Chapter 960: Minds Behind the Mask

At five thirty the next morning, Xia Qing arrived at their meeting spot. Zhang Shi was already there with a huge suitcase in tow.

They’d chosen a spot in Section Three of Hill Forty-Nine—Xia Qing’s own territory, free from surveillance.

“How do I look?” Zhang Shi asked, wanting Xia Qing to check if there were any flaws in her disguise today.

She’d taken pills to change her eye color and voice, and even swapped in a new face. Right now, she looked every bit the part of a forty-something male researcher.

Thick brows, a distinct frown line etched between them, every pore on her face radiating a calm confidence unique to scholars. Even the scar on her cheek looked like it was forced out from the overflow of knowledge in her head.

It had been almost six years since Zhang Shi escaped from Hui One. Though she kept tabs on the world through radio and the web, she hadn’t set foot in the Safe Zone since. Bringing her daughter back this time took months of preparation, yet now she still couldn’t shake off her nerves.

What she needed was a bit of confidence from Xia Qing.

Xia Qing was honest with her: “Your appearance, your movements, your voice—they’re flawless. But to me, you seem too deliberate. It’s like you want everyone to notice your identity. Just like those times you played a researcher in the valley.”

Unlike Zhang Shi, who’d been cut off from human society for years, Xia Qing had spent nine years living under an alias in crowds. She’d picked up some tricks:

“Disguise is more than the surface. It’s about your mindset too, or your subconscious will betray you. Think hard about who you want to be. On this assignment, what kind of person are you supposed to be, and how would they be feeling right now?”

“Instead of worrying about your cover, remember you’re here for a confidential investigation, so you’re supposed to be in disguise. If you’re a P3 Lab researcher working for a major player, so what if you’re found out? Just reveal your identity. Who’d dare harm you then?”

“So, stop thinking about your real mission for now. Focus on the unfinished research projects in your head and details of this investigation instead. You could even ask Yang Jin for some useful intel.”

“If Yang Jin sizes you up, let him. What’s a Hui Three combat team leader compared to you? But try to minimize eye contact. He’s dealt with all sorts and is much sharper than I am.”

“I got it. Thank you.” Zhang Shi meant it. She immediately adjusted her attitude and demeanor as Xia Qing described.

Xia Qing produced a small, unmarked pill bottle. “This is the latest breakthrough from Red One—evolutionary synthetic element pills for Magnetic Sense users. They ease the headaches, have almost no side effects, and don’t interfere with abilities. Hui Three distributed these to the four Magnetic Sense evolvers at the Ninth Center. There are two pills inside, each good for twenty-four hours.”

After explaining the effects, Xia Qing added, “Once I got the pills, I had Third Brother test them. He said they’re fine. But they’re in limited supply and tracked with every dose. Even though I manage the Ninth Center, I could only get two.”

“I know this drug—it’ll be a game-changer for Shiyi. I’ll get you the goods and credits for trade when I’m back.” No words seemed enough for Zhang Shi’s gratitude. She tucked the pills away and quietly explained, “Shiyi’s taken his meds and is asleep. He won’t need them on the road.”

Xia Qing nodded and took the suitcase with Shiyi inside, leading mother and son toward Hill Forty-Nine’s helipad. Not long after they’d entered Section Two, Xia Qing waved at a surveillance camera overhead.

The rest of Hill Forty-Nine belonged to the Azure Dragon Squad. Per regulations, Xia Qing had informed Chen Cheng, the mountain’s guardian, the night before about escorting people to board a helicopter.

“Morning, Sister Qing.” Chen Cheng greeted her. “The captain and the others have already left the Safe Zone.”

“Got it.” Xia Qing nodded and started up the trail, Zhang Shi following.

Zhang Shi gave a slight nod to the camera, then quickened her pace behind Xia Qing.

Territory Seven was always shrouded in mystery. Even the new researcher’s arrival didn’t faze Chen Cheng, nor did it spark curiosity in Yang Jin, who stepped down from the helicopter cabin. He simply greeted the ‘researcher,’ took the suitcase, and helped her on board.

Then Yang Jin hopped back out, walked over to Xia Qing, handed her a points card, and grinned. “Sister Qing, want to use this chance to snag some supplies from Lan Five?”

Lancheng Base, ruling the northwest, boasted vast saline-alkali lands and plenty of cold water. Years before the disaster, they’d set up huge land-sea aquaculture zones. Now, they were the country’s largest seafood supplier.

Xia Qing had already listed the Green Lantern seafood and condiments she needed. She pulled out the itemized list and handed it to him. “It’s all written down. Thanks, Captain Yang.”

Yang Jin’s smile was dazzling as ever. “No trouble at all. The more you ask me to buy, the happier I am.”

Xia Qing stayed stone-faced. “I just hope the stuff you bring back lives up to the price I pay—including the shipping.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get top value for your credits!”

Top value? Yeah right. If he really gave you more than you paid for, he wouldn’t be called Iron Rooster.

Inside the chopper, with the suitcase stowed and belts buckled, Zhang Shi glanced out the window. She picked up on the completely different energy fields radiating from the two chatting outside.

Always alert to Zhang Shi, Xia Qing spotted her looking over and waved.

Zhang Shi nodded back, looking noticeably steadier than half an hour ago.

“I’m off.” Yang Jin shot Xia Qing a wave, then cheerfully headed toward the helicopter.

After watching the helicopter vanish into the distance, Xia Qing got to work—catching mutant insects, clearing Scourge Grass, checking on the Green Lantern chestnut grove, Green Lantern Torreya trees on the hillside, and inspecting a few aggressive Devastation Evolution plants. At last she reached the top of Wolf Valley.

“Black Wolf, Lame Wolf—are either of you here? Bring out Four-Eyes, it’s time for his medicine.”

“Awwoooo—woo—” came the grumbling of Lame Wolf from inside the den. Moments later, she kicked open the door, dragging Little Black Wolf to stand before Xia Qing.

Xia Qing pointed at the door. “You keep kicking doors like that, and I’ll have to tell Broken Back.”

Lame Wolf wasn’t a Brain Evolution user, but she could tell Xia Qing’s tone meant business. Her muttering continued anyway.

Ignoring her, Xia Qing called, “Four-Eyes, come here and let me check you out.”

With a stern little wolf face—just like his dad’s—Little Black Wolf padded over.

Even as Lame Wolf kept muttering, Xia Qing pressed down lightly on Little Black Wolf’s back, coaxing him onto the ground and flipping him over. She gently palpated his belly, noting his reactions before applying medicine to the four wounds, disinfecting and fighting infection.

Then Xia Qing brought out a small bowl, poured in pure spring water and some medicine, and set freeze-dried meat in front of the young wolf.

This pup was always on guard—he wouldn’t eat with Xia Qing watching. So she moved off to clear wild boar droppings, keeping an eye on him from afar.

Little Black Wolf drank happily, ate up his freeze-dried meal, and then cozied up to Lame Wolf. Lame Wolf emptied both bowls before giving her pup a good grooming.

Once she’d seen the little wolf do his business, Xia Qing dashed over to collect a sample before the droppings got contaminated.

Lame Wolf, startled by Xia Qing’s sudden move, was back to muttering up a storm.

Now Xia Qing was truly annoyed. Shooting the foul-tempered mother wolf a glare, she warned, “I’m taking this wolf dung so I can check how Four-Eyes’ gut is healing. Keep yapping at me and see if I don’t knock some sense into you!”

She was only treating Four-Eyes because Alpha had paid her credits—not to get yelled at!

If she wasn’t worried about fighting Lame Wolf here and scaring the pup—making his wounds worse—Xia Qing would’ve thrown down right there and shown Lame Wolf her place.

Just because you’ve got a nasty temper doesn’t mean you can act out. Honestly, I’m even angrier than you are!

“Awoo—!!!”

Xia Qing pulled off her protective mask, baring two little fangs and letting out a low growl.

Predictable, yet perfectly reasonable.

Seeing Xia Qing’s anger and aggression, Lame Wolf shut her mouth, ears pinned and tail down, falling instantly into a submissive stance. Little Black Wolf was even quicker to comply, flopping down by Lame Wolf in an obvious show of obedience to Xia Qing’s dominance.

For the first time, their reaction made Xia Qing truly feel her position in the Northern Wolf Pack.

Hmm…

It was pretty much the same gut-deep feeling as putting other wolves in their place.