Chapter 322: Separate Agendas
by xennovel“The body of a god?”
As everyone in the Office fell into their own thoughts Lu Xin frowned slightly connecting some dots himself.
Back in White Tower Town he had seen that brain-shaped Monster and learned its name seemed to be a sample of the ‘God’s Brain’ at some stage. So could it be said that besides researching the Brain those people had also started researching other parts? Including eyes skilled in ‘Observation’ monsters that could Control flesh and blood and… a body capable of containing all these?
“So now we have enough information to infer…”
Chen Jing spoke slowly her voice heavy, “Are we trying to prevent the birth of a god?”
“It’s just a guess but I feel it’s not far off.”
Dr. Mo nodded saying, “Of course this is just one possibility. After all the materials I have access to…”
He glanced outside the Office with a hint of helplessness, “…are too few.”
…
Chen Jing understood the difficulty implied in Dr. Mo’s words.
Gao Ting was a human witness Qinggang handed over to Central City so Qinggang could naturally participate in her assessment.
However there was clearly a lot of other information Dr. Mo was excluded from.
“Based on the current information there’s enough evidence to prove the Black Table is responsible. We can also infer that besides the experimental base in White Tower Town the Black Table definitely has other laboratories possibly even larger ones.”
Chen Jing calmly summarized, “Furthermore judging by the Black Table’s rather frantic actions last night—releasing polluted flesh and blood in Satellite City Seven and kidnapping Research Institute doctor Zhao Shiming—we can basically confirm they are conducting an experiment related to the ‘Birth of a god’ and the whole process is at a critical stage.”
“So we don’t have much time left.”
…
She paused, “But there are many preparations we need to make. The most important are at least three things.”
“First we need detailed information about this secret chemical factory laboratory. Since the Black Table took such a huge risk kidnapping Zhao Shiming it means his research is definitely very useful to them. If we can get the lab’s data and an inventory list of lost items we can predict the specific experiments the Black Table is conducting and prepare accordingly.”
“Second we need to find the Black Table’s secret experimental base in the shortest possible time.”
“Their hasty departure last night must have left clues. Also constructing such a large base requires a supply of various raw materials which will leave traces they can’t erase. If the Central City Undercover Units take action they should be able to find leads.”
“Third sufficient manpower.”
…
Lu Xin thought her analysis was spot on with only one point unclear, “So what are we waiting for?”
“Waiting for Central City’s approval.”
Chen Jing glanced at Lu Xin speaking softly, “Whether it’s detailed core information or the investigation into the Black Table’s largest secret laboratory we need Central City’s permission. To some extent our Qinggang is just cooperating with the investigation.”
“Oh!”
Lu Xin thought for a moment and nodded obediently.
Since Central City was taking the lead in this investigation he naturally had to cooperate fully.
Under Chen Jing’s guidance he recounted everything: encountering the Convoy discovering White Tower Town destroying the experimental base there with Gao Ting accidentally picking up a file about ‘Creating gods’ worrying about Revenge rushing to Central City with the Convoy and encountering the Hell Team.
Writing reports? He was good at that.
He stuck to his usual principle—focus on the key points.
That girl named Xia Chong seemed rather ill-tempered; writing too much might annoy her.
He wrote down what he knew trying not to leave anything out.
As for things he didn’t know naturally he wouldn’t write them like how he found that file…
…He just found it!
Chen Jing was the first to review Lu Xin’s report crossing out a few irrelevant lines.
Lu Xin felt a bit nervous. After all this leader wasn’t Han Bing personally editing his report.
This report written with the utmost effort to be clear was reorganized and handed over to Xia Chong an hour later.
After receiving the report Xia Chong merely glanced at it furrowed her brow slightly and then passed it to the person beside her.
Chen Jing looked at Xia Chong and said, “I believe this operation should proceed as quickly as possible.”
“Do you think it’s better for me to make this request as Qinggang or for your Action Team to apply directly?”
…
“I already submitted the application earlier. I’m waiting for approval from the higher-ups.”
Xia Chong stated expressionlessly, “For now you can return to the Hotel to rest temporarily.”
“Regarding this mission once we have a decision or result we will notify you immediately.”
“Huh?”
Gecko suddenly looked up sharply.
Chen Jing’s expression also changed slightly, “Just like that?”
Xia Chong nodded saying, “You are guests of Central City and also the reporters of the case. Protecting you is the top priority.”
“Besides Central City has sufficient capability to handle this matter. You can rest assured.”
“Ah this…”
Hearing this Gecko’s gaze shifted from Xia Chong’s legs to her poker face.
Xia Chong met their gazes her expression unchanging glancing at Chen Jing and Lu Xin.
Lu Xin was nodding at that moment. Seeing her gaze he smiled at her.
Chen Jing pondered for a moment then nodded and smiled, “Alright then. We’ll wait for your good news.”
Xia Chong nodded and turned to leave directly.
Before long they heard military vehicles moving outside surrounding the already heavily guarded chemical factory forming an impenetrable cordon. Then they saw teams of people in white coats or heavy protective suits entering.
Among these people Lu Xin also saw several individuals in military uniforms with an aura somewhat similar to Minister Shen listening gravely to their reports.
“Alright the materials have been transferred the clues have been provided. We can go back to the hotel and rest.”
Chen Jing asked a few routine questions then smiled at Lu Xin.
“Really going to rest?”
Gecko seemed even more surprised asking instinctively.
Chen Jing just smiled without answering.
Lu Xin quietly followed the two of them seemingly unaware that their expressions had already turned somewhat sour. He just looked calm or rather indifferent quietly following beside the others appearing quite obedient.
Soon Chen Jing went over greeted Xia Chong then returned to take Lu Xin and the others. They boarded a Car left the chemical factory and under the escort of a Central City armed squad headed to the designated Hotel to rest.
The Hotel wasn’t low-grade nor was it far. Without needing to check in or pay they were directly admitted to the highest-class guest rooms in the establishment.
After that came the long wait.
…
“Something’s not right here…”
Gecko shared a room with Lu Xin… he originally wanted to refuse but didn’t dare… and finally couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Clearly the situation is so urgent yet they arranged for us to rest in a hotel…”
He lowered his voice asking Lu Xin, “Do you think Central City is up to something?”
“What tricks could they be playing?”
Lu Xin had already brewed a cup of the hotel’s complimentary tea and sat down in a high-end armchair in the room. He held the cup with both hands his face appearing very calm.
The earlier conversation between Chen Jing and Xia Chong the attitudes of all the Central City personnel none of it seemed to have affected him.
Hearing Gecko’s words now he seemed to have just registered it asking curiously.
“My dear Squad Leader…”
Gecko looked at Lu Xin strangely, “Are you genuinely clueless or just pretending?”
*Slurp…*
Lu Xin took a small sip, “Clueless about what?”
“This this this…”
Gecko decided regardless of whether he was genuinely clueless or pretending to treat him as genuinely clueless lamenting, “Central City is trying to sideline us! The Team Leader brought us here to ensure this matter could be resolved smoothly without any dirty tricks. And what she did after arriving did indeed ensure Central City would at least take it seriously instead of covering it up…”
“But who would have thought they’re quite ruthless too! They plan to act but they’ve tossed us aside!”
…
“Why would they cover it up?”
Lu Xin looked completely unfazed saying, “According to regulations isn’t it their job to handle it?”
“Well…”
Gecko glanced at Lu Xin and sighed, “Looking at it now they do seem prepared to handle it.”
“It’s just look! We discovered the White Tower Town experimental base. That file… you picked it up. You protected that convoy. Even this Black Table’s backup plan only surfaced because of us…”
“But now does Central City show any intention of involving us in resolving this?”
…
Lu Xin seemed thoughtful, “So why do you think that is?”
*Slap!*
Gecko slapped his thigh saying, “There could be many reasons! Maybe there’s some shady secret between Central City and this Black Table they don’t want us to discover like who knows what’s going on under this chemical factory? Or maybe Central City has its eye on some of the Black Table’s confidential materials hoping to monopolize them without sharing with Qinggang. Or maybe…”
He paused suddenly widening his eyes and lowering his voice, “They’re waiting for the experiment to succeed?”
As he said this half his face was immersed in darkness his voice unconsciously gaining a low magnetic quality, “The Black Table’s attack on Satellite City Seven was restrained. We guessed before instead of causing chaos to escape the high-wall City it was more like they were using this method to showcase their technology to others…”
“Hah this wasn’t an attack at all it was a product showcase!”
“Do you think maybe some people in Central City were genuinely tempted? They aren’t eager to stop the Black Table now but hope to be the first customer after the Black Table’s research succeeds… or even become their sole customer?”
…
…*Slurp!*
Lu Xin listened quietly for a long while took another slow sip of tea and a faint smile touched his lips, “That seems… unlikely right?”
Gecko’s expression turned strange, “…You really don’t seem worried.”
“Why should I be worried?”
Lu Xin said naturally, “Didn’t the Team Leader say this mission is primarily led by Central City’s Action Team? So naturally they have the right to choose whether to include us or not. If they don’t include us we can’t just force ourselves along…”
“Besides…”
He blew on the tea leaves slowly adding, “Isn’t the hotel they arranged quite nice?”
“Ah this…”
Gecko looked deeply at Lu Xin seemingly trying to discern if he was telling the truth.
There was no trace of falsehood on Lu Xin’s face nor any need for it.
He just paused before slowly saying, “But… Central City has its business and I have mine.”
“Huh?”
Gecko’s expression suddenly turned bewildered.
Lu Xin’s reaction was too calm making him feel something was wrong.
Suddenly as if guessing something he stammered dumbfounded, “You wouldn’t… act on your own would you?”
“Why would I do that?”
Lu Xin held the teacup with both hands sinking back into the chair slightly.
He said very calmly, “I’m just going to visit family.”
“Visit family?”
Gecko clearly showed a bewildered expression.
Lu Xin however appeared extremely calm the corners of his mouth seeming to curve up slightly.
“That Black Table person in charge Chen Xun is my relative. I came to Central City this time specifically to find him. So Central City can choose not to take us along but me visiting my own relative… that has nothing to do with them right?”
*Shhh!*
Watching Lu Xin’s utterly calm face slowly blurring behind the steam rising from the teacup Gecko couldn’t tell if Lu Xin was revealing a sinister smile or if the steam was just distorting his expression. He only felt the temperature in the room seem to drop making his scalp tingle.
“This…”
After a long moment he finally asked, “Can this relative be seen?”
Lu Xin looked up smiling kindly through the misty steam from the tea, “He won’t be seen…”
!
Gecko’s body stiffened.
This was the first time he had detected such intense and resolute negative emotion beneath Lu Xin’s calm words.
No wonder Lu Xin hadn’t raised any objections to Central City’s attitude all day.
So the one who seemed least reactive was actually the most intense?
…
“If you’re preparing to visit family…”
Just as the poor Gecko was almost scared enough to jump out the window Chen Jing’s calm voice suddenly sounded at the room’s doorway:
“Then have you considered bringing along two colleagues?”