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Published at 12th of July 2023 06:43:47 AM


Chapter 220.2

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The elevator stopped on the 28th floor underground.

As they stepped out of the elevator, they were greeted by a robust and lively old man.

Looking at his appearance, he appeared to be in his seventies, almost the same as the man Bai Lixin had seen in the photos.

Despite more than twenty years passing, there wasn’t a single sign of aging.

Bai Lixin’s eyes silently focused on the nameplate hanging on the left side of the old man’s white coat.

–Dr. Adolph Henry.

The person in charge of the exclusive infection virus research project.

Upon seeing their arrival, Dr. Adolf immediately greeted them, warmly extending his hand towards Dr. Sang. “Sang, it’s been such a long time.” The level of enthusiasm left Xia Chi dumbfounded, as he had once believed that scientific researchers lacked emotional intelligence.

Dr. Sang maintained his usual cold and indifferent demeanor, responding casually, “Hello, Dr. Adolf.”

Dr. Adolf quickly glanced at both of them, then refocused his gaze on Dr. Sang. “I heard that you encountered a problem, so I came here immediately. What’s going on?”

Dr. Sang replied, “Yes, a few days ago, I granted a patient a special ability. The patient underwent a successful organ transplant operation, but for some unknown reason, the operation failed. The ability wasn’t inherited, and it vanished abruptly without being absorbed.”

“This is something I haven’t encountered before, and since you have studied this area, I came to seek your advice.”

Dr. Adolf’s expression immediately turned contemplative. “Your failed case is truly intriguing. Let’s discuss it as we walk. I’ve been researching infection viruses for years, and your question requires more detailed examination.”

“Of course.”

Dr. Sang retrieved a USB flash drive from his pocket. “All the materials and data I compiled at that time are on it. If you don’t mind and have the time, you can help me review them.”

Dr. Adolf took the USB flash drive. “Sure, of course. Follow me.”

As Adolf and Dr. Sang engaged in academic conversation along the way, Xia Chi found himself unable to comprehend, so he looked around absentmindedly. Bai Lixin’s earlier instructions went in one ear and out the other.

Bai Lixin noticed that this laboratory seemed to be an extensive facility. The robust steel reinforcement boards supported the ground, and measures were taken to protect against earthquakes and collapses.

This was Dr. Adolf’s mysterious laboratory, where numerous players had been sent one after another.

While Bai Lixin had been occupied with recent affairs, Xia Chi and the others who had stayed in the ark hadn’t been idle.

Lately, the zombie frenzies had become more and more frequent. In the past few days alone, there had been two zombie frenzies.

During these two battles, some unfortunate players were infected and died, while over a dozen were sent here.

In such a vast laboratory, it was unclear where those players were at the moment.

During these days, apart from when players who died in battle, they didn’t receive death notifications at other times. So, even if Dr. Adolf was suspicious, at least the players were still alive.

“Speaking of which, the last time we met was over ten years ago, Sang, you haven’t changed a bit,” Dr. Adolf’s voice pulled Bai Lixin’s attention back. “You’re still so young. It’s quite strange, as if you haven’t aged at all.”

Dr. Sang replied, “You too. When we first met, I was startled and thought I was seeing your ghost. You truly haven’t changed.”

Bai Lixin and Xia Chi exchanged glances, and Xia Chi furrowed his brow in secret.

Dr. Adolf chuckled, “I’m actually nothing special. I simply purified a unique growth factor from the nutrient solution. Taking this growth factor significantly delays cell aging, making me appear young. How about you?”

Dr. Sang responded, “I simply don’t age. The main reason is that I am naturally youthful.”

Bai Lixin: “…”

Will this kind of clumsy text really not backfire?

Also, the old man’s explanation is really far-fetched.

The reason for human aging is the lack of telomerase. Every time a cell divides, a little bit of telomerase at the end is lost. By the time telomerase is too low, the person has gradually entered old age.

Overcoming aging has always been an eternal research topic for human beings. Although scientists have discovered telomerase and know the secret of division, all they can do is delay aging.

But Dr. Adolf’s case can no longer be regarded as a delay, but a complete suspension and even a bit of reverse growth.

He could even vaguely see a little golden color from the roots of Adolf’s pure white hair.

Dr. Sang doesn’t age because he is actually a zombie, what about Dr. Adolf?

——————

As they walked deeper into the facility, the surrounding corridors began to change.

They gradually encountered laboratories with glass walls on both sides. The abundance of instruments made it evident that this was a well-equipped research facility.

They finally saw the staff members working alongside Dr. Adolf.

The experimenters were focused on their work, appearing busy and purposeful.

Bai Lixin recalled the photos he saw at Dr. Sang’s house, mentally overlapping the experimenters with the people in the photos.

After several comparisons, it became clear that, except for Dr. Adolf, no one else appeared in the photos.

“Speaking of which, I wanted to ask,” Bai Lixin felt Dr. Adolf’s gaze on him and Xia Chi as the old man asked, “Who are they?”

Dr. Sang replied, “They are my test subjects, and one of them matches the transparent crystal nucleus.”

At this moment, Dr. Adolf looked at them with a hint of scrutiny. “I see, no wonder you came to me suddenly. The failure of the last experiment must have affected you greatly. Such an important operation failed again, so you came here to ask for my help.”

Dr. Sang remained silent.

Dr. Adolf continued, “Failure is the mother of success. In my long research career, I have encountered many failures. It’s nothing.” His voice paused for two seconds, “But if you are truly worried, can I help you complete this experiment?”

A cold light flashed in Dr. Sang’s eyes. “No, thank you. I will handle it myself.”

Dr. Adolf didn’t say anything, but the dim in his eyes didn’t seem simple.

The group then entered the computer room, and as Dr. Sang inserted the USB flash drive into the computer, Dr. Adolf turned to Bai Lixin and Xia Chi. “Are you two interested in my experiment? Are you curious?”

Dr. Adolf smiled, his eyes slightly squinted on his white-haired ruddy face, and his smile was kind and gentle. “I noticed that you’ve been looking around since earlier.”

Xia Chi looked at Bai Lixin, and Bai Lixin nodded slightly. “Yes, it’s the first time I’ve seen such a large laboratory, I couldn’t help but look around. I’m sorry, Dr. Adolf.”

“Hahahaha,” Dr. Adolf laughed heartily. “Don’t be embarrassed. Well, how about I have someone show you around this laboratory?”

Bai Lixin and Xia Chi exchanged suspicious glances. Is such a good opportunity possible? Could Dr. Adolf actually be a good person?

In the end, Bai Lixin chose to nod. “I really want to see it. Can I?”

Dr. Adolf smiled warmly. “Of course, as long as Dr. Sang agrees. After all, you are guests brought by Dr. Sang.”

Three pairs of eyes immediately fell on Dr. Sang, and all the pressure was now on him.

Bai Lixin was staring at Dr. Sang with burning eyes. How dare he say “no.”

Dr. Sang pursed his lips. “Okay… What else can I say?”

————————-

In the live broadcast room.

[Breaking News: The boss is finally compelled to open up.]

[God Xin: If you dare say “no,” try it, and your head will be screwed off.]

[Hahaha.]

[The boss is in a difficult place.]

——————

Dr. Adolf knocked on the door of the next room, and soon, four people in white coats and masks approached.

They were muscular men wearing white doctor caps, with only their dull eyes visible on their faces.

Dr. Adolf said, “Take our two guests on a tour of the laboratory and give them a thorough introduction.”

Two minutes later, Bai Lixin and Xia Chi followed the four men, leaving without looking back.

Dr. Sang: “…”

The cunning rabbit has died, and the lackey is now cooking.

It’s too much.

Bai Lixin suspected that Dr. Adolf was connected to the secret Laboratory No. 13. Even if he didn’t bring someone to introduce them, they would find a way to investigate. Now, Dr. Adolf was offering to let them visit, saving them a lot of trouble.

“This is the pathology laboratory,” Bai Lixin and Xia Chi walked through the laboratory with ease and soon arrived at a large glass panel.

Inside, busy staff members wearing green protective clothing moved around, and long black tables and cabinets were filled with various small boxes and instruments.

“Since a sterile environment is required inside, we can only have a glimpse from outside. Entering is not possible,” a white coat explained. “Our laboratory is the largest in the ark, with a total of 242 glass rooms of different sizes. The instruments in each room are priceless.”

“There are more than 200 rooms. When will we see them all?” Xia Chi was astonished, glancing around. “Is it really this big here?”

The white coat replied, “Of course. What are you most interested in? Let me see if we have it here.”

Bai Lixin said, “I’ve always been curious about those who were scratched by zombies but didn’t get infected. Where did the individuals with resistance to the virus go? Are they immune? Why haven’t they been released after such a long time?”

The white coat chuckled. “So you want to see that. Come with us.”

Walking through winding and intricate corridors, they quickly passed through several sections. At one point, they heard a mournful roar.

The sound resembled that of a dolphin, ethereal and distant.

The voice seemed both close and distant, echoing in their ears.

Bai Lixin stopped and asked the white coat, “What is that sound?”

The white coat: “It’s the special bell of our laboratory.”

Seeing Bai Xin’s slightly frowned brows, the white coat explained: “We are human beings. Being underground for more than 20 floors, we don’t see sunlight, and it is suffocating. To alleviate our stress, Dr. Adolf captured a safe, non-infected dolphin from the outside. Hearing the dolphins’ sound helps us momentarily relieve fatigue and boredom, instantly improving our mood and greatly enhancing work efficiency.”

Surprise filled Bai Lixin’s eyes, and he changed his request, saying, “I suddenly have the desire to see this dolphin.”

“Even we can’t see it because it gets scared when strangers are present. So, apart from Dr. Adolf, no one else can see the dolphin,” the white coat explained earnestly. “As long as it helps us…”

“Then let’s continue and see the patients who have been brought here.”

Bai Lixin understood from the other party’s words that they were unwilling, so he chose to compromise. He exchanged a glance with Xia Chi and they continued forward.

On their way, Bai Lixin briefly inquired why those ability users hadn’t left yet.

“Because the incubation period of the zombie virus is very long,” the white coat maintained their numb expression but remained patient during the conversation. “Although they appear safe now, there is a possibility that one day the dormant virus will spread throughout their bodies. According to our research, the longest incubation period of the zombie virus is 20 days. During these 20 days, we observe and care for them in every aspect, only releasing them after the 20-day period. If someone gets infected during this time, it’s unfortunate, but we have no choice but to eliminate them.”

Xia Chi responded, “I see. So that’s how it works. Are there many cases like that?”

The white coat replied, “Don’t worry, not many. Only one-twentieth.”

Xia Chi exclaimed, “Damn, one-twentieth isn’t a small number.”

The white coat responded, “Compared to those who are 100% infected, this is already considered lucky. They were given a second chance by fate.”

While speaking, several people approached a glass window.

Inside the window, small squares were arranged one by one, each containing a hospital bed with a person lying on it.

Bai Lixin stood behind the glass and noticed that almost all the players who had been scratched by zombies but remained uninfected were here.

They lay quietly on the hospital beds, their skin rosy, lips curved into peaceful smiles, appearing to be sound asleep.

Upon seeing this, Xia Chi couldn’t help but comment, “Brother, they seem to be quite comfortable here. They don’t have to go out and fight zombies every day. They can complete the task while lying down.”

The white coat nodded in agreement, adding, “Yes, Dr. Adolf is very kind. He’s an old man who has experienced many things. When he sees young people, he treats them like his own children. He provides them with the best living conditions and prepares the best food for them.”

“Dr. Adolf is truly the most compassionate scientist in the world,” Bai Lixin remarked, carefully surveying the surroundings. He silently memorized the faces and features of all the players in his mind, driven by instinct rather than any particular reason.

Starting from the first bed, he meticulously identified each olayer until he reached the last one. He nonchalantly nodded and said, “It’s quite impressive. Are they all here?”

The white coat didn’t hesitate and quickly nodded, replying, “Yes, they’re all here.”

Lies.

Bai Lixin’s eyes darkened slightly, and he exchanged a silent glance with Xia Chi.

The response was too quick, an automatic reply that lacked any thought process, as if reciting a memorized answer.

Upon careful inspection, he noticed that although the people inside appeared complete, three individuals were missing—the first three players.

These four individuals in white coats were like public relations experts in today’s society, presenting the best to others, but the content of their conversation may not necessarily be genuine.

In the distance, the ethereal cry rang out once again.

Bai Lixin also noticed something from the expressions of these people.

Although they were trying to maintain composure, their expressions were somewhat tense. Despite their numb gaze, there was an imperceptible quiver at the corners of their eyes.

The opposite to whatever they were saying.

Not only did they not like this sound, they were actually afraid of it.

Looking at this laboratory, there seemed to be a problem.

Bai Lixin exchanged a glance with Xia Chi, and in an instant, Xia Chi’s face turned pale. He held his stomach and exclaimed, “Ouch, I have a stomachache.”

The four people in white coats had the same numb expression. One of them asked somewhat awkwardly, “What happened?”

Xia Chi replied, “I think I ate something bad for lunch. I need to use the restroom. Is there one here, bug brothers?”

The four individuals exchanged blank looks, and then one of them stiffly pointed to a corner, saying, “Over there.”





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