Chapter 113

Chapter 113

"Alright, Dr. Xu, now that you know it's me looking for you, there’s no need to run anymore." Yun Tuo, seated on the left sofa, spoke up.

Shen Juanjuan sniffled as he drank his juice, while the Black Wolf lay at Chu Ya's feet, watching Dr. Xu Wangduo, who was sitting on the opposite sofa, across the coffee table.

Two bandages were stuck to Dr. Xu Wangduo's face, and his posture seemed tense, with his hands awkwardly clasped between his knees.

"Colonel Yun, if I had known it was you looking for me, I wouldn't have run at all," he said, glancing furtively at Xiao Rui standing by the window.

Yun Tuo introduced him: "That is Chairman Xiao of Bitao Tang."

"I know," Dr. Xu Wangduo nodded.

"This is Chu Ya."

"I know," Dr. Xu Wangduo adjusted his glasses and sized up Chu Ya, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"He is Shen Juanjuan."

Shen Juanjuan sobbed, pointing to his chest: "You know, we were huddled together earlier."

"So it's you."

Dr. Xu Wangduo's gaze remained fixed on Chu Ya, asking Yun Tuo, "He seems to be..."

"Yes, Chairman Chu is his father," Yun Tuo replied.

Dr. Xu Wangduo pushed up his glasses, his expression somewhat excited: "It really is Chu Ya. Chairman Chu brought him to the lab before, but he was so young then. Now he's grown up and become so handsome; I almost didn’t recognize him."

"Alright, let's get down to business," Yun Tuo sat up from the back of the sofa, "Dr. Xu, did Guangta Gang take you away to make you do something for them?"

"They want me to research a cure for the black sore disease."

Yun Tuo smiled, "That sounds pretty good."

Dr. Xu Wangduo sighed, "But I don't have any materials to work with, how can I conduct research?"

"Oink..." Shen Juanjuan, sitting beside Chu Ya, took a large sip of his juice, smacked his lips, and let out a soft cry.

Yun Tuo glanced at him, "Brother Juan, go play by the window with Teddy Bear."

"I'm not really in the mood to play right now," Shen Juanjuan glanced at Chu Ya.

Finally, Chu Ya spoke to him for the first time tonight, "Go play."

Knowing he had done something wrong, Shen Juanjuan obediently slid off the sofa and carried his juice cup over to the window.

The Black Wolf, though lying at Chu Ya's feet, kept its eyes on the Teddy Bear. The Teddy Bear leaned against the window, holding an unlit cigarette between its paws, occasionally flicking ash and putting it back in its mouth.

"Teddy Bear, big brother is angry," Shen Juanjuan approached the Teddy Bear, sniffing sadly.

"Awooo."

Xiao Rui smoked, and Shen Juanjuan looked up at him. Xiao Rui met his gaze for two seconds, "You don't want one too, do you?"

Shen Juanjuan turned to look at Chu Ya, seeing him staring, he said, "Chairman Xiao, I’m still a little bear."

"Hmm."

Seeing Shen Juanjuan also standing by the window, Xiao Rui extinguished the newly lit cigarette in the ashtray.

The conversation inside continued, Dr. Xu Wangduo said, "You know I used to work at the Morning Star Club's research institute, and my research was on the black sore virus."

"And Gu Lin was in charge of that project, but later Chairman Chu removed him. The incident with the Morning Star Club might be related to your research, so could you tell me everything you know, in as much detail as possible?" Yun Tuo asked.

"Of course," Dr. Xu Wangduo straightened up, "At that time, our research had made some progress, but we discovered that continuing would not only lead to a cure for the black sore virus, but also... also..."

Dr. Xu Wangduo hesitated, his eyes shifting to Xiao Rui. Yun Tuo said, "Just say it, it's fine."

Dr. Xu Wangduo continued, "We could create zombies."

"Create zombies? What for?" Chu Ya couldn't believe his ears.

Xiao Rui's voice was cold, "To create a zombie army, immune to injury and death, with formidable combat power."

"But what good is a zombie army? Zombies lack consciousness and won't follow orders."

Dr. Xu Wangduo nervously rubbed his hands together, "What if... what if they could retain their consciousness?"

"What do you mean?" Yun Tuo narrowed his eyes.

"If our research continued, we could not only create zombies but also retain their consciousness."

"Did Father remove Gu Lin from the research because he wanted to experiment with zombies?" Chu Ya pressed.

"I'm not sure about the specifics, but I heard Chairman Chu once had a heated argument with Gu Lin. More than one person overheard Chairman Chu accusing him of having ulterior motives and being unfit for the role. Gu Lin was highly favored by Chairman Chu, not only as the head of White Castle but also in charge of the research project. But after that day, Gu Lin never came back to the lab."

Chu Ya lowered his head, clenching his fists on his knees, "Gu Lin delayed the progression of the black sore disease by capturing sentinels and guides in their differentiation phase and taking them to White Castle. Did you know about this?"

Dr. Xu Wangduo was shocked, jumping up from the sofa, "He really did that?"

Seeing everyone in the room staring at him, Dr. Xu Wangduo quickly explained, "During our research on the black sore virus, we proposed various hypotheses. One of them involved using a sudden burst of massive energy to shock and suppress the virus within the body. Our calculations showed that only the energy produced when a sentinel or guide breaks through could meet the requirement, so this idea was shelved due to its impracticality."

"But Gu Lin has been conducting experiments privately and has captured many sentinels and guides," Chu Ya said through gritted teeth.

Dr. Xu Wangduo was momentarily stunned, his face turning pale. Yun Tuo added, "Chairman Chu removing Gu Lin from his position must be related to your discovery. Gu Lin wanted Chairman Chu to conduct zombie research, but instead, he was removed from his post. Since it would take more time to develop a cure for the black sore virus, some people couldn't wait, so he devised a method to prolong life using sentinels and guides, secretly capturing those in the differentiation phase for use by the infected higher-ups to control them."

"My father found out about this and wanted to punish Gu Lin, but he sensed it and teamed up with others to act against him," Chu Ya's eyes were red, his voice hoarse, "The Morning Star Club, Sunburn Club, and Morna government forces, they conspired with Gu Lin to harm my parents."

The room fell silent, with only the sound of Chu Ya's rapid breathing. The Black Wolf, enraged, charged towards the door, smashing it open and dashing out.

Teddy Bear hurried to the doorway, still holding onto the cigarette he was reluctant to drop.

Shen Juanjuan walked up to Chu Ya, looking at his face anxiously, then sat down beside him, one hand hugging his arm, the other gently patting his back.

Seeing that Chu Ya had calmed down a bit, Xu Wangduo continued, "I fled to Linya City because I was afraid Gu Lin would use me to study zombies. If he really creates zombies, it would be a catastrophic disaster for our world." After a moment's thought, he added, "But I can't create them either."

"Our research is kept secret not only from outsiders but also internally. Researchers only know about their own part and have no idea what others are doing. Only Chairman Chu has access to the complete research data." Xu Wangduo sighed, "Actually, those documents aren't just about creating zombies; more importantly, they contain information on how to combat the black carbuncle virus. Now that the black carbuncle virus is showing signs of resurgence, but with Chairman Chu in trouble, the data and information are surely lost..."

Chu Ya suddenly spoke up, "What if the data is still there?"

"If it's all there, give me a research lab and the necessary personnel, and I guarantee I can develop a drug against the black carbuncle virus within two years." Mentioning this, a hint of pride appeared on Xu Wangduo's face, "With enough data, I can definitely lead the team to continue the research."

Chu Ya took a deep breath and looked at Yun Tuo, who had been silent. Seeing Yun Tuo nod at him, he reached into his inner pocket, took out a small chip, and placed it on the coffee table.

"This is..." Xu Wangduo stared at the chip.

"It's what my father left me, and it contains what you need."

Xu Wangduo immediately understood his meaning, his eyes shining brightly as he stammered, "Is, is that so? Left by Chairman Chu, does this mean all the data is here?"

"I don't know, but it should be."

"I, I, I—"

"Now Chu Ya has handed this chip to you," Yun Tuo said to Xu Wangduo, but his eyes were on Xiao Rui.

Xiao Rui pinched the bridge of his nose, "Don't worry, I'll ensure Dr. Xu's and the chip's safety, and provide him with the necessary equipment and personnel."

Chu Ya added, "But Gu Lin also has a chip. Even if he develops a way to combat the black carbuncle disease, he will only use it to control more people."

"He wants to create a powerful zombie army for himself," Yun Tuo said.

Xu Wangduo examined the chip in his hand, eager to start experimenting, and asked Xiao Rui urgently, "When can I start working, Chairman Xiao?"

Yun Tuo replied, "Dr. Xu, go rest first and have something to eat."

"I'm not tired, nor hungry," Xu Wangduo said, but his stomach growled immediately after.

Xiao Rui said, "We'll discuss everything tomorrow. I'll arrange for your rest and meals. Don't worry about anything else; I'll make the necessary preparations." He then turned to Chu Ya, "Stay at Bitao Tower for the night. I'll send someone to guard the orphanage."

Chu Ya had many things to discuss with Xu Wangduo, such as his delayed onset of the black carbuncle disease and his old friend Director Liu. But given Xu Wangduo's recent anxiety, today wasn't suitable for further conversation, so he decided to talk tomorrow. He didn't insist on returning to the orphanage, thanked Xiao Rui, and took Shen Juanjuan to their room.

This was a luxurious suite by Linya City standards. After entering, Chu Ya opened the window and looked down at the Black Wolf.

The Black Wolf had calmed down, carrying Teddy Bear on its back, slowly wandering through the alleys.

Shen Juanjuan also stood by the window, waving vigorously at the Black Wolf looking up: "Shen Wangwang."

The Black Wolf raised a paw in response.

Chu Ya closed the window, sat down on the sofa in the living room, patted the spot next to him, and Shen Juanjuan immediately ran over and sat down beside him.

"Shen Juanjuan, let's talk about your secret trip to Linya City today," Chu Ya said seriously.

Shen Juanjuan became nervous and immediately admitted his mistake, "I won't make you angry like this again, I promise."

"No, I'm not angry," Chu Ya lowered his gaze, and after a moment, he said, "I'm just scared."

"Scared?"

Chu Ya reached out and brushed the hair from his forehead, "You and Lin Duozhi, Tang Yuanyuan went up the mountain to catch mutants—"

"I won't go with them to catch mutants, I'll only go with you."

"Okay, then you and Lin Duozhi, Tang Yuanyuan went up the mountain to play—"

"I won't go with them to play on the mountain, I want to go with you."

Chu Ya paused, "Then think about it, you and Lin Duozhi, Tang Yuanyuan secretly dug tunnels."

Shen Juanjuan immediately closed his mouth guiltily.

"You thought digging a couple of circles would be enough, but when you came out, you found I wasn't there. I didn't know you were digging tunnels at the corner of the orphanage and searched the mountain instead. The mountain is full of mutants, and it was dark. Without you, my little guide, I could have been bitten by a mutant at any time. Would you be worried about me then?"

Shen Juanjuan stared at him for two seconds, his expression turning panicked, and he reached out to hug his arm.

"Would you?" Chu Ya asked softly again.

Shen Juanjuan nodded lightly.

"So I was very scared tonight, extremely scared," Chu Ya said hoarsely, "Like knowing you were alone on the mountain, surrounded by many mutants, and I couldn't find you."

Shen Juanjuan gasped, hugging Chu Ya tighter, "I won't run around recklessly anymore."

Chu Ya sighed, saying nothing more, but his expression softened.

A moment later, the door opened, and the Black Wolf and Teddy Bear walked in. The Black Wolf approached Chu Ya, who stroked its head, while Teddy Bear inspected the room and even pushed open the bathroom door to check inside.

"Chu Baolong, do you want to take a bath?" Chu Ya asked.

Teddy Bear was quite satisfied with the bathroom and nodded.

There was a bathtub in the bathroom. As Chu Ya was filling it with hot water, Teddy Bear had already climbed into the tub. Shen Juanjuan silently hid behind the Black Wolf, trying to minimize his presence, but after Chu Ya finished filling the tub, he stood at the door, "Shen Juanjuan, come take a bath."

Shen Juanjuan didn't dare defy Chu Ya tonight, though his expression showed resistance, he still shuffled towards the bathroom.

Chu Ya's voice kept coming from the bathroom, "There are special bath balls here, yellow ones, and a pink one... Does Chu Baolong like them? Sit in the tub and use this to scrub your back."

"Oof." The Teddy Bear called out happily.

A bath ball?

Shen Juanjuan's heart stirred.

He quickly walked to the bathroom door and saw the Teddy Bear sitting in the large bathtub, drenched and covered in foam, with its head down playing with a small yellow soft ball. Chu Ya was holding a pink one and rubbing it on the Teddy Bear’s back.

"What is that? A bath ball?"

"Yes."

Shen Juanjuan slipped into the bathroom, and Chu Ya took off his clothes, handing him the red bath ball.

"Haha, it really looks great." Shen Juanjuan rubbed the bath ball on his belly and then started scrubbing the Teddy Bear’s back. "This creates so many bubbles."

Seeing both of them start to bathe, Chu Ya picked up Shen Juanjuan’s dirty clothes and headed for the sink. But just as he turned around, he noticed the Black Wolf standing at the door, looking at him with a deep gaze.

Chu Ya paused, not having time to speak before the Black Wolf extended a paw, palm up.

Chu Ya sighed, "There are only two."

"... Roar." The Black Wolf looked aggrieved.

After a moment, Chu Ya knocked on Yun Tuo’s door next door. After knocking and receiving no response, he thought the person had already gone to bed and was about to turn away when he heard Yun Tuo ask, "Who is it?"

"It’s me, Brother Yun Tuo."

Yun Tuo responded after a few seconds, "Come in."

Chu Ya pushed open the door and entered, immediately seeing Yun Tuo standing in the middle of the room, while Xiao Rui sat on the sofa opposite him. Both were silent, their expressions somewhat grim.

Chu Ya was momentarily stunned, realizing he had interrupted a conversation, and it clearly wasn’t a pleasant one.

Standing awkwardly at the door, unsure whether to stay or leave, Yun Tuo said, "Close the door."

It wouldn’t be appropriate for Chu Ya to leave now, so he closed the door behind him and said, "Brother Yun Tuo, can I have one of your bath balls?"

"Bath balls?" Yun Tuo was surprised but replied, "Check the bathroom."

As Chu Ya walked toward the bathroom, he heard Yun Tuo say, "I’m preparing to leave here. Are you coming with me, or waiting until dawn tomorrow?"

Chu Ya stopped, his gaze darting between the two men.

Yun Tuo’s face was tense, and Xiao Rui had stood up, his eyes filled with anger, his expression even colder.

"Brother Yun Tuo—"

"Yun Tuo, what do you think I am to you?"

Chu Ya had just opened his mouth when he heard Xiao Rui’s voice and immediately closed it.

"You come and go as you please, disappearing without a trace. What did you say when I came to Cloud Peak to find you? If you were just playing around and wouldn’t see me again, why are you here now?" Xiao Rui’s red eyes stared intently at Yun Tuo, and he spoke softly, "What gives you the right?"

"And what gives you the right to stop me from leaving?" Yun Tuo asked hoarsely.

Chu Ya hadn’t intended to eavesdrop on their private conversation. Although shocked, he felt embarrassed. He tried to hide his panic and decided he couldn’t stand there listening any longer, so he turned to leave.

But before he could take two steps, he heard Xiao Rui say, "Because I am your sentinel."

Hearing this, Chu Ya stumbled, almost bumping into the nearby cabinet.

Because I am your sentinel...

Your sentinel...

Chu Ya slowly turned his head, his face full of shock as he looked at the two men.

From what little he knew about sentinels, he understood that guides enter a bonding heat during their second differentiation, indicating that their body and mental domain are ready for deep bonding with a sentinel. He also knew that guides who have undergone their second differentiation, meaning they have completed their final breakthrough, have only two options during bonding heat: deep bonding with a sentinel or using inhibitors.

Chu Ya had never heard Yun Tuo mention his sentinel, only knowing that he completed his second differentiation during a mission.

He had once curiously asked his mother about Yun Tuo’s sentinel, but she vaguely said there was no sentinel. When he pressed further, she told him to go back to his room and study.

So he always thought Yun Tuo didn’t have a sentinel, never imagining that he not only had one but that it was Xiao Rui.

Still in shock, Xiao Rui stood in front of Yun Tuo, pinching his chin, his voice low and angry, "You came to me during your bonding heat, slept with me, and then disappeared. What game are you playing this time? Do you find it amusing to torment me? Or are you in another bonding heat, coming to sleep with me again?"

Xiao Rui’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough for Chu Ya to hear every word.

He wasn’t sure if the two men knew he was still in the room, but they continued speaking openly. Chu Ya understood only part of what they were saying and had never heard such explicit words before, feeling utterly embarrassed and his face and ears burning.

Yun Tuo turned his head and shook off Xiao Rui’s hand, but Xiao Rui grabbed his arms and pinned them behind his back in an intimate embrace.

Chu Ya couldn’t bear to stay any longer, turning red and heading for the door, but Xiao Rui’s teeth-grinding voice still reached his ears, "Now you want to leave, treating me like what? A human inhibitor? Yun Tuo, what are you thinking?"

"Let go! Don’t force my hand!" Yun Tuo growled.

Xiao Rui held him tightly, his posture ambiguous, but his tone icy, "I told you last time, don’t show up in front of me again, or I won’t let you go."

Chu Ya’s hand touched the doorknob, but he wondered if the two might fight. His concern for Yun Tuo overcame his embarrassment, and he turned to look back, meeting Xiao Rui’s gaze.

Xiao Rui, seeing Chu Ya’s flustered state, suddenly asked, "You’re his brother, tell me, what does he think I am?"

"Chairman Xiao, don’t ask me about your affairs," Chu Ya turned his head and closed his eyes, squeezing out the words through gritted teeth, "... I’m still a child."