Injecting a single Gene Protein can control the situation for a week, and a whole box of Gene Protein contains fifty doses. Lin Yu was calculating how much Gene Protein she needed to save for their expedition to the Ancient Times desert, Mirage, to investigate the truth behind the legends. She also wanted to find out what kind of situation Xiao Qiang, who possessed special abilities, encountered in the Desert Vortex that could alter his genes and trigger the dormant virus within him.
Due to the instability of the City Bureau and the varying incubation periods of this special virus, there was a growing demand for Gene Protein. Taking advantage of this situation, some unscrupulous merchants conspired with manufacturers to spread a terrifying rumor that Gene Protein would soon run out and that research and production plans might be halted.
Fortunately, Lin Yu had reliable supply channels, which made her calmer than others. She thought about the Gene Protein already stored in her refrigerator and realized she only needed to continue purchasing from the supply nurse to ensure Xiao Qiang would have enough injections.
No one knew that Xiao Qiang was a patient of the incubation period virus; Lin Yu told outsiders that her husband was hiding here due to physiological issues.
Out of sympathy for them, a compassionate writer named M expressed understanding of her difficulties. A week after Xiao Qiang woke up, M's current boyfriend, Luo Wei, visited Lin Yu's home. It was his first time seeing Xiao Qiang, and unexpectedly, they hit it off immediately, feeling as if they had known each other for ages.
Luo Wei did not understand why Xiao Qiang insisted on staying at home and found it inappropriate to bring up sensitive topics in front of his girlfriend. M did not share with Luo Wei any information about Xiao Qiang. It was normal for him to feel confused; he made small talk on the surface and did not press further for an explanation.
Xiao Qiang perceived Luo Wei as a businessman who valued profit above all else. In reality, the boundaries of interests among collaborators in the real world were often intricate and intertwined, sometimes even chaotic.
Lin Yu hoped that Xiao Qiang would interact more with Luo Wei to foster their friendship.
"I can't possibly become friends with him without any mutual interests."
"Don't view people so naively. Luo Wei is a businessman, but he is also humane."
"Is he?"
"How about I invite them both over again? You two can have a good talk."
To be honest, Xiao Qiang had very few friends in reality. Besides his five War Orphans companions, he hardly knew anyone else. Lin Yu wanted him to find some joy in this city for his mental well-being.
"Let's skip it. You should focus on getting enough Gene Protein so we can go together to Mirage Tower in Ancient Times and investigate what caused my virus outbreak."
Xiao Qiang really couldn't muster any enthusiasm next to Lin Yu; that once passionate love seemed like a thing of the past. The term "incubation period virus" was terrifying, etched into his mind like a brand, limiting his thoughts and actions. He was afraid!
"What are you worried about?" Lin Yu rested her head on his arm, tracing his chest muscles with her fingers. With affectionate eyes and a smile on her lips, she said, "This incubation period virus won't be contagious before it breaks out." She wanted him to feel reassured and act boldly.
"I know; with Gene Protein controlling it now, I'm fine," Xiao Qiang avoided her intense gaze and looked elsewhere.
Lin Yu ignored his gloomy demeanor, pulled his arm closer to herself, and continued tracing with her other hand. "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm sorry, I don't feel that way." Xiao Qiang withdrew his hand and rested his arm under his head, gazing up at the blinding lights. He knew he must have hurt her, but the shadow of Desert Vortex lingered, and those dark red eyes made him uneasy.
Lin Yu's smile froze on her face, and she awkwardly halted her movements. After hesitating for a moment, she gave him an unnatural bitter smile and immediately stood up. "I'll sleep on the sofa," she said as she picked up a pillow and walked away.
"Don't go." Xiao Qiang grabbed her arm. "Let me try again."
The dark red hue kept drifting through his mind. It was just an illusion; Lin Yu was so exceptional, her initiative and enthusiasm were all deliberately in sync with him. Yet, when he kissed her lightly, it felt like touching an iceberg, failing to ignite any passion within him.
With a sigh of failure, they both silently parted ways. Lin Yu picked up the pillow again and walked out. Suddenly, Xiao Qiang sprang up and hugged her tightly. "I'll go out instead!"
"No... what has happened to us? Why is it like this?" Lin Yu finally broke down in tears. Her strength had been worn down by repeated blows, and she was on the verge of collapse.
Xiao Qiang held her comfortingly. "It's okay; everything will be fine. Just give me some time." After saying that, he gently sniffed her ear and continued to reassure her, "You know, I suddenly woke up to find myself in this environment. Even now, I still haven't figured things out; just give me some time." To ease her worries, he compromised, "How about you invite M and the others over for a day of fun?"
"Yeah, we rarely interact with others here. They are my only friends; I trust my judgment." Lin Yu knew that Luo Wei was sociable and understanding, which was also why she wanted to bring them together as friends.
"Okay, I understand. I'll follow your arrangements." Xiao Qiang replied while holding the pillow. He kissed her forehead and said, "Good night."
"Good night."
The sofa, the television, the refrigerator, the living room—gentle and lovely Lin Yu. Everything felt unreal to Xiao Qiang; he thought he was doomed. Was it due to the misuse of his abilities causing this cycle? Or was it the effect after seeing Mothman? Rubbing his temples, he lay down in the most comfortable position while his mind replayed the nightmares he had experienced.
Robot Lin Yu—he really wanted to know if this Lin Yu before him was a robot. If she were indeed a robot, then all this talk about the Incubation Period virus would be baseless nonsense.
Xiao Qiang curled up on the sofa as drowsiness washed over him. Strange shadows appeared on the walls of the room accompanied by a sound like flowing sand. Darkness engulfed him and his surroundings; those eerie dark red eyes stood out starkly against the blackness.
Suddenly sitting up, he shouted, "Who’s there?"
"It's me," came a timid voice tinged with tears—it was Lin Yu.
Xiao Qiang called into the emptiness, "Turn on the lights."
The smart sensor lights flickered on instantly; under the glaring white light stood Lin Yu barefoot in front of the sofa.
"You were just calling for Jill."
"I... called Jill?" Xiao Qiang was puzzled. How could that be possible?
"Yes," Lin Yu said as she sat down close to the sofa, cradling Xiao Qiang's head. "Who is Jill?"
"She's from the Waji Mountain People, a beautiful and kind girl."
"Does she love you?"
"You're thinking too much." Xiao Qiang mistakenly thought she was jealous.
"Xiao Qiang, I have a strange feeling," Lin Yu said, not pressing further about Jill but staring at him with an odd expression. That look frightened him, and he slowly turned away, unsure of what she would say next.
"What is it?"
"I feel like there's something that came back with you this time."
A chill ran down Xiao Qiang's spine as he stared blankly at Lin Yu. "What do you mean?" However, her words weren't without reason; his sixth sense indeed felt something was off.
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