Chapter 226

Chapter 226

"Chu, Jing."

Jiang Nian greeted with a smile, joining them naturally.

Cheng Jing asked casually:

"Done with Professor Gao's purification?"

Jiang Nian shook his head:

"Not today. I’ll swing by tomorrow."

Chu Yi raised an eyebrow:

"How's Yang Kai doing?"

"I helped him get Professor Gao to open the door."

Jiang Nian answered truthfully, stealing a glance at Cheng Jing.

The corners of Cheng Jing's mouth lifted slightly as he lowered his head to review the checklist. After a moment, he put it down:

"It’s getting late. Let’s get going."

"Alright."

Chu Yi organized the reports and added:

"Currently, we’re just collecting antibody sources to prepare for mass production later. Yang Kai’s case is special. While he proved that infection by the Zombie King produces stronger antibodies, Department Head Wang and the base leadership don’t support such risks."

"The professor with brain-domain-evolution superpower mentioned that aside from direct infection, we could try mixing extracted blood with the virus before purifying and separating it. Theoretically, it’s feasible. He’ll calculate the relevant data and get started as soon as possible."

After a pause, he specifically reminded Jiang Nian:

"When that happens, you’ll be responsible for purifying those mixed samples. Until then, don’t help anyone pull any more stunts. Accidental infections are unavoidable, but intentional ones… well, that’s just asking for trouble."

"Mhm, I understand."

Jiang Nian nodded obediently, not daring to look at Cheng Jing beside him.

This was bad—one problem after another. He should’ve just confessed after Brother Jing woke up. He was full of regret.

Chu Yi, unable to help, brought up another matter:

"The institute completed its first Superpower Core extraction surgery. The subject was Luo Yuan, the 16-year-old boy you met at the detention school last time. His superpower was dizziness-inducing soundwaves. After the procedure, he’s recovering well."

"With the success of Superpower Core extraction, the authorities will uniformly apply this measure to juvenile superpower offenders who can’t be reformed. Just giving you a heads-up."

"Mm."

Cheng Jing and Jiang Nian nodded in acknowledgment. While not a perfect solution, it suited the current circumstances. Either way, removing their abilities made discipline easier.

After all, teen rebels settle down when you take away their power.

…

Cheng Jing had arrived with Tang Ji and hadn’t brought his own car.

Jiang Nian then invited him to ride together on the "Black Knight":

"Bro Jing, hold me tight!"

Cheng Jing naturally wrapped his arms around his waist:

"Take it easy on the throttle."

"Relax, trust my skills—I'll show you some real speed!"

As Jiang Nian spoke, he twisted the throttle, and the bike leapt forward.

The tightening grip around his waist told him that Bro Jing behind him was nervous, so he deliberately pushed his limits while staying in control, circling the loop of the base's central district before finally heading back to the dorm.

Throughout the ride, Cheng Jing didn’t dare say a word, afraid of distracting him. Only after getting off and returning home did he finally let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Did you enjoy it, Bro Jing? My driving skills aren’t bad, right? Hehe!"

The clueless punk shamelessly sought praise.

Cheng Jing stared at the still-excited man, fighting the urge to bite him:

"Enjoyable! Very good!"

He enjoyed it, but safety concerns always nagged at him. As he removed his duty gear, Jiang Nian pulled over a chair and sat upright before Cheng Jing could reprimand him, speaking first:

"Bro Jing, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have hidden the fact that I helped Bro Kai with Purify to get antibodies. I just thought he was so heartbroken and loved Teacher Gao so much that I had to help him. Because I feel… if it were me, I’d do the same."

Best defense is a good offense—a classic move.

"..."

Cheng Jing’s scolding died on his lips.

The little shit knew him too well. Truthfully, he’d have done the same. Besides, the one at fault was Yang Kai, not this apologetic and obedient person in front of him. So, he could only warn:

"Yang Kai sometimes acts recklessly. Don't get dragged into his bullshit. If you get hurt messing around, I’ll ground you and never let you out."

Those two together were a walking disaster—he really couldn’t relax.

Jiang Nian cooperatively raised his hands in promise:

"Got it, Bro Jing. No worries, I can't handle pain—I won’t do anything reckless."

Cheng Jing nodded:

"And your motorcycle riding..."

"I know, I’ll drive slower from now on. Today, I just got carried away having you ride with me, so I wanted to cut loose a little. I really love it when you hold me from behind."

Jiang Nian was quick with his words. As long as he didn’t argue now and buttered him up a little, he'd be off the hook.

"Mm. Be careful."

Cheng Jing couldn’t bring himself to scold him harshly. Fine, he’d let it go.

Jiang Nian took the opportunity with a yawn:

"I’m sleepy. Let’s hit the showers, Bro Jing."

"Alright."

...

At the same time, elsewhere:

Gao Xuyang sat by the bed, while Yang Kai, now forgiven, was kneeling before him and listening to his questioning:

"Our... marriage... certificate is fake? You had a thing for... Cheng Jing?"

He had overheard Jiang Nian and Yang Kai talking outside the door. After becoming a zombie, his hearing had enhanced.

If he used his Superpower, it would be even more powerful, allowing him to hear sounds from a wider range and greater distance.

Now, he only needed to absorb the energy from crystal cores, combined with Jiang Nian's Purify, and once fully recovered, he would be extremely powerful.

Yang Kai looked up at him and answered:

"The marriage certificate is fake, just for the job... But our agreement to get married was real. You promised to marry me. If nothing had happened to you, we could have gotten a real marriage certificate after finishing our mission and going on vacation."

"As for pursuing Cheng... You heard it too. Back then, I just thought working with him was great, so I wanted to try transferring my feelings. After learning about Jiang Nian's situation, I dropped those thoughts."

Their work chemistry had created an illusion—he thought Cheng's reserved personality would complement his own.

Plus, they both had "unattainable white moonlight," so they could understand each other perfectly. Neither would judge the other or demand too much.

Even when he first saw Jiang Nian, he didn’t think the two were a good match. He blamed his inexperience—he’s learned his lesson now.

"..."

"Mm."

After a long pause, Gao Xuyang nodded, then added:

"You... promise... no more risks... or divorce."

Threatening divorce was because Yang Kai was too reckless. He was anxious and scared but couldn’t stop him.

His recovery wouldn’t be easy, and if Yang Kai kept acting this way, he’d eventually hurt him. He didn’t want that to happen.

"I promise I won’t take stupid risks anymore."

Yang Kai stood up and took the opportunity to hug him:

"Don’t push me away. Let me touch you, stay by my side. I’d die without you."

This was basically blackmail, Gao Xuyang thought, returned the hug stiffly as he replied:

"Okay."

A sudden headache hit him, and broken, hazy memories flashed through his mind. Yang Kai’s words and actions felt strangely familiar—acting pitiful, threatening him, taking advantage...

Yang Kai wanted to hold him longer, but Gao Xuyang pushed him away:

"It’s late... You... should sleep."

"Okay, I’ll go get ready."

Yang Kai was reluctant but obediently got his clothes and headed to the bathroom.

To be with the one he loved, he’d been staying here lately.

Initially worried about being a bother, he would shower in the dorm before coming over. But one day, after changing here, Gao Xuyang even did his laundry for him!

He was so happy it made him dizzy—naturally, he couldn’t pass up such a perfect chance to deepen their bond.

Because he accepted their partnership as fact, Gao Xuyang, despite showing little emotion and speaking sparingly, showed his love through actions, doing everything for him with effortless ease.