I inwardly thanked fate; Zhang Ersha must possess a poison gland, and it seemed he could modulate the dosage based on the opponent’s condition, just like that night in Peach Blossom Village where he unleashed pure lethal venom, instantly killing the variant giant rats. These ten people had snatched their lives back from the Grim Reaper; they would certainly be chanting scriptures a hundred times over in the detention center later.

They were certainly bold, daring to raid my lair without ascertaining the situation first. General Xia Huren was a top-tier sniper; if they had let the enemy get the jump on him, how could they show their faces in the service again? Leaving them alive was already an act of kindness on my part.

I observed Tan Tian closely. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. After whispering something to Jia Tie, they hastily departed the banquet hall. As for his grandfather, General Tan Zhong, and Fang Chaoyang, they had long since left after the opening ceremony. Such high-ranking figures wouldn't waste their time playing games here with us.

Yi Xiaorou whispered to me from behind, "Do you think Tan Tian sent someone?"

I nodded. "He targeted me at every turn tonight; these two incidents couldn't be unrelated to him. But he won't bring me, Zhao Qian, down that easily."

"Zhao Qian, Brother Zhao, big brother, let's go," the group of women called out to me. "There’s no fun in staying here anymore; let’s go home and have fun."

I shattered their sweet dreams. "It’s getting too late; I think everyone should head home separately. Fenfen and Fangfang, stick with me; I’ll take you to Zhu Da’s place. I’ve been borrowing lodging there recently."

Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang replied, "Great! We miss the Village Chief too."

Fang Yanmeng asked doubtfully, "Zhu Da? Is he the Zhu Da from the TV earlier?"

"Yes. Why, have you taken a liking to him?"

"Pah!" Fang Yanmeng pinched me. "I just think his house looks quite nice. I’ll come along tonight to take a look. Save a couple of rooms for me and Chuchu if you have space; we might stay in Shajiabang often from now on."

"Brother, I’m coming too! Watching TV at home every day is so boring," Xiaoyudi chimed in to support Fang Yanmeng. She hadn't complained yesterday when I asked, but now that she had a playmate, TV suddenly seemed tedious.

I couldn't refuse. "Fine by me, but whether rooms are available is up to Zhu Da."

The whole group bustled their way toward the exit. Seeing Zhang Xiaoya standing still with a crestfallen look, I went over and pulled her arm. "Let’s go, Zhang Xiaoya. Visit our company first, and then I’ll take you home."

Zhang Xiaoya hesitated. "You’re so busy; maybe I shouldn’t come."

"What are you talking about? Do you really think I’m just a tofu company manager? I promised to come to your place tonight, but I have to take them home first."

Zhang Xiaoya finally managed a smile. "Okay. I thought you forgot what you promised."

"How could I? Come on, let’s go. I’ll introduce you all on the way."

"Heh heh, we’ve already met. Your sister and Miss Fang interrogated me terribly. They managed to get every detail about our school days in just a short while."

...

Stepping out of the hotel, I was momentarily stunned. A line of six luxury cars was parked in front of me. Fang Yanmeng leaned out of a red Ferrari and said to me, "Zhao Qian, which one do you and Sister Xiaoya prefer? Feel free to pick any."

Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang both had their own cars and chauffeurs. They looked somewhat shy. "Brother Zhao, we didn't get a chance to tell you earlier; we're working for the country now."

It seemed the little loli duo had been referring to these two sisters. Zhao Qian, Zhao Qian, they achieved such remarkable success in such a short time; you need to work harder.

Yi Xiaorou turned to me. "Qingqing and I will come along to have a look too. She’s very interested in your friends."

I knew Hua Qingqing was going to study flying people again. Others might not believe what they saw on TV, but she certainly would.

Xiao Chuchu leaned out of the BMW and said to me, "You’re not unwelcoming me, are you? After all, we shared hardship together in the mountains."

I waved my hand. "Everyone comes! Everyone comes! I won’t sleep tonight; I’ll make tofu for all of you."

When we returned to Zhu Da’s house, everything had returned to normal. The three men were still watching TV quietly in the living room, but upon seeing me bring back seven beauties, Zhu Da only managed to exclaim, "The Seven Fairies have descended!" before promptly fainting from excitement.

Fang Yanmeng pulled the group upstairs to claim their territory. Only Hua Qingqing stayed behind to sit with me on the sofa.

I couldn't help but chuckle and said to Xia Huren, "Tiger, you looked pretty cool on television. A lot of girls at our alumni meeting gave you high praise."

Xia Huren smiled but said nothing—that was his habit, being taciturn.

Zhu Da finally stirred awake. "My god, Commander Zhao! Where did you round up so many beauties in half a day? That one over there is definitely a rare specimen..."

I coughed to remind Zhu Da that a noble figure was still sitting on the sofa.

Zhu Da grinned sheepishly at Hua Qingqing. "Apologies, apologies. I speak too bluntly. May I ask the young lady’s esteemed name?"

"You're the Zhu Da who spoke on TV? My name is Hua Qingqing."

Zhu Da asked in doubt, "I didn't expect to become famous overnight! If I have the chance, I’ll go on TV again. Miss Hua, are you related to Hua Qingqing from the Hua Pharmaceutical Group? Is it just a coincidence of names?" It seemed Zhu Da’s social knowledge was richer than mine; he immediately connected the dots.

"I am her."

Zhu Da promptly fainted again. "Heavens! Such a high-ranking leader gracing my humble abode! What an honor, what an honor..."

Hua Qingqing didn't have time for pleasantries with Zhu Da. She got straight to the point with Li Tieniu. "I’ll address you as Village Chief too, if that’s alright. I want to know what this whole ‘flying’ business is about. Can you tell me?"

Li Tieniu cast an inquiring glance toward me. I said to him, "Village Chief, don't worry. Dr. Hua is one of us. I’m even working part-time under her now. If she can figure out the principle behind our mutation, it will be of great help to the nation in the future."

Li Tieniu gave a wry smile. "I don't understand it myself. My flesh and bone structure genuinely exist, but I can't register any weight. As long as I think about it, I can fly slowly, just like in zero gravity shown on TV."

"What about the other two?" Hua Qingqing pointed at Xia Huren and Zhang Ersha.

I explained, "Don't count Tiger in that. His is a genuine skill honed through hard training in the military, with no shortcuts involved. Brother Ersha carries potent venom, but his toxicity is unstable."

Hua Qingqing nervously rubbed her hands. "Miracles! Truly miracles! Zhao Qian, we absolutely must figure this out. If everyone could fly, and their bodies could spontaneously generate antitoxins, what kind of future would that create?"

I cautioned Hua Qingqing, "You’ve made the concept of 'everyone' far too broad. At the very least, those unfriendly international figures are not included in that scope, or I’d be the first to oppose your research project."

Hua Qingqing gave me a sweet smile. "Alright, my indignant soldier comrade. I’ve been with your Xiaorou for so many years; ask her—when have I ever placed national and ethnic interests first? You three all came from that small town, and these changes appearing in you are likely due to the influence of substance B. It seems we need to go back to the town for a thorough investigation. Perhaps there are more undiscovered mutated creatures."

Hmph, that's the only thing that surprised me. The ones eaten, the ones that died, the ones subdued, the ones killed in battle—if we could find any more, it would be Taozi’s severe dereliction of duty. However, I seemed to have forgotten something important: the python hide and the snake pearls!

Good heavens, those snake pearls must hold significant secrets. I remember giving them to Zhao Fen. I need to ask her about them.

With that thought, I couldn't stay seated any longer. I stood up and rushed upstairs.

"Zhao Fen, Zhao Fen, where are you?" I called out to the tightly closed bedroom doors in the second-floor hall.

One door opened, and Fang Yanmeng poked her head out. "We're all chatting over here. What are you shouting about in the middle of the night?"

Zhao Fen came out. "Brother Zhao, do you need something from me?"

I pulled Zhao Fen aside and asked, "Do you remember the pearls we found in the snake cave? Where did you put them?"

Zhao Fen replied, "I remember them! And there was a piece of snakeskin too. I’ve kept them safe for you, Brother Zhao."

"Can you get them now?"

Zhao Fen looked troubled. "They’re in my dorm. Should I go back and get them?"

Taozi sent a signal to my mind: "I’ll go!"

I stopped Zhao Fen. "No need for you to go; it will only take a moment."

Taozi’s speed was indeed astonishing. In just the time it took to smoke two cigarettes, it returned with a small package in its mouth, startling Zhao Fen so much she nearly fell, but I caught her in time.

I took out one snake pearl and handed the package back to Zhao Fen to put away, then hurried back downstairs.

"What is it?" Hua Qingqing asked as she carefully observed it.

"You’ll know after you test it. I’m waiting for your news. Please don't disappoint me."

If the snake pearls contain substance B, wouldn't they be a panacea? The tiny bit of substance B I expelled through my lower regions managed to control Yi Xiaorou's strange illness. A chunk this size—couldn't it treat cancer, AIDS, and so on? If so, I’d be set for life! People would fight over them even if I charged one hundred million per pearl.

Hua Qingqing carefully put the snake pearl away and stood up. "It’s too late today; I’ll head back first. You bring the Village Chief and Brother Ersha to the lab another day. Don’t tell Xiaorou I left; let her stay tonight. I think those girls quite like her. Goodbye."

After seeing Hua Qingqing off, I returned to the living room to find Zhu Da cursing at the television: "Damn you, rotten Bird Country! Why are you patrolling and scouting in our territorial waters? If I had a gun with sufficient range, I’d shoot your damn island down."

"What’s going on?" I asked Xia Huren.

Xia Huren explained, "It's about the D Sea oil and gas field. This afternoon, a K-3C reconnaissance plane from Bird Country was circling over the drilling rig again, and two missile destroyers crossed the median line into the waters we claim. Our government issued a strong protest, but the Bird Country government hasn't offered an explanation yet."

Bullying us too much! Does that Bird Country think the Great Dragon Nation is empty of people? It seems I can’t wait another moment. I need to consult with Xiaoyudi.