Chapter 63#

Wandering Photo 09#

Chu Chenli and Mu Yanshen recounted the entire encounter with Zhu Wenxin to the doctor.

Since it was their first meeting, they couldn’t detect any “changes” in him, but they did sense some inconsistencies.

For instance, as someone who had just awakened their ability, the sheer strength and control he displayed were far beyond their expectations—as if he had already practiced countless times in secret.

However, if he had pinned his hopes on those illegally traded stones from the start, that would explain it.

Other than that, they couldn’t provide any further clues.

Chu Chenli asked about the investigation into the black-market trading of awakening stones.

Shen Xuanyi looked helpless. “From what we’ve gathered so far, quite a few people are involved in this business under the table, and it’s not easy to investigate.”

During the period around when the stones started circulating, many people—both awakened and ordinary—were out on missions. It was natural for them to visit relatives and friends in the city after completing their tasks.

Although everyone working in the base leaving for the city left records, the sheer number made it impractical to interrogate them all. Doing so would likely create a shortage of personnel for missions.

Thus, the investigators had no choice but to resort to the most conservative method—waiting for the perpetrators to make a move.

However, since the number of awakenings had recently hit a small peak, these investigators were often temporarily reassigned to handle related incidents, further slowing down the investigation.

In short, they still had no leads.

“Still, I plan to make all investigation reports public across the city. At the very least, it should serve as a warning.”

As for follow-up work, such as psychological intervention and arrangements for Zhu Wenxin’s brother, Shen Xuanyi would handle it personally.

Chu Chenli and Mu Yanshen were quickly dismissed to rest.

Shen Xuanyi remained behind in the doctor’s lab, deep in discussion with him.

Outside, it was late at night, the sky pitch black, while the lab behind them blazed with light. Mu Yanshen couldn’t help but remark, “The captain really works hard.”

But no matter how hard he worked, they couldn’t help share the burden.

First, they were genuinely not adept at managing such a large base. Second, Shen Xuanyi didn’t want teammates who had once walked the line between life and death to bear too much pressure.

Mu Yanshen wanted to believe it was out of goodwill, but the growing distance between them had become an undeniable reality.

Both physically and mentally.

The two of them, who should have been resting, stopped at a fork in the road.

Mu Yanshen asked curiously, “Where are you going, A’li?”

Chu Chenli replied, “I’ll go check on Xiao Tang. You go rest first—I’ll be back after a word with him.”

Tang Beihe must still be uneasy after what happened today.

If news of Zhu Wenxin’s death reached him, he’d likely start overthinking.

Chu Chenli went to inform him, partly to put his mind at ease.

Mu Yanshen stood still for a long moment, his expression gradually turning serious as Chu Chenli’s figure faded into the night.

…

A few days later, in some lab.

Fang Xiyu sat up from the treatment table and buttoned his shirt.

The doctor stood nearby, glancing at the freshly printed report data, his brow gradually smoothing out.

“Most of the values have returned to normal. But to be safe, it’s best to minimize ability usage for now.”

Fang Xiyu nodded and asked, “What about the others?”

The doctor didn’t know much. “I heard two aren’t doing well physically—they’ll probably be reassigned to light logistics work. But they’re not under my care; you’d have to ask the medical team for details.”

Fang Xiyu made a mental note to check later.

After all, they had lived and worked together for a few months; there was some bond.

The doctor described him as a lucky unlucky one—unfortunate enough to be taken by a shady base for years of human experimentation, but probably because the physical body was in a state of near absolute stasis during the game, most of those experimental drugs had little effect on him.

The real impact came from the month after they returned from the game.

But since that was still the early stage of the experiment, once the drugs were stopped, he gradually recovered.

Others weren’t so lucky. Many were originally average researchers with weaker constitutions, leaving them in worse condition—two already needed wheelchairs.

The silver lining was that they were all still alive.

After tidying his clothes, Fang Xiyu asked abruptly, “Does Central Base have any data related to that game?”

The doctor said, “If it does, it’s definitely top secret.”

In other words, he hadn’t seen any related materials.

Much of his understanding of the truth came from Shen Xuanyi, who had obtained the reward manual after clearing the game. As for whether records existed in reality beforehand, no one had really looked into it.

But they both knew—ninety-nine percent likely, yes.

Otherwise, even with a powerful father, Shen Xuanyi wouldn’t have managed the base’s transition so smoothly.

“Just a random thought,” Fang Xiyu said. “Yingchen Base probably didn’t have A’li’s group’s data initially, right? I’m a bit curious how they later figured out those secrets. The research progress in those final days was practically skyrocketing…”

The doctor shot him a glance. “Curious? Go investigate yourself. I’m swamped here, and I can’t spare anyone for your detective games.”

Fang Xiyu chuckled. “I was just saying.”

To avoid further disturbing the overworked doctor, Fang Xiyu took his report, smoothed out the folded hem of his clothes, and prepared to leave.

The doctor called out to ask, “Did Ye Lanzhou go back?”

Fang Xiyu looked at him in surprise, as if discovering something new. “I didn’t think you cared about that kind of gossip.”

The doctor: “I don’t seem like someone who cares about teammates?”

Fang Xiyu quickly said, “No, no, we all know you have the kindest heart, Doctor.”

The doctor: “…Not as kind as you. I heard that guy surnamed Ye got quite a beating.”

Fang Xiyu hadn’t been idle during his recovery.

Aside from bonding with a few temporary comrades who shared hardships at Yingchen Base, he spent the rest of his time amusing himself with Ye Lanzhou.

Ye Lanzhou still didn’t know about his relationship with Chu Chenli.

And those survivors from Nanzhou Base who knew Fang Xiyu was acquainted with Chu Chenli—for whatever reason—hadn’t informed their esteemed Captain Ye.

The result? Now, rumor had it that Ye Lanzhou and Fang Xiyu were on fairly good terms.

Of course, that was purely from Ye Lanzhou’s perspective.

Perhaps because Ye Lanzhou repeatedly shielded Xiang Renxi, Luo Huai and the other survivors from Yingchen Base harbored some resentment toward him. Add to that serious injuries, and their contact became sparse.

Ye Lanzhou, for the first time, experienced a feeling of isolation. He found Fang Xiyu—easygoing and a good listener—a pleasant fellow patient, and they quickly grew familiar.

If his former teammates were to judge, Fang Xiyu was usually a kind-hearted good guy—more reliable than Mu Yanshen. But at the same time, he had a special talent for sowing discord.

Especially with people he didn’t like. On the surface, he was still smiling and gentle, but every word subtly led them into a trap.

He Yueyue and Mu Yanshen’s habit of constantly bickering during its formative stage definitely owed something to Fang Xiyu’s daily instigation.

Back then, neither side had fully let down their guard, and they’d start fighting over the slightest disagreement.

Fang Xiyu never worried about He Yueyue losing because Chu Chenli was always on her side.

But aside from that, his “track record” was sparse.

Even Shen Xuanyi couldn’t tell whether he did it deliberately or was simply gifted in that instinct.

Either way, his post-incident innocence was always convincing.

This time, the unlucky one was Ye Lanzhou.

From his own perspective, maybe it wasn’t “unlucky”—people around him still respected him deeply. With years of fame, such admiration was hardly surprising.

As for how much was genuine, how much was politeness, and how much was out of ulterior motives, Ye Lanzhou rarely bothered to distinguish.

With such loud praise, the growing silence of his former teammates became less noticeable.

Pampered by too much praise, people easily lose their footing.

Especially someone like Ye Lanzhou, who had been in a high position for far too long.

Even before he realized it, the name “Ye Lanzhou” had become a new target.

But because he was a celebrity personally “invited” by the base’s higher-ups, savvy people knew to wait and see, not to provoke him. Still, many disliked him. If he failed to gain further favor, plenty would be ready to kick him when he was down.

But Fang Xiyu felt innocent. “I was just curious what kind of person A’li used to like.”

The doctor asked, “Impressions?”

Fang Xiyu thought for a moment. “People change.”

The doctor said, “But human nature is hard to change.”

Fang Xiyu: “Human nature isn’t just good or bad. I’ve never met a true saint, or someone who hates everything equally.”

The doctor waved his hand, unwilling to argue.

Soon after leaving the research institute, Fang Xiyu ran into Mu Yanshen.

Mu Yanshen stood at a crossroads, apparently waiting for someone.

“I heard you were at the doctor’s,” Mu Yanshen said.

“Waiting for me?” Fang Xiyu realized, then glanced behind Mu Yanshen and asked, “Where’s A’li?”

Hearing that familiar question, Mu Yanshen was not pleased. “Gone to the city.”

Fang Xiyu was surprised. “You didn’t go with him?”

Mu Yanshen didn’t answer. He looked Fang Xiyu up and down and asked, “Had enough of observing Ye Lanzhou?”

Fang Xiyu explained, “He’s gone back to Nanzhou Base to assist Central Base with the integration. It’ll take at least two or three months.”

Mu Yanshen pressed on. “Are you still planning to play friendship games with him?”

“No.” Fang Xiyu’s reply was somewhat cold. “He’s just that kind of person. No need to waste more time.”

“Did Shen Xuanyi talk to you too?” Mu Yanshen shot him a glance.

“Talk to me about what?”

“About not treating Ye Lanzhou as an enemy—he’s still a decent asset, and if you get too vindictive, people might say Bro Li is too harsh…”

“Ah, the captain didn’t tell me that.” Fang Xiyu almost laughed. “Probably only told you.”

As for why…

Probably because everyone else understood “restraint” and “what matters more.”

But for Mu Yanshen, the most important thing was always Chu Chenli.

“You’re not really that concerned about the disaster itself, are you?” Fang Xiyu said very quietly, more like muttering to himself. “Worried that A’li would talk about someone so cold-blooded?”

“What did you say?” Mu Yanshen looked at him.

“Nothing.” Fang Xiyu asked calmly, “So, what did you come to find me for this time?”

“A’li.” Mu Yanshen circled back. “He’s been… off lately.”

Fang Xiyu paused. “How so?”

Mu Yanshen said, “He recently took on a little apprentice.”

Fang Xiyu: “Mm.”

Mu Yanshen: “A’li is too attentive to him.”

Fang Xiyu: “So you’re jealous?”

Mu Yanshen: “…”

Mu Yanshen: “That’s not the point.”

Fang Xiyu: “For you, it definitely is.”

Mu Yanshen continued, “A couple of days ago, he even turned down He Yueyue’s party invitation just to sit in the city and watch Xiao Tang do basic training, with security patrols right nearby.”

Recently, Zhu Wenxin’s death had caused a stir, and security patrols across the city had been stepped up. The thugs had quieted down, with hardly any conflicts for days.

If it were about worrying for the little apprentice’s safety, this was overprotective to the extreme.

He had even prioritized spending time with the apprentice over his companions.

Mu Yanshen didn’t spell it out, but Fang Xiyu understood he feared another Ye Lanzhou emerging.

Fang Xiyu wanted to say he was being overly sensitive, but had to admit Chu Chenli’s behavior was unusual.

Seeing his hesitation, Mu Yanshen coaxed, “Don’t you want to see what’s so special about that little apprentice?”

Fang Xiyu was somewhat tempted.

But he didn’t agree immediately, instead rubbing his chin as he studied Mu Yanshen’s expression thoughtfully.

“So you’re basically trying to recruit allies to win back his favor?”