Chapter 71: Exceptional Talents

Chapter 71: Exceptional Talents

Guan Yuanfeng led everyone into the living room, where Zhou Yun was indeed placing peach jelly from a glass container into the refrigerator. This refrigerator, modeled after Zhou Yun's previous double-door fridge, was too power-hungry for most households.

Ren Duoduo, with her sleeves rolled up high, was still kneading ice jelly, while Comet sat curiously watching. Seeing people enter, Ren Duoduo looked over with anticipation, and Guan Yuanfeng comforted her, "Your dad is still in a meeting and will come over later after it's finished."

Zhou Yun was still wearing his dark green windbreaker, with his sleeves rolled up high, "Everyone's here? Food's almost ready. The jelly is done and chilling. It's best to have it after the barbecue."

"Qin Sheng is here too? It feels like you've grown taller and stronger in just half a month."

Qin Sheng wailed, "Doctor Zhou! It's all noodles here! I can't get used to it! Can we have some porridge?"

Zhou Yun asked, "How about some dragon and phoenix porridge (snake meat and chicken)?"

Qin Sheng's eyes lit up, "Do we have the ingredients?"

Zhou Yun nodded, "Got some from the mountains, many caught by Comet, the dog." The mutated snakes killed in the mountains were all solidly frozen and brought here, along with various types of pheasants caught by Comet, originally intended as dog food for Comet. On the plane, he had to repeatedly apply freezing spells to preserve them. Though not fresh, they still tasted great when cooked right.

Actually... there were still some mutated grasshoppers and frogs, but it was better not to challenge everyone's limits at this moment. He couldn't help but glance at Guan Yuanfeng, who was checking the rice in the electric cooker and immediately noticed his gaze, turning to look at him with a questioning expression, Zhou Yun waved it off.

Qin Sheng was overjoyed, "Awesome! You're a lifesaver!"

Meanwhile, Duoduo asked curiously, "What is dragon and phoenix porridge?"

Dong Kexin kindly explained, "Snake meat and chicken."

Duoduo asked, "Is it tasty?"

Qin Sheng praised, "Delicious! The snake meat is tender and smooth. I really miss the five-snake soup (a traditional Chinese dish), fried quail, lamb belly pot, white-cut chicken..."

Zhou Yun said, "How about frying some diced rabbit meat for you?"

Qin Sheng was even more delighted, "Great! I'll cut it. Where's the rabbit meat?"

His hand transformed instantly into a shiny kitchen knife, "Doctor Zhou, I've gotten really good now."

Qin Mu couldn't bear to watch, "There's a child here, Xiao Sheng."

But Ren Duoduo looked at his hand, "You're metal-based, like my dad. He's also good at cooking."

Qin Sheng immediately felt a kinship, "I can cook too. Let me show you, kiddo. Do you like popcorn? I'll make you some caramel popcorn!"

The living room and kitchen were bustling with cooking activity. Zhou Yun directed Qin Sheng to dice the meat and arranged for corn to pop, while the barbecue grill was also set up with meat.

Fresh peaches and frozen mountain grapes, like crystal juice balls, added a unique flavor.

Several round tables were set up in the small yard, but with everyone being tall and robust special operations team members, the yard seemed particularly small when they sat down.

As the charcoal fire sparked to life, the yard quickly warmed up. The aroma of food filled the small yard.

Various pre-marinated unknown meats were sliced thin and grilled on iron plates, brushed with honey and sesame oil, sprinkled with sesame seeds, cumin, and chopped green onions.

The whole pot of dragon and phoenix porridge was brought out. In this post-apocalyptic world, most people weren't picky, and most of the special operations team members tried a bowl, so much so that when Qin Sheng wanted a second bowl, the pot was already empty.

Fortunately, Zhou Yun knew that with many psychics, they might not be full, so he directed Tang Anchen to cook a pot of noodles and had Qin Sheng stir-fry a large basin of mixed mushroom and salted fish diced fried rice (a dish with mushrooms, salted fish, and diced ingredients). The salted fish was from Guan Yuanfeng's fridge, and Qin Sheng was indeed skilled at this, creating a rich, fragrant dish.

Fried diced rabbit meat, cold mixed fern, popcorn, and various strange wild vegetables that even the special operations team members couldn't recognize, almost all of which were mutated species.

For Duoduo, they whipped up two sweet and sour dishes: braised fish and five-willow fried eggs. Qin Sheng indeed personally fried a pot of caramel popcorn, sweet and fragrant.

Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely. Liao Jinsheng praised, "Doctor Zhou's water psychic powers are incredibly handy. Where did you go to bring back so much mountain produce?"

Zhou Yun replied, "The Jiuyi Mountains."

Qin Mu glanced at him, "So when you said you were going away for a while, you went to the Jiuyi Mountains? I was wondering why you didn’t come with us."

Zhou Yun looked somewhat embarrassed. Guan Yuanfeng whispered teasingly beside him, "Important research topic?"

Zhou Yun handed him a skewer of grilled monkey head mushrooms, speaking earnestly, "Why not? This single trip to the mountains, pre-apocalypse, could’ve spawned at least three high-impact journal papers and industrial applications."

Guan Yuanfeng listened to his jargon, amused but careful not to laugh, fearing Zhou Yun might get upset. He took a bite of the monkey head mushroom, finding it fresh and delicious—it was his first time tasting freshly grilled monkey head mushrooms, and they were indeed excellent.

Honestly, the food at Central Base doesn’t hold a candle to back home. Of course, the most important thing was the heart put into daily life. Some people could make ten different dishes out of simple fare. In terms of living, no one was more interesting than Zhou Yun.

He watched the special forces team members digging in, especially Qin Sheng, who looked like he hadn’t eaten in weeks, and felt a bit melancholic. The Yanling game was handed to logistics, and after splitting it among the troops, there wasn’t much to go around.

Life was indeed a bit tough for everyone.

He saw Zhou Yun pick up a glass juice jar and get up, presumably to refill it. Qin Mu followed him to the backyard, indicating he had something to discuss with Zhou Yun.

Qin Mu had only exchanged a few words with him since arriving at Central Base, asking about Zhou Yun’s situation and the outpost in Danlin City.

In the end, Qin Mu seemed to say a lot but actually revealed nothing, slippery as an eel. He knew he was being evaded but didn’t press further. After all, Qin Mu was Zhou Yun’s man, and if he spilled everything to just anyone, it wouldn’t be good. It was better this way, cautious and sociable.

As for Zhou Yun’s situation, he could ask Zhou Yun himself.

The rooftop had been washed by Zhou Yun in the afternoon and was now spotless. A set of outdoor rattan chairs and a table had been placed there. After the washing, the rooftop seemed a bit empty, so Dong Kexin volunteered to make a call, and Tang Anchen happily brought over a small pickup truck with some rice, noodles, oil, and grains.

Zhou Yun pulled out two comfortable rattan chairs, pushing one towards Qin Mu, and poured him a cup of cactus juice, "How have things been since you arrived?"

Qin Mu said, "The base’s drug distribution agents are very popular, but most want to raise prices themselves. They lost interest once they learned about the unified price control and purchase limits. But after Captain Guan approached us at the conference restaurant that day, several bases contacted us that very night."

He recalled the moment when the special forces captain, accompanied by several team members, walked into the restaurant fully armed, with guns at their waists and battle knives hanging from their tactical belts, all wearing sunglasses and striking black uniforms. The moment they entered, the entire hall fell silent.

All eyes in the hall locked onto their table. He felt a cold sweat break out on his back, the pressure and intimidation were unprecedented. Qin Sheng beside him tensed up, instinctively moving closer, not daring to turn his back, his right hand moving under the table.

He asked, "Who are you?"

Guan Yuanfeng replied, "Here to collect something. Are you done eating? Let’s talk in the room." He tapped Qin Sheng’s right shoulder, "Relax, buddy, we’re all good here."

Qin Sheng later said that with just that casual tap, his entire arm went numb, unable to move, and he almost dropped the throwing knife he was holding. He later learned Guan had electric powers.

That day, Captain Guan only asked a few questions about Danlin City and Beiming, collected what he needed, and left without staying long.

But that very night, City Lord Gong came to ask how he knew the special forces captain, and then various bases started sending people to discuss drug distribution.

He then learned that this was the captain of Central Base’s special forces, with dual wind and electric psychic powers, currently the strongest among psychics.

He told Zhou Yun, "After Captain Guan approached me, City Lord Gong came asking. I vaguely mentioned that someone had tasked me with delivering something, and that I didn’t know him before. But I could tell City Lord Gong didn’t quite believe me."

Zhou Yun said, "Hmm, Captain Guan mentioned that the Psychic Research Institute’s treatment plan requires him to stay at Central Base long-term? If that’s the case, we need to plan early."

Qin Mu said, "City Lord Gong is on the fence, inquiring if Green Bird has better anti-cancer meds. He clearly doesn’t want to leave Beiming."

Zhou Yun asked, "Can we get the formula from the Psychic Research Institute?"

Qin Mu took out a stack of papers from his pocket, "The required mutated formulas include extracts from mutated cacti and mutated yew. Director Yuan suggested that if we can obtain effective mutated herbs from Green Bird, regular check-ups at Central Base should do the trick."

He smiled smugly: "When we arrived at Central Base, they went to the Psychic Research Institute for a comprehensive check-up. It was only then that Director Yuan approached me to lay everything out on the table, openly discussing City Lord Gong's condition. He made it clear that, based on the examination data, the metastatic cancer lesions had indeed shrunk after taking our medicine for a while. He then gave me a lot of supportive words."

Zhou Yun looked at the prescription under the solar light on the rooftop: "If City Lord Gong is not in Beiming, it will indeed affect our current operations and strongholds. However, the fact that he has been open with you is likely due to Captain Guan's appearance. They are subtly seeking support from your backers."

"Hah, the Psychic Research Institute is really taking City Lord Gong for a ride. Look at the prescription they've come up with—listing all sorts of rare animals and plants from the sky, sea, and mountains. Quite the list," Zhou Yun flipped through the sheet. "City Lord Gong is really on the chopping block now, no wonder they're treating him like a cash cow."

Qin Mu laughed: "Exactly. When I first came to Central Base, someone from the Psychic Research Institute approached me with a very arrogant demeanor to discuss. First, they wanted the formula to verify the efficacy. Second, once they verified it was effective, they would allow us to label it with the Psychic Research Institute's certification mark, but they wanted a 30% stake. Of course, they also offered two spots for our doctors to join the Psychic Research Institute. Third, they could authorize us to sell some of their mutated herbs, with a 50-50 split."

Zhou Yun said lightly: "What a brilliant scheme."

Qin Mu laughed heartily: "Of course, I refused. They immediately changed their tune and warned us that without their verification, our medicine could not be guaranteed to be free of side effects or genetic impacts on future generations. They wouldn't allow us to sell it in Central Base, and other bases would follow suit."

"I asked them, is there anything in the alliance convention about this? Currently, there is no authoritative standard from the Survivors' Alliance Government's health and drug regulatory departments regarding the efficacy of mutated herbs for ordinary people or psychics."

"They immediately changed their tune, saying that the health department would soon issue regulations, and the Psychic Research Institute is the most important and authoritative psychic research department. If we remained obstinate, all bases would unite to ban our Green Bird medicine."

Zhou Yun smiled: "They really think they can call all the shots."

Qin Mu was actually a bit concerned. After all, the other party was quite stern, and upon inquiry, it was true that the Psychic Research Institute held a formidable reputation in Central Base. Almost all psychics had some cooperation with the institute, and even City Lord Gong came to Central Base for treatment at the Psychic Research Institute.

But seeing Zhou Yun's calm expression, he knew Zhou Yun wasn't afraid, or rather, the forces behind Zhou Yun were stronger. His heart eased, and he smiled: "I suspect that other bases were hesitant to cooperate and kept us at arm's length because the Psychic Research Institute had spread the word. If it weren't for Captain Guan coming to us, we might have returned empty-handed this time."

Zhou Yun, with a smile in his eyes, placed the stack of prescriptions on the table: "Tell City Lord Gong that we have mutated yew, mutated lingzhi, aloe, and cacti. We can provide him with the necessary medicine while he remains in Beiming. Of course, for professional treatment, we should ask Director Yuan to send relevant experts to monitor the drug's effectiveness, as we are not experts in this field. But I believe this is the best the Psychic Research Institute can do, and Director Yuan will make his own judgment."

Qin Mu, reassured by the promise, said: "That's good."

Zhou Yun patiently explained: "If it were before the apocalypse, they could indeed control the relevant departments of the Survivors' Alliance Government to ban a company, with many possible reasons. But now, the major bases only superficially respond to the alliance government, each operating independently. Mutated herbs are a new thing, and in the current survival situation, people will use whatever works. Verifying pharmacological efficacy takes a long time."

"Most people don't have that time, so the major bases will prioritize interests, and ordinary people and psychics will prioritize efficacy. As long as there are no toxic or harmful components, and it is indeed effective, any side effects will be overlooked. Moreover, theoretically, we can't prove whether long-term use has side effects or impacts on future generations' genes or fertility. The same goes for the medicine sold by the Psychic Research Institute."

"In this regard, we are all starting from the same point, and we might even be ahead of them, at least we have already produced the medicine."

Qin Mu felt reassured: "But currently, the bases are only in talks and are probably still hesitant, likely due to insufficient trust in our medicine and fear of the Psychic Research Institute."

Zhou Yun thought for a moment: "Let me think of a way."

Qin Mu hesitated for a while before finally asking: "I want to confirm, to what extent does Captain Guan support you..." This would determine his next steps and his attitude towards the Psychic Research Institute—whether to feign cooperation or to aggressively secure some channels...

Zhou Yun was taken aback, but Qin Mu suddenly turned his head. At the stairway leading downstairs, a black cat dissipated into the night like a wisp of smoke. Guan Yuanfeng walked up from below, glanced at Qin Mu, and said to Zhou Yun: "General Ren just called, saying he's already on his way and will be here in five minutes."

Zhou Yun, who was actually thinking of starting with Jing Nan Base and discussing with General Ren, stood up upon hearing this: "I'll go down and take a look, thank you."

As he walked down, Guan Yuanfeng said: "It's windy on the rooftop, be careful." Zhou Yun smiled: "It's fine, your jacket is quite windproof. I was just discussing the medicine sales with Qin Mu. He said other bases are wary of the Psychic Research Institute and are hesitant to cooperate with us. I thought since General Ren is the commander of Jing Nan Base, we could first provide some sponsorship to the Jing Nan Base garrison to ease their concerns."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "Is it Green Bird medicine? I noticed the medicine you gave me this time had a label. I'll mention it to him, say that the special forces are using this medicine."

Zhou Yun smiled: "That would be great, it's best coming from you."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "No need to stand on ceremony, your business is my business."

As soon as Ren Yuefei entered, Ren Duoduo ran over. Ren Yuefei picked her up and asked with a smile: "Are you settling in well? Haven't been causing trouble for Uncle Guan, have you?"

Guan Yuanfeng stepped forward with a smile: "Not at all, the little girl is very well-behaved."

Ren Yuefei carried her in and saw everyone standing up. He smiled: "Please sit, I've interrupted your meal, take your time." He put the child down to continue sitting and went with Guan Yuanfeng into the living room to sit. Zhou Yun brought out a glass fruit plate from the kitchen, with slices of watermelon and peach. Ren Yuefei was surprised: "There's watermelon in Central Base?"

Zhou Yun said: "No, it was brought from Jiuyi Mountains."

Ren Yuefei laughed: "No wonder there were so many boxes on the plane that day. I thought you were bringing medicine, but there was watermelon too?"

Zhou Yun smiled, "Didn't you try some before? Speaking of medicine, there's something I'd like General Ren to help with."

Ren Yuefei said, "Please, go ahead and ask."

Zhou Yun first went out to call Qin Mu and Qin Sheng in, introducing them to Ren Yuefei, "These are the Qin brothers, Qin Mu and Qin Sheng. I've mentioned to you before that I have partners selling some medicines made from mutated herbs."

Qin Mu took a sample box from his bag and showed it to Ren Yuefei. Zhou Yun continued, "It works pretty well. This box is a sample we brought this time, planning to set up distribution channels in various bases. However, there are still some reservations at the bases, so I thought we could sponsor a batch of medicine to the Jing Nan Base. If it works well, they can place orders with us. What's your take on this?"

Ren Yuefei took the medicine and glanced at it, praising, "So the Green Bird medicine is sold by Doctor Zhou. The Zombie Attractant and Zombie Repellent are very useful. Our Jing Nan Base has already been using them, but they were brought in by middlemen and are very expensive. I heard that the Beiming Base sells them at a limited price. I planned to discuss with City Lord Gong to see which company is producing them so we could bulk purchase. So it's from you?"

Qin Mu smiled, "Actually, someone from Jing Nan Base contacted me, but we only talked the day before yesterday and didn't continue. They said the person in charge hadn't arrived yet."

Ren Yuefei smiled and glanced at Guan Yuanfeng, who said, "Even the special forces are on Green Bird medicine, and the efficacy is indeed outstanding."

Ren Yuefei said, "I trust Doctor Zhou. I'm just thinking, Doctor Zhou is too polite. This is a very small matter. Your medicine is so good, and you've done me a great favor. It's just a simple matter, but you're making it so formal. Are you encountering any difficulties? Is there anything I can help with?"

He joked, "I'm not talented, being sniped at like a drowned dog, so Doctor Zhou doesn't have much confidence in me."

"I guarantee we can sign the contract right away. I'll have someone contact Xiao Qin tomorrow. But Doctor Zhou, if you encounter any trouble, just let me know if you need my help. Of course, I know with Yuanfeng here, if Doctor Zhou really suffers any grievances, it's not my turn to step forward."

He glanced at Guan Yuanfeng with a smile in his eyes. Guan Yuanfeng said, "The Psychic Research Institute wanted to cooperate, but Qin Mu refused. Currently, there are just some concerns at the bases. I think if I promote that the special forces are also using this medicine, and if Jing Nan Base agrees, other bases should also be able to dispel their concerns."

Ren Yuefei said, "That's definitely no problem, but I have another suggestion. Although I don't know much about medicine, our approval isn't important; the experts' approval is. Duoduo's maternal grandfather is the dean of Central Base University. I'll have him arrange for a few pharmacology experts to evaluate your medicine, then hold a product launch, inviting these experts to endorse it. I think the effect will definitely be better."

"The Central Base circle is small. The Psychic Research Institute is usually very proud, coming from the capital, and doesn't pay much attention to local experts and scholars. The experts brought from the capital also form their own circle, usually colluding with the Psychic Research Institute. The academic circle here in Central Base has always been somewhat dissatisfied. I think we can take advantage of this discord to stir things up. They have such a good opportunity to oppose the Psychic Research Institute, they will definitely be willing to step forward."

He paused, looking at the indescribable expressions of Guan Yuanfeng, Zhou Yun, and Qin Mu, "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "Feels like I'm meeting you for the first time."

Qin Mu: "General Ren is truly a strategist who plans within the tent and wins battles a thousand miles away, a wise general! I'll prepare some gifts for the general. When shall we visit the old dean?"

Ren Yuefei: "..."

He glanced at Zhou Yun, "What does Doctor Zhou want to say?"

Zhou Yun smiled, "I'm more direct. I just want to know how General Ren, clearly a dragon among men and a master of human combat, ended up..." He started laughing uncontrollably.

Everyone present laughed.

Ren Yuefei shook his head and smiled, "Even the best falconer can be pecked by a goose. If you're not envied, you're mediocre. Since you all agree with this plan, after the big meeting tomorrow and the contract is signed, everything is settled, I'll take you over, and by the way, take Duoduo to see her grandparents."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "No problems with the contract, right?"

Ren Yuefei said, "Since I can appear on time, of course, there's no problem. As for other matters, we'll settle them slowly after returning to Jing Nan." His demeanor was originally elegant, his face pale with a sickly look, but now he spoke with a faint hint of menace.

Guan Yuanfeng comforted him, "Evil cannot prevail over good, they can only do some behind-the-scenes actions. With General Tan here at Central Base, they wouldn't dare do anything."

He then introduced Qin Sheng, "Qin Sheng, the metal-element junior I told you about. His training plan at the camp is ending today. I'll have him follow you and Qin Mu over, and when there's a chance, you can give him some pointers."

Ren Yuefei looked at Qin Sheng, "A fine young man, no wonder he has the joint recommendation of Captain Guan and Doctor Zhou."

He smiled, "I thought one was an old friend and the other a lifesaver, what a coincidence that both have a metal-element junior needing my guidance, turns out it's the same person. Doctor Zhou is unfathomable, I thought I wasn't much, after all, in these end times, talents abound, I was afraid of showing my inadequacy, only dared to say exchange, not dare to say guidance."

Qin Sheng laughed, "Thank you, General Ren!"

Ren Yuefei was amiable, "Feel free to ask any questions, I'm not very knowledgeable, just experienced from battles."

Guan Yuanfeng checked the time, "General Ren, go spend some time with Duoduo first, you'll have to return to the hotel soon."

Ren Yuefei nodded, stood up, and went out to talk to his daughter, reassuring her and thanking Dong Kexin for her care. Seeing that Duoduo was happy here, with Comet and Zhou Yun around, his worries eased. He gave his daughter a few more instructions and then stood up to say goodbye.

Captain Guan said, "I'll take you and Qin Mu back to the hotel. He's also staying at the conference hotel."

Ren Yuefei smiled, "You don’t have to go out of your way to personally take us. Xiao Jiang could do it." His smile carried a hint of teasing.

Captain Guan replied, "We can’t risk any mistakes today with the contract signing tomorrow. You came to my side—I also have a duty shift tonight, so it's on my way."

Soon, Captain Guan led the group out, instructing Tang Anchen and Dong Kexin to clean up, and then left with the group in a flurry.

In the car, Ren Yuefei asked more questions with Qin Mu about the drug's details, asking him to prepare various pharmacological analyses, main components, and other reports.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Captain Guan personally took him to his room door, instructed the guards, and then came out to speak privately with Qin Mu: "Your brother will finish his training and return tomorrow. You should be careful these days and have your brother stay with you. Your Shadow Psychic ability isn’t fully developed yet; you’ve been slacking on your training."

Qin Mu looked a little embarrassed: "I just awakened, and with so much administrative work, I really have been neglecting it."

Captain Guan said sternly, "Power is what matters most. Don't give up on improving yourself."

Qin Mu nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Captain Guan."

Captain Guan added, "Today you asked Zhou Yun how much I support him. I'll tell you now, so you don't need to ask him anymore."

"I’ll always have his back, no matter what."

"So go ahead and do what you’ve got to do."