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Chapter 88
“We’ve discovered that not only does liquid water dissolve substances, but because water molecules are ubiquitous, the Q virus also gets dissolved by water molecules in the air when exposed. However, this dissolution doesn’t eliminate the virus. Instead, it alters the virus, rendering it non-infectious…”
When Lian Qingmiao copied the report for Le Yan, the latter noticed that Gao Ruosu, Lian Ru Ning, and Hao Jian seemed intrigued by their research. Within the bounds of confidentiality, she took them on a brief tour of the hydrology and water quality lab, explaining some of their latest findings.
“We also extracted materials from various parts of zombies, such as the brain and muscles, to study their interactions with water molecules...” Le Yan noticed Gao Ruosu’s confusion and smiled. “In simple terms, we experimented with zombie blood, flesh, and brain matter using different types of liquid water. We found that the reactions vary because the water contains different substances.”
Hao Jian recalled the scientific center’s request to capture fish from different areas and asked, “So the A3 and B11 you mentioned to Professor Lian earlier are types of water from different experiments?”
“Yes. To study how the virus affects water and soil and its impact on plant mutations, we often conduct collaborative research.”
“What happens if sterilized water is used to irrigate plants?”
“Water is relatively easy to handle. The bigger challenge is whether ordinary sterilization methods can neutralize the zombie virus’s contamination of soil and geology. Professor Lian’s lab is working on this. Of course, we’re also examining whether plants mutate under the influence of the virus and, if so, the nature of those mutations.”
Hao Jian refrained from asking about experimental results, as it was confidential. Lian Qingmiao wouldn’t disclose such information, and Le Yan certainly wouldn’t either.
However, Hao Jian had another way to access this data, through her system.
Sensing her intent, the system snorted, “Host, you’ve got some nerve. Yesterday, you were questioning us, and today you’re already planning to rely on us?”
“Doubting you and using you aren’t mutually exclusive, are they? Unless, of course, you’d refuse to provide the information I want just because I doubted you,” Hao Jian retorted.
The system had never encountered someone so audacious. But Hao Jian was right; it couldn’t withhold research data simply because she had questioned it.
Unaware of the system’s thoughts, Hao Jian continued, “Don’t think I’m some hypocrite. I’ve thought it through, our relationship is purely transactional.”
“I don’t know what your ultimate goal is. Since you’ve issued tasks, you clearly want to use me to achieve it. So, I’ll complete the tasks. In turn, I’ll fully leverage your rules to get the information I want.”
After a moment of silence, the system replied, “That’s fair.”
“Yes, it is. I complete the tasks diligently, and you provide what I want.”
“Understood,” the system responded, sounding like a chastened child.
The tension from the previous night dissipated, leaving behind a mutual agreement to collaborate. Hao Jian found this approach to be the most practical way to interact with the system.
As they passed Le Yan’s office, they could see through the glass window that her desk was piled high with stacks of documents.
Lian Ru Ning recalled what Lian Qingmiao had said about Le Yan’s dedication and focus on her research. Those stacks of papers must be the fruits of her relentless efforts.
Inspired by this level of commitment, Lian Ru Ning felt a flicker of interest in Lian Qingmiao’s earlier proposal.
When they returned to Lian Qingmiao’s office, he asked, “So, are you curious about the impact the zombie virus has on soil and geology?”
“I really am,” Lian Ru Ning admitted with a hint of exasperation.
“Then come help your father. Look at Hao Jian, she’s a recorder, contributing daily to the advancement of this world. And you?”
Lian Ru Ning glanced at Hao Jian before replying, “I’ll seriously consider your proposal. Dad, Mom, we’ll get back to work for now. We’ll catch up later.”
After saying that, she dragged Hao Jian away.
Hao Jian said, “I think Professor Lian’s suggestion is a good one.”
Lian Ru Ning gave her a sidelong glance. “You didn’t say that back in Xiang City.”
It was true, Hao Jian hadn’t thought that way before. After all, joining a research lab could mean exposure to the zombie virus, increasing the risk of infection.
However, the Scientific Center was different from Xiang City’s labs. With Lian Qingmiao present, he would do his best to protect Lian Ru Ning. Chances were, Lian Ru Ning wouldn’t even need to participate in experiment-related tasks.
Moreover, the Scientific Center was significantly safer than Xiang City. At least here, there was no need to worry about being targeted by "Wujio." This environment was familiar to Lian Ru Ning, with no shortage of food or clothing, allowing her to research in peace.
For these reasons, Hao Jian had changed her mind and now supported Lian Ru Ning staying by Lian Qingmiao’s side.
Lian Ru Ning, however, felt a tinge of unease. Gripping Hao Jian’s hand, she asked, “And what about you?”
“I’ll be here, just occasionally helping An Minghui. I might carry out some tasks near the Southern City, but I won’t be gone long,” Hao Jian replied with a casual expression.
Lian Ru Ning pressed further, “You’re hiding something from me. The real reason you decided not to go to Foshan City isn’t because of your period, is it? You’re going on a mission?”
Hao Jian made a gesture over Lian Ru Ning’s forehead, then tapped her own. Lian Ru Ning looked at her in confusion. Hao Jian grinned. “I think my cleverness got stolen by you, little junior sister. I need to reclaim it so you don’t outsmart me!”
“…Childish.” Lian Ru Ning chuckled in exasperation. “You just want me to stop being sharp enough to see through your schemes, huh?”
“It’s not even a dangerous mission,” Hao Jian said lightly. “Besides, I’ll be going with a team. It’s perfectly safe.”
After a moment of internal deliberation, Lian Ru Ning said, “I’m not opposed to you going on missions, but you have to give me a firm return date. And you’d better come back alive. If you don’t return by then, I’ll come looking for you.”
Hao Jian raised an eyebrow. “I’m not going to end up like Huang Sheng or Chen Jin. I value my life too much now, especially since I’ve got my little junior sister.”
With that, the two of them linked arms and went for lunch before heading back to respond to Lian Qingmiao.
Lian Qingmiao seemed unsurprised by their decision. He said, “I’ve always believed you’re a responsible child. By helping me, you can put your skills to good use while learning more. But don’t neglect your studies just because school is on pause.”
“I understand, Dad!”
Lian Qingmiao then mentioned arrangements for Gao Ruosu and Lian Ruoji. “The library has invited your mom to collect and organize historical documents. With all of you near me, I can finally feel at ease.”
Gao Ruosu, being a highly skilled professional, was well-positioned for such a role, just like Lian Qingmiao.
Lian Ru Ning, equipped with foundational knowledge, was entering a center that was short on manpower, making her inclusion relatively seamless.
As for Lian Ruoji, he was assigned to the archives to handle low-skill tasks, an indirect favor to the Lian family from the authorities.
Lian Ru Ning’s application was approved almost immediately, and she was required to report to the Scientific Center the next day.
Her role wasn’t directly in the lab at first, as she had to undergo safety briefings.
“You’re now an intern assistant in the Geological Environment Research Lab. Unless authorized, you’re not allowed to operate any experimental equipment. Your responsibilities include recording experiment results, organizing files, and cataloging data…”
“There are also restricted zones marked as dangerous. Entering these areas is at your own risk. Additionally, you must sign this confidentiality agreement. As a reminder, any research findings or encrypted documents you come across in the lab cannot be disclosed without authorization.”
While these rules seemed strict, internal communication among staff was generally permitted. As long as no critical data was leaked, sharing minor details with system personnel didn’t violate the regulations. After all, even Le Yan had shared several research insights with them.
Once she received her work ID, Lian Ru Ning was brought to the lab by Lian Qingmiao, where she met other researchers and Lian Qingmiao’s students.
“Now that you’ve joined us, I can share more details. I’ll let your senior explain our research direction,” Lian Qingmiao said.
Shen Gai, one of Lian Qingmiao’s doctoral students, was in his final year of study. He had been conducting experiments with another senior in the lab until a tragic incident occurred.
His classmate had been bitten to death by a zombie, while Shen Gai and Lian Qingmiao were narrowly rescued by a security team. They were then brought to this center to continue their research.
In recent days, he had fully recovered from the initial shock.
With his skills, he was now capable of independently managing a project. However, since the lab didn’t currently require too many projects to be undertaken, he spent half of his time on research and the other half organizing documents and materials.
Now that Lian Ru Ning had joined, he could hand over these mundane tasks to her and focus entirely on his research.
As a result, when he explained the details to Lian Ru Ning, he was both meticulous and thorough:
“Currently, the Scientific Center is divided into several large zones. Geographical Environmental Science is one of them. Within this zone, there are multiple research labs focusing on different areas, such as plant geography, soil geography, hydrology, and geological environments. Each lab has its own research projects, but they must also collaborate with one another.”
“Our primary focus is the ecological conditions necessary for survival. A significant challenge we’re tackling is the problems caused by the Q virus...”
Summarizing the information, Lian Ru Ning identified the main research areas in the Geographical Environmental Science division:
The most critical goal, however, was for the authorities to find a way to cultivate crops that wouldn’t adversely affect human health, even under current environmental conditions.
Progress so far included findings that zombie viruses could pollute land and water through decomposed blood and organs. While contaminated water could be disinfected to reduce harm to humans, severely polluted water required intensive treatment, which also altered its taste.
Plants exposed to harmful substances from zombies, even those that merely had their leaf tips contaminated with zombie blood, were found to transmit those substances down to their roots, thereby polluting the surrounding soil.
Additionally, studies revealed that if a large number of zombies decomposed and polluted surface water, the contamination could seep into groundwater. This, in turn, could affect plants that relied on underground water for nutrients.
There were no definitive results yet, as such experiments required sufficient manpower and long-term observation. For now, the lab prioritized research on staple crops like rice and corn, with flowers, trees, and other vegetation taking a backseat.
Lian Ru Ning felt that achieving such progress in a short time was already a remarkable accomplishment. A thought occurred to her, so she asked Shen Gai, “How is the progress on detecting zombie virus infections?”
“It’s only been a few days since our last breakthrough. New progress doesn’t happen that quickly! The Academy of Sciences is currently gathering more academicians and researchers to tackle this challenge together. Junior sister, you’re perfectly safe here, no need to worry about these things.”
Lian Ru Ning wasn’t concerned for herself. She was thinking of Hao Jian. If Hao Jian was out on a mission, dealing with zombies might not be an issue given her skills, but there was the risk of individuals infected by the zombie virus hiding among the population and attacking her. If tools for detecting the virus could be developed sooner, Hao Jian and others could take precautions earlier.
Lian Ru Ning’s concerns were not unfounded. During Hao Jian’s first official mission with the Special Response Unit, to investigate and eliminate the “Wujio” faction on Ersha Island, she was indeed attacked.