Chapter 83: The Eccentric

The home computer broke down, so this chapter was written in an internet cafe, which is why the upload was delayed.

“Yes, I’m conducting research on food. After all, if I don’t make it myself, I’ll inevitably have to depend on others and eat at their mercy.”

“Haha, that’s true.” Zhao Zhuo smiled and nodded, “But you needn’t rush. What I said a few days ago was a bit much. Today, I came to apologize.”

“And also to ask whether you’d be interested in joining our research team.”

“I…” Li Qingshui was about to speak, but Zhao Zhuo interrupted him once more.

“There’s no need for you to refuse right away. I can show you the results of our group’s research. After you’ve seen them, you can decide.” Zhao Zhuo’s face radiated confidence.

“What research results?” Seeing the smile on Zhao Zhuo’s face, Li Qingshui’s interest was piqued.

“Genetic combination. The perfect arrangement of gene fragments, for application in the human body,” Zhao Zhuo continued, staring into Li Qingshui’s eyes. “And we’ve already succeeded. Interested in a tour?”

“Yes.” Li Qingshui answered without hesitation.

“Hahaha, you really are clever—none of that foolish, heroic pride.” Zhao Zhuo patted Li Qingshui’s shoulder and stood up. “I’m going up front to receive my award. When the conference ends, wait for me at the door. I’ll take you to see our group’s research achievements.”

“All right.” Li Qingshui nodded in agreement, then remained in his seat, quietly waiting until the conference concluded.

When it ended, Zhao Zhuo found him immediately. The two ignored the politicians who came over to ingratiate themselves, and left straightaway. They walked all the way to the science experiment zone, arriving at the confidential territory belonging to the first research group.

The group’s location was at the edge of the science park—unlike other areas, soldiers guarded it. To enter District One, you had to pass the first layer of security at the park’s gate and then the second, exclusive to District One inside the park. Only after clearing both could you access this secret within secrets.

Of course, with Zhao Zhuo leading the way, a familiar face, Li Qingshui had little trouble entering this place inaccessible to ordinary people. Once inside, he finally saw what set this place apart—a world of ultramodern technology, as if he’d stepped into an American sci-fi blockbuster.

Everything here, from electronic experiment tables to various devices, was clearly the most cutting-edge in the world. By Li Qingshui’s estimation, the equipment here was two or three levels superior to what he was used to. State-of-the-art biological separation equipment, genetic research devices, everything one could wish for. The lab benches were scattered with instruments of every color, and devices for observing light rays dazzled the eye.

Yet these high-tech facilities weren’t what most captivated Li Qingshui. The moment he entered, his gaze was drawn to the huge glass containers holding the bodies of laboratory mice. The mice were ordinary white mice, commonly used in labs.

But these mice gave no impression of normality. Each had a different, peculiar form—some encased in armor, some with bulging muscles, some with strange skeletal structures, some with hardened skin, some even with wings. Hundreds of these bizarre creatures were lined up, each unique, creating a surreal sense of disconnection from reality.

“These are the mice you created with gene synthesis?” Li Qingshui pointed at the creatures in the containers.

“Yes, these are experimental products.” Zhao Zhuo looked at the mice with pride. “Amazing, isn’t it? Using a separated component from the Red Mist, we extracted excellent gene fragments from various species and combined them with the mice’s own genes, creating higher-level, more adaptable organisms. Isn’t this akin to the power of creation itself?”

“Ha, the methods of creation are far less crude and violent.” Li Qingshui scoffed softly.

“Yes, it does seem crude and violent now, but we’re only at the beginning, aren’t we?” Zhao Zhuo seemed oblivious to Li Qingshui’s scorn, continuing to showcase his ‘artworks’. “Look at these artificial creatures—so strong, so competitive. If released into the wild, they’d surely survive far better than before.”

“I don’t think so.” Li Qingshui leaned closer to a container, examining the mice. “These forcibly synthesized creatures likely have no reproductive capacity, right?”

“That’s a very tough problem.” Zhao Zhuo’s face fell as Li Qingshui pinpointed the experiment’s weakest link. He shook his head, smiling wryly. “But as I said, we’re only starting out. With more research—and if you join us—these challenges can be overcome.”

“And these mice are just low-level products, relics of earlier research. Come, let me show you my true result, my real art.” Zhao Zhuo walked to the edge of the lab and opened an electronic door. “Come in with me.”

With barely concealed excitement, Zhao Zhuo beckoned Li Qingshui through the door.

Curiosity led Li Qingshui inside, to the world behind the electronic door.

A vast space opened before him.

Inside the laboratory was an enormous testing ground—though called an inner chamber, it was a hundred times larger than the outer rooms, the size of half a football field. Along the walls stood rows of glass containers, filled with thick red liquid, as viscous as concentrated Red Mist.

And suspended in the liquid were human bodies—men, women, children, infants, even the elderly.

“Human experimentation? You’re actually conducting this kind of experiment?” Seeing the bodies in the fluid, Li Qingshui’s pupils contracted sharply.

“Don’t be nervous. They’re not dead.” Zhao Zhuo walked to a container and tapped the glass.

Thump, thump, thump!

With each knock, the person inside reacted instinctively, then returned to stillness.

“See? Alive!” Zhao Zhuo grinned at Li Qingshui.

“Live experimentation is still experimentation!” Li Qingshui’s expression remained grave.

“There’s no help for it—it’s for science!” Zhao Zhuo was unfazed. “And they’re all volunteers.”

“At the dawn of the apocalypse, how many went hungry, how many died from weak resistance to infection? Without me, they’d be long dead. I’ve given them a second life—you have no right to condemn me!”

“Indeed, I don’t have the right. Nor do I wish to debate morals with you; we’re cut from different cloth.” Li Qingshui muttered quietly. “These are all your products?”

“Of course not! You underestimate me—these are only half-finished. What I’m about to show you is my true scientific achievement.” Zhao Zhuo, excited, ran to the far end of the testing ground, opened a container, and pressed a button beside it.

An electronic pulse surged through the tube connected to the person’s brain. Stimulated, the person slowly awakened.

“Up, up—now is your moment to display your abilities!” As the person opened his eyes, Zhao Zhuo shouted at him, fully awakening his consciousness.

A rush of water followed as the person began to stir.

“Up, hurry up, you useless thing—don’t fail me now!” Zhao Zhuo, standing outside the container, reached in and forcibly dragged the person out.

After another splash, Zhao Zhuo tossed the person onto the ground, giving Li Qingshui a look that said, “Wait a moment, the real show is about to begin.”

“Don’t be disappointed—he only appears weak because he’s just woken up. His muscle groups haven’t fully synced with his brain yet. Once he’s completely awake, you’ll see his power!” Zhao Zhuo nudged the person with his toe, laughing. “And you needn’t worry about danger. He’s my creation—Perfect Soldier Number One. I’ve injected him with large doses of concentrated psychoactive agents, separated from the Red Mist. These are for mental control, and far more effective than any previous drugs.”

“Right now, he only obeys my commands.” After saying this, Zhao Zhuo caught his breath. “Wait—it’ll surprise you in five minutes.”

“I’m already surprised.” Li Qingshui walked closer, looking down at the limp figure. “Is this even human? No hair, pale skin, with a hide like a rhinoceros, and muscles and bones utterly unlike any human’s. This is your product?”

“Impressive, isn’t it? Gene fragments from several of the most powerful animals combined with human genes—strong, tough, superb vision. In the wild, this one man could match a unit of fully armed elite soldiers, perhaps even surpass them.”

As Zhao Zhuo spoke, the person on the ground gradually recovered, squirming for a bit before standing up.

“Wow, look—his recovery is faster than I expected!” Zhao Zhuo cried out, excited, checking the man’s pupils and muscles. “He’s fully recovered!”

Once Zhao Zhuo confirmed the man’s full mobility, he jogged to the side of the testing ground, opened a small iron cabinet, and took out an ordinary military rifle.

“This is my usual test weapon.” He aimed the black muzzle at the so-called Soldier Number One.

“Watch—I’ll demonstrate his incredible resistance to gunfire!” (To be continued)