Chapter 10: Above the High-rise

Chapter 10: Atop the Skyscraper

A genuine tear traced a path down his cheek.

His subordinates stiffened!

All cautiously suppressed their smiles, eyes darting. Qi He—they had heard of him: capturing Ying Zhen alive, a major hero in quelling the base’s rebellion.

A burden? What burden?

A burden that landed their boss an entire base to command?!

The adjutant’s teeth even tingled with envy: promoted to colonel—what burden could there be?!

In the hushed atmosphere, Yan Chuanbai regarded Qi He with a faint, enigmatic smile. Then, he lightly flicked his thumb.

Qi He felt a sudden chill on his cheek.

The tear froze into ice and dropped with a soft tap.

Yan Chuanbai slowly stated, "You haven’t burdened me, but now, it seems you’re trying to harm me."

Qi He raised a hand to wipe the ice shards from his face.

He automatically ignored the latter part. "As long as you don’t blame me."

Yan Chuanbai hinted meaningfully, "I wouldn’t dare." The last person who blamed you has already been… *optimized* by you.

Beside them, the adjutant glanced left and right.

Curious about Qi He, he leaned in closer. "By the way, you’re the one who took down Ying Zhen, right? What’s your superpower? It must be S—"

A gun barrel suddenly pressed against his stomach.

Yan Chuanbai nudged him away with the gun, casting a sharp, warning glance. "...Be careful."

The adjutant, "?"

The System: "He’s implying something about you."

"I understood."

Qi He met the adjutant’s bewildered eyes: "He means the more charming, the more dangerous."

"......" Everyone.

"......" Yan Chuanbai.

A voice broke the silence at just the right moment.

You Tianxing swept in like a whirlwind, his white lab coat billowing. "Ah, sorry for the wait, sorry for the wait~" He turned and spotted Yan Chuanbai and the others. "You’re here too? Do you still have something to discuss?"

Yan Chuanbai, "I’m done. Do you have something?"

You Tianxing cheerfully replied, "Oh, then come on in together."

…

Yan Chuanbai dismissed his subordinates.

You Tianxing greeted Qi He and led him into the adjacent office.

The sensor door slid open, revealing a clean, light-colored interior. A potted plant stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Please, have a seat."

Qi He sat at the desk as You Tianxing brewed a cup of tea.

In the post-apocalyptic world, tea had become a rarity. A steaming cup was pushed toward him. Qi He took a sip, and a calming fragrance filled the air.

He looked at You Tianxing. "You wanted to see me."

You Tianxing observed him for a few moments. Surprisingly, he didn’t mention Ying Zhen or Qi He’s superpower. Instead, with a mix of complexity and admiration, he said:

"Sigh… so you’re the one Yan Chuanbai brought to blow up my instrument."

Qi He, "......"

Don’t make it sound like he’s some portable weapon.

Yan Chuanbai chuckled ungraciously, as if confirming his earlier warning to "be careful."

You Tianxing ignored it, resting his chin on his hand. "Well, since we’re here, tell me—how did you manage to blow up that instrument?"

Qi He recalled, "I just touched it."

You Tianxing smiled. "...Are you saying it was as fragile as a bubble?"

Qi He offered consolation. "Out with the old, in with the new."

A long sigh followed. "I was just working on the new…" You Tianxing leaned back, gazing at the ceiling. "From what I’ve observed, you must be S-class too. So you should understand this: superpower levels below S-class are like pouring water into a limited container—they can be measured with a scale."

"But beyond S-class, superpowers are like immeasurable seawater—no upper limit, no easy standard."

He pointed. "Right now, including you, there are four S-class individuals in the base. The sample size is too small. There isn’t enough data to support experiments."

Qi He fell silent for a few seconds.

Speaking of data, he had just tested a perfect "sample"…

But that was under the condition that he and Ying Zhen had engaged in a mental battle, and his mental strength surpassed Ying Zhen’s.

"If positive measurement isn’t possible, reverse confrontation could work. That way, a large sample isn’t needed."

You Tianxing paused slightly.

Qi He continued, "When I broke free from Ying Zhen’s mental control, the time it took kept shortening. This suggests that even above S-class, there are distinctions and room for growth."

He turned to Yan Chuanbai. "Back then, you…"

He suddenly cut himself off, noticing Yan Chuanbai watching him quietly, his gaze profound. Qi He shifted his tone. "...how many seconds were you controlled?"

Yan Chuanbai’s lips curled very slightly. "Less than a second."

You Tianxing’s eyes grew brighter.

He was a genius in research—a single sentence was enough to make everything click.

He sprang to his feet and called for his assistant. "Xiao Lin! Notify the lab—we’re having a meeting. Change the research direction for levels above S-class—"

With that, he rushed out like a whirlwind.

After five steps, he turned back and patted Qi He on the shoulder. "I won’t hold it against you for blowing up my 'big son.' But just wait till 'Nirvana' is born—you’re in for it!"

He added, "Oh, right. Since you’re Class S, once your ID card is updated in a couple of days, you’ll move into the high-rise too."

After rattling all that out, he vanished like the wind.

*Click.*

The sensor door closed, leaving only the two of them in the office.

Qi He and Yan Chuanbai held eye contact for two seconds.

Yan Chuanbai stood up first. "Nothing else to do. Let’s go." He paused briefly, then concluded, "Sometimes, there’s only a thin line between a madman and a genius."

Qi He pondered. "Are you saying he’s about to go mad?"

Yan Chuanbai headed out. "I’m saying he’s about to become a success."

"..."

---

The next day, the new ID card arrived.

**[Qi He, Class S Superpowered.]**

Along with it came an access card.

It could unlock the doors of both the research institute and the high-rise, and it included his unit number: 28-1.

Qi He didn’t have much to pack, so he moved in right after packing up.

The high-rise stood at the center of the base.

Once again, it was sunset. The glaring light of the setting sun reflected off the glass exterior, making the building appear even more imposing when viewed from below.

Qi He stood in front of the tower, looking up.

Though he’d only been here a few days, it felt as though countless memories were surfacing. He sighed:

"The last time I came here was…"

System: "When you were laying siege to the base."

Qi He paused, then said gently, "That’s an overstatement."

But despite causing such a major deviation, he hadn’t received any warnings from higher dimensions. It seemed that as long as it didn’t affect the key plot—keeping Yan Chuanbai in Base I—the process didn’t matter.

"Let’s go." Qi He stepped into the high-rise.

As his figure disappeared through the entrance.

High above, a figure stepped back from behind a window, lightly curled, pale hair brushing past their back.

…

The high-rise had 32 floors.

The elevator used iris scan. Class S privileges were high, granting access to any floor.

Qi He pressed the button for the 28th floor.

The elevator ascended, stopped, and the doors opened with a "ding!"

Outside the elevator was only one unit. Labeled 28-1, but Class S Superpowered individuals occupied an entire floor.

Qi He opened the door, and the room came into view.

The entire floor was spacious and minimalist, fully equipped. Most striking were the one-way panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows encircling the room, offering a 360-degree uninterrupted view.

From such a central high vantage point, the entire base was visible, even the patrol zone beyond the gray walls.

Qi He gazed into the distance. "No wonder Class S lives here."

It was less of a high-rise and more of the base’s lookout tower.

He closed the door and began unpacking.

Outside, night gradually fell.

Below, only the energy pipes extending from the research institute and the floating crystal cores refracted fragmented glimmers of light.

Suddenly, two knocks sounded at the door.

Qi He walked over and opened it.

Yan Chuanbai stood outside.

He was still in his crisp uniform, as if he’d just returned from the military department. His tall figure blocked part of the light from the elevator lobby, casting a shadow in the entryway.

Qi He looked surprised and greeted, "An uncommon visitor."

He’d meant it as a polite remark, but after their "parting ways" conversation a few days prior, the words "uncommon visitor" carried an inexplicable hint of sarcasm.

Yan Chuanbai let out a dry, faint laugh.

System exclaimed, "Yan Chuanbai actually came to see you of his own accord!"

Qi He: "Yeah, it’s practically like…"

"The emperor’s brother walking into a den of traps."

Qi He smiled slightly, his gaze like a brisk spring wind.

He stepped aside, indicating Yan Chuanbai could come in.

In the post-apocalyptic world, people didn’t stand on ceremony—no need to change shoes indoors. Yan Chuanbai didn’t refuse and followed him inside.

The spacious open floor plan was lit only by a single strip of lights.

Qi He didn’t ask why he’d come so late.

He poured him a glass of water, then leaned against the desk, gazing casually out the window. Yan Chuanbai didn’t rush to speak either, standing just a few feet away.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Strangely enough, he and Yan Chuanbai didn’t know each other well, but standing like this didn’t feel awkward or tense.

Yan Chuanbai’s eyes lingered on him.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window lay a deep night sky.

Qi He's profile was reflected in the glass, his gaze bright, radiating a calm but lively energy that seemed out of place in the post-apocalyptic world.

Dressed in white, he spoke in terms of data. Anyone unaware might mistake him for a researcher in the lab.

Yet just a few days ago, he had aimed a gun at a Class S psychic superpowered.

Yan Chuanbai lowered his gaze, fingertips tapping lightly.

The system was on high alert: "Yan Chuanbai's look is off—is he trying to pump you for information again?"

"Just prying for info, not trying to bag my head."

As soon as Qi He finished speaking, Yan Chuanbai spoke up: "This is for you."

An object was handed over.

A golden medal lay on a black leather glove, with a metal chain coiled around it and a ribbon attached.

"You were instrumental in securing the base. This medal is awarded to you by headquarters."

Taking down Ying Zhen was just a side thing; he hadn’t expected Yan Chuanbai to report it to headquarters.

Qi He reached out and took it, feeling its weight settle in his palm.

At the same time, the soft leather brushed against his palm—a brief, warm touch.

Yan Chuanbai said slowly, "Don’t sell this medal short—"

Qi He was intrigued, "What can it be used for? Like a 12% discount at the base store?"

"You can unfasten the ribbon to hang it around your neck."

"..."

Qi He hung it around his neck, "Point taken."

Yan Chuanbai seemed to quirk his lips slightly, then added, "Headquarters asked me to ask if you’d be interested in joining the military?"

So that was the reason.

Who knew what twists the plot would take later?

Qi He shook his head, "I’ll pass."

Yan Chuanbai didn’t push it, "Alright."

After saying this, he set down his cup and prepared to leave. Qi He saw him to the door, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his uniform, his glance trailing past his shoulder toward the elevator.

He asked, "Which floor do you live on?"

"Above you."

The 29th floor. The 30th floor had previously been occupied by Ying Zhen, and above that were two more floors, likely for You Tianxing and the other Class S superpowered, Yu Jiang.

"Have you met the other Class S?"

Yan Chuanbai paused while opening the door, "Yes."

Qi He was curious, "What are they like?"

Yan Chuanbai frowned almost imperceptibly, "...Hard to talk to."

"?"

He added, "Not the same kind of 'hard to talk to' as you."

"??"

Qi He looked at him, his tone calm, "To be honest, your personal feelings toward me seem a bit intense."

Yan Chuanbai chuckled lightly, "You deserve it."

With that, he closed the door with a *thud*.

---

The next day, Qi He also accepted a mission.

Outside-city missions required at least a team of three. Nowadays, he usually teamed up with Ye Yi and Mo Jiayan. Meng Yan had gone to the research greenhouse, believing she was better suited for crop research.

After finishing the mission and returning home, his communicator chimed twice.

Qi He picked it up and saw a message from Meng Yan.

**[Meng Yan]:** Today’s research accidentally yielded an excess—aside from growing like crazy, they’re all edible! I’ll share a pack with you. Should I bring it to your place tonight?

...Growing like crazy?

**[Qi He]:** [Bowl emoji]

**[Qi He]:** Ok, come up and we’ll eat together. I’ll get you temporary access.

Area A was close to the high-rise.

Qi He waited at home for a while before the door was knocked.

He opened the door, and a wave of greenery flooded in, almost burying him. "…!" Qi He stepped back, only to see Meng Yan poking her head out from behind the lush vegetables, beaming:

"We came to see you!"

"..."

He dragged in a head of lettuce as tall as he was, "Please, come in."

A huge heap of veggies took up half the couch.

Qi He sifted through the pile, fishing out a tomato from a cluster of cabbages. He paused, then kept digging, untangling scallions from a pile of potatoes.

He marveled, "So this is what you meant by 'growing like crazy'..."

Meng Yan ducked her head shyly, "Is it too many vegetables?"

Qi He had already gathered some potatoes and carrots, washed them, and was getting ready to make a stew. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Then let’s invite Ye Yi and the others too. Can you shoot a message for me..."

His hands were full, so Meng Yan picked up his communicator, "Who all should I message?"

"Just everyone in my contacts. Send it to all."

"Oh, okay." Meng Yan drafted a message and, without looking further, hit 'select all' and sent it.

…

Just past seven o'clock, there wasn't much going on today.

Yan Chuanbai attended a brief military meeting and then headed back to his quarters from the research institute.

Just as he was about to reach the door, his comms rang.

It was Zhong Panqing from headquarters. Yan Chuanbai stopped by the roadside, a ways from the entrance, and answered the call.

"Major General Zhong."

The standard greetings came rapid-fire.

Over the comms, Yan Chuanbai wasn't standing at attention at all; he leaned lazily against a tree, one hand in his pocket.

While on the call, he saw You Tianxing coming down the road from afar.

The other person noticed him and waved with a smile.

Yan Chuanbai gave a casual chin lift in response and continued listening to the call. A while later, Zhou Ziqian also passed by ahead. Seeing him on the call, Zhou seemed to mouth the words:

"...I'll go first..."

Yan Chuanbai scowled, temporarily too preoccupied to pay attention.

Five minutes later, a petite figure came bouncing by.

Yan Chuanbai's gaze lingered: he remembered this person—a temporary teammate he had met when he first arrived at the base, likely a Class A super. He wondered what they were up to at the high-rise...

Another three minutes passed, and Ye Yi's figure appeared.

Yan Chuanbai finally straightened up a bit: ?

Her figure disappeared behind the automatic door.

Zhong Panqing's call finally ended. Suppressing a weird feeling, Yan Chuanbai took long strides into the high-rise.

As he entered, Ye Yi had just asked security to call the elevator for her.

Yan Chuanbai stepped into the same elevator.

Ye Yi saw him. "Colonel Yan."

Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but perhaps thinking they weren't familiar enough, she swallowed her words and reached out to press a button: floor 28.

Yan Chuanbai's eyes dropped to the button.

Then he pressed the 29th floor.

Ye Yi whipped her head around, giving him a surprised look.

Yan Chuanbai: "...?"

But in the end, she said nothing. The elevator soon arrived at floor 28—*ping*! The doors opened. Ye Yi nodded at Yan Chuanbai, averted her eyes, and stepped out.

The elevator doors slowly closed before his eyes...

Suddenly, a hand slammed the door-open button!

The doors reopened. Yan Chuanbai took a deep breath, carrying a weird, nagging feeling, and stared out into the hallway.

Outside the door was Qi He's unit.

**Author's note:**

Weekend party, who wasn't invited? [Milk Tea]