Chapter 24
Shi Xu quickly dismissed the absurd thought.
He rested for a day, then reported to the Anomaly Management Bureau the next morning.
Qi Yu had done a good job with the cleanup. Tan Xiao had reported everything to Director Shen. Shi Xu’s position hadn’t been reinstated yet. He was here to provide a detailed report.
The first person he encountered was Lin Quan.
Lin Quan, who had been assigned to a neighboring city, rushed back upon receiving the news of his brother’s death.
Since their first meeting, Shi Xu had noticed Lin Quan’s meticulous attention to his appearance. He was always impeccably dressed, prioritizing grooming over rest even after battling Variants, always presenting a perfect image.
For the first time, Shi Xu saw Lin Quan disheveled. He lacked his usual antagonism, his eyes dull and lifeless, his gaze meeting Shi Xu’s briefly before shifting away.
Having just finished a grueling overnight mission, he received the devastating news, rushing back immediately, his white uniform stained with blood and slime, which he seemed oblivious to.
The usually arrogant vice-captain ignored the pitying and curious stares, his steps unsteady as he headed towards Director Shen’s office.
Shi Xu followed at a leisurely pace, entering the office last.
Several people were already present: those involved in the incident and their superiors, all waiting for Shi Xu’s report.
There wasn’t much he needed to say. Qi Yu had restored Lin Zhi’s house, and the forensic team found ample evidence.
Lin Zhi had been stalking and photographing Shi Xu for seven years. They also found a diary detailing his obsessive desires for Shi Xu in disturbing detail.
No one knew when Lin Zhi encountered the S-class pollutant or when he became its host, but it was clear he did so willingly, making a wish for the power to consume Shi Xu…
The meeting was incredibly tense. Afterwards, Director Shen kept Shi Xu behind.
“You’ve suffered,” Director Shen said gently, his previous stern demeanor gone.
Shi Xu smiled. “It was nothing.”
Director Shen took a sip of tea. “Since you’re innocent, return to work.”
With no missions that day, Qi Yu waited for Shi Xu in the corridor.
As Shi Xu emerged, Qi Yu rushed over, launching into a tirade about Lin Zhi, seemingly criticizing him, but actually comforting Shi Xu.
“That guy looked so normal, who knew he was so twisted? Even if he’s never been in a relationship, that’s no excuse for such extreme behavior. If he liked you, he should have pursued you properly, not antagonize you and cause so much harm to innocent people…”
Shi Xu listened quietly, then looked up, noticing Lin Quan approaching.
Lin Quan walked towards them, each step heavy, stopping three meters away. “I apologize for Lin Zhi’s actions.”
Qi Yu’s eyes widened, while Shi Xu remained calm. “Apology accepted.”
Lin Quan didn’t say anything else, turning and walking away, his back straight, but his shoulders slumped.
After he left, Qi Yu said, surprised, “I thought he would blame you.”
Shi Xu scoffed. “After what his brother did, he has no right to blame me. I’m the victim here. Lin Zhi’s death doesn’t absolve him. Lin Quan will pay for his brother’s crimes.”
Not just for framing him and Qi Yu, but for the lives lost during the incident.
“Thanks to his brother, he’ll have to lower his head every time he sees me from now on.”
Qi Yu hissed. “Good thing he left quickly. If he heard that, he’d explode.”
Shi Xu said indifferently, “Really? He’s too fragile then.”
“So cold,” Qi Yu chuckled. “But I like you that way.”
Shi Xu had few friends, rarely contacting anyone. He preferred face-to-face communication, rarely using his phone.
During the meeting, he received several text messages.
Curious, but not concerned, he ignored them until his phone buzzed repeatedly.
He couldn’t ignore it any longer, taking out his phone.
The pollutant had somehow acquired a phone and his number, using it to contact him.
Shi Xu skipped the previous messages, opening the latest one: [Wife, I’m pregnant!]
Shi Xu: “…”
What was it up to now?
“Speaking of which, are you officially reinstated?”
Another message arrived, this time with a photo.
The pollutant, wearing the white hoodie Shi Xu bought him, had a noticeable bulge in his abdomen, resembling a seven-month pregnant belly.
[Our baby is coming soon. You have to take responsibility~]
Shi Xu: “…”
Could it even get pregnant?
Was it joking?
Qi Yu finally noticed Shi Xu’s distraction. “Are you even listening? What are you looking at?”
Shi Xu quickly put away his phone, feigning composure. “Nothing.”
Qi Yu looked suspicious. “You’re acting strange.”
Caught, Shi Xu didn’t bother explaining, letting Qi Yu observe him, returning to the previous topic. “What were you saying?”
Qi Yu: “Did Director Shen reinstate you?”
His phone buzzed again. Shi Xu opened it against his better judgment.
[Wife, our baby is born! You’re a dad!]
Attached was a photo. Shi Xu glanced at it, seeing three eggs.
“…”
