Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Genetic Research Institute—

"Tap, tap, tap."

The leisurely pace of leather shoes on brightly polished tiles produced a crisp sound, echoing long in the spacious, chilly laboratory.

"This laboratory, larger than Lab One, seems eternally lit only by the dim incandescent light on the ceiling—"

"However, during experiments, the lights above the experiment beds are fully turned on, casting an eerie pallor on the researchers' faces."

"They skillfully wield scalpel blades, elegantly dissecting and extracting diseased tissue from the specimens, then sewing them back together, much like slicing a steak."

"No one speaks; in the vast lab, only the sounds of footsteps and the subtle noise of scalpels cutting through skin tissue echo, creating an unsettling quietness akin to sinking into a boundless, suffocating abyss."

"And behind the experiment beds stands their superior."

"Liuchangming, in his usual white doctor's coat, meticulously inspects along the wall. Towering cylindrical incubators, nearly three meters tall and a meter in diameter, line the wall, neatly arranged. Each contains a green solution, and within it... various experimental subjects floating."

"—They are not human, at least not in appearance."

"Some specimens have twisted, rigid torsos resembling dried trees, shedding 'bark'; others are covered in thick moss, oozing dark green mucus; yet others sprout green grass from within, gently swaying in the green liquid like aquatic plants..."

"Passing by these incubators feels like wandering in a forest of demons – bizarre, eerie, replete with shadows and terror."

"Yet Liuchangming seems unafraid, strolling leisurely, occasionally stopping to admire."

"As content as a forest python, slithering slowly amidst corpses, raising its body, and flicking its tongue."

"He smiles to himself, musing, 'As specimens of failed experiments for display, this might be the last value these test subjects hold.'"

"By the time he had observed each one, the dissection on the other side was also drawing to a close."

"Liuchangming strolled over leisurely, focusing on one of the researchers. He nodded towards Brinthe, 'Tell me about the results of specimen 41's dissection.'"

"Hearing this, Brinthe set down his scalpel, his eyes, not hidden by the mask, revealing disappointment and fear."

"'Like the previous failed specimens, the cause is the same: the injected plant gene, RDRG, attacked and contaminated the subject's own genes, leading to the rapid deterioration and mutation of specimen 41.'"

"Liuchangming approached the dissected specimen. The figure on the table, except for its right hand which still resembled a human organ, had transformed entirely into a withered tree stump."

"Liuchangming frowned slightly, 'Didn’t I instruct you to try injecting the plant gene from the Canary soother into the mutated tissue of the specimens?'"

"Brinthe, trembling, answered, 'Yes, that was done, but…'"

"'But?' Liuchangming gave him a cold glance."

"An assistant nearby handed him gloves and tweezers."

"Liuchangming took the tools and started stirring the dissected wound, turning the previously neat incision into a ragged mess, causing the surrounding researchers to tighten their throats and exchange uneasy glances."

"Brinthe was even more terrified, feeling inexplicably hot despite the lab's air conditioning set to sub-zero temperatures, his forehead breaking into a sweat."

"He stammered, 'We tried injecting the plant gene from the Canary soother into the specimen’s mutated tissue. It initially contained the mutation in the right hand, but soon, the activated RDRG gene rapidly spread to other areas. Overnight, it completely corrupted the specimen’s own genes, leading to...'"

"Liuchangming paused his stirring, and everyone in the lab seemed to freeze. Before he could react, a Beta hurried into the lab, whispering something into his ear, momentarily breaking the tense atmosphere."

"The Beta spoke softly, yet loud enough for those nearby to catch the gist:"

"The mission to eliminate Duan Chensen on Dark Star has failed."

"The relieved researchers suddenly felt their hearts leap to their throats, anxiously watching Liuchangming."

"Omega took a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly, then abruptly slapped the Beta, sending the man's head snapping to one side."

"'Project Bloom stagnates, and the efforts to eliminate Duan Chensen repeatedly fail. What can you even achieve?!'" Omega exclaimed in frustration.

"The Beta, not daring to touch his injured face, immediately straightened and lowered his head, not daring to meet Liuchangming's gaze: 'Director, please calm your anger!!'"

"The rest, understanding the precariousness of the situation, didn't dare to take any pleasure in the Beta's misfortune, all too aware that they could be next. They silently waited for their fate, not even daring to breathe loudly."

"With a surge of frustration, Liuchangming removed his gloves and threw them forcefully onto Brinthe's chest."

"'A bunch of useless fools,' he spat out coldly, his voice hard like it was squeezed through clenched teeth."

"The researchers quickly bowed their heads, submitting to whatever judgement would come their way."

"Liuchangming's icy gaze swept over them, finally settling on Brinthe."

"Brinthe tensed, feeling the weight of that gaze like a poisonous snake coiled on his back, hissing at him. He stuttered nervously, 'D-director, please don't be angry, there's still a chance to remedy this!'"

"Liuchangming sneered, 'I'm all ears.'"

"Hastily, Brinthe explained: 'Though specimen 41's experiment ended in failure, we concluded that the soother made by that Omega does have an effect on neutralizing RDRG. If we could obtain more of that soother's plant gene, the experiments could continue, and Project Bloom might have more than just one success story like Dongkui.'"

"'Of course, I know that,' Liuchangming retorted impatiently. 'That golden soother was only sold once, and subsequent ones, though similar in effect, had completely different genetic components. Where will you find another of those golden soothers now?'"

"'We might not find it, but the one who sold that soother surely can,' Brinthe eagerly looked at Liuchangming. 'So... the key to breaking this deadlock lies with that Omega on Dark Star.'"

"Before Liuchangming could react, Brinthe hurriedly added, 'And we'll definitely replenish the required specimens for the project as soon as possible.'"

"Liuchangming pondered for a moment, not responding to Brinthe but instead addressing the Beta who had just come in to report: 'Duan Chensen was intercepted by the military?'"

"'Yes, yes, led by Xiaoyue of the First Army Corps, they snatched Duan Chensen from Black A.'"

"'If that's the case... it's not the worst outcome,' Liuchangming mused. 'With Duan Chensen being taken back to the capital by the First Army, that little Omega will surely head to the capital as well.'"

"'Duan Chensen was merely a target for the nobility. Their incompetence can't be blamed on us.'"

"And Qiuqiu is the real target for the Genetic Research Institute."

"At this thought, Liuchangming suddenly chuckled lowly: 'Ah, by this calculation, I'll soon be meeting that little Omega.'"

"Seeing this, Brinthe and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief, each thinking to themselves: Truly unpredictable, like dealing with a pathologically insane individual."

"Liuchangming curved his lips into a smile, his red lips looking like they were smeared with blood, making his skin appear even paler."

"'I'm really looking forward to it...'"

"Dark Star Military Academy—"

"As Qiuqiu arrived at the school gates, he saw An Weiran rushing out, with Youbuwei following at a leisurely pace."

"An Weiran occasionally looked back to urge his companion: 'You said Qiuqiu was taken by the nobles. It's been so long and he hasn’t returned; something must have happened!'"

"No sooner had he finished speaking than he turned around to find Qiuqiu standing right in front of him, leaving An Weiran momentarily stunned."

"For some reason, although Qiuqiu's face was usually expressionless, this time An Weiran felt something was off."

"It was as if... his body was back, but his soul was lost."

"An Weiran hurried over to Qiuqiu, examining him from head to toe, anxiously asking, 'Youbuwei said he saw you being called away by the city lord’s people. Are you alright?!'"

"Youbuwei, following behind, also looked at him with concern."

"Qiuqiu shook his head, too exhausted to even speak."

"He ignored An Weiran and Youbuwei's concern; all he wanted now was to return to his dormitory, to be alone and quiet for a while."

"An Weiran watched his retreating figure with worry, knowing it was best not to keep asking when the other didn’t want to talk. He simply said, 'If you encounter any problems, tell me. I'll do everything I can to help.'"

"The slender figure of the Omega paused momentarily. Without turning back, he replied softly, 'Then please, An instructor, register me for the military academy competition.'"

"An Weiran and Youbuwei were stunned. After a few seconds, An Weiran reacted, 'You’ve decided to go to the capital star?!'"

"After a moment of silence, Qiuqiu responded with a low 'Mm.'"

"He stared blankly at his shoes, his mind filled with chaotic thoughts, but finally said, 'When I didn't want to go, I had reasons not to; now that I want to, I have reasons I must.'"

"Seeing such a swift change in attitude, even if Qiuqiu insisted he was fine, An Weiran knew something must have happened to prompt this."

"But he stopped following Qiuqiu."

"An Weiran said, 'Good timing. I’ve just arranged the three combat participants for the first year. Feige will bring you the registration form. With your record, no one in Dark Star Military Academy is more qualified than you. Go back to your dorm and rest now, prepare yourself for the competition.'"

"Qiuqiu nodded: 'Thank you.'"

"He didn’t say much more and wasn’t even sure how he got back to his dorm. He was in a daze until Xufeng called out to him, snapping him back to reality."

"Xufeng looked at him with concern: 'What’s wrong, Qiuqiu? I called you several times, but you were lost in thought and didn’t respond.'"

"Tang Butian also chimed in, 'You look terrible. What happened? Did someone bully you? Tell us! We won’t let them off!'"

"Qiuqiu didn't respond."

"He thought, is my dejection so obvious that even Xufeng and Tang Butian could see it?"

"It was as if he could split into another self, holding an internal dialogue, observing his own heart."

"He had promised Morfa that no matter what happened, he would never abandon him."

"But now, he had broken his promise, losing him."

"Guilt, sorrow, unwillingness... various emotions surged in his heart, merging into a silent tumultuous wave, relentlessly crashing against his heart."

"It hurt—"

"A heart-wrenching pain."

"Yet Qiuqiu was more aware than anyone that he couldn't indulge in sadness, nor did he have the time for it."

"He must find Morfa quickly, to tell him, 'I haven’t left you behind. I might have wavered before, but not now, and never again.'"

"Engrossed in his own world, the sudden ringing of the dormitory doorbell pulled Qiuqiu out of his reverie."

"Feige entered, holding a registration form, exclaiming from afar, 'Qiuqiu, are you back? The head instructor said you decided to register for the military academy competition. The school has been keeping the last spot in the first-year combat division open for you.'"

"His round tiger ears twitched as he walked over cheerfully, 'Great, we can go to the capital star together for the competition!'"

"But as he approached, Feige suddenly realized something was amiss."

"He saw Xufeng and Tang Butian looking distressed and then glanced at Qiuqiu, who was hanging his head in a somewhat closed-off manner. He was momentarily at a loss, silently asking the two Alphas: What happened here?"

"Xufeng and Tang Butian caught his signal, shaking their heads to indicate: 'Don't know, he's been like this since he came back.'"

"While they communicated silently, Qiuqiu suddenly looked up and calmly said to Feige, 'Give me the registration form.'"

"Feige, initially startled, quickly handed over the form, 'Ah? Oh, here it is.'"

"Qiuqiu took it with a customary 'thank you', then stood up and walked straight to his bedroom."

"But before leaving, he still addressed his concerned roommates, 'I’m fine, don’t worry about me.'"

"Three Alphas looked at each other in confusion."

"Figo glanced at the firmly shut bedroom door, asking softly, 'What’s wrong with Queqiu?'"

"Tang Butian spread his hands, 'Honestly, we don’t know. We asked, but he didn’t say.'"

"Xu Feng sighed deeply, worriedly fidgeting with his rabbit ears, 'In my memory, Queqiu has never acted so out of character.'"

"Queqiu’s unflinching entry into the dangerous treatment room proved that what seemed monumental to others was trivial to him. The more he behaved like this, the clearer it became to them that Queqiu must be facing no small matter."

"'I just hope everything is okay...' Xu Feng said, sighing deeply once more."

"Tang Butian looked at Figo, recalling what he just said, and asked with some surprise, 'Queqiu has decided to go to the Capital Star for the military school competition? And you’re going too...'"

"After a moment of thought, his eyes lit up, 'There are four of us in the dorm, and two are representing our school in the empire-wide military school competition. That’s really impressive!'"

"Figo was initially excited, but Queqiu’s unusual behavior had thrown his joy out the window, leaving him preoccupied with thoughts of Queqiu alone."

"He worriedly said, 'But Queqiu didn’t want to go before...'"

"As they spoke, a shadow suddenly fell on the coffee table in front of them. Looking up, they were surprised to see Queqiu, holding something in his hands."

"Having returned so soon, Figo cautiously asked, 'Queqiu, are you alright?'"

"Perhaps having calmed down a bit, Queqiu seemed much better than when he had first returned to the dorm."

"The Omega shook his head, every move pulling at the hearts of the three Alphas."

"He sidestepped Figo’s question, handing over a filled-out application form, 'Please give this to Instructor An.'"

"Figo, stunned, took it, but before he could respond, Queqiu took out a few more items and placed them on the coffee table."

"He, Xu Feng, and Tang Butian all looked up at Queqiu."

"Similarly, Queqiu turned to Xu Feng and Tang Butian, 'Figo and I are going to the Capital Star and might not be back for a while, so there are a few things I’d like to entrust to you.'"

"The sudden formality left them a bit dazed, and before they could voice their questions, Queqiu continued, 'On the table are a formula sheet for the comfort agent and my letter of authorization.'"

"Xu Feng and Tang Butian exchanged glances, not quite understanding Queqiu’s intentions."

"Queqiu explained, 'You’ve always been curious about why I grow so many plants, right? The truth is, I’ve been making comfort agents and selling them on the black market.'"

"'What?!' All three exclaimed in unison, shocked and unable to believe that Queqiu had undertaken such a monumental task behind their backs."

"'Don’t be surprised, and no need to doubt. You must have heard about a comfort agent that’s become a hit in the main city, hard to come by, right?'"

"Xu Feng and Tang Butian nodded in confusion, 'Yes, we’ve heard... It’s a product leaked from the black market, said to be very effective against genetic diseases, but it's impossible to buy.'"

"'But, what does that have to do with you, with us?'"

"At this point, Queqiu didn’t hold back and stated plainly, 'I am the one who released that comfort agent. What’s on the table is its formula, and on the balcony are the raw materials I use to make it.'"

"Xu Feng and Tang Butian were utterly dumbfounded, staring at Queqiu in disbelief, wondering if they had misheard."

"'The miracle comfort agent everyone's talking about is made by Queqiu?!'"

"Although Figo had his suspicions, he hadn't imagined the scale of what Queqiu was involved in—"

"He thought the Omega was just making and selling comfort agents on a small scale."

"Faced with the Alphas’ astonishment, Queqiu nodded and said indifferently, 'The comfort agents I usually give you aren’t from the school cafeteria. They are what you refer to as 'Canary.''"

"One shocking revelation after another left Figo, Xu Feng, and Tang Butian overwhelmed. But Queqiu wasn’t done yet. 'The reason I’m telling you this today is because Figo and I are going to the Capital Star, and we won’t be back for a while. I’m worried this might affect the comfort agent business on Dark Star, so I'm hoping you can help me by keeping it going while I'm away.'"

"Xu Feng and Tang Butian couldn’t immediately recover from the shock Queqiu had delivered. They dumbly glanced at the formula sheet and authorization letter on the table, then back at Queqiu, who looked sincere and genuine. It took them a long while to realize: Was Queqiu inviting them to join his venture?"

"Knowing how popular the comfort agent was, they were both incredibly excited and scared, instinctively wanting to refuse."

"Not that they didn’t want to help Queqiu, but they felt overwhelmed, being just first-year students at the Dark Star Military Academy, doubting their ability to help Queqiu expand his business."

"Seeing their hesitation, Queqiu added, 'Of course, I won’t ask for your help for free. If you join, I will—'"

"'Hold on,' Tang Butian quickly interjected, 'Between us, don’t mention any compensation.'"

"Xu Feng hesitantly said, 'We really want to help you, but...'"

"Exchanging glances, they both looked troubled, 'You and Figo know, we’re not very smart, and our combat abilities aren’t strong. We’re afraid of messing up something so important if you leave it to us...'"

"Figo was amused, 'You two are quite self-aware. The 'bankrupt brothers' duo is making quite the entrance.'"

"Queqiu was also lightened by the suddenly relaxed atmosphere, his mood improving significantly. He reassured the embarrassed Xu Feng and Tang Butian, 'It’s okay. I just need help managing the supply of raw materials and communication with the sales end. I’m not asking you to expand territories, just maintain the current development level of 'Canary.''"

"'Most importantly, you are the friends I trust most at this school. I wouldn’t feel comfortable entrusting 'Canary' to anyone else.'"

"Queqiu’s sincere words moved Xu Feng and Tang Butian, dispelling their hesitations, and they readily agreed to help."

"Tang Butian slapped his chest, promising, 'You and Figo go to the Capital Star without worries. We’ll take care of home. 'Canary' will flourish in our hands!'"

"Xu Feng also nodded, his eyes shining as he looked up at Queqiu, 'We may not have the high genetic ranks to go to the Capital Star, but we’ll cheer for you from Dark Star. You’ll surely achieve great results in the competition; 'Canary' will become famous across the empire.'"

"Figo stood up, walked over to Queqiu, and patted his shoulder, 'Little princess, whatever happens, we’re always your strongest support.'"

The author has a message:

It's time to change the map.

It's also time to say goodbye to the little bear and bunny.

(They will help Autumn turn Canary into the most powerful comforter company in the empire.)