Chapter 88

Chapter 88

The steamed buns were gone.

Lu Yan gave it some serious thought. Should he go back to the Azure Dragon Reservoir, or just head home?

[Go home and sleep. The reservoir doesn't need you for the cleanup.]

After a moment's consideration, Lu Yan agreed. He swiped his card and boarded the bus. "Where's Tang Xian'an?"

The system responded slowly. [Third Research Institute. After the fight, his aberration index was too high. They took him there for emergency containment.]

"Is it serious?"

The system seemed to deliberate. [He won't die.]

Settling into his seat, Lu Yan asked, "Can I visit him? As family?"

[Even if you went to the Third Institute now, you probably wouldn't get to see him. The puppy-dragon's sanity is still recovering. In the researchers' eyes, meeting him would be too dangerous.]

So, Lu Yan went home to sleep.

Over the phone, Zhou Qimeng informed him that Sector B2 had been cleared and told him to get some proper rest. Headquarters had already notified his team via text message about his abduction by 01.

When Lu Yan arrived home, Xiao Tian shot forward. "Doctor Lu! You're back!"

As a member of Tang Xian'an's household, the dog had already learned his whereabouts from messages sent by Bai Ze and the others.

Xiao Tian fetched slippers, dropping them at Lu Yan's feet. He wagged his tail furiously, sniffed Lu Yan intently, and then his fur bristled. "Why do you smell like another dog?! Which stray rubbed up against you?!"

Hundreds of kilometers away, 01, cradling 04's life-support pod, suddenly sneezed.

Lu Yan hung his bow on the wall. "When will Tang Xian'an be back?"

Xiao Tian's front paws shuffled nervously on the floor. "Old Tang? He has to attend a debriefing. And there are some other matters to handle…"

"Ugh, you got all dirty on the mission! It breaks my heart." The dog started nudging Lu Yan's waist with his head. "I ran a hot bath for you, Doctor Lu. Get cleaned up and go to bed."

The system snorted. [See? Even the dog has better lines than Tang Xian'an.]

Most of the time, Lu Yan's tone was flat, devoid of inflection, like the ECG of a corpse.

But the moment the system finished speaking, Lu Yan hissed a low command. "Shut up."

The system fell silent for a long time.

After his bath, Lu Yan couldn't find his pajamas. He dug out some loungewear and went to sleep.

Just as he was drifting off, a soft, choked sobbing echoed in his mind.

[Wahh… you're so mean… you're mean to me… Have you forgotten who fought by your side to conquer this kingdom?]

[Now that I'm old, you think I'm ugly. No tail, no cyber-dick! Tell me, what does he have that I don't? Tell me!]

Lu Yan: "…"

He felt an overwhelming urge to crack his own skull open and dig the system out.

Lu Yan slept straight through until afternoon. The sky was still bright when he woke. His phone held no new messages, only a questionnaire from headquarters, requesting a detailed account of his cleanup mission inside the First Research Institute.

Every employee who had entered the First Institute that day had received one.

Due to his unique circumstances, Lu Yan's version included several additional questions. How he had encountered 01; whether he knew 07 and Shen Qingyang; and why he believed 07 and Shen Qingyang had intervened to save him.

Lu Yan lay in bed, slowly typing out his report on his phone.

[Things haven't been quiet in City A. While you were sleeping, a high-ranking official shot himself in his bedroom.]

[After separate interrogations, most researchers admitted to their unauthorized experiments. But some remain adamant they were persecuted.]

[From now on, besides Awakened, research personnel will also undergo regular mental state checks.]

"And the experimental subjects?" Lu Yan asked.

[No conclusion yet. Their spiritual power thresholds were mostly built up with medication and pollution sources. Their conditions aren't particularly stable to begin with… let alone after what they endured. But the experiments will definitely not continue.]

[The 'Deification Project' was a complete farce from the start. I admit, fear is the greatest force driving humanity forward—or dragging it forward. From the 'Torch Project' to 'Deification,' it's just humanity changing its attitude to solve the problem… Pollution, aberration, evolution, Awakening. Humanity places itself at the center, defining the unknown. But from beginning to end, it's all driven by fear.]

[The weaker the mind, the more easily it's shattered by fear. Our current civilizational structure is no exception.]

[If we can't find a solution, or a method of balance, similar events will recur… Not necessarily unauthorized experiments, but doing anything to solve the pollution problem, just dressed up in more tragic, more 'righteous' forms.]

[The puppy-dragon fears too. Only, he's not afraid of the pollutants. He's afraid of himself—the self that might become a pollutant and lose his mind.]

A few of Tang Xian'an's bullets were still lying on the shooting range. Wang Yu tried to sneak a taste, but Lu Yan pinched its tongue-tip.

Xiao Tian had no heart for watching streamers. He put on a strained, cheerful face, sticking close to Lu Yan, finding busywork all day. Luckily, he was a dog. No one could really tell he was miserable.

The next afternoon, an investigator sent by headquarters arrived. He introduced himself as Tang Xian'an's teammate, codename Bai Ze.

Bai Ze carried an air of a gentle, amiable young teacher, the kind that made people lower their guard easily. His talents were hypnosis and clue perception. He was a registered B-Class Awakened.

As a support-type Awakened, Bai Ze possessed a high spiritual power threshold and a low aberration index. In headquarters' internal polls, he consistently ranked among the top three most trusted Awakened.

"While this is technically a follow-up investigation," Bai Ze began, "I'm not really here for that. It's just procedure, so here I am. Our conversation will be recorded… Ah, my liaison is yelling in my earpiece, telling me not to be so blunt and put you on edge."

"Due to some… embarrassing history, having connections to pollutants puts headquarters on high alert." Bai Ze continued, "I'm just here to ask about your relationship with 07 and Shen Qingyang, how you know them. As for the rest, headquarters is investigating on its own."

Shen Qingyang's official codename at headquarters was finally changed from "Blue-Eyed Octopus" to the formal designation "Black Octopus." When he was finally placed in temporary containment, staff had taken photos. His former human identity had been largely uncovered.

Lu Yan couldn't say they were close, but they weren't complete strangers either.

"You really are blunt," Lu Yan said.

He explained how he'd met Shen Qingyang, stating he hadn't seen him since the other man escaped the K City Pollution Disease Prevention Center.

As for 07, he omitted the part about placing an order with the Pig-Head Butcher, expressing sympathy for their plight during the conversation.

Bai Ze recorded everything faithfully and, unable to resist, stayed for dinner at Tang Xian'an's place.

Lu Yan cooked. Sweet and sour mandarin fish, and minced pork with eggplant. Both perfect with rice.

Since the investigation was over, Bai Ze turned off the recorder and cut external communications during the meal. His hair was slightly long; when he pushed it back, white bird feathers were visible near his ear.

Lu Yan couldn't hold back. "Where's Tang Xian'an?"

Bai Ze's chopsticks paused. "On a mission overseas. It won't be quick…"

"He just finished a mission, facing 01, an experimental subject in full aberration. Now he's skipping recovery and sent on another mission." Lu Yan's words were measured. "Does headquarters even see him as human?"

Bai Ze sensed the implication. Though the food was excellent, his appetite faded.

He thought for a moment. "I've been with the organization for thirty-two years. I believe I've gained more than I've lost, but I've thought about quitting too. Many Awakened, after gaining power, lose their direction in life due to shifting mindsets, extended lifespans, easily acquired wealth. Headquarters has always worked to reintegrate Awakened into human society."

"When my father was alive, he was the richest man in Dongzhou Province." Bai Ze pointed at himself. "I became Awakened during the early stages of the Pollution Disease outbreak, seventy years ago. My father was just a modestly successful merchant. Because of me, he secured many favorable commercial and government contracts. Later, he became the largest real estate developer in the country."

"I risked my life out there, buying my family wealth and status. I thought it was worth it. Until one day I returned home and found I had a younger brother. I was still my parents' child, but also… not. My status at home was high, but I had no family."

"For a time, I was stuck in that thought. I believed they were just using me, that they never loved me."

Bai Ze gave a self-deprecating smile. "I left the Special Operations Department. Didn't go home for a long time. My mother developed dementia. She waited by the door every day for me to come home. My father's will listed me as the primary beneficiary. Before my brother died of illness, he said he was proud to have a brother like me."

"Using me and loving me weren't mutually exclusive. The relationship between headquarters and the Awakened… comparing it to family might not be perfect, but it's roughly the same."

"Headquarters has never given up on Tang Xian'an. They have never treated him as a monster. An organization that large... inevitably, not everyone is of one mind. You'll see things that aren't so good. But the majority of ordinary people working at headquarters—the Special Operations Department, the Research Institutes, the Pollution Disease Prevention Centers—I promise you, they hold a genuine, heartfelt respect for those who run into the fire."

"My talents are hypnosis and clue perception. I'm especially sensitive to how others truly feel. If the overall attitude at headquarters was just using the Awakened, I would have run for the hills long ago. And I would have tried to drag Team Leader Tang with me. Humanity would be doomed."

"Besides, having been raised human myself since childhood... how could I ever turn my back on them completely?"

Bai Ze finally took a deep breath and picked up his chopsticks again.

"I don't know what you've sensed, but Tang Xian'an isn't on a mission. His aberration index is too high. He's receiving treatment. He can't see you right now. Once his condition stabilizes, if you wish, someone will bring you to him."

"Oh, and I turned off my earpiece and recorder ages ago. No need to worry about our conversation leaking... In fact, Mr. Lu, I know you haven't been entirely truthful with me either."

"In my vision, a big, bright question mark has been floating above your head this whole time. Clue perception. It's like that. But it's fine. I trust you, because Team Leader Tang does."

His words caught Lu Yan off guard. "Thank you."

Bai Ze smiled. "No need. And, well, Team Leader Tang wasn't lying. You really are an amazing cook."

*

On the fourth day after the mission, headquarters issued a formal notice through the app. A list of disciplinary actions against certain personnel from the First Research Institute. The maximum penalty: execution.

Justice delayed was not justice. But it could, at least, offer some solace to the dead.

On the seventh day, Lu Yan was cleaning Tang Xian'an's apartment when someone from the Third Research Institute finally showed up.

At first, when Lu Yan tried to do chores, Xiao Tian would bark, a mop strapped to his waist, and come charging over, shouting that it simply would not do.

Later, he realized housework was actually Lu Yan's way of relieving stress, and gave up, returning to his streamers.

Even the Institute staff member seemed surprised to see the mop in Lu Yan's hand.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lu. Professor Ji Wen sent me to inform you that Team Leader Tang's condition has stabilized..." The staff member produced a thick file folder. "These are his medication and surgical records from this period. This disc contains 24-hour surveillance footage. All our procedures and protocols are strictly by the book. Please rest assured, Team Leader Tang is recovering well."

'Stabilized' meant he had shifted from his draconic form back to human, and his mental state had normalized.

[It's still the period of investigation and reform. They've rewritten a lot of the rules regarding surgical procedures for the Awakened.]

[Given the concerns you expressed in your conversation, and some of the information 03 provided, headquarters believes you are currently in a state of extreme distrust toward the Institutes. That's why they specifically had the staff bring these documents. Tang Xian'an listed you as his beneficiary.]

Lu Yan took the sealed file. "Thank you. I'd like to visit him at the Third Institute."

"Of course. I have a car."

The Third Research Institute was located at Black Tortoise Mountain in the Yanjiao district. The Black Tortoise range bordered Mobei Province—a 5A-class scenic area and a natural ecological reserve.

The drive from City A took about four hours.

Lu Yan had been here once before.

"I don't have clearance to enter, Mr. Lu. I'll have to leave you at the gate," the staff member said.

The one responsible for taking him to Tang Xian'an was Researcher C.

Researcher C's arm was still healing, wrapped in thick bandages and a splint. He walked half a step ahead of Lu Yan, chattering about the Third Institute's work as they went.

Lu Yan's gaze drifted to the tail behind Researcher C.

White. Round. Swishing gently.

Clutching a file folder, Researcher C said, "Mr. Lu, you've been to our Institute once before. You were unconscious then. I was responsible for changing your bandages and basic cleaning. You shed a lot of scales. Usually, those would be discarded as waste, but I... I thought your scales were quite beautiful. I kept one as a good luck charm. I'm sorry. Lord... the Tyrant took it."

Lu Yan didn't particularly mind. He held back for a moment, then couldn't resist. "Can I touch your tail?"

Researcher C looked bewildered. "Huh? I... suppose so?"

Lu Yan pinched the short, white puffball and gave it a gentle, backward stroke. The furry tail stretched out a good ten centimeters.

When he let go, the rabbit tail snapped back like a slap bracelet, bouncing against Researcher C's rear.

Lu Yan felt a profound sense of satisfaction.

[For fuck's sake... we've got a weirdo on our hands.]

The ward where Tang Xian'an was kept required several layers of security clearance.

Fortunately, though it was fully sealed, it had a view. It faced a stretch of clear, blue lake.

At the final door, Researcher C was tactful. He swiped his card and left.

Tang Xian'an's room was, surprisingly, not much different from the hospital rooms of decades past. It was arranged just like his bedroom.

The only real difference was that the copy of Five Years of College Entrance Exams, Three Years of Simulations was no longer on his desk. It had been replaced by work files.

And, as before, Tang Xian'an still liked to hide in the closet.

Heavily sedated, Tang Xian'an was in a deep sleep. One wrist was cuffed with a metal ring monitoring his vitals. The other wore a bracelet, strung with a single, shimmering golden scale. It looked terribly familiar. Lu Yan didn't need to compare.

He stood at the closet door and looked in. The clothes Tang Xian'an was curled up on also looked familiar.

[Yes. Don't doubt it. Those are your missing pajamas.]

Lu Yan crouched down in front of him, studying Tang Xian'an's face.

It was buried in the pile of fabric. Scales still traced the line of his jaw, refusing to recede completely, but he was mostly himself again.

Tang Xian'an's breathing was slow. Lu Yan counted. About three breaths a minute.

Often, Lu Yan understood how to express an emotion, but not why others chose that particular way to express it.

Most of his actions were choices made after brief consideration, referencing examples around him.

Lu Yan pointed to his own chest. He asked the system, "What is this feeling?"

It was too unfamiliar. It stole his breath, made him want to find a release and pour it all out.

The system thought for a moment. [It's tenderness.]

"Is tenderness a kind of love?"

[If you don't know, how would I? Maybe it's the kind of love that aches. Like seeing a dog you've raised get hurt.]

Lu Yan thought it was still different.

Because a person probably wouldn't want to kiss their dog when it was injured.

He leaned in closer and placed that feather-light kiss on Tang Xian'an's earlobe.