The Green Tea is Always Targeting The Wrong Person (GREENTEA)
Lan Yi gathered his team while firing two shots at the Experimental Subject.
His marksmanship was precise and swift, and the Experimental Subject failed to dodge as it got hit in the leg.
However, the creature felt no pain. Instead, it lunged at Lan Yi with a ferocious rage.
Lan Yi swiftly retreated with the imminent danger forcing him to abandon his gun and draw the two sharp knives strapped to his body.
The blades gleamed like silver and pointed directly at the Experimental Subject.
In the narrow corridor, the two figures clashed.
The cold white light cast twisting shadows, mingling with the thick scent of blood to create an unsettling aura of death.
Lan Yi leaned back just in time to avoid the Experimental Subject's sharp claws.
The razor-sharp claws embedded themselves into the wall less than ten centimeters from his face—any closer, and they would have shattered his skull.
He remained calm as he twisted his body in an almost inhuman manner, and suddenly flipped forward. With a swift motion, he drove the knife into the Experimental Subject's head.
The once formidable creature collapsed instantly with its long tongue pierced and oozing dark red mucus. Its shattered skull that was deformed from the impact, lay on the ground like a crushed can.
Lan Yi coldly shook his hand with his brown eyes gleaming with a feral killing intent.
The white blades were smeared with the creature's flesh and blood, which dripped slowly from the sharp tips onto the smooth white floor, creating a stark contrast.
He snapped back to reality and intended to have the scene cleaned up, but was met with a sea of terrified eyes.
The onlookers, as if seeing a monster more terrifying than the Experimental Subject, retreated in fear and unable to meet his gaze.
Lan Yi had killed!
He tightened his grip on the knife with his eyes bloodshot.
The overhead light had shattered during the fight, and darkness enveloped him that contrasted sharply with the trembling crowd standing in the light.
Though the monster lay at his feet, it felt as if he had become one with it, isolated in another world.
His heart was cold as ice, silent and still.
"What are you all staring at? Clean up the Experimental Subject."
Amid the tension, a soft and calm voice broke through, like a clear spring washing away the filth, and prompting everyone to move.
The eerie atmosphere vanished instantly as Yue Chu methodically directed the team.
Even in the face of such horror, he remained as composed as ever, like the eternal moonlight illuminating the dark night and bringing peace to people's hearts.
The crowd gradually calmed down, and reinforcements arrived to stabilize the situation.
"Why are you still standing here? Clean yourself up."
Yue Chu, radiant, stepped into the darkness where Lan Yi stood. With a smile, he handed him a white handkerchief and pointed to his left cheek.
It was no wonder the others were terrified.
The rampaging Experimental Subject was frightening enough, but Lan Yi, an ordinary human, had killed it unscathed—making him even more terrifying than the monster.
Coupled with the blood smeared across his face, he looked like a reaper emerging from hell that exuded boiling bloodlust and icy killing intent while shrouded in the thick fog of the underworld and ready to devour all life.
Lan Yi was momentarily stunned.
The gentle smile that met his eyes was like winter sunlight shining on a snow-covered land and so warm it made one want to sigh in contentment.
He took the soft white handkerchief from the jade-like fingertips. The delicate texture of the fabric slid across his palm that sent a shiver through his skin.
His keen sense of smell allowed him to clearly detect the faint fragrance on the handkerchief, the same scent that lingered on Yue Chu—cool and refreshing, yet utterly captivating.
Lan Yi clenched the handkerchief but was reluctant to use it to wipe the bloodstains from his face. Instead, he casually wiped his face with his sleeve and then turned slightly to tuck the handkerchief into his pocket.
Facing Yue Chu's puzzled expression, he flashed a bright smile with his peach-blossom eyes sparkling. "I didn’t want to dirty it."
Yue Chu seemed a bit helpless but still spoke softly, "It’s meant to be used."
However, he didn’t press further. Instead, he tugged at a clean button on Lan Yi’s sleeve to pull him away from the corpse with a hint of distaste.
The light illuminated Lan Yi once more that made him appear less terrifying than before, and back to the steady and reliable captain of the cleanup team.
Lan Yi’s gaze lingered on those pinkish-white fingertips, and even felt a twinge of jealousy toward his own button.
How fortunate it was to be touched by those hands.
Yue Chu glanced around and, seeing nothing else that required his attention, said to Lan Yi, "Thanks to you this time, Captain Lan. You’re truly dependable. I’ll take my leave now and leave the rest to you. I expect Director Lan will be here soon to demand answers, so I’ll give Dr. Jiang a heads-up to avoid an awkward scene."
Lan Yi’s fingers twitched. He wanted to say, "Why bother with Jiang Quan?" but instead, he pressed his lips together and swallowed the words. With a hint of concern, he said, "Let me escort you back, just in case something else happens."
As he spoke, he blinked his peach-blossom eyes and tentatively asked, "Professor Yue, would you let me protect you from now on? No matter the danger, I’ll ensure your safety."
Yue Chu glanced at him.
No, that wouldn’t do. Putting him together with that little green tea would only cause trouble.
He chuckled lightly and said, "For now, I’m still finding my footing. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience Captain Lan and invite gossip."
Lan Yi wanted to say he didn’t care, but faced with that considerate smile, he couldn’t bring himself to be stubborn.
He took a deep breath to suppress the bubbling warmth in his chest, and called over a team member to escort Yue Chu away.
Only after watching Yue Chu disappear into the distance did his expression gradually cool.
The softness around him dissipated and was replaced by a sharp, dark edge. He adjusted his hat brim and began the cleanup.
Jiang Quan had already been informed of the commotion.
His expression was grave as he studied the report and tried to pinpoint the cause.
Yue Chu walked over to him before lightly tapping the bright screen with a bent finger. "Got a moment to talk? I was at the scene and have firsthand information."
The overwhelming data on the screen made Yue Chu dizzy. He quickly turned away and sat on the sofa while rubbing his temples.
Jiang Quan, however, thought Yue Chu had been frightened. It wasn’t hard to imagine how terrifying the scene must have been.
He walked to the water dispenser to pour a cup of hot water, and handed it to Yue Chu—a gesture of kindness unique to Dr. Jiang.
Yue Chu accepted the cup but placed it on the table, and thanked him. He then pointed to the sofa across from him to signal Jiang Quan to sit.
"This incident is extremely serious, with two deaths and six injuries on the scene, and the total number is likely to exceed expectations. Moreover, the experimental subject possesses immense strength, speed, and high defense. Several team members fired multiple shots but failed to hit it. If Lan Yi hadn't been nearby at the time, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
The more Jiang Quan listened, the more his expression darkened.
This was completely different from the usual recorded situations.
Yue Chu pondered deeply before slowly speaking, "Has the virus mutated?"
Jiang Quan clenched his fist tightly.
This couldn't be.
Even if it had mutated, there should have been a process. Yet, he had just checked the records, and the data had been within control as recently as this morning.
Yue Chu sighed helplessly before crossing his hands on his lap and speaking earnestly, "If the Luster Virus were so easily kept under control, we wouldn't have gone to such lengths to unravel its secrets. The more unknown it is, the more dangerous it becomes. You've underestimated it."
Jiang Quan stiffened with his face visibly pale.
He had been too arrogant.
Yue Chu picked up his teacup and took a small sip. "In the field of viruses, you are no less capable than I am. If you can't control this virus, then I am even more powerless."
He looked intently at Jiang Quan with his voice clear and warm with encouragement, "Dr. Jiang, you mustn't lose your composure. Otherwise, everything here will fall into chaos. I believe you have the ability to handle this incident well, don't you?"
Jiang Quan steadied his mind and nodded firmly and seriously.
Only then did Yue Chu relax and smile. "Then I can rest assured."
Jiang Quan's ears twitched slightly, and he lowered his gaze uncomfortably, though the pink tips of his ears betrayed his inner embarrassment.
He had always been a top talent and was the core wherever he went. But because of his youth, doubts about him had never ceased.
Some had even gone to great lengths to dig up his background and attempted to use it against him.
Over the years, Jiang Quan had grown stronger and more mature, but his passion had gradually worn away, leaving him cold.
Now, being unconditionally trusted like this, his heart felt enveloped by a warm, bright flame, comforting and radiant.
Yue Chu seemed to think of something else. "However, Director Lan will surely come to demand an explanation later. You need to be mentally prepared."
Jiang Quan's expression dimmed with his pale lips pressing into a straight line.
But that was only fair. It was his negligence that had led to this outcome and disappointing his Uncle Lan.
Yue Chu tapped the thin wall of the disposable paper cup he was holding while smiling gently. "But that's not necessarily a bad thing. If nothing is said or done, that would truly be worse."
Jiang Quan was taken aback, and upon reflection, he realized it was indeed true.
His mood strangely improved a bit.
Seeing him relax, Yue Chu revealed his true intention. "This incident has had a significant impact on you. I'm afraid Director Lan might not be able to protect you."
If Jiang Quan couldn't be protected, it would truly be over.
A pseudo-expert like him would likely be at a loss.
Yue Chu rubbed his fingers together while already considering whether to eliminate Yuan directly and nip the crisis in the bud.
Yet, his beast-like intuition told him that the destruction of a world wouldn't be so simple.
He had to find the root of the problem.
Yue Chu looked at Jiang Quan with a serious expression. "As the saying goes, it's never too late to make amends. Dr. Jiang, please keep a close eye on those researchers who were bitten. I'm concerned that the virus may have mutated and become infectious."
Jiang Quan was startled.
That couldn't be possible.
He had conducted experiments and was certain that the Luster Virus was not infectious.
However, Yue Chu was also an expert in this field, and his confident assertion made Jiang Quan waver slightly.
Jiang Quan adjusted his glasses and said in a deep voice, "I will, but the credit is yours. I won't take it."
Regardless of whether the virus turned out to be infectious or not, Jiang Quan would never covet someone else's achievements. He would rather face criticism or suspension than stoop to such despicable behavior.
Yue Chu smiled helplessly and spread his hands. "People say we're rivals, but I don't see it that way. I think we're comrades, facing the mysterious and dangerous Luster Virus together. So, do comrades really need to draw such clear lines? That would truly dishearten me."
Jiang Quan, who was not good with words, couldn't argue against Yue Chu. And faced with those sincere eyes, he awkwardly conceded.
"But..."
Yue Chu raised his hand to stop him from continuing. His eyes, as radiant as moonlight, shone with a bright smile. "How about this? You owe me a favor, and you can repay me later."
He then added, "Even if you don't think about yourself, you should consider Director Lan. He's gone to great lengths to protect you. Would you really let him down?"
Jiang Quan's face instantly turned red, and he waved his hands in a way that only made things more obvious. "I... Uncle Lan and I aren't what you think..."
Yue Chu's shoulders shook with laughter, amused by Jiang Quan's cuteness.
He moved closer to Jiang Quan and blinked gently.
"I didn't say anything. You're the one overthinking it. But... do you want me to teach you how to pursue Director Lan?"
Jiang Quan... Jiang Quan was practically steaming.
He...he should go deal with the incident of the Experimental Subject's rampage first!
Watching Jiang Quan flee in embarrassment, Yue Chu elegantly raised an eyebrow.
How... innocent.
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