Chapter 73: Cleaning House

Chapter 73: Cleaning House

Yao Huan put on his reading glasses and carefully picked up the medicine to read the efficacy description on the back, then began to press him sharply: "The apocalypse has just begun, so the stability testing time isn't sufficient, is it?"

Zhou Yun replied, "We used an already mature drug preparation process, and long-term storage is not a problem. The drug formula has been modified to include mutated herbs, which greatly enhances the medicinal efficacy. However, we cannot guarantee whether the efficacy of the mutated herbs will diminish after long-term storage. Therefore, the drug's validity period is set at a safe six months. In fact, after six months of production, I tested the efficacy and found no reduction in efficacy, so the validity period should be longer. We can continue to evaluate it in the future."

Yao Huan nodded with satisfaction: "Have you conducted both in vitro and in vivo efficacy tests?"

Zhou Yun affirmed, "Yes, they have." Although these tests were conducted in a past life.

Yao Huan continued to inquire: "Have acute toxicity, long-term toxicity, reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity tests been done?"

Zhou Yun said, "All the toxicological tests that could be done in time have been completed. Due to time constraints, the long-term side effects and effects on the reproductive system are explicitly marked as unknown in the instructions. However, based on the performance of these drugs before mutation, they should not affect the reproductive system. As for the mutated herbs, it is indeed unclear... Given the effects of food made from mutated plants and animals on psychics, it might even increase the chances of having psychic offspring?"

Yao Huan pondered: "There might indeed be a correlation."

Dou Zhijun asked, "What about clinical trials? You're in Danlin City, and it's the apocalypse. Do you have the conditions to conduct them? This would be heavily criticized by the Psychic Research Institute. Insufficient number of subjects, lack of social investigation, and unverified drug efficacy and safety—if that's the case, it would be hard for the teacher to support you."

Yao Huan also looked at Zhou Yun, who calmly took out a stack of reports from his briefcase: "We have data from all three phases of the clinical trials. Although the time was indeed short, the trial reports show that the efficacy of the mutated herbs far exceeds that of the previous drugs. The condition of the subjects showed significant improvement in each phase."

"The trial personnel and illness reports are detailed and verifiable. We even conducted control groups with both psychics and ordinary people, and the recovery speed of psychics was significantly better than that of ordinary people."

This was made possible by the Gong family and Dean Yuan. In his past life, he had indeed conducted clinical trials, but after rebirth, he no longer had the capability. However, the Gong family did, and after Yuan Xuegang took over, he immediately organized and conducted clinical trials, quickly obtaining reports for all three phases.

After all, this concerned Gong Yanqing's own health, and Yuan Xuegang was a meticulous and efficient veteran medical professional. How could he leave such a big loophole when selling drugs?

This time, all the trial reports were brought along, originally intended for distributors at various bases, not for a new drug launch. Now, by chance, the situation had turned into this. Although he answered fluently, under his mentor's sharp scrutiny, he still felt the familiar sweat dripping down his back.

Yao Huan, though stern and frowning, gradually relaxed his brows as he flipped through the reports: "Yuan Xuegang presided over the clinical trials. Although he's slick, his medical foundation is solid, and he works meticulously. After the apocalypse, selecting subjects has become easier, with a broader range. It seems your clinical trials were indeed solid. There are flaws, of course, mainly the short time, but that's an objective factor and understandable."

Zhou Yun said, "Yes, he has also come to Central Base. We will hold a new drug launch in a few days. Dean Mi from Central Base University has arranged for several pharmaceutical experts to evaluate it. If you are willing to sign the drug evaluation report, that would be even better."

Yao Huan asked, "Mi Zongyu? Which experts did he invite?"

Zhou Yun handed him the launch plan prepared by Qin Mu today. Yao Huan looked down at the list of experts: "Passable. But they are all experts from Central Base, and a few are probably from other bases attending the medical forum at the expert conference. They must be Mi Zongyu's old acquaintances, quite thoughtful. But against the Psychic Research Institute, their weight isn't enough. Bring the evaluation report to me for signing after it's done."

Zhou Yun smiled: "Thank you, teacher!"

Yao Huan said, "What are you thanking me for? It seems you've been in Danlin City and Beiming all this time. When did you come to Central Base? The city lord conference has been buzzing for days. How long have you been here? You didn't come to visit your mentor first thing—do you have a conscience?"

Zhou Yun: "...Teacher, your phone has been unreachable for a long time, and later even my senior brother's phone was unreachable. Text messages went unanswered. I contacted other professors at the school, and they said you had been taken to the capital to participate in a confidential project. They couldn't reach you either and didn't know where you lived. If it weren't for Professor Mi mentioning you today, I wouldn't have known you were in Central Base at all!"

Yao Huan realized: "Oh, right, it's not your fault. I thought your senior brother had told you."

Dou Zhijun quickly said, "How could I dare to disclose anything? You were treating that person... It's an honor for me to be involved, and I haven't dared to say a word to anyone! We later moved to Central Base with the experts from the capital. I didn't know my junior brother was in Central Base either."

Zhou Yun said, "After the apocalypse, everything was in chaos, and communication signals were long gone. It was only by chance that I came to Central Base and found out you were living here."

In his past life, Dou Zhijun had told him that the apocalypse was too harsh, and the teacher, being old, couldn't withstand it and passed away. He was vague, and Zhou Yun even thought the teacher might have turned into a zombie, but his senior brother didn't say. It was an unchangeable fate, and he never imagined the teacher had lived this long after the apocalypse.

What was there to hide? Unless... the teacher's death brought Dou Zhijun some unspeakable benefits, not just this residence and laboratory...

Yao Huan asked Zhou Yun, "Where are you staying now? A hotel? That's not convenient. Move in with me. I have some research going on, and it would be good to chat with you. Your senior brother is too dumb to understand."

Dou Zhijun: "..."

Zhou Yun smiled: "Teacher, you're still as fiery as ever. I have a place to stay, no rush. As a disciple, I should serve you. What research are you working on now? Is there anything I can help with?"

Yao Huan was silent for a while, and Dou Zhijun said, "The project is still confidential, but a few days ago, the drug the teacher was researching was pre-released by the Psychic Research Institute. All the drug data is in the teacher's study, so he's being much more cautious now."

When it came to this, Yao Huan exploded: "All the drug ratios are exactly the same, the efficacy is exactly the same, I took them back and checked, they were completely prepared according to my proportions! Only I know the prescription, not even your senior brother knows. Do you think they have some psychic ability to steal information? I will never forgive them!"

Zhou Yun said, "This is easy to handle, teacher. Please wait a moment."

He got up and went out to make a phone call, then came back. Dou Zhijun was somewhat uneasy: "What are you going to do?"

Zhou Yun smiled: "Teacher, aren't you worried about the information being stolen? Psychic abilities aren't as practical as modern technology. I know someone who is a communication expert. I just called him to send someone over to install a set of surveillance for you. Whoever rummages through your things, we can check the surveillance in the future and find out."

Yao Huan said, "I don't know how to use those electronic products. Forget it, don't trouble others. You still owe them a big favor."

Zhou Yun said, "Don't worry about these things, teacher; we'll take care of the troublesome details."

Dou Zhijun said, "I'm just afraid that the security companies outside aren't reliable, and teacher's things don't like to be messed with by outsiders."

Zhou Yun said, "Don't worry, the team I found is absolutely trustworthy." He then said to Yao Huan, "I do have a topic to consult with you. I'm currently researching the topic of stimulating psychic abilities and have made some progress. I just wanted to discuss it with you."

Yao Huan sat up straight: "Tell me about your progress."

Zhou Yun glanced at Dou Zhijun, who was also paying attention, and said, "The breathing techniques of ancient martial arts help psychics enhance their abilities, so stimulating psychic abilities should start with improving physical fitness. From some ancient martial arts routines passed down from ancient books, I've studied the Five Animal Frolics, Ba Duan Jin, Tai Chi, and others, and found Ba Duan Jin to be both easy to learn and effective."

Yao Huan's interest was piqued: "Right. I've been practicing Tai Chi since the apocalypse, and it does feel a bit difficult. I was just about to switch to the Five Animal Frolics, but now that you say this, Ba Duan Jin is indeed easier to perform."

Zhou Yun continued, "Mutated creatures have crystal cores of different attributes, but these crystal cores, after testing, have no difference in energy and can be regarded as a kind of energy body that can store and grow. Therefore, imitating the current practice of psychics transplanting energy crystal cores from mutated creatures into their bodies, artificially constructing psychic channels, and assisting with acupuncture to guide the meridian routes for energy circulation to construct a psychic circulation system in the human body is an idea."

Yao Huan was engrossed: "Go on."

Zhou Yun said, "However, crudely transplanting crystal cores without consideration is not advisable. The same animals, the same humans, why do they form crystal cores of different attributes after mutation? There must be a pattern. Most plants have wood crystal cores, and most aquatic creatures have water crystal cores, but there are still a few different crystal cores such as lightning, light, metal, and earth. The key lies in understanding where these energy differences come from and identifying the underlying patterns. If we simply and crudely transplant, it will definitely cause repulsion."

Yao Huan slammed the table: "Exactly! That's what I think too! Do you have any solutions?"

Zhou Yun said, "We need to first look for patterns in psychics, to find a way to detect the psychic attributes of individuals, as well as the psychic affinity tendencies of ordinary humans, to determine affinity attributes, and then determine the crystal core attributes and the direction of transplantation."

Yao Huan was full of energy: "Exactly! The key to the problem now is here! I'm also stuck here! I haven't made any progress. But your senior brother advised me, saying that we can't always pursue theoretical perfection; it's better to start experiments first. Animal experiments have made progress, but the way animals and humans implement psychic abilities is too different. There's no control."

He glanced at Dou Zhijun: "Your senior brother volunteered to be the experiment, to sacrifice for science. I thought, you young people, how could you? I'm already old, eighty years old, half in the grave. It's better to take a risk; maybe I can extend my lifespan!"

Zhou Yun's face changed: "Animal experiments haven't passed, how can you do it yourself? Teacher! Absolutely not! I disagree!"

Yao Huan waved his hand, though impatient, there was a smile on his lips: "Alright, alright, I knew you would be nagging, definitely would oppose, that's why I didn't want to tell you. Originally, I was a bit anxious, and also felt a bit bored. The world is a mess, too many villains, most of the people I could talk to are dead. This old man has lived enough."

"Now that I hear your research ideas are exactly the same as mine. I taught you, tsk, now I'm not in a hurry. Let's slowly find a way to measure psychic attribute affinity."

Zhou Yun was still uneasy: "Absolutely not, teacher, wait for me. I've made progress on the reagent for detecting attribute affinity. But everyone's physical condition is different, especially you, teacher. You're old; you must not take risks lightly."

Dou Zhijun interjected: "Don't worry, teacher is just anxious about the progress of the experiment. If you have ideas, it's better to move here as soon as possible to do research together, and also calm teacher's heart."

Zhou Yun looked at Yao Huan, Yao Huan also looked at him expectantly. Zhou Yun said, "I'm currently pursuing someone... teacher, give me some time..."

Yao Huan: "You always find something more important than research, don't you? Back then you insisted on resigning and returning to your hometown. What development can there be in a place where birds don't shit? Now you're in love again?"

Zhou Yun blushed: "I haven't delayed the research..."

Just then, someone rang the doorbell. He jumped up: "They're here!" He immediately ran out to open the door, full of enthusiasm. Jiang Rongqian was almost flattered: "Doctor Zhou, hello. Captain Guan said to let me come over and take a look."

There was also a bus parked at the door, and a steady stream of teenagers in camouflage uniforms got off the bus, automatically lining up at the door, about twenty people at a glance.

Zhou Yun: "..."

Yao Huan and Dou Zhijun, who came out from inside: "..."

Yao Huan asked, "Zhou Yun, who is this?"

Jiang Rongqian respectfully took out his ID and handed it to Yao Huan with both hands: "Hello, Professor Yao, I am an instructor from the Central Base Communication Engineering College, surnamed Jiang. Doctor Zhou mentioned that you have important research materials here that require the installation of a security system. I happened to be teaching the kids and thought it would be a good opportunity to give them a hands-on lesson in security operations. I assure you, we won't damage any of your materials or belongings."

Yao Huan's face lit up with joy. As a teacher, he loved seeing these vibrant young students, and he was initially worried about troubling others. But the chance to teach the kids was too good to pass up! He smiled and said, "Ah, from the neighboring military academy. That's excellent. Thank you, Instructor Jiang."

Jiang Rongqian smiled, "No problem at all. Doctor Zhou's been a big help to us." As he spoke, he turned to the students and said, "Listen up, follow the discipline I emphasized earlier. Do not mess up or damage any research materials, furniture, or property. After this, each of you will submit a security system layout plan for this house. Check for hidden cameras and listening devices. For each one you find, you'll earn one credit. Work in groups, and you have thirty minutes. Understood?"

The students, bright-eyed and eager, chorused, "Got it!"

Dou Zhijun's face turned pale in an instant.

The young students, full of energy, each holding professional detection equipment, rushed into the rooms with a gleam of desire for credits in their eyes.

They quickly started finding devices, each discovery met with excited shouts of "Found one! That's a point!"

Yao Huan chatted with Jiang Rongqian in the living room, discussing some casual topics about the base. Yao Huan casually inquired if Jiang Rongqian was married, and upon learning that he was, he thought to himself that Zhou Yun's attitude towards him seemed normal, so it probably wasn't him.

Thirty minutes passed quickly. Despite Dou Zhijun's nervous attempt to disable the surveillance, the students, eager for credits, uncovered hidden cameras and listening devices throughout the study, lab, pharmacy, herb garden, and even the teacher's bedroom.

Yao Huan's face clouded over, but he managed a polite thank you to Jiang Rongqian and escorted him out personally.

Jiang Rongqian smiled, "Professor Yao, no need to see me off. Tomorrow, I'll select a plan, bring the equipment, and come back to install the surveillance system for you. As for the dismantled listening devices and cameras, we'll take them back for research. In this post-apocalyptic era, there's no internet for civilians, so these surveillance systems can only store data locally. Due to memory limitations, the storage duration isn't very long. So after we dismantle them, the other party shouldn't be able to monitor recent data anymore. Generally, the main server won't be too far from here, so be cautious about people with ulterior motives coming and going."

Yao Huan nodded politely, "Thank you for your trouble. Just send the bill to Zhou Yun; he'll take care of it."

Zhou Yun: "..."

Jiang Rongqian looked at Zhou Yun and smiled, "Alright, Professor Yao, no need to be so polite. If you have any requests, just let Zhou Yun know." He couldn't suppress a smile, amused at how Doctor Zhou, typically so composed around them, became the picture of obedience in front of his teacher.

He herded the students back onto the bus and they drove away.

Yao Huan then turned around and walked back into the living room with a blank expression, pointing at Dou Zhijun, "Explain this. All these surveillance devices—what's going on? And why didn't you say anything all these years when Zhou Yun contacted me?"

Dou Zhijun cried out in injustice, "Teacher, are you suspecting me? True, I'm the only one who can come and go here, but do I have the means to arrange all these devices? Since the apocalypse, I've been by your side every step of the way. What would I gain from doing this?"

"I'm not like Zhou Yun, with a happy family, loving parents, getting into a good school, smart and good-looking, and you've always favored him. But he still left you. All these years, I've been serving you diligently, if not with merit, then at least with hard work. And now, as soon as something happens, you think it's me?"

"I don't even understand your research. I grew up without parents, and you've been like a mountain of support to me. Why would I betray you? Do I look like someone without a conscience?"

"All these people were called by Zhou Yun. Whether there's surveillance or not, it's all up to them. You'd rather believe the words of a disciple who hasn't called in years than trust me, who's been serving you every day?"

He was furious, his face twisted in anger, "He hasn't been here for years, and as soon as he shows up, with a few words, he pins a crime on me. And you, without even asking, believe him over me? Who knows if he's colluding with some Psychic Research Institute or some other organization with ulterior motives, putting on a show just to push me away from you and steal your research? He clearly came prepared! How else could he mobilize those people?"

Yao Huan remained silent. Zhou Yun sat coldly on the sofa, arms crossed, offering no explanation.

Dou Zhijun's heart sank, but he maintained his furious expression, "The innocent will be proven innocent! Teacher, if you don't believe me, the truth will come out one day!" He slammed the door and stormed out.

His heart raced as he quickly walked towards a secluded area at the back of the mountain. Trembling, he pulled out a phone from his pocket and sent a text message with a code to arrange a meeting. He needed to contact the Psychic Research Institute as soon as possible and take action. Zhou Yun must be backed by another organization, and the Psychic Research Institute was about to lose out. He had to stabilize the teacher first. Tonight... tonight was a must... It was a pity he hadn't had the chance to persuade the teacher to start the experiments.

He didn't notice the cool breeze carrying a flurry of dandelion fluff, scattering like snowflakes in the air.

Back in the Xia Yuan Red Building, Yao Huan sighed, "His parents were my old colleagues and neighbors. I felt sorry for him when he lost his parents in middle school, so I took care of him a bit. Even though he wasn't particularly talented, he was obedient and honest, good for assisting."

"Among all your senior brothers, any one of them was far more talented than him. With so many resources and me as his teacher, he could have made a decent living. I never expected him to become so confused in recent years."

"He used to be jealous of you, and I thought it was normal for young people to be competitive... But after the apocalypse, the world turned chaotic, and he lost his way. After coming to Central Base, he couldn't stand the loneliness. I later ordered him not to associate with those scheming people, especially the Psychic Research Institute. He probably thought I was old and out of touch."

"When the new drug data was stolen by the Psychic Research Institute, I already had my suspicions. There was a lot of data they shouldn't have had access to, especially the formulas."

Zhou Yun comforted him: "Teacher, take it easy. It's the end of the world, and he's an adult. If you can teach him, go ahead; if not, there's nothing more you can do. As the saying goes, we should respect each person's destiny. If he likes the Psychic Research Institute, then let him go. Everyone has their own aspirations."

Yao Huan scrutinized him: "So, your senior brother wasn't wrong. You really came prepared? You already knew he was trouble?"

Zhou Yun's scalp tightened: "Not at all, I really only found out today that you were in Central Base. If you don't believe me, ask Dean Mi! Of course, I didn't go myself. I have a partner named Qin Mu, who was introduced today by Ren Yuefei, the commander of Jing Nan Base, to visit him and ask him to step forward. You can check!"

Yao Huan thought for a moment: "Yes, his son-in-law is indeed the base commander. But you used to keep your distance from such people. How come you know these influential figures now? Including Yuan Xuegang, who is very keen on the social scene. How did you end up mixing with him?"

Zhou Yun coughed lightly: "It was just chance... In these end times, the path is straightforward, as you taught me. And I really didn't deal with them directly; they don't even know who makes the medicine. I just make the medicine; the one who interfaces with them is a young man named Qin Mu. He's very smart and has strong coordination skills. I'll bring them to meet you someday."

Yao Huan looked at him deeply: "I just hope you don't forget your original intentions."

Zhou Yun smiled: "Teacher, you can rest assured. I only wish for your well-being. Please don't try that crystal core transplantation yourself. Wait for me; I've already found the right reagent. I'll bring it for you to test someday."

Yao Huan said: "Alright. You go back first; I don't need you here."

Zhou Yun said: "Senior brother ran away; let me cook for you."

Yao Huan waved his hand: "Nonsense, don't listen to his talk about serving me day in and day out. Meals are all prepared by the expert cafeteria and delivered here. Laundry and cleaning are handled by specialized housekeeping staff who come to the door. Even if a car is needed, one is sent. What nonsense about serving me every day. Clearly, he's been clinging to me and enjoying the perks, spoiling him!"

"You go back first. I'll call some service staff to clean up and pack his things; he'll move out tomorrow."

Zhou Yun thought for a moment: "Alright. How about this: those two young men are quite reliable. I'll bring them over to stay with you for a few days. They're both from fishing families, orphans, used to being frugal since childhood, and they're quite distressed about staying at the conference hotel because of the crystal cores. They're both psychics and can protect you."

Zhou Yun explained further: "It's not that I don't want to serve you, but Dou Zhijun must have already colluded with the Psychic Research Institute. Coming to you now would draw too much attention and cause you trouble. I'm not yet ready to be exposed in the open."

He hesitated for a moment and then explained again: "Teacher, I've already had successful cases of psychic activation, but it's not yet time to promote or publicize it."

Yao Huan was startled. Having been in the social scene for many years, he naturally knew what it meant to be too conspicuous. This most intelligent disciple, once gentle and kind, had suddenly changed drastically and could easily mobilize military forces, indicating he must have gone through many things. He immediately said: "You don't need to explain. I trust you."

Zhou Yun smiled with a bit of shyness: "As long as you believe me. Then you call the service staff and security first, and I'll leave."

Yao Huan dialed the internal line to notify the internal service department, and soon housekeeping staff and security arrived, bringing dinner. Zhou Yun gave some instructions and then left by car.

It was already dark, and Central Base gets dark early. The cold wind was blowing.

At the back mountain, Dou Zhijun saw the returned signal and knew someone would come to pick him up soon. Feeling relieved, he decided to head back first. But after just two steps, he saw Zhou Yun standing quietly on the dark mountain path, watching him.

He was startled, and upon closer inspection, it was Zhou Yun. He sneered: "So it's you. What, here to kick a man when he's down? You privileged ones, with your happy families, awakened psychic abilities in this apocalypse, how could you understand the feelings of us unlucky ones!"

Zhou Yun seemed lost in memories, murmuring as he looked at him: "So, before 001, there was 000, right?"

Dou Zhijun was stunned: "What are you babbling about? Are you out of your mind?"

Zhou Yun said: "I should have realized it sooner. After all, General Tan cared for him so much, how could he let him take risks? There must have been relatively successful human experiments before, and very authoritative and credible ones at that. So, who else could it be? You've already colluded with the Psychic Research Institute, haven't you? You know the teacher's temperament well, that he would never let his students take risks, so you incited and induced him to use his own body for psychic ability induction experiments."

He looked at Dou Zhijun and said calmly: "Betraying the teacher and destroying the ancestors, it's time to clean up the house for the teacher."

Inciting the teacher to use his own body for experiments, without doing a psychic affinity test, and the teacher being over eighty with poor physical condition. The teacher has high theoretical research skills and is skilled in acupuncture, so he might indeed successfully activate psychic abilities, but the outcome would definitely be bad. Judging by the timeline, he passed away not long after the experiment, perhaps due to attribute repulsion, or perhaps his body couldn't withstand the concurrent basic illnesses due to his advanced age.

And he used the experimental data obtained at the cost of the teacher's life as a stepping stone, posing as the teacher's disciple, living in the teacher's laboratory, deceiving the world and stealing the teacher's academic achievements, luring former classmates to continue adding research weight for him, because he's a good-for-nothing who can't research anything. Utterly shameless, being in the same air as such a person would make one feel nauseous.

In my past life, buried in the laboratory, I trusted this former classmate too much, never suspecting... until a heavy charge of conducting illegal human experiments fell from the sky, with my signed experimental reports as evidence, being detained, being persuaded, only then did I realize that I had been a prey lured into a trap from the very beginning.

Dou Zhijun sneered: "What are you, thinking that awakening a water ability makes you cool? Cleaning up the house, do you think this is a drama? It's the apocalypse! The strong rule, and you're still clinging to that 'once a teacher, always a father' nonsense, it's laughable! Open your eyes and see what era it is outside! The teacher is already outdated, and you're talking about cleaning up the house, hahaha! Do you think it's like before, where a word from you could ruin a student's future?"

He was about to leave when he suddenly found that his feet were silently surrounded by vines, and as soon as he lifted his foot, he was tightly bound, almost tripping.

He was stunned: "You're not water-based? You're wood-based!"

The vines quickly wrapped around his body, and Zhou Yun smiled at him: "You said it yourself, it's the apocalypse." No network, no surveillance.

"How can you still be so outdated." I can kill you once, of course, I can kill you a second time.

Countless vines wrapped layer by layer into a huge green ball, continuously contracting and tightening, with no sound coming from inside. Zhou Yun sighed: "In these end times, how easy it is for someone to disappear..."