Chapter 34 Part 1

“I’m fine. You actually reminded me. It’s an anomaly, not suitable to stay in places with people.” Lin Juan sat up straight, raised his hand, and looked at the Wood Rope in his hand.

Where should he put it?

He definitely couldn’t take it to Lu Garden, and letting it loose outside was even worse. Lin Juan wasn’t naive enough to think this thing would obediently behave itself without causing trouble.

“How about destroying it after all.” Lin Juan murmured.

The 【Forest Cabin】 lay on Lin Juan’s hand, stiffening its body and staying completely still, playing dead.

“What you said earlier makes sense. It’s a great cover for the outside world. Your abilities are special, and the world is going to be chaotic. The fewer people who know about your uniqueness, the better.” Lu Yanzhou pondered. Compared to other Ability Users, Lin Juan was too special, whether it was his immense divine power or his constitution that wasn’t affected by anomaly pollution.

The human heart was terrifying. Even domestically, plenty of people who didn’t know Lin Juan’s exact abilities had ideas about him, like a few respected senior members at the Research Institute.

Now that Joseph had come to Huaguo, Lu Yanzhou didn’t believe Country M had only sent one person. They acted without scruples. If Lin Juan caught their attention, it would absolutely not be a good thing.

The appearance of the 【Forest Cabin】 came at just the right time.

With a supernatural ability to mask Lin Juan’s true powers, even though Ability Users were rare in the world, it would seem much more ordinary compared to Lin Juan’s one-of-a-kind abilities.

Lu Yanzhou analyzed it point by point for Lin Juan.

Lin Juan was naturally happy to have fewer troubles. “It would be great if there was something that could suppress its pollution.”

“It’s a B-Rank anomaly, the 【Forest Cabin】. Why didn’t anyone discover its true identity when you brought it out?” Lu Yanzhou pointed out the loophole in Lin Juan’s account.

Right.

Lin Juan unconsciously rubbed the Wood Rope in his hand. He hadn’t noticed at first either. The Wood Rope was the 【Forest Cabin】—that was his deduction. Moreover, the pollution fluctuations on the Wood Rope were very low.

“Could this be one of its abilities?”

Just like Ability Users, different anomalies had different abilities.

“Besides shape-shifting, it’s also good at disguise. No, shape-shifting is a form of disguise too.”

Lu Yanzhou looked at the Wood Rope comfortably stretching out in Lin Juan’s hand, his gaze sharpening. “Can it control its own Pollution Value?”

Whether it could or not, they needed to test it.

Fortunately, Radiant Star Technology’s main research direction now was anomaly-related. After discussing it, Lin Juan and Lu Yanzhou didn’t return to Lu Garden. Instead, they detoured to Radiant Star’s new Experimental Base.

The anomaly corpses that Lin Juan had eliminated were all transported here. In addition, the Anomalous Affairs Bureau had sent over anomaly corpses retrieved by their own Ability Users.

The abundance of research materials accelerated the base’s progress. Now, the Experimental Base had already produced quite a few useful items.

“Perfect timing. You two came just as they improved the Containment Box’s functions. The new Containment Box isolates pollution more effectively.” Cheng Xiaoyu walked out of the lab.

Lin Juan turned his head and exchanged a glance with Lu Yanzhou. “Progress this fast already?”

“Yes, thanks to the materials Captain Sheng brought back last time.” Cheng Xiaoyu said as he walked. “They’re testing the data. Want to come take a look?”

Lin Juan was interested. “Sure.”

The new Containment Box was pitch black all over, equipped with a special protective lock that couldn’t be easily opened. Inside, there was a reagent that suppressed anomaly activity to prevent escapes.

“We tested it with fresh anomaly materials. It can isolate ninety-five percent of the pollution. But we don’t have live anomalies here—we need to apply to the Research Institute side.” Cheng Xiaoyu checked his wristwatch. “Judging by the time, they should be arriving soon.”

“The Research Institute has live anomalies?” Lin Juan was surprised. They dared to research live ones? He had to admit, they had guts.

“We applied for low-level anomalies, and that’s all we could get—mostly E-Rank. Anything above D-Rank is scarce even there, so no luck.” Cheng Xiaoyu smiled wryly.

“No problem.” They were his company’s employees after all—Lin Juan couldn’t bear to see them wronged. “Worst case, I’ll leave some alive next time and prioritize you guys for research.”

It wouldn’t work here, though. This Experimental Base didn’t have large-scale pollution suppression equipment. That was only at the Research Institute.

Lin Juan considered installing one at his own Experimental Base too. If nothing else, the people there dealt with anomaly items long-term. With that equipment, safety would improve a lot.

Everyone at the Experimental Base now wore high-strength Protective Suits, fully geared up. Even Lin Juan had to change into one outside every time he came.

In the lab, researchers were adjusting data.

They placed anomaly corpses of different ranks into the Containment Boxes and recorded the results.

The lead researcher on the experiment spotted the people outside and came over. “President Lin, President Lu.”

He was Tang Yizhu, who had jumped ship to Radiant Star. Talented as he was, he’d had his achievements stolen multiple times by connected people at his old company. When he couldn’t get justice and faced backlash instead, he angrily brought all his research results and defected to Radiant Star.

He was a talent recommended by Cheng Xiaoyu and indeed very capable. Even though he’d never dealt with anomalies before, he quickly absorbed the new knowledge after arriving at the base and soon produced new results.

“How’s it going?” Lin Juan asked.

“The results from several rounds of experiments are very promising. Now we’re just waiting for the test subjects from the Research Institute.”

Lin Juan remembered the purpose of his visit and looked at Lu Yanzhou.

Lu Yanzhou understood and spoke up. “The tests are done, right?”

“Yes.” Tang Yizhu nodded.

“Then you all take a break first. Continue once the test subjects arrive.”

Tang Yizhu didn’t ask questions and led his team away.

Lin Juan entered the lab. Lu Yanzhou glanced at Cheng Xiaoyu, who knew they had business and left afterward.

Lin Juan summoned the Wood Rope.

The moment the Wood Rope appeared, the lab’s Pollution Value rose slightly. Lin Juan poked it, signaling it to drop the disguise.

A tiny wooden cabin, only the size of Lin Juan’s palm, floated in midair. With its appearance, the lab’s Pollution Value instantly spiked into the red.

Lu Yanzhou noted the Pollution Value at that moment.

Lin Juan placed the mini cabin into the Containment Box and closed the lid.

The Pollution Value began to drop.

Until it bottomed out.

Lu Yanzhou looked at the stabilized Pollution Value and calculated. “It isolates eighty-seven percent.”

Less than ninety-five percent, but still a very good achievement.

Confirming the lab’s Pollution Value was back in the safe range, Lu Yanzhou called Tang Yizhu and the others back.

He told them about the experiment results.

“Looks like there’s a big difference between live and dead specimens. The Containment Box can be improved further.” Tang Yizhu mused.

“Could you research dead and live ones separately?” Lin Juan stared at the numbers on the big screen and asked.

“Develop a dedicated Containment Box for live anomalies?” Tang Yizhu considered the feasibility. “You’re right. For dead anomalies, the main concern is pollution leakage. For live ones, there are more factors—like how to control them and suppress their activity…”

Once he started talking about research, Tang Yizhu couldn’t stop.

Lin Juan listened for a bit until his head spun.

Realizing he’d said too much, Tang Yizhu stopped reluctantly. “President Lin’s suggestion is spot on. I’ll try separating the research.”

“The one for live ones can be called a Containment Box too—but different names to distinguish them.” Lin Juan suggested.

Tang Yizhu had no objections.

Lin Juan and Lu Yanzhou toured the Experimental Base, taking a Containment Box with them. For now, they could only keep the 【Forest Cabin】 in the Containment Box. With Lin Juan watching, there was no worry about it acting up.

After staying up all night, Lin Juan went straight to the lounge to catch up on sleep once they reached the company with Lu Yanzhou.

In the lounge of Lu Yanzhou’s office, Lin Juan’s daily necessities had been prepared at some point. The lounge was spacious—though not as big as the bedroom in Lu Garden, it was much larger than Lin Juan’s original room.

He slept until noon. When Lin Juan woke up, he checked his phone and saw the new transfer notification. He sent a message to You Chuyao.

[Lin Juan: How are the two little treasures?]

The reply came quickly.

[You Chuyao: Thanks to Mr. Lin, Big Treasure and Little Treasure woke up after timely treatment.]

In the ward, You Chuyao looked at her two children huddled together whispering, tears shimmering in her eyes.

She truly didn’t know how to thank Lin Juan.

Words couldn’t express her gratitude, so she transferred ten times the agreed reward.

You Chuyao’s children needed isolation checks, and she herself had contact with an anomaly, so she needed isolation too. Father You and Mother You rushed over upon hearing the news but couldn’t visit yet and had to wait outside.

“What’s going on with Big Treasure and Little Treasure? Why can’t we visit? What about Yao Yao? We can at least see Yao Yao, right?” Mother You grabbed the nurse’s arm, her eyes full of urgency.

Miss You’s husband, Zhang Hua, supported the unsteady Father You and said gently, “Mom, let’s wait a bit longer. The hospital wouldn’t keep us from seeing the kids and Yao Yao for no reason.”

“You’re right.” Mother You let go, regaining her composure, and apologized to the nurse. “Sorry, young lady. Did I grab you too hard?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” The young nurse waved it off. “Have a seat first.”

Zhao Ruoyan supported Mother You. She knew a bit about the reason but had signed a confidentiality agreement before leaving last night, so she couldn’t tell her best friend’s family the truth.

“Uncle, Aunt, don’t worry. Yao Yao and the two little babies will be fine—they’re blessed.”

Mother You gripped Zhao Ruoyan’s hand. “Xiao Yan, what about that young man who helped find the kids? We have to thank him properly.”

“Yes, yes we do.” Zhao Ruoyan said what she could: the one who helped find the children was a very kind and enthusiastic person named Lin Juan. Thanks to him, they got the kids back safely.

Zhang Hua also softly comforted the two elders, playing the perfect son-in-law.

Father You patted Zhang Hua’s hand. “With you taking care of Yao Yao, I can rest easy.”

“Dad, what are you saying? Yao Yao is my wife. Taking care of her is what I should do.”

Lin Juan had a special card for rewards from handling anomalies. He noticed that the money You Chuyao transferred was far more than the agreed amount.

“Did she transfer by mistake?” Lin Juan hadn’t noticed right after waking up, but You Chuyao’s payment had an extra zero.

He counted several times to confirm he wasn’t miscounting. It really had an extra zero.

“Lu Yanzhou!” Lin Juan pushed open the lounge door. “Come check quick—is the balance in my card wrong?”

In the office, the executive reporting work abruptly stopped, looking curiously toward the sound.

The lounge door was half-open. A long-haired young man in loose loungewear poked his head out, saw people outside, and “whoosh”—ducked back inside.

How strange. Their President Lu had a little wife tucked away in his office?

“We’ll talk later.” Lu Yanzhou stood up.

The executive tactfully left.

Lu Yanzhou pushed open the lounge door. The young man sat on the bed hugging his legs, cheeks slightly flushed.

“Why are there people outside?” Lin Juan muttered.

So embarrassing.

The boss was working, but the assistant was sleeping like a log in the office. That guy’s look had been off.

Hearing his mumbling, Lu Yanzhou chuckled. “He won’t go blabbing.”

“Is this something to blab about?” Lin Juan flopped back. “My lifetime of reputation, ruined just like that.”

Lu Yanzhou was puzzled. “Hm?”

“Think about it—from joining the company till now, I’ve been diligent, getting up early and staying late, never late or leaving early. But today, caught sleeping in your office. Won’t he think I come to the company every day just to nap?”

Lu Yanzhou raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you’re worried about?”