The Green Tea is Always Targeting The Wrong Person (GREENTEA)
Although Jiang Quan was displeased with Yue Chu's arrival, he still dutifully introduced the laboratory's situation.
It wasn't until they entered the third laboratory that the scene inside sent chills down their spines.
Transparent specially-made glass divided the laboratory into two spaces: one where researchers diligently recorded data around instruments, and the other where test subjects injected with the virus wailed in agony.
There were five test subjects in this laboratory—three men and two women—each in a terrible condition.
Two of them had skin completely ulcerated, with pink tender flesh and black-red wounds exposed. Their hair, eyelashes, and body hair had all fallen out, making them look like skinned rats sprawled on the ground. If not for the faint rise and fall of their chests, it would be impossible to tell they were still alive.
The other three were in slightly better condition, but equally grotesque. One man had half his face missing, with a new head growing from within. However, the head bore no resemblance to a human; it had a massive mouth but no other facial features. The mouth was filled with fine, sharp teeth, and as he screamed, purple-red tentacles would extend from his throat, resembling an overly long tongue.
The extra head caused the man immense pain, and he paced around in agitation, his only intact eye filled with despair and helplessness, drowning in fear.
The remaining two were equally bizarre, enduring excruciating torment day after day.
Yue Chu observed intently. Although these people looked strange, their combat ability didn't seem particularly strong, and they retained their consciousness, unlike the zombies described in the world's lore.
However, according to the background information, the Zombie Virus originated from the Millennium Laboratory. Could it be that the virus hadn't yet evolved to its ultimate form?
Jiang Quan had initially intended to frighten Yue Chu but felt uneasy when he noticed Yue Chu not only remained composed but also carefully observed the subjects.
Involuntarily, he stepped in front of Yue Chu then adjusted his glasses, and explained, "These people all signed consent forms. They were either impoverished, in debt, or gravely ill, but without exception, they needed a substantial amount of money. Before signing, we thoroughly explained the potential outcomes to them. Everything is fully compliant and legal."
Only then did Yue Chu shift his gaze before smiling softly at Jiang Quan and nodding slightly. "I understand. There's no need to explain in such detail. Moreover, I believe Dr. Jiang is an upright person who, while dedicated to science, also respects life."
Under Yue Chu's intense gaze, Jiang Quan awkwardly lowered his head, puzzled by his own inexplicable explanation.
These strange emotions made him uncomfortable.
He turned around then picked up a stack of documents, and placed them in Yue Chu's hands before facing away to focus on the fluctuating data on the instruments, as if deeply engrossed.
"Next door is the R-level storage room for the Luster Virus. You can take a look."
With that, he immersed himself in the experiment and not sparing Yue Chu another glance.
Yue Chu curled his lips slightly but said nothing more.
He had a researcher open the room for him and stepped inside.
The heavy door slowly closed behind him and completely isolated him from the outside world to prevent any risk of virus leakage.
At this moment, he was still in the preparation room.
Through the glass window, he could see the Luster Virus stored in the massive containment chamber. Admittedly, while the name was both flashy and tacky, it did fit the virus itself quite well.
That was not a virus in the traditional sense, but a red sphere the size of a fist.
Perfectly spherical, without any seams, and the substance inside flowed slowly like a nebula, as if it contained an entire universe.
It was said that Lan Yao had obtained this meteorite (since it was an unknown substance, it was tentatively referred to as a meteorite) by chance.
Initially, he hadn't paid much attention to it, but after studying it, he discovered that it contained a strange, virus-like substance. This substance was both dangerous and miraculous, like a Pandora's box waiting to be opened.
And now, the source of the world's destruction lay quietly in a container, as fragile as a gemstone and easily destroyed.
Yue Chu stared at the small red sphere with great interest.
Had he already reached the core of the secret so early? Could his mission be completed already?
This virus wasn't the protagonist; destroying it directly wouldn't affect the world's energy balance. He narrowed his eyes in delight while scanning the surroundings for any useful tools.
【Another newcomer? What is he going to do?】
Yue Chu paused with his fingers stopping in front of the cabinet.
Who was speaking?
He turned and looked around.
The room was completely empty, with no hiding spots even in the corners and he was certain he was alone. So, who had just spoken?
Yue Chu walked further in before lifting the curtain to check the storage room.
【Is he crazy? Coming in without a protective suit!】
【Has the lab really fallen to the point of using such amateurs? Utterly useless.】
【Luckily, it's just me here, clean and free of any viruses. Even if he barges in recklessly, nothing will happen.】
【But if this continues, something will eventually go wrong.】
【Let's... mourn for him.】
Yue Chu paused, then silently retreated before finding the protective suit hanging on the wall. He took it down and prepared to put it on.
【Good, not completely foolish.】
【Wait, is he going to wear it inside?】
【He doesn't even have the most basic common sense. This person is suspicious.】
Yue Chu shook the protective suit while feeling surprised that his cover had been blown so quickly, and by... the ultimate virus.
Yes, after eliminating all impossibilities, the only truth was that this virus could talk.
This was truly fascinating!
Yue Chu hung the protective suit back on the wall and began to undress.
【Avert your eyes...】
Yue Chu saw the sphere actually turn around, though it was hard to tell which side was front or back at first.
A smile crept onto his lips, finding it extremely amusing.
By the time he entered the R-level storage room, Yue Chu was fully equipped.
He stood in front of the red sphere and examined it closely.
The red sphere could be considered a beautiful piece of art.
Its material was unclear, but its surface was covered with a transparent substance that encased the flowing red silk inside. The flowing substance resembled dancing butterflies that were fluttering their beautiful wings while elegantly rolling and twisting.
Yue Chu was curious.
He directly reached in with his gloved hand to firmly grasp the sphere and carefully feel its texture.
When he looked at it, he thought the sphere would be soft, but upon touching it, he found it to be very hard. Even with considerable force, the sphere showed no reaction.
Its surface was extremely smooth, somewhat like a glass ball, but it was very light, much lighter than he had imagined.
【He's really bold.】
【How long is he going to touch it? So indecent.】
"I don't like him."
Yue Chu gazed thoughtfully at the small sphere with his expectations quite high, as he even found fault with it.
He curled his finger and flicked the sphere then watched it roll away until it hit the transparent wall and rolled back into his palm. A broad smile spread across his face.
"What is he... doing?"
"A new research method? Or is it intentional..."
"No, he clearly knows nothing."
"A strange person."
"Very strange, somewhat annoying."
"But what is his true purpose?"
Yue Chu withdrew his hand as he marvelled at the miraculous little sphere in his heart.
He changed his mind; perhaps he could uncover some secrets from this spherical object.
Seeing him emerge, Jiang Quan finally walked over from the instrument.
He scrutinized Yue Chu while noting his composed demeanor, and couldn't help but admire him even more.
Back when he first encountered the Luster Virus, even he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Now, it seemed Professor Yue indeed had a better temperament than he did.
Both were top talents in the same Domain, and this comparison only deepened Jiang Quan's respect.
Jiang Quan asked, "Professor Yue, do you have any other requests? You can tell me directly."
Yue Chu noticed his host-like demeanor and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he stepped closer to him.
"It seems Dr. Jiang holds significant authority here. Then I won't beat around the bush—I want the Luster Virus, the original specimen."
Jiang Quan was taken aback, then frowned deeply.
Was he joking? Didn't he know how dangerous that meteorite was?!
Yue Chu looked at him with soft eyes and said gently, "If Dr. Jiang feels it's too difficult, then forget it. I'll follow your lead."
JiangQuan's lips tightened into a straight line.
Follow his lead? Uncle Lan had given him such extensive authority. If he casually refused Yue Chu's request, wouldn't it anger Uncle Lan?
He glanced at Yue Chu then turned around, and walked to a corner before dialing Lan Yao's number.
Jiang Quan nodded occasionally while speaking in a low voice, "Yes... that's right, Uncle Lan. That meteorite is extremely dangerous. Just the virus extracted from it is deadly, and it's constantly evolving, completely uncontrollable. Direct contact is unimaginable. I don't recommend taking such a huge risk."
Lan Yao pondered for a moment while tapping his fingers lightly on the golden nanmu wood table.
His brown pupils slightly contracted as he revealed a sense of aggressive excitement.
"Hand the phone to Professor Yue."
Jiang Quan was incredulous, "Uncle Lan..."
He pursed his lips tightly but ultimately obeyed as he handed the phone to Professor Yue, though a sense of bitterness slowly consumed him.
Yue Chu smiled and nodded at him before taking the phone, "Director Lan, can my request be approved?"
Lan Yao's voice was deep, "Have you made a discovery?"
Yue Chu replied, "Not exactly a discovery, I'm just a bit curious."
Lan Yao chuckled with his low voice sensually grazing the eardrum.
He was usually stern and unapproachable as his cold demeanor made people keep their distance. Now, his laughter was like an icy wind from the poles, devoid of warmth and piercingly cold.
This Professor Yue was full of surprises.
Lan Yao said, "I've told you that whatever requests Professor Yue has, I will agree to them. You may proceed as you see fit."
Yue Chu responded, "Thank you then."
After hanging up, he nodded to Jiang Quan, signaling that he could make the arrangements.
Jiang Quan took a deep breath to suppress the despondency in his heart, and began to issue instructions.
Seeming to sense his low spirits, Yue Chu walked over to him with a sincere smile that sparkled like gold dust and exuded a gentleness that was hard to refuse.
"Dr. Jiang, there's no need to feel down. Although Director Lan said he was doing this for me, in truth, it was all for you."
Jiang Quan's gaze trembled slightly because he found it hard to believe, yet he couldn't help but be drawn in by Yue Chu's words.
Yue Chu continued, "Director Lan has always been decisive and efficient. I suspect he's long harbored plans to study that meteorite. But seeing how steady and meticulous you are, he hesitated to bring the project to the agenda."
"If I'm not mistaken, your research has hit a bottleneck and urgently needs a breakthrough. Moreover, being so young, it must be challenging for you to manage the entire research institute."
"That's why Director Lan brought me in—first, to help you shoulder the pressure and share the risks, and second..."
Yue Chu blinked, as a hint of teasing in his expression caused Jiang Quan, who had a guilty conscience, to blush instantly.
"The second reason is to use me as a shield. Once the main body is revealed, we can collaborate on the research, but the blame will fall solely on me."
Jiang Quan's eyes flickered, and he awkwardly lowered his head.
He was straightforward and simple-minded.
While he was pleased that Uncle Lan was looking out for him, knowing that Yue Chu was taking on so much risk for his sake made him genuinely uneasy.
"I..."
Yue Chu smiled and pressed a finger to his lips.
The contrast between his pale finger and his vibrant lips made the former appear as white as snow and the latter as red as blood.
"Don't say those empty words; I don't like to hear them. I only hope that as partners, we can progress together in the future. Dr. Jiang, you won't dislike me, right?"
Jiang Quan quickly shook his head, then realized how foolish he must look and turned his face away before coughing lightly to mask his discomfort.
He extended his hand and said earnestly, "I don't dislike you."
'Though I don't particularly like you either...'
He grasped Yue Chu's hand—it was cold, yet soft and smooth, like holding a piece of fine jade.
Stop!
What a bizarre thought!
How strange!
Translator:
Hmm...
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