What the devil did this mean? After we’d gotten lost several times and painstakingly made our way into the Giant Python Cave, all we found was a stench so overpowering it nearly choked us. When we left that day, there was still half a snake body and a pile of bones, even the head—which I hadn't eaten—was left behind.

How could it be that now not even snake droppings could be seen? The smell, however, was still incredibly strong. Yi Xiaorou pinched her nose and questioned Hua Qingqing.

Hua Qingqing pinched her nose and questioned me. No one questioned me, so I pinched my own nose. Even if I passed gas ten times in here, the stench wouldn't be this intense.

What on earth was going on? It was infuriating. Yi Xiaorou asked me, “Are you sure this is the place?

Even if someone came, they couldn't possibly have carried away the bones and everything without leaving a trace. Was the smell the same when you last visited?” I shook my head. If the smell had been this bad last time, I wouldn't have had the slightest inclination to observe Zhao Fen's lovely figure.

This place was not only remote, but the nearby villagers were all aware of the dangers in this mountain forest; normally, no one dared step into the Black Pine Woods. So, human interference seemed unlikely. Hua Qingqing squatted down, scooped some of the rotting black earth into a small glass vial, then gestured towards the cave entrance.

With a clatter and rush, the group scrambled outside. Since there was nothing more to find, we could only return disappointed. Especially Yi Xiaorou; the slight cheerfulness that had been on her face was now as gloomy as if covered in a shroud of black mist.

Hua Qingqing used the several boxes of analysis equipment she brought to test the black soil sample. She then announced some unfortunate news to everyone: the remains of that snake had naturally decomposed. As for why the decomposition process was so swift, that remained unknown for the time being.

Since the snake body and bones had completely dissolved, there was no hope of extracting Substance B from them. This meant Yi Xiaorou’s rust-colored spots would be hard to treat. What a pity for such a devilish figure, especially those full breasts of hers.

As I was indulging in base, lewd thoughts, Hua Qingqing’s gaze suddenly fixed on me, and there was a terrifying smirk in her eyes: “Zhao Qian, do you have any way to draw blood from your own body?” Prompted by Hua Qingqing, Yi Xiaorou immediately perked up, her large, bright eyes staring intently at me. If she didn't have those spots all over her face, and simply gave me a seductive look, I would gladly let her drain every drop of blood in my body. Oh no, I almost fell for it!

With only a pound or two of flesh and blood on me, extracting Substance B would leave nothing but bones behind. I stated solemnly and seriously, “I warn both of you not to set your sights on me. Our Zhao family has had only one male heir for three generations, and I am still a virgin.

Don’t even think about experimenting on me.” Hua Qingqing’s tone softened, which was rare: “Just drawing a tiny bit of blood for analysis, is that acceptable? You wouldn't be that petty, would you? Just think of it as a blood donation.

If you absolutely refuse, we can give you extra nutritional compensation.” Given my benevolent and helpful nature, it was impossible for me to refuse Hua Qingqing’s request, especially since the woman with the devilish figure was looking at me with anticipation. Thus, I nodded and agreed to her proposal. As for the nutritional compensation, how could I possibly ask a beautiful doctor whose scent was like pure jasmine?

But the most unexpected thing happened: no matter how much I tried to relax, how much I mentally coached myself not to be tense or guarded, I ended up breaking a whole stack of needles, none of which could penetrate my skin. Damn it, this was a serious problem. Wouldn't I be unable to perform surgery or receive a blood transfusion in the future?

I shrugged helplessly at Hua Qingqing and Yi Xiaorou. “I’m sorry, ladies, I want to help you, but my body won’t allow it.” With the situation having reached this impasse, there was no other way to think of. Hua Qingqing went out to consult with Director Wu, to see if they could treat this strange ailment using Traditional Chinese Medicine, leaving Yi Xiaorou and me to sit quietly in the room.

“We’re going back to the capital tomorrow,” Yi Xiaorou said sadly. “Perhaps this is heaven’s punishment for me. It gave me too much—a distinguished family background, a smooth-sailing career—now it’s time for it to take something back.” I felt a pang of sadness.

“Comrade Leader, I truly want to help you, but I have no way to break through this impenetrable barrier.” Yi Xiaorou managed a wry smile. “Thank you, Zhao Qian. I accept my fate.

Now that your body is so peculiar, there are two things I want to remind you to keep in mind. First, don't let too many people know about this. Like when we were attacked, once a person becomes too famous, it’s rarely a good thing.

Second, I won’t force you to join the army, but you must understand clearly: with great power comes great responsibility. You absolutely must not use these abilities to step onto the irreversible path of evil. Otherwise, not even heaven will forgive you.” Do scientists believe in fatalism?

Nevertheless, Yi Xiaorou’s words hit the nail on the head. People fear fame just as pigs fear getting fat; it’s undeniably true. If people all over the world wanted to drink my blood and eat my flesh, even with skin and bones as tough as iron, I probably couldn’t withstand the torment of billions of people.

Also, that saying, ‘with great power comes great responsibility,’ sounds profound, yet it’s so philosophical. It warrants deep thought. I must tell Little Raindrop about it when I get home.

I habitually snapped to a salute. “Please rest assured, Comrade Leader. I will engrave your teachings in my heart and never forget them.” Yi Xiaorou let out a light, delicate laugh.

“Zhao Qian, are you always this humorous? I’m very happy when I’m with you. Also, stop calling me ‘Comrade Leader’; just call me Xiaorou.” I was momentarily stunned.

Yi Xiaorou was truly a great beauty, especially in that military uniform, which gave her a unique charm, much like the contrast with Hua Qingqing’s physician’s whites. Even more deadly were those full breasts hidden beneath the uniform, which trembled slightly with her soft laughter—it was overwhelmingly alluring. I couldn't help but blurt out a compliment.

“Xiaorou, you are so beautiful.” “What?” Yi Xiaorou thought she misheard. “Did you say I’m beautiful? Don’t offer empty comfort; I’ve gotten used to looking like this over the years.” “No, no,” I rushed to clarify.

“It’s true, you really are beautiful. This uniform suits you very well. Your beauty is different from the other girls I’ve met; you possess a maturity and sophistication they lack.” Yi Xiaorou reproached me playfully.

“Are you complimenting me or insulting me? I know that at twenty-six, youth has already passed its peak, but what can I do about the swift passage of time?” I grew even more anxious. “Comrade Leader Xiaorou, you misunderstood.

I wasn't saying you are old; I meant the mature charm you possess is something young girls don’t have. That feeling is very attractive to men.” Yi Xiaorou responded calmly, “Including you?” My face instantly flushed red. After eavesdropping on Hua Qingqing and Yi Xiaorou’s conversation earlier, I knew Yi Xiaorou had been married for two years.

If I admitted it, wouldn't that mean I was attracted to a married woman? “Don’t you find my rust spots horrifying and disgusting? You only say that to comfort me, I know.

Do you know my husband slept in a separate bed from me the night of our wedding? With an ugly sight like me, what man would be attracted, unless he’s blind?” I decided to risk it, since we were just chatting, not actually going to bed. “Your husband is blind!

For him to leave such a wonderful wife to sleep with some other tramp—is he sick? Your skin has a problem, but the key thing is that sickness can eventually be cured. If he isn't treating you well now, when your illness is cured and you become a super beauty, and he then tries to get into your bed, won’t he just be asking for trouble?” I almost let slip that things would be different with the lights off, but I managed to change my wording at the crucial moment.

Otherwise, Yi Xiaorou would have despised me completely, although I was being rather vulgar myself. “If only you were my husband.” Yi Xiaorou looked distant, seemingly lost in thought. However, the grace she displayed at that moment was even more captivating—provided, of course, I didn't consider the rust spots on her body.

Just as I was pondering whether I should use my eyes to 'undress' her for appreciation, Yi Xiaorou snapped back to the present, chuckling sweetly. “Zhao Qian, do you know who my husband is? Be careful, if you call him blind and sick, he might cause you trouble later.” My stubborn streak kicked in.

“I would say the same thing to his face. I don't care who he is. Since he married you, he should know how to love and cherish you.

If he can’t do that, he shouldn’t have married you in the first place; otherwise, he’s only harming himself and others.” Yi Xiaorou nodded repeatedly. “Exactly. Zhao Qian, what you said is very true.

Love forced upon someone will never bring happiness. I’ve always lived under the shadow of love, compromising for the sake of my family’s reputation. Now I’ve decided, regardless of whether my illness can be cured, the marriage between him and me must end.” “Good!” I gave Yi Xiaorou a thumbs-up.

“I support you! By the way, what does your husband do?” “He’s a spoiled second-generation heir who never does anything worthwhile. His father is the Minister of Public Security in our Great Dragon Country, and his grandfather…” #！-＃！＊ I didn’t hear the rest of what Yi Xiaorou said.

Damn it, I’m incredible! I actually managed to romance the daughter-in-law of the Minister of Public Security!