ATDIWR Chapter 17
by VolareOnly then did Zhou Fanxiu notice that something was wrong with Ji An. He looked Ji An up and down, seeing his pale face and seemingly weak body, and asked with disbelief, “Did you only rely on combat to upgrade your mental ability before?”
Ji An was equally surprised, “Don’t we Power Users all upgrade our abilities through combat?”
“Of course not.” Zhou Fanxiu said with concern, “That’s the method for other types of Power Users to upgrade. Mental Power Users belong to the non-combat type of Power User; they also have another name, Brain Power Users.
As the name suggests, they upgrade by relying on brain power; they are the best scientific researchers. Each small ability upgrade is a breakthrough in an experiment or scientific research.”
Bai Na added, “Of course, Mental Power Users can upgrade through combat like you, but that is the most dangerous hell mode.
To upgrade through combat, Mental Power Users must be pushed to the brink of death.
In other words, they can only upgrade their ability in desperate situations when their mental power is completely exhausted.
However, this method is very dangerous; exhausting mental power is a very risky thing.
First, let’s not talk about the great external risks when mental power is depleted. Just exhausting mental power, leaving the mind blank, is very likely to lead to becoming an imbecile.”
“In other words, there are only two possibilities for a Mental Power User to upgrade through combat: one is to become an idiot, and the other is to successfully upgrade.”
After hearing this, Tang Ning also felt a lingering fear, saying with a lingering fear, “Fortunately, Mr. Ji made it through.”
Ji An felt it was alright. He found that his ability seemed different from others; not only was it the weakest among those of the same level, but it could even challenge higher levels. He hadn’t encountered other Mental Power Users before and thought all Mental Power Users were like him.
Ji An didn’t know what was going on with him, whether he was a special case, and he didn’t ask. After experiencing the betrayal of his lover, even after rebirth, Ji An still had a knot in his heart.
Zhou Fanxiu thought of something and asked, “Where is your boyfriend Chen Chen? I remember you had a very good relationship, you seemed to know each other since high school. The reason you didn’t come with me to Jing Shi Base when I invited you before was because you wanted to go home with him to pick up his family.
Now you are here, where is he?”
Silence. Suddenly, the previously lively atmosphere became heavy.
Bai Na thought he had unfortunately died in The Apocalypse. This was too normal; it seemed surviving well in The Apocalypse was more surprising than death.
Bai Na pinched Zhou Fanxiu hard and glared at him fiercely. Only then did Zhou Fanxiu react, his face full of embarrassment.
“Sorry, I…”
Ji An shook his head, “No need to apologize. He is not dead, he is living better than anyone, and is now the commander of the third base.”
“Then why did you come to Jing Shi Base? Did you break up?”
As far as Zhou Fanxiu knew, Ji An had deep feelings for his boyfriend, the kind that he could give his life for.
“Mm.”
Tang Ning immediately recounted the disgusting things that pair of dogs did, not missing a single word. “Mr. Ji merely took back his own necklace, and that pair of dogs slandered Mr. Ji for stealing Base supplies, and even chased him over from a thousand miles away.”
Zhou Fanxiu’s eyebrows furrowed so tightly they could kill a fly. “In The Apocalypse, the human heart has actually become more terrifying than Zombies.”
Ji An sneered, “You can’t blame everything on The Apocalypse. He might just be that kind of person. He even suspected that his past feelings for me were because I mentally controlled him!”
“Nonsense!” Zhou Fanxiu cursed, “Mental abilities are not that mystical!
Tier 1 Mental abilities can only use the ‘Petrify’ skill, and it’s only effective against peers and ordinary people.
Tier 2 can achieve mental control, but similarly, it’s only effective against peers and lower levels.
Tier 3 can materialize mental power, but even when materialized, the attack power is very weak.”
Ji An finally understood why Kong Zhongcheng and the others knew he was a Tier 3 Power User when they saw him. At that time, he was almost caught by a Zombie. In a critical moment, his mental power exploded, and he seemed to materialize a mental power net to block the Zombie’s attack.
Zhou Fanxiu said, “Materialized mental power is invisible to ordinary people, but other Power Users can see the mental power materialized by a Mental Power User, so there is no such thing as a sneak attack during combat because the opponent cannot see the mental attack.”
While they were talking, there was suddenly an uproar over there. Ji An looked up and saw a man in his forties being surrounded and walked over.
The man was wearing a simple white t-shirt and suit pants. Although his attire was very ordinary, he had a strong aura, a kind of authority that comes from absolute confidence in his field.
“It’s Han Yaokun!” Na Boyu’s eyes lit up, and he ran over at a speed highly inconsistent with his full head of white hair.
“It really is Mr. Han, I didn’t expect we could actually invite Mr. Han!” Zhou Fanxiu and Bai Na also recognized the person who came, their eyes shining, and they also went up to greet him.
“Mr. Han, I’ve long admired your name, I am Na Boyu.” Na Boyu took the initiative to shake hands with the man, his tone full of admiration.
Han Yaokun nodded slightly, saying with arrogance, “Mr. Na, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Na Boyu didn’t mind the other party’s rudeness and still said very enthusiastically, “Before The Apocalypse, I had heard of Mr. Han’s great name for a long time and always wanted to meet you and ask for guidance on some issues, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance.”
Han Yaokun said reservedly, “I had been living abroad before. With The Apocalypse arriving and the nation facing difficulties, I returned to contribute to construction. From now on, you and I are colleagues. Feel free to ask me for guidance on any questions.”
Zhou Fanxiu and Bai Na were very excited. Zhou Fanxiu was so happy he almost leaped up rudely.
“That’s great, Mr. Han doesn’t seem too difficult to get along with. Now we can ask for guidance face-to-face if we have any questions.”
Bai Na sincerely admired him, saying, “With Mr. Han joining, I think the experimental progress will greatly accelerate.”
Ji An had heard of Han Yaokun’s name. Before The Apocalypse, he had won many awards and was a very famous scientific researcher at home and abroad.
Ji An greatly admired his talent and wanted to go over and say a few words, but seeing him surrounded in the center, without even his professor getting a chance to speak, Ji An gave up.
“Commander Gu, I’m a bit tired, could you please help me arrange a place to stay first?” Ji An said, “Also, the private laboratory you promised me should ideally be prepared as soon as possible. If possible, I would like to use it tomorrow.”
“I wonder who this young friend is…” Han Yaokun’s gaze swept over the crowd eagerly looking at him and landed on Ji An.
“I lived abroad for a long time before The Apocalypse and am ignorant of many young talents in the country. Since this young friend can apply for a private laboratory, he must also be an outstanding scientific researcher.” Han Yaokun had a very strong aura, full of confidence, which made him appear somewhat arrogant, but Han Yaokun had the capital to be arrogant.
In fact, people like him who have made significant achievements in their field more or less possess that kind of arrogance. “I wonder what this young friend’s current research direction is and what achievements he has made in this field?”
Han Yaokun was indeed very interested in Ji An. To be able to apply for a private laboratory and initiate a research project at such a young age was undoubtedly a rising star in the future. If he was truly that talented, he would be willing to make an exception and take him as his last disciple.
Na Boyu said somewhat shamefacedly, “This student is the student of one of my researchers. As of now, he doesn’t have any significant scientific research achievements.”
Han Yaokun frowned, disapprovingly saying, “It’s understandable for young people to love and be passionate about scientific research. However, in The Apocalypse, all resources related to experiments are scarce. Is it appropriate to apply for a private laboratory and become the head of a new project without experience?”
It wasn’t that Han Yaokun was being nosy, but when he was specifically invited back by the Jing Shi Base, it was agreed upon that he would be the overall head of the research institute, and all matters related to scientific research would be his responsibility. This included applying for private laboratories and initiating projects.
“Yes, yes, Mr. Han, you are right.” Na Boyu kept winking at Zhou Fanxiu.
Zhou Fanxiu then said, “Ji An, laboratories are currently in short supply, project funding is tight, and you lack experience. For now, just be my student. I’m currently involved in a very important research project that I can’t tell you about right now, but I guarantee you’ll learn a lot if you join.”
Ji An said, “Professor, thank you for your kindness, but I already have a research direction. I have been thinking about this research for seven years, and I am confident I can succeed.”
Zhou Fanxiu knew that Ji An had done some small research before, but that was just small research. After all, Ji An was still a student before The Apocalypse and hadn’t participated in any major research projects. Could he really achieve results by initiating a project himself?
Zhou Fanxiu asked, “Ji An, what is your research direction?”
Ji An didn’t think there was anything to hide, nor was he afraid of others knowing, so he answered directly, “Space Storage Item.”
“Space Storage Item?” Zhou Fanxiu thought it sounded very unreliable.
“Yes. I want to research Portable Space. With it, anyone, even if they are not Space-type Power Users, can possess space.” This idea had been with Ji An for a very long time.
When he was a ghost, watching Tang Tang thrive using the Space necklace, he thought that if he could be reborn, he would design Space Storage Items so that everyone would have space, making Tang Tang, who had lived so smoothly relying on space, fall to the ground.
He had this idea back then and started calculating in his mind. His brain was a precise instrument. Countless days and nights of deduction had long led to a mature plan, just waiting for the day to implement it.
“Did you read too many cultivation novels!” Han Yaokun’s assistant Zhao Zhen scoffed.
Bai Na also thought this idea was too fantastical and advised, “Ji An, you should still follow your advisor. Even if you apply for a laboratory, your project application will not be approved.”
“I have money, I can fund it myself.” Ji An had plenty of supplies in his space. He only needed to take out some to support his research.
“Commander Gu, I am funding it myself, so the private laboratory you promised me?”
Gu Jinsheng said lightly, “You will have it.”
Han Yaokun was displeased, “Nonsense, at this time, when laboratories are so tight, how can you hand one over to a student to mess around!”
Wan Xueying chuckled, “Mr. Han, this private laboratory is Ji An’s compensation. We obtained a large batch of precious experimental equipment this time, and Mr. Ji is willing to donate all of it. The condition is a private laboratory. We don’t think this request is excessive, so we agreed.”
It was indeed not excessive. With this relationship, Han Yaokun couldn’t criticize anything either, he just felt it was a waste of resources.
The success of a project, even with a good head, requires countless resources piled up. If unfortunately, it encounters a head without a mature plan, then countless resources will instantly turn into smoke.
Ji An didn’t care if these people were satisfied or not. He said to Gu Jinsheng, “The experimental funds are all coming from me, so how will the research results be handled after the experiment is successful?”
“They are yours,” Gu Jinsheng said indifferently.
“Okay.” Ji An nodded, “I will write a contract shortly. Please sign it, Mr. Gu.”
“Heh, overestimating himself, does he really think scientific research is some kind of game that can succeed so easily!” Zhao Zhen couldn’t help but sneer, “A contract too, how laughable, acting as if he can really research something!”
Ji An was never one to engage in verbal sparring, and after those painful experiences, he disliked arguing with people even more.
He completely ignored Zhao Zhen and said to Gu Jinsheng, “I’m very tired. Please take me to my residence.”
Gu Jinsheng nodded and asked Kong Zhongcheng to take him to see the house.
Ji An’s indifferent attitude upset Zhao Zhen more than if he had directly retorted. He glared fiercely at Ji An until Ji An left.
“Ji An, if your research fails, you can come to me anytime. If you don’t want to be a student then, I can let you participate in the experiment as my assistant,” Zhou Fanxiu called out.
“Thank you, Professor, but that day will never come. I will succeed!” Ji An said seriously.
Han Yaokun sighed deeply at Ji An’s stubbornness, “Young people don’t turn back until they hit a wall.”