Chapter 157 – Fire Seed (27)

◎ I Couldn’t Become a Saint (End of Fire Seed Arc) ◎

“Come down,” he said.

The room was filled with smoke, making it difficult for Zhuang Qingyan to breathe. He raised his hand and loosened the collar around his throat.

Knowing she had caused trouble, Song Ke shrank into the hole, revealing only half of her furry head.

Zhuang Qingyan realized his tone was too harsh and quickly lowered his voice, coaxing, “Be good, I won’t be mad at you. Come down quickly.”

Who could bear to scold a little cat, even if it was a stray cat?

Song Ke cautiously peeked out half of her body, scrutinizing Zhuang Qingyan with suspicion. Then, her spine flexed softly, and she landed silently on the ground, as if she had plushy paw pads. She still held a shiny sensor in her hand.

Luckily, the laboratory was underground, and Song Ke only broke through one layer of the ceiling. Otherwise, if people passing by outside saw it, it would be in the news. However, the newly purchased lab was now in a mess due to this incident, and it was inevitable that there would be a scolding from Ye Zimei.

Zhuang Qingyan lowered his gaze to inspect Song Ke. The spots on Song Ke’s body had mostly faded away. Although her limbs were thin, they were covered with a thin layer of muscle, making her look no different from before. The performance of the wildcat gene this time was significantly different from the hook snake gene, only inheriting biological characteristics with no external alien changes.

Because Song Ke broke the power lines, some equipment had stopped running, including the gene spectrum analyzer. Zhuang Qingyan used the remaining instruments to conduct a rough examination and found that her vital signs had returned to the normal level of a typical awakener.

“From the results, the performance of the wildcat gene is more stable.” Ning Rong’s throat was hoarse. He glanced at the spectrum analyzer because of the power interruption, and the decoding of the two genes behind was not successful. “I suggest maintaining the current situation, waiting for the hook snake gene to become recessive, and then switching to other frequency bands.”

“If you want to clarify the DNA structure in her body, you must consider the issues of solidification and radiation. It’s best to have intervals of more than a week between each experiment.”

The unknown genes in Song Ke’s body were like opening a blind box; you never knew what would come out next. If something stable, like the wildcat, was revealed, it was okay. However, if something as highly transformed as the hook snake emerged, it could potentially affect their actions for some time.

After all, reverse radiation would cause irreversible damage to the human magnetic field, which even awakeners couldn’t endure continuously; they had to take it slow.

“Here, this is the data from the just now frequency. I’ve organized it for you.” Ning Rong handed over the light screen.

“No need,” Zhuang Qingyan glanced at it and casually refused, “I’ve memorized it.”

Ning Rong frowned, showing clear disagreement. “Don’t joke around. The matter of the experiment cannot be taken lightly. A small mistake…”

Zhuang Qingyan smoothly reported a string of data, and Ning Rong immediately realized that it was the log of the crucial decoding points. He flipped to the corresponding lines on the screen, finding that they were accurate down to the last detail.

Though he had heard about it earlier, witnessing it with his own eyes was still unbelievable. This guy’s memory was simply extraordinary!

Ning Rong looked at him with an increasingly eager expression. “My work is done. Will you keep your promise?”

“Is the current challenge for you the uncontrollability of excessive radiation?” Zhuang Qingyan asked.

“In high-dose radiation, after the double-strand DNA breaks and reconnects, there’s a phenomenon of single-base pair mutation,” Ning Rong quickly explained. “I remember that Old Zhuang led a specialized study in this area, in the 27th year? Or was it the 28th year?”

Zhuang Qingyan only took a few seconds to think. “In the new calendar year 28, the second stage of the prospective experiment on Fire Seed, focusing on genetic mutation inheritance caused by radiation. I’ll send you the relevant data.”

During their conversation, Song Ke ran around cleaning up the scene, setting the overturned equipment back in place, pushing the leather recliner back, and diligently mopping the floor. Zhuang Qingyan helped with a few things, and after a simple cleanup, they were ready to leave.

Ning Rong stopped him and, with a dry tone from his gritted teeth, said, “You’ve memorized all the content of that central hub, right? Even though I don’t know how you did it, what about the rest of the Fire Seed data? Are you going to let it gather dust forever?”

The air froze for a moment.

“The Fire Seed has already failed,” Zhuang Qingyan’s tone remained steady. “Those data have no significance.”

As if a drop of water fell into hot oil, Ning Rong’s eyes turned red, and his emotions erupted completely. “How can it be meaningless? You don’t understand the importance of the Fire Seed at all!”

“Even if it failed, which step failed and why it failed, all of that is valuable experience and accumulation. As long as it can be made public, why should so many of us, for so many years, blindly stumble forward? It’s clearly something beneficial to all of humanity. If Old Zhuang were still here, he would definitely do it!”

Zhuang Qingyan suddenly clenched his fists, his straight back becoming tense. He turned around, his expression on his face reaching the utmost indifference.

“—Something beneficial to all of humanity, what does it have to do with me?”

Ning Rong froze.

“I’m not him. I have low morals, am despicably selfish; I couldn’t become a saint.”

Zhuang Qingyan lazily pocketed his hands, looking down at Ning Rong from his taller position. The light-colored eyes behind the lenses showed no warmth. “Dr. Ning, the Fire Seed project has no meaning in replication. Whether you want to do version 3.0 or ‘benefit all of humanity,’ I sincerely advise you to ask your former colleagues for the Eternal Life Project data. From a common sense perspective, that direction might yield some results, unlike banging on a bamboo basket and fetching nothing.”

Ning Rong was speechless for a moment, unable to find words.

“We’re leaving, no need to send us off.” When Zhuang Qingyan turned around, he had already resumed his usual indifferent expression.

…

On the way out of the laboratory, Song Ke silently gazed at the sharp jawline of the person next to her.

Zhuang Qingyan lowered his head and met her gaze that she hadn’t managed to divert in time. A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. “Did I startle you?”

Song Ke shook her head. “What you said, is it true?”

Zhuang Qingyan, a person who lied as naturally as he breathed, made it impossible for Song Ke to be certain about his true thoughts. But since he said he wouldn’t lie to her, she might as well ask.

“Which sentence?” Zhuang Qingyan asked with interest.

“The one about ‘all of humanity, not concerning you,'” Song Ke replied honestly.

“Of course it’s true. Whoever wants to be a savior can be one. I, on the other hand, cannot.”

Zhuang Qingyan smiled brightly. “I can’t manage everyone, but just you alone is enough to make me worry.”

He took Song Ke’s hand, and their slender fingertips interlocked, turning into a gesture of intertwined fingers.

“A wildcat is something that can’t settle down. I must keep an eye on you,” he said.

Song Ke grimaced at him but didn’t pull her hand away.

…

In Qianzhan City, the two wore masks as they strolled through the bustling streets and alleys. Song Ke wore a hooded ensemble, a style that neither of them particularly liked.

The night market was lively and bustling, with colorful flying cars soaring across the sky. The crowd enthusiastically discussed the rankings of awakeners in the Northern Base.

They boarded a floating bus headed for the inner city, which had no driver inside, and even the passengers were sparse. After the bus departed, the cool night breeze blew in from the windows. The figures below gradually shrank, becoming tiny like ants.

“Let’s visit Professor Ming and his wife tomorrow,” Zhuang Qingyan suddenly spoke.

Song Ke calculated the date, realizing that tomorrow was Ming Gang and Lucia’s wedding anniversary. “Sure.”

“Remember to bring a bouquet of flowers,” Zhuang Qingyan patted her head.

Ming Zhi’s flowers had withered; someone should replace them.

*

A dedicated starship glided through the night sky and smoothly landed at the platform.

Wearing a dark gray suit, He Qiuhong quickly walked out, her expression dignified, and a chilly wind followed her movements.

The newly appointed administrative secretary followed closely behind. “Director He, welcome back.”

During the two weeks of her suspension, He Qiuhong went on a business trip, and no one knew exactly what she did.

“Four S-level awakeners will arrive tomorrow. Arrange their citizenship matters as soon as possible,” He Qiuhong said as she walked.

“Understood.” The secretary responded, feeling amazed. Since Zhigler was severely injured and Xi Ze dropped to A-level, the number of top-tier awakeners in the Northern Base had decreased drastically. Unexpectedly, after He Qiuhong’s recent trip, she personally recruited four S-level awakeners. Her actions were quite significant.

While walking briskly, He Qiuhong inquired about other matters, “What’s the recent situation in the base?”

“There… um, V587 has returned,” the secretary reported nervously. “They just killed a level-5 ferocious beast in the Endless Sea.”

“I already know about that, so what?” He Qiuhong interrupted.

“So… from now on, their direct contact person is Senior Ye Zimei,” the secretary hesitated for a moment, then, with determination in her eyes, she said, “It’s a direct order from General Ye.”

He Qiuhong paused for a moment, then continued forward as if nothing had happened. “Whatever the General’s order is, I will follow.”

The secretary breathed a sigh of relief.

“How is the General’s health recently?”

The secretary scratched her head. How could she, a small administrative secretary, know about General Ye’s health?

He Qiuhong glanced at her. The new secretary wasn’t handy, not sharp enough. She would have to be cultivated slowly.

Taking a step forward, He Qiuhong looked down at the brightly lit city from a high vantage point. The Northern Base housed millions of high-level awakeners and countless civilians. It was the largest human settlement in the entire Alliance, also the safest fortress.

Just like countless peaceful nights in the past.

However, He Qiuhong knew that with the rise of Utopia, the tranquility after the apocalypse was being shattered.

A storm was coming.

…

Garden Apartments.

The sound of the door opening caught the attention of the five people in the living room watching the news.

“Sister~” Xu Xing, who was quietly plucking black hair from Fang Zhixu’s head, quickly stood up and hugged Song Ke’s thigh. “You’re okay!”

“Any lingering effects?” Lin Youyou, with a face mask on, asked while taking the opportunity to touch Song Ke’s waist.

“I don’t think so,” Song Ke felt itchy and smiled as she dodged.

Zhuang Qingyan followed behind. “The situation has temporarily stabilized. Don’t worry; I’ll take her for regular check-ups.”

“What are you guys watching?” Song Ke asked curiously.

Su Cha made room for her, and Song Ke tiptoed lightly to sit down.

“The news about Utopia has spread,” Lu Xiaoyu enlarged one of the screens.

After a few days of fermenting, the Utopia incident had completely heated up. Over a dozen magistrates issued a joint statement, demanding an explanation from the Central Court. Various protest marches continued in different districts, and even violent incidents breaking through blockades occurred. Unfortunately, the flying terminals were ruthlessly shot down before approaching the floating city.

Videos about Utopia spread like wildfire on the star network, overshadowing the popularity of V587 killing the Armored Sea Turtle.

On the other hand, the existence of the floating city disrupted the ecological balance, leading to abrupt global climate changes, with coastal areas being the most affected.

In Tokushima (District B16), three massive tsunamis occurred, and in Baishen (District B13), tornadoes ravaged, turning the city into ruins.

On the ultra-clear projection, severe natural disasters engulfed several cities, and Song Ke’s expression turned solemn.

“There’s another bad news, but it seems like no one cares.”

Lu Xiaoyu brought up a screen from District C’s terminal. “The aggression of zombies and ferocious beasts in the lower-level districts has increased.”

The tide of zombies became more frequent, and the ferocious beasts became more ferocious. The combat power of these post-apocalyptic creatures seemed to have invisibly strengthened.

“We’re not sure if these effects are caused by Utopia, but the situation is very grim.”

After discussing for a while, the seven people felt powerless against the current development trend of the Alliance. They could only take it step by step.

“Rest early, we’ll go see General Ye tomorrow,” Song Ke decided.

Yawning, she stood up and, passing by a row of lush potted plants, sneezed twice.

“What’s this?”

“Oh, it’s a new variety brought by the AI property management. They say it’s a feature of the Garden Apartments,” Lin Youyou casually replied.

Song Ke’s nose twitched, she sniffed lightly, and then felt the urge to sneeze again. She quickly moved away.

A small fluorescent sign fell from the flowerpot, showing a warm reminder from the AI property management:

[Silver Vine, a family of the ancient plant Kiwifruit. Be cautious if you have a cat at home.]

…

In a half-dreamy state, Zhuang Qingyan felt something on his face, a small tongue, wet and filled with a lingering sense of attachment. His sleep was usually light, and he suddenly opened his eyes, reaching back to grab the person by the neck.

“Song… Ke?”

Song Ke’s eyes were moist, with a few freckles appearing on the sides of her nose. Her two ears, for some reason, were swollen and red, possibly due to an allergy. She was lying on the bed, slowly lowering her head, licking Zhuang Qingyan’s knuckles.

Zhuang Qingyan’s pupils contracted, as if pricked by a needle, and he abruptly withdrew his hand!

The door opened slightly, and Song Ke clearly sneaked in. Her habit of not knocking on the door couldn’t be changed, but how did she end up on the bed this time?

Zhuang Qingyan half-sat up, the sheet slipping down to his waist. He then realized something, quickly putting on a T-shirt, and looked down.

Song Ke’s condition was clearly not right. Could it be that the invisible gene had problems again?

He reached out to feel the temperature on her forehead and cheeks. “Where do you feel uncomfortable? Tell me.”

Song Ke looked quietly at him, not saying a word. Suddenly, she burrowed into the duvet, rolled around intoxicatedly, and her small dimples on the cheek were filled with water, resembling ripples.

Zhuang Qingyan: “…” This didn’t seem like discomfort; it seemed extremely comfortable.

Carefully, he pulled up his legs, moved back, leaned against the bedhead, and realized something. He hurriedly put on a T-shirt, lowered his gaze, and looked at Song Ke’s somewhat abnormal state.

His hands went to touch her forehead and face’s temperature. “What’s bothering you? Hmm? Tell me.”

Song Ke rolled for a while, then on her own accord, snuggled up to him. Her eyelids were thin and reddened, and her lashes were filled with teary glimmers. She tightly hugged Zhuang Qingyan’s narrow waist, rubbing back and forth on his faint abdominal muscles. Seemingly dissatisfied, she wriggled into his arms, sneezed lightly twice.

Zhuang Qingyan felt like he was struck by lightning, and the joints of his fingers pressing on the bedsheet suddenly tightened. His hoarse voice changed, “Song Ke!”

Ignoring her, Song Ke, holding him tightly, mumbled indistinctly, then grabbed his hand and put it on her ear.

Zhuang Qingyan frowned in silence, his eyes deep like a cold pond. Song Ke, urging him, touched his wrist again.

Zhuang Qingyan clenched his fists, and the veins bulged out, joints making a “crack, crack” sound. He tried to break free, but the strength of an S7-level awakener was no joke. Even if she was unconscious at the moment, he found it difficult to escape.

After a while, Zhuang Qingyan stiffly moved his fingers, pinched the pair of reddened ears, and Song Ke made a comfortable purring sound in her throat, happily spreading her belly, finally quieting down.

On the messy bed, the sheets were half-slipped, and Zhuang Qingyan sat motionless, mechanically rubbing the ears of the wildcat in his hands, one after another, with varying degrees of force.

…

“Let’s go! Get ready to depart!”

In the early morning, Song Ke stretched lazily, full of energy.

“Hey, Captain, you slept well yesterday.” Lin Youyou came out with a yawn, still half-asleep, completely lacking the self-awareness of a female celebrity.

“Yeah! Extremely well!” Song Ke’s cheeks revealed a small dimple. It was the most sound sleep she had had in half a month. However, when she woke up, the corners of the quilt were tightly secured, and she struggled for a while before finally getting out.

Shortly after, the members of V587 gathered one by one. Fang Zhixu looked around and muttered softly, “Where’s our Princess Zhuang?”

Zhuang Qingyan, with his strong obsession for cleanliness and various picky living requirements, earned himself the nickname “Princess.” Of course, people only dared to call him that in private.

Click.

The bedroom door opened.

Zhuang Qingyan, with a low mood and a dark face, came out. When he saw Song Ke, who had a pure and puzzled expression, his steps halted.

His eyes were bloodshot, dark circles hung on his handsome face, destroying the elegance that was always on display.

“Did you not sleep well?” Song Ke showed concern.

“…Hmm.” Zhuang Qingyan was full of mixed emotions.

Passing by the balcony, Zhuang Qingyan accurately picked up one of the potted plants, glanced at the nameplate, and coldly threw it into the trash bin.

Silver Vine has long been known to elicit euphoric response in cats. The reaction to silver vine is similar to the response to catnip but appears to be more intense. Silver vine is an alternative to catnip, and many cats that do not react to catnip will respond positively to silver vine powder made from dried fruit galls. Typical behaviors include rolling, chin and cheek rubbing, drooling, and licking. The effect usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, but afterwards cats exhibit a refractory period lasting roughly an hour during which they are unresponsive to further dosage. – Wiki