ATDIWR Chapter 24
by VolareJi An simply packed up and left the laboratory. He didn’t need to report to his superiors about where he was going; it could be said that he was the only special existence in the Research Institute.
At the time, no one thought highly of his project, no researchers took him in, including applying for a separate laboratory, which was not approved by the Research Institute, but was obtained through exchanging benefits. Let’s put it this way, the laboratories used by the researchers in the Research Institute are base property, but Ji An’s laboratory is personal private property, which is different in meaning.
As a popular figure who had been in the limelight recently, Ji An had just walked out of the laboratory when someone stepped forward and asked, “Researcher Ji, why are you leaving so early today? Do you have something to do? Do you need a car?”
Zhang Yi was the head of the Research Institute’s logistics department. All logistics issues in the Research Institute were under his management.
“Personal matters,” Ji An said simply.
Zhang Yi smiled and said, “Personal matters are fine. If it’s convenient for you, I can drive you there.”
Ji An didn’t delay and agreed. Zhang Yi’s attentiveness was nothing more than wanting to befriend him. As of now, the purpose of befriending him was only for Space Storage Items. As long as he had enough jade, he had plenty of those things.
Ji An smiled and politely said, “Then I’ll trouble you.”
“No trouble, no trouble,” Zhang Yi’s happy appearance made it seem like the situation was reversed, and Ji An was rushing to him.
The two chatted as they walked outside. When they were about to get into the car, a researcher ran out in a hurry and stopped Ji An.
“Researcher Ji, please wait a moment, I have something I want to talk to you about.” Ji An had already opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat at this time. Hearing someone call him, he got out of the car again.
“I wonder what you want to talk about?” Ji An asked.
The researcher who stopped Ji An was no longer young; he looked about fifty years old. Years of working in the laboratory had made his skin an unhealthy pale color from lack of sunlight.
Probably due to excessive use of his brain, he didn’t have many hairs left on his head. The few remaining stubborn hairs were kept long, combed to one side, covering half of his head, which made him look like he had half gray hair on top of his head from a distance.
This was clearly an experienced researcher who had been engaged in scientific research for many years.
The old researcher seemed a little embarrassed when Ji An asked him, his face flushed, and he spoke somewhat haltingly.
“Well, that, Mr. Ji, I wonder if your laboratory is hiring? I want to join your laboratory.” At first, the old researcher sounded a bit ashamed when he said this, but once he started, he spoke more and more smoothly.
The old researcher sincerely said, “My name is Wu Youyang. I am an ordinary person who hasn’t awakened any abilities. Although this is the case, I have been engaged in the scientific research industry since before The Apocalypse and have participated in many experimental projects. After The Apocalypse, except for the first year which was very unstable, I have been working in this field for thirty-one years now, and I have rich work and experimental experience. For general experiments, I can complete them independently, and I can even teach students.”
Wu Youyang introduced himself very, very seriously, almost telling Ji An everything he had experimented with over the years in great detail. It could be seen that his attitude was truly sincere.
“Mr. Ji, I am here with a very sincere heart, genuinely wanting to join your research laboratory and follow you on projects.” Wu Youyang handed Ji An the resume he had prepared long ago, “You can take a look at my resume. I wrote it in great detail. My experience is truly rich. Although I haven’t awakened a Mental ability, I will really be a very good helper!”
Ji An took it and quickly scanned it. It was enough to see that this researcher indeed had genuine talent and a very impressive resume.
Ji An asked, “Your experience is indeed rich, so I want to know why you would want to join my laboratory? Is it because of the Space Storage Items I recently researched?”
Ji An really couldn’t figure out how he, a greenhorn with less than a tenth of this old researcher’s experimental experience, attracted such an experienced researcher.
“As far as I know, your Director Han Yaokun has made the private Space Storage Items available for you all to research. I heard many researchers are very confident and believe they can thoroughly research it within ten days.”
Wu Youyang furrowed his brows slightly. He knew about this. A group had already been formed to research Space Storage Items. He heard the target date was ten days, and they were aiming for five days and ensuring ten.
Wu Youyang participated for a day. He didn’t know what others were like, but he was completely confused. That was a completely different research direction from what he currently studied. He didn’t think it could succeed in ten days, and even the month and a half Ji An took, he didn’t think was possible. If he were to research it for ten or eight years, maybe he could only find a little clue.
Wu Youyang couldn’t say too much, so he said, “I can’t do it. I haven’t awakened a Mental ability; I’m just an ordinary person. I just want to follow a good boss and achieve more results that are beneficial to the people. To create a better life for myself and for more ordinary people like me.”
Wu Youyang was afraid Ji An would think he was a spy sent by them, “I know you can use Mental Suggestion. If you don’t trust me, you can use Mental Suggestion on me. I am willing to accept it.”
Zhang Yi, who was in the car, couldn’t help but look at Wu Youyang with new eyes after hearing this. Mental Suggestion, that was not something else. Once someone planted that thing in the brain, it absolutely could not be defied, otherwise, in minor cases, it would lead to dementia, and in severe cases, the head would explode.
With such determination, what else could Ji An say but agree? He originally needed helpers. The Space Storage Item experiment was already mature, and he would receive more and more jade in the future. He couldn’t possibly process it all by himself; even if he worked himself to death, he wouldn’t be able to finish it.
Now that someone was offering themselves so sincerely, Ji An naturally had to accept. This would also send a signal to other researchers who were eager to move.
“Okay,” Ji An nodded, “Then I hope we can cooperate happily in the future.”
Wu Youyang didn’t expect Ji An to accept him so easily. He was overjoyed and shook his hand back, “Happy cooperation!”
“I have some personal matters that need to be dealt with urgently. I guess you also have many things to deal with. First, please hand over your work there. There’s no rush here; I’ll wait for you.”
“Three days, I will complete the handover within three days.” Wu Youyang carefully asked, “I currently have over ten students. Can they come with me?”
“Yes,” Ji An nodded, “But I need those who are wholeheartedly willing to follow me, not those who are indecisive and hesitant.”
“I understand. I will ask them when I go back. I will bring back those who are willing to come. If there are any who hesitate, I will find good teachers for them again.” Wu Youyang understood Ji An’s meaning and guaranteed.
Ji An said, “I have something to do, so I’ll be leaving now. Goodbye!”
“Goodbye!”
The two waved goodbye. Ji An got in the car, and the car left the Research Institute for the Command Center.
On the way, Zhang Yi smiled and said, “Mr. Ji is very capable. He has attracted followers who willingly pledge allegiance so quickly.”
If it were someone else, they might have been humble for a few sentences, but Ji An didn’t think this was a compliment; he thought it was just the other party stating a fact.
“There will be more in the future,” Ji An said very seriously.
Zhang Yi was stunned for a moment, then smiled kindly. He didn’t think Ji An was arrogant; on the contrary, he felt that people like Ji An who focused on a certain field and achieved something were naturally like this.
On the way, the two chatted about some insignificant topics. When they arrived at their destination, Zhang Yi said, “I know Mr. Ji still has two Space Storage Items to sell in the shop. I wonder if I can be prioritized to get a number.”
Ji An smiled, “Yes, when the time comes, I will have the staff notify you, but you have to go to the shop to buy it yourself. After all, my shop hasn’t even opened yet, and it needs some popularity.”
“No problem,” Zhang Yi readily agreed.
It was estimated that only Ji An would have the privilege of his products being snapped up before they were even released.
As soon as Ji An entered the Command Center gate, Kong Zhongcheng was already waiting for him.
Seeing Ji An, Kong Zhongcheng smiled slyly at Ji An and winked, “You’re finally here. Our boss heard you were coming and told me to wait for you. Let’s go, I’ll take you to see a good show.”
Ji An thought Kong Zhongcheng would take him to the reception room where he was meeting Chen Chen, but instead, he turned into another room.
In the room, Wan Xueying was already sitting by the television, drinking iced tea and waiting.
“You’re here.” Seeing Ji An, Wan Xueying proactively greeted him and even personally poured him a cup of tea. Kong Zhongcheng didn’t have this privilege. He looked at her resentfully, poured himself a cup, and found it tasted quite good.
Ji An took the iced tea and sat on the sofa to watch television, realizing that the screen was showing surveillance footage of the reception room where Chen Chen was.
The surveillance footage was very clear, not only not worse than before The Apocalypse, but even better, and the sound was very clear.
“Why are you pouring tea again? You didn’t pour for me just now, but now you’ve poured an extra cup for someone else?” Kong Zhongcheng complained.
Wan Xueying had given up on Kong Zhongcheng’s emotional intelligence. She just gave Ji An a meaningful look, “Someone should be arriving soon.”
Sure enough, as soon as Wan Xueying finished speaking, Gu Jinsheng pushed the door open and came in. He must have been very busy, as he was still holding and flipping through documents at this time.
Gu Jinsheng entered the room but didn’t speak, only nodded slightly at Ji An. Ji An returned a greeting.
Kong Zhongcheng called out, “Wan Xueying, when did you learn to tell fortunes?”
“Idiot,” Wan Xueying cursed and pushed the newly poured iced tea to Gu Jinsheng, “Boss, this is freshly poured for you.”
Gu Jinsheng nodded and took it. Kong Zhongcheng was about to say something else but was silenced by a calm look from Gu Jinsheng.
At the same time, Chen Chen’s voice sounded from the television.
“Commander Zhou, we have truly come with the utmost sincerity this time. Ji An is a fugitive traitor from our Third Base, and failing to capture him and bring him back is insufficient to appease public anger.”
Zhou Qin sat solemnly in the main seat, and on the side seats sat seven or eight power users Ji An recognized but couldn’t name. These people were all dressed in suits and ties, looking serious. Especially Zhou Qin, his aura was particularly strong; he clearly looked like the leader of these people, a person who could fully make decisions, someone with both strength and the right to speak.
That kind of imposing presence was something Ji An had never seen when interacting with him.
Zhou Qin maintained an appropriate facial smile, neither overly warm nor impolite. The other party could tell at a glance that it was a polite smile.
“I express my utmost understanding of Commander Chen’s words, but this Ji An you are referring to has already joined our Jing Shi Base and become a resident of our Jing Shi Base. If I were to just hand over a person from our base to you simply because of a word from Commander Chen, where would the dignity of my Jing Shi Base lie? What would the hundreds of thousands of residents living in Jing Shi Base think? If a base cannot even guarantee the personal safety of the residents living within it, then how can the residents living in this base have a sense of belonging and identity to the base?”
Zhou Qin said in a very official tone, “Based on the above, I regret that I cannot hand over the person to you.”
Chen Chen’s lungs were about to explode with anger. What Zhou Qin said was utter nonsense. When Ji An absconded, they came to Jing Shi Base immediately. At that time, Ji An had not yet escaped here, but Chen Chen first informed Jing Shi Base that Ji An was their fugitive, left a photo, and asked them to detain him if they saw him, promising a generous reward at that time.
Although Chen Chen was angry, he also knew that he was no match for these people. This conversation itself was unequal. He could only suppress his temper and speak kindly, “At the time when Ji An had not yet absconded here, I personally delivered his photo. One of the clauses in our base alliance treaty is not to accept fugitives who have committed crimes at other allies’ bases.”
Zhou Qin’s expression showed a slight hint of humility, “My apologies, Commander Chen, the receptionist who received you at that time forgot to report it due to being too busy with work after receiving the photo. That’s why our base did not know about those matters and accepted the person.”
Zhou Qin said to a female power user sitting at the lower seat, “Xiao Meng, this was all due to your oversight. Please apologize to Commander Chen.”
The power user named Xiao Meng sincerely apologized to Chen Chen, “Sorry.” But her waist didn’t even bend an inch.
Chen Chen was so angry his whole body was trembling, but he had to endure it. He had suffered far more severe grievances during diplomacy. However, Tang Tang had been living in comfort and privilege in The Base, used to being flattered and pleased everywhere, and couldn’t stand it.
Tang Tang said angrily, “Commander Zhou, isn’t it too hasty to handle things this way? If we were to switch places and we accepted a fugitive from your base, would your base still be able to remain as calm and collected as we are?”
Hearing Tang Tang speak, the fake smile on Zhou Qin’s face, which was faker than fake, instantly disappeared. He didn’t even bother to pretend anymore, “If your base dares, we will dare to destroy your base. There’s nothing we can do, this is the confidence of our large base!”
Zhou Qin unleashed his full aura, and when he turned cold-faced, he was truly terrifying. It seemed like he truly didn’t put the Third Base in his eyes. If they dared to say one more word he didn’t like, he could destroy them first, then destroy the Third Base.
Chen Chen was frightened. He had internal injuries, and his position as base commander was already precarious. If he were to make an enemy of a major base like Jing Shi Base, he could already foresee his tragic end.
At this moment, Chen Chen couldn’t help but resent Tang Tang for not being able to read the room. He immediately apologized, “I’m sorry, Commander Zhou, please don’t bother with her, a little girl who doesn’t know any better. It was all her mistake, I apologize to you on her behalf.”
Zhou Qin asked coldly, “May I ask Commander Chen, what does it mean to bring an ignorant little girl to such an important occasion as the establishment of relations between two bases? Does it mean you don’t take our Jing Shi Base seriously?”
Facing Zhou Qin’s relentless pressure, Chen Chen was going crazy. Although he knew the other party was being unreasonable, he couldn’t afford to provoke them.
Chen Chen could only vent his frustration on Tang Tang. He said to Tang Tang fiercely and angrily, “Why aren’t you apologizing to Commander Zhou!”
Tang Tang was a little scared and obediently apologized, “Commander Zhou, I’m sorry.”
Zhou Qin knew about Ji An’s matters. Although he was disgusted with Tang Tang, he didn’t want to do anything to her now. He said coolly, “Be careful in the future. Trouble comes from the mouth. I can be generous and not hold a grudge, but if you provoke others who are more powerful than you, they won’t let you off so easily. Moreover, in such an important occasion, if because of a word from you, the two bases become hostile, the consequences are not something you can bear.”
Tang Tang immediately showed the “little white lotus” look that the men around her liked so much. A tear rolled in her eye, about to fall, and she seemed about to collapse as if under unbearable burden, “Yes, I will remember Commander Zhou’s teachings.”
As she spoke, she looked at Zhou Qin with those big eyes that seemed to contain immense grievances.
To be honest, Tang Tang’s appearance wasn’t bad, and a crying beauty was indeed beautiful. Her watery big eyes filled with tears were also quite moving. But the problem was that Zhou Qin already knew what kind of disgusting person she was and knew she was Ji An’s enemy. It was impossible for him to be attracted to her; instead, he got goosebumps.
Zhou Qin was also mean; he asked, “Commander Chen’s health is truly good. He even brings a chicken with him when he goes out!”
Zhou Qin’s eyes were wide open, expressing the most sincere envy.
Chen Chen already had internal injuries and was almost so angry that his old injury relapsed, causing him to spurt out a mouthful of blood directly.
The other party involved, Tang Tang, finally let that tear that was about to fall completely drop, and more and more tears fell. Tang Tang was so angry she cried.
Chen Chen finally understood; Zhou Qin was playing with him. Further entanglement was useless, so he presented his conditions.
“Commander Zhou, I am willing to exchange half of the supplies in our Third Base’s warehouse for Ji An. Although our Third Base is not as large as Jing Shi Base, half of the supplies are still considerable. If you are willing, this transaction can be considered a private transaction between us.” This meant Zhou Qin could pocket it privately, and he wouldn’t say anything more.
Zhou Qin deliberately pretended to be confused and said, “Commander Chen, didn’t you say earlier that half of your base’s supplies were stolen by Ji An? How much can be left, and then dividing that in half, there won’t be much left, right?”
Chen Chen’s face twisted for a moment. He gritted his back teeth and said, “There’s still quite a lot, very considerable, enough for Commander Zhou to eat for several lifetimes.”
Although Ji An wasn’t quite sure how large the amount of supplies in the Space Necklace was, he had a rough idea of how much he had embezzled over the years. It was absolutely not much less than the total amount of supplies stored in the Third Base warehouse.
One should know that the supplies stored in The Base warehouse were enough for the base’s tens of thousands of people for at least three years.
Exchanging half of the supplies in The Base warehouse for all the supplies, which were his private reserves, plus a space treasure, was not a loss.
Chen Chen thought such a condition was foolproof and that Zhou Qin would definitely not refuse. He even thought about how to set the trap, “If Commander Zhou is inconvenient to directly intervene due to certain rules and regulations, you can send people out on base missions.
As long as they leave Jing Shi Base, our people can act. At that time, Commander Zhou only needs to instruct the accompanying people in advance not to meddle in others’ affairs.”
“Commander Chen has thought things through very comprehensively,” Zhou Qin said with a smiling face, and instantly his expression changed.
“Commander Chen, what is your purpose in instigating me to do these things? Are you deliberately trying to stir up trouble between me and The Base’s internal relations? What is your purpose, internal chaos? So that your people can take advantage of the weakness and enter, then annex our Jing Shi Base?” Zhou Qin narrowed his eyes slightly, and a threatening light appeared in his eyes, “It seems necessary for me to detain you in order to find out the truth of the matter!”
Zhou Qin was unmoved by flattery or threats, and benefits could not move him. Chen Chen knew that this negotiation could not continue, otherwise, things might truly become unmanageable, and he might be detained at Jing Shi Base.
Chen Chen quickly explained, “We absolutely did not mean that. We just came this time purely to get back The Base’s traitor. If your base is truly inconvenient, we can discuss this matter further.”
Chen Chen was really afraid of being detained and took his leave, “Commander Zhou, you are busy with important matters, we won’t disturb you. We will leave now. If Commander Zhou changes his mind, you can contact me anytime.”
Tang Tang came specifically for the Space Necklace. Since she didn’t get it back, she was unwilling and didn’t want to leave. Chen Chen kept giving her winks and had never felt Tang Tang was so lacking in discernment before.
In the end, Tang Tang was still dragged away by Chen Chen. Zhou Qin didn’t forcefully detain them. He hadn’t actually intended to detain them; he just found their incessant chattering annoying and wanted to scare them away.
Just before leaving, Zhou Qin again threatened them, “Commander Chen, you have come to visit. I should have prepared a guesthouse, but Commander Chen did not submit a visiting card in advance, and I didn’t know you would come. I didn’t prepare in advance, so there is no place to host you all.
So I can only ask you all to find accommodation yourselves tonight. Also, I would kindly advise you all not to go to East City. The people there bully newcomers and like to bully outsiders like Commander Chen the most.
If you are accidentally bullied, the people there are chaotic, and even I won’t be able to find out anything in a short while.
So for everyone’s safety, it is best for you all to stay in West City.”
Chen Chen was gnashing his teeth with hatred in his heart, but on the surface, he still smiled and said, “Thank you Commander Zhou for your kind reminder.”
After Zhou Qin left, the group left the Command Center and came to the street. Only then did Tang Tang dare to show her anger and dissatisfaction.
“Brother Chen, why is the commander of Jing Shi Base like this? He’s completely unreasonable.”
Chen Chen was also seething with anger and said irritably, “So what? Who told them they have the harder fist.”
“We didn’t get back…” Tang Tang mumbled, not saying it explicitly. The two who came with them, although they were Chen Chen’s confidantes, didn’t know about the Space Necklace. “What should we do?”
Chen Chen said irritably, “What can I do!”
Tang Tang was both angry and jealous. She didn’t know where Ji An got his good luck; he was protected wherever he went. Before, it was Chen Chen, and now it was this Zhou Qin.
“I really don’t know why Zhou Qin is protecting Ji An so much. He’s not even willing to exchange half of the base’s supplies for him?” Tang Tang said somewhat intentionally, “Could it be that Ji An is in a relationship with this Zhou Qin again, just like he was with Brother Chen back then? That’s why this Zhou Qin is protecting him so much, otherwise, it makes no sense.”
Tang Tang glanced at Chen Chen’s face as she spoke, and seeing that his face was becoming increasingly gloomy with her words, Tang Tang became happier in her heart and fanned the flames even more subtly, “Otherwise, with Ji An’s ability, a Level 1 ability that is everywhere and common in The Apocalypse, even if it is a rare Mental ability, it’s only Level 1. What is there to be valued? Can it be more important than half of the warehouse supplies?”
Thinking of Ji An giving himself to others, and perhaps already belonging to someone else, Chen Chen’s face turned ashen. He shouted loudly, “Stop talking!”
Tang Tang didn’t continue to provoke Chen Chen’s anger, secretly feeling pleased.
The group walked in silence for a while before Tang Tang spoke again, “Brother Chen, why don’t we not leave yet? Let’s stay in Jing Shi Base for a few nights; maybe there will be a turn of events.”
The Space Necklace was crucial, especially at this time when both he and Song Pengcheng were seriously injured. It was a very important support to prevent him from being driven off the stage.
Chen Chen pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, “Okay.”
The group walked along the street, looking for a place to stay in West City. They asked several places in a row, and the prices were outrageously expensive.
Especially some hotels with clearly marked prices that said it only cost one hundred Base Credit Points per night. However, when they indicated that they didn’t need Credit Points and would use supplies instead, the owners started asking for exorbitant prices.
But supplies should clearly be more valuable than Credit Points!
Chen Chen’s face was gloomy. In the end, he chose an expensive hotel. Mainly because there was no other way; if they didn’t stay there, they would sleep on the street. They couldn’t possibly sleep on the street, right!
As soon as they checked in, Zhou Qin received the news. In fact, all of this was Zhou Qin’s doing; he had asked people to make arrangements with the nearby shop owners along the route Chen Chen and the others would take in advance.
Zhou Qin curled his lips and said contentedly, “Ten Level 1 peak Zombie Crystal Cores per night. Chen Chen is really rich. I can’t afford to stay in such an expensive place.”