it obey commands, one must continuously train and guide it. To make a carnivore, say a tiger, eat only wild boar, the tiger must evolve specialized weapons for attacking boar, and a digestive system tailored for it. This was a monumental task.

In nature, animals that eat only one kind of food are rare. Only the panda seems to eat just bamboo, though it is actually omnivorous and can eat meat as well. The reason so few species specialize in one food is an evolutionary instinct: the more edible options, the greater the ability to survive hunger, and the higher the chance of passing on genes.

Therefore, Li Fu’s attempt to cultivate from the Rice Virus a new strain that feeds solely on HIV was no easy feat. Yet he was confident—within the seed of super-civilization lay countless methods and detailed guidance.

Days passed, and Li Fu’s life was simple. He attended classes he found interesting, spent most hours in the lab cultivating new viruses, and in the evenings accompanied Wang Yun in the library, reading and learning.

Occasionally, when there were unsolvable issues with King of Glory, Li Fu would assist. His days were fulfilling, simple, and happy.

In a blink, it was mid-December 2017. As usual, Li Fu examined the specimens before him.

“CDF69 failed. Though the Rice Virus mutated again, its devouring ability has strengthened, but it still consumes all viruses indiscriminately. Still, this sample’s new virus can be preserved; its powerful devouring capability means it can eliminate other viruses faster.”

As he observed, Li Fu instructed Xiao Ying in his mind to record each virus’s details—a process that saved him countless hours.

From the very start, Xiao Ying had meticulously recorded all experimental data. Whenever Li Fu needed, he could retrieve and compare results directly in his mind, saving immense time and energy—one of the key reasons he could rapidly cultivate new viruses.

“CDF70 failed as well. The Rice Virus mutated, but this time it turned a carnivore into an herbivore—even lost its tentacles.”

Li Fu shook his head, declaring this sample a total failure. Unlike the previous one, this had no value and could be destroyed.

“…”

“CDF99, the last sample in group F. If nothing new comes from today’s observations, I’ll rest and check group G tomorrow.”

Examining each specimen, Li Fu rubbed his eyes, feeling weary. Each required lengthy observation and analysis—at least ten minutes per sample. In a day, he could manage only a handful.

With Xiao Ying’s help, his efficiency was high. If ordinary researchers attempted this, their speed would lag far behind.

“Let me finish observing the last sample in group F, then call it a day.”

Checking the time, Li Fu resumed work.

Through the electron microscope, a microscopic world unfolded before his eyes. In it, mutated Rice Viruses of imposing size mingled with a variety of viruses, large and small, with HIV, of course, at center stage. These viruses comprised a bustling microcosm.

One by one, large viruses, clearly derived from mutated Rice Virus, extended their long tentacles, probing in all directions as though seeking something specific. Countless smaller viruses passed by, but they paid no mind.

Until a 120-nanometer HIV appeared nearby—it suddenly grew excited, tentacles wrapping swiftly around it, its massive body enveloping the HIV and slowly breaking it down.

Scenes like this played out across the microscopic world. The newly mutated Rice Virus devoured HIV while leaving other viruses untouched, acting very much the nemesis of HIV.

“Haha, perseverance pays off. I’ve finally succeeded.”

Witnessing this, Li Fu was instantly exhilarated; fatigue vanished, and he became intensely focused, observing the new virus in detail.

“Compared to the Rice Virus, its tentacles are much longer and its body flatter; it devours HIV several times faster, with a much stronger digestive ability.”

Li Fu noted and studied each characteristic, instructing Xiao Ying to record everything.

At this stage, Li Fu knew he had essentially realized his original concept—using one virus to combat another—and successfully cultivated a new virus targeting only HIV.

Such news, once released, would shake the entire field of biology and astonish scientists worldwide. Li Fu’s approach had long been considered unworkable, yet reality now proved otherwise.

But what would truly shock the world was that the method to curb HIV, which had baffled countless scientists for years, had finally been found.

Tens of millions worldwide infected with HIV now had hope of recovery. This new approach could be applied to other diseases as well, making it an event of enormous global significance.

“HIV Nemesis—what should I name you? Let’s call you Super Rice Virus.”

In high spirits, Li Fu stroked his chin, once again revealing his rather uninspired naming prowess.

PS: My thanks to the readers specializing in biological science research, who explained the structure and composition of viruses to me and pointed out that my method is absurd. But this is just a novel—please enjoy and, if you like it, add to your collection or vote for recommendations. Your support is greatly appreciated.