Chapter 189.1 – We Are V587 (4)

◎ Is Ten Carats Enough? ◎

“Mr. Zhuang… do you need me to pursue?”

At the entrance of Channel 201, the bewildered and puzzled awakeners looked around. Where was the suspect? Where was the flea?

The air was as quiet as death, and Zhuang Qingyan remained motionless, his silhouette resembling a frozen statue.

As if a long century had passed, or perhaps just a few seconds, his expression transitioned from an indescribable blankness, shock, and patience to the calmness of still waters. His Adam’s apple rolled up and down, and a hoarse voice squeezed out from between his teeth: “…no need.”

Clever as he was, Zhuang Qingyan had already confirmed that the flea was undoubtedly Song Ke. However, for some reason, she couldn’t enter the city through normal means, leading her to resort to such unconventional methods. When Zhuang Qingyan stood up, his right leg, numb and tingling from kneeling for so long, swayed slightly, and a cane was quickly handed to him by someone nearby.

His voice regained composure, and he said casually, as if nothing had happened: “Clean up the scene, I will explain this matter to General Ye.”

After dispersing the patrol team, Zhuang Qingyan called for a driverless hovercar and entered the Northern Base from Channel 201.

Just as he entered the city, the roots of his fluffy hair moved, causing a slight itch.

Zhuang Qingyan’s five fingers holding the cane tightened suddenly, and the veins on the back of his hand bulged: “If you dare to run, I will spray the entire city with Baibu Tincture.”

Baibu Tincture, a type of pesticide, primarily used to kill insects and relieve itching. The diluted spray had a stunning effect on various parasites.

The flea suddenly froze, apparently understanding human speech.

Zhuang Qingyan revealed a faint smile, but as soon as he thought that the little thing was still perched on his head, his mouth quickly straightened into a tight line: “So, you plan to enter the city this way… I’ll help you, don’t run again.”

The last few words were as light as a sigh.

…

Garden Apartment.

Zhuang Qingyan’s face was as calm as water. Limping hastily through the living room, he arrived at the private bathroom. His fingertips swiftly operated on the panel, and with a snap, the lights went out. The door locked, the windows sealed shut, creating a completely enclosed space.

Then, he began to undress – suit, tie, trousers… With one hand, he unbuttoned his shirt, pulled down the collar, revealing a slender and slim neck.

He commanded, somewhat stiffly, “Change back.”

No one responded, and silence filled the surroundings.

Zhuang Qingyan helplessly rubbed his forehead, “Since you dare to use this method, there must be a way out. At least prove that you can control the time of genetic existence. There are no outsiders here, change back.”

After a brief standoff, a tiny flea fell to the ground, emitting a faint radiation. The blurry figure gradually solidified.

Zhuang Qingyan quickly grabbed a towel and threw it over Song Ke’s head, covering her completely. In the dim natural light, a pair of white and luminous slender ankles were exposed, like polished jade, smooth and delicate.

“Clothes in the second compartment of the cabinet.”

Zhuang Qingyan frowned repeatedly at his brow, unable to endure any longer. He forcefully opened the glass door, diving into the shower, and the sound of rushing water immediately filled the air.

Two fair fingers pulled down the towel from her head. Pink pupils observed the surroundings vigilantly. After confirming it was safe, Song Ke turned and opened the cabinet door, pulling out an oversized T-shirt and putting it on casually.

A moment later, the sound of running water gradually ceased.

Zhuang Qingyan reappeared, his black hair soaked, his features clear. Clad in a thin bathrobe, uncleaned water droplets trickled along his collarbone into the neckline. Paired with his handsome and cold face, there was a subtle and dangerously alluring charm.

“Song—”

A concealed sleeve sword pressed against his throat, the blade glinting with a cold and chilling light. One step forward would result in blood splattering on the spot.

The two confronted each other, facing each other, and their faces were reflected in each other’s pupils. Then, a bit of astonishment and surprise gradually surfaced.

Zhuang Qingyan illuminated the lights with one hand, staring intently at the person before him. The cold face, snow-white long hair, nearly transparent skin—every inch between the brows and eyes presented a completely unfamiliar appearance. Rarely rendered speechless, he looked somewhat dazed.

Song Ke blinked slowly, recognizing him as the man she saw briefly in Sin City.

However, with close contact, a strange emotion surged within her. She gazed at the peach blossom eyes, vivid teardrop mole, and well-defined chin of the person before her. She felt as if every feature was somehow familiar.

“…Who are you?” Song Ke murmured.

“Zhuang Qingyan. I am Zhuang Qingyan,” Zhuang Qingyan stared at her, unblinking, enunciating each word.

“Zhuang… Qingyan?” Song Ke unconsciously repeated. Those three words lingered on her lips, as if she had uttered them countless times before.

“Have you always looked like this?” Song Ke’s eyes were filled with confusion.

Zhuang Qingyan slowly raised his hand. When Song Ke came to her senses, the blade pressed an inch, leaving a faint bloodstain on his neck. Ignoring it, he spoke in a gentle, almost humble tone, “You mentioned that you liked the original mole. During the time you were away, I modified my genes.”

His current appearance embodied both Zhuang Qingyan and Xie Zhuo, growing in accordance with Song Ke’s preferences in every aspect.

Did she say that?

Song Ke’s consciousness felt somewhat hazy. She couldn’t remember, but indeed, it looked pretty good.

Zhuang Qingyan’s slightly cool palm held the hilt, gently pressing it down. After a brief moment of surprise, he began to think quickly.

“Due to the activation of the Phoenix gene, not only did the body undergo reconstruction and the appearance change, but even memories have experienced some loss, right?”

“So, in this past year, you haven’t shown up. I thought you were intentionally avoiding me…”

Song Ke stared at him intently, honestly admitting, “Um… Actually, it took almost a year just for the reconstruction.”

“Are you affiliated with V587?” she asked softly.

Zhuang Qingyan sighed softly, “You can’t remember anything?”

“Um,” Song Ke lowered her eyelashes, her agile fingertips spinning the sleeve sword, but she showed no intention of attacking the person before her.

“…Let me tell you then, Song Keke.”

Clang! The sleeve sword fell to the ground, making a crisp sound.

Zhuang Qingyan lifted her up, placing her on the half-height sink. His hands rested on her waist, and his thin lips, almost touching her nearly transparent earlobe, said, “I am the first member of V587. You saved me with your sacrifice, and since then, I pledged my life to you, holding on to your thigh, wholeheartedly following you.”

“…” Song Ke slightly opened her mouth, chilled to the point of speechlessness.

Zhuang Qingyan chuckled lightly, abandoning his playful thoughts. He leaned down, resting his head on Song Ke’s neck, his tone exhausted and sorrowful, “All that was nonsense. I’m your teammate and boyfriend, the person closest to you in this world. Every day for the past year, I dared not sleep because once I closed my eyes, I would return to that day in Loak, and you completely disappeared before me.”

Their breaths were close, with no space for avoidance. Song Ke turned her head, gazing at his eyes. A wave of confusion washed over her mind. In the deep recesses of her consciousness, she inexplicably believed every word he said.

“Song Keke, I really miss you.”

In this position, Zhuang Qingyan held her waist, embedding Song Ke in his arms. He then pinched her chin, forcing her to tilt her head. Disregarding everything, their lips and tongues intertwined, leaving a moist impression.

Song Ke’s eyes widened, her pulse suddenly quickened, her heart pounding as if it were about to leap out of her chest, yet she had no resistance in her thoughts.

However, Zhuang Qingyan quickly stopped. His thin lips retreated slightly, and his expression became complex and indistinct. “Sorry, the genes from earlier… were too extraordinary. I have some psychological shadows.”

Song Ke: “?”

Her wrist was tightly gripped as Song Ke staggered into the shower. The showerhead turned on again, and warm water cascaded down, soaking both of them. The face-to-face position heightened a certain emotion, and Zhuang Qingyan’s breath was so scalding it made Song Ke tremble.

He cupped Song Ke’s face with both hands and descended once again.

The sound of rushing water masked the subtle movements. The steaming heat blurred the frosted glass, and the intertwined silhouettes of the man and woman reflected an ambiguous light. Outside, there was a bustling three-dimensional city with incessant aerial traffic. Inside, it was two souls consoling each other.

Bam!!

A muffled noise interrupted the warmth in the bathroom.

“Okay, now let’s talk. How much do you remember?” Ten minutes later, Zhuang Qingyan’s cheekbone was red – he was beaten by Song Ke who couldn’t bear it any more. He pressed his forehead and asked in a low voice.

“A little bit, only memories from childhood.” Song Ke pinched her thumb and forefinger, making a gesture the size of a grain of rice. The pink petals of her lips revealed a suspicious crimson, particularly noticeable against her skin tone. It was the look of someone who had done something mischievous.

Zhuang Qingyan stared for a moment longer, then awkwardly shifted his gaze away.