Taking Tang Xunan on the mission made most members of the Special Operations Department laugh in disbelief; it was like a dream come true for them. Being in the same team as Tang Xunan would at least reduce the mortality rate by thirty percent unless the mission was too outrageous. The system summarized Tang Xunan's actions: "[SSR card delivered to your doorstep for free.]"
Although Lu Yan didn't play gacha games, he vaguely knew what an SSR card was. He had a tough life from childhood, especially before Lu Cheng was taken away. However, due to the law of conservation of luck, Lu Yan unexpectedly had good fortune in other aspects of life. Buying lottery tickets would always win him a few hundred bucks, encountering rain meant someone would offer an umbrella, and even on WeChat, he had won several times in free payments. In the past, colleagues would often ask him to help pull gacha during breaks in surgeries, and seven out of ten times, he could draw an SSR, making his otaku colleagues call him "Lao Gong" (husband).
Now, the system likened Tang Xunan to an SSR card. It seemed that Tang Xunan was a good thing too. Lu Yan wasn't good with pretty words, so after a moment of thought, he simply said, "Okay, I'll consider it." As long as the mission times of the two didn't conflict, bringing Tang Xunan along wouldn't be a problem. Despite having many secrets, Lu Yan felt that he could try to trust Tang Xunan.
The nerves Tang Xunan had been tensing for a long time finally relaxed because of Lu Yan's words. "Then rest well," he said, taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to touch Lu Yan's damp head. Stepping back, he turned and left. Lu Yan closed the door and lay on the bed, sighing to the system, "The bath was in vain."
[...?]
After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Should I wear a bathrobe down to the waist next time?"
[...?!]
The system sneered, "[It's useless. Men start declining after the age of 25, and Tang Xunan is over a hundred.]"
Lu Yan thought it was unlikely; after all, he was turning 27 soon, and he didn't feel incapable. Unable to sleep, Lu Yan took out his phone and browsed the posts on the Tianqi Forum. In the Watering Area, discussions about the Blood Moon incident were heated.
【Shocking! Insider information, Blood Moon's descent is due to the arrival of an evil god!】
【Blood Moon is one of the abnormal atmospheric phenomena; there's no need to overreact.】
【Is it still time to go back to our hometown and farm?】
...
Lu Yan asked the system, "Red moons are appearing all over the world. Is it because of my brother?" Even in his mind, his voice became very soft when mentioning "brother," as if afraid of disturbing someone's sleep.
After a moment of silence, the system answered, "[Yes.]"
"He's really powerful."
[Someday, you can be too.]
On the forum, Michael sent several messages. He said he had recovered and asked how Lu Yan and Yan Bei were. Lu Yan replied, "I'm fine. Yan Bei will ask tomorrow." He didn't have Yan Bei's contact information and planned to ask his liaison tomorrow; it was too late today to disturb.
At four in the morning, when Lu Yan refreshed, the Tianqi Forum finally issued the official announcement of the Blood Moon incident. According to the official statement, the "Blood Moon" was an extremely low-probability abnormal phenomenon after the global spread of pollution. After the Blood Moon ended, the concentration of pollution would also decrease compared to before, and there was no need to panic.
"Tianqi Forum has been established for 83 years. From being exclusive to Special Operations Department members to open to all Tianqi users, the forum's management and system have undergone several reforms. Since the day of its establishment, some have predicted that humanity would be extinct within 100 years. But 80 years have passed, we are still alive, and we still have hope. Our compatriots can still live above ground, bathing in the same sunlight as those pollutants they are completely helpless against."
"All of this is thanks to your efforts."
"Someday, humanity will completely conquer the pollution, just as it did in the past with the Black Death, smallpox, and malaria."
The post was signed by the headquarters of the Disease Prevention and Control Center.
Lu Yan clicked on this account and found its previous post, apologizing to all Tianqi users for the violation of regulations by the First Research Institute. The post was a hot topic on the forum, with over three thousand layers of comments, mostly scolding.
Feeling a bit tired, Lu Yan opened his palm, and his fingers extended slightly, making his hand a bit longer. In a low-level distortion state, the last segment of the finger bones wasn't obvious, but in a highly distorted state, these hands could be used as weapons.
"Because of your hand, Tang Xunan discovered something," the system said. "But he chose to hide it from headquarters."
At Lu Yan's will, the palm opened a crack, revealing sharp teeth inside. A golden cross was embedded at the root of Wang Yu's tongue.
In the past, although Lu Yan couldn't pinpoint the location of Big Boy, he could vaguely sense its emotions. Now, Big Boy had completely lost its thoughts and become a handy tool.
"Don't pull out the cross. In another month, Wang Yu's consciousness can completely disappear."
"I hope you won't do something stupid like changing your mind halfway."
After all, it was something that had accompanied him through life and death. However, Lu Yan was not a sentimental person; he quickly detached himself from this useless emotion.
Four in the morning.
Xiao Tian lay on the edge of Tang Xunan's bed, looking quite puzzled. He sighed for the seventh time today, "In the middle of the night, why did you... why did you come back?"
"Of course, I'm not saying something must happen. But from the past to now, just 3 minutes, 3 minutes. What can happen in 3 minutes?"
"Tang Xunan, are you unable to perform?"
Unable to sleep, Tang Xunan was still going through the files sent by his liaison. He felt it was time to pick a day to neuter the dog.
The files sent by the liaison mainly contained information about Lu Yan's life from childhood. It couldn't be considered confidential, and Tang Xunan didn't actively request it. Still, the other party sent the information over, citing it as backup candidate data.
It was an unavoidable matter. As long as you stood in a high position, even if you didn't express any attitude, there would be people trying to please you.
The information about Lu Yan made him feel distressed. Tang Xunan even began to doubt the decisions he had made in the past.
But maybe it was just a small deviation, and it might not be the same Lu Yan he saw now.
Xiao Tian walked over, nudging his shoulder. "How about we have a more romantic confession? I can see that Dr. Lu has some feelings for you too."
Tang Xunan looked at him. "But I don't have much time left."
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Tian finally understood what he meant.
It was very puzzling. "Who curses themselves like this? Tianqi users have long lifespans; I can see you living for another one or two hundred years without any problem..."
"Not the same."
Xiao Tian sneered, "Okay then. When you die, I'll burn Dr. Lu's family portrait for you."
After saying that, he walked away angrily.
The next day, after Lu Yan woke up, he called his liaison.
Director Li stated that Yan Bei was still at the headquarters of the Disease Prevention and Control Center in City A.
"Although Qiong Shu's mental state is relatively stable, the headquarters is concerned that Subject 01 and 07 might infiltrate human society and abduct other experimental subjects. Recently, Subject 01 has established a base called Hound Base. It was originally Public Weibin's experimental base... Inside, many pollutants injected with dog genes have been released."
"Hound Base has been designated as a new S-level contamination zone in the latest meeting. Both 01 and 07 are advanced pollutants. Although they have not shown aggression for now, they are still quite dangerous. Moreover, the whereabouts of Subject 04 and 09, who were abducted, are still unknown."
"The headquarters suspects that 01 will turn Subject 04 and 09 into pollutants. If successful, it will be troublesome. 01 has been quite hostile towards human society so far."
Not all Tianqi users, after breaking through a contamination level of 100, can become perfect evolved species. Even if they become perfect evolved species, they may not retain their sanity. Just like the Dragon Maiden at Dragon Maiden Lake in the past.
If they become ordinary pollutants, even with a high contamination value, it's no different from death.
Lu Yan took a taxi and arrived at the Disease Prevention and Control Center. On the way, he had breakfast.
The Disease Prevention and Control Center had a permanent staff of 140 people, and occasionally Tianqi users would come for a free meal. Therefore, the food was good.
When he arrived, Yan Bei was painting. It had been many years since he picked up a paintbrush, making his movements seem hesitant.
Yan Bei was painting the scene from Kroman Manor before. However, with his embellishments, the scene was not eerie. Especially where Lu Yan was, the original dark forest and thorns had bloomed into roses. Those who didn't know might think they were on a spring outing.
"He does like you. Because you represent pure, standard beauty," Xiao Tian commented as Yan Bei painted.
Yan Bei was focused on his painting.
The staff member responsible for taking care of him said, "Qiong Shu doesn't have many friends. He spends almost all his free time painting. Dr. Di, if you're not busy, you can come and see him more. He likes going out with you."
Almost every staff member hopes that the Tianqi user they take care of will be well.
Just like Tang Xunan's liaison, who also hopes that Di Ting and the Tyrant can have a love affair.
After thinking for a moment, Lu Yan said, "If it's just as friends, it's okay. Anything more, I can't give." The staff member understood his implied meaning, so she smiled somewhat reluctantly. "Alright. Do you need me to call him for you?"
Lu Yan replied, "No need. I'll just check on him. As long as he's okay, that's enough. I'll go hand over a task."
Although the mission at Kroman Manor was completed, Lu Yan had not submitted the report, so he had not received the 70,000 contribution points.
He came to the Disease Prevention and Control Center this time not only to visit Yan Bei but also to hand over another task.
He also wanted to see if there was a chance to take on a new one.
The brain flower in the Divine Realm had been cooked to three-quarters done. According to the system, it was still in critical condition.
It had even fallen directly from the altar of S-level pollutants because of the Divine Realm's blockade. The news had not yet spread, but in any case, it was very suitable to be resolved now.
Almost the moment Lu Yan left.
Yan Bei stopped painting.
He bit his lip, silently shedding tears while looking at the painting in front of him.
The staff member was quite at a loss. "Isn't a new exhibition about to open? The painting is not finished yet; don't think about other things..."
She was a softly spoken woman, looking quite similar to Yan Bei's deceased mother.
Yan Bei continued to cry, but his voice had become steady. "I know, it's okay. Just a moment, it'll be okay."
Unlock exclusive early access to 100s of Chapters before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.
As a cherished member of our Patreon community, here is what you'll get:
For just $5, you'll receive:
- Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public. (You can find all the novels I'm translating HERE.)
- Your name will be prominently featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".
- The power to vote on which novel I translate next.
- You Get Ad-free Chapters.
If you decide to pledge $10, you'll get all the perks from the $5 tier, plus:
- You get to suggest a Novel for me to translate.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in gold).
And if you're feeling generous with a $20 pledge, you'll unlock all the perks above:
- You get to recommend an abandoned Novel and I will immediately start translating it.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in blue).
Plus, you can Cancel your membership at any time.
Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
