Early the next morning, the two changed into casual clothes and went to Qiu Tianlin’s home.

Just as Jing Rong had said, his home looked every bit like a research lab and had absolutely nothing to do with the word “home.”

Qiu Tianlin took them to the underground laboratory.

Being underground avoided unnecessary prying eyes and also provided a certain level of defense.

“I agree to the matter you mentioned,” Qiu Tianlin said, sitting in a chair with his back to the lab bench and adjusting his glasses frame. “But the team must be mine.”

Chi Yao leaned back against the console opposite him, arms crossed, surveying the lab.

“Who is the controller behind the Xingguo Biological Research Institute?”

Qiu Tianlin: “Sorry, I cannot disclose that.”

Chi Yao looked down at him from his position: “Fu Jiubing is just a businessman. At best, he has some money. Without a protective umbrella, it would be impossible for him to conduct illegal research so brazenly at a medical base.”

Qiu Tianlin looked up at him: “What does that have to do with me?”

Chi Yao choked on his words, momentarily at a loss for a response.

Having spent years in the star pirate circle, he felt his moral standards were already lower than the average person’s, but he hadn’t expected someone’s to be even lower than his.

It seemed that ordinary laws and regulations had no effect on him; he lived entirely by a different set of moral standards.

Once this kind of illegal research reached a certain scale, endangering national security would be the least of it; severe cases could even affect the direction of species mutation.​

But if he really said that, Chi Yao was genuinely afraid this decorated scholar would retort, “National security? What does that have to do with me?”

“Before we cooperate, I hope both sides can have a preliminary understanding,” Chi Yao said, bending one long leg and leaning back relaxedly.

Qiu Tianlin: “Is this a necessary condition for you to give me the materials?”

Chi Yao nodded.

Seeing Qiu Tianlin fall silent, Chi Yao didn’t rush him.

“The highest authority figure I came into contact with was Fu Jiubing,” Qiu Tianlin said with a bland expression, seemingly uninterested in talking about these matters. “When I was first invited, they were already conducting genetic modification experiments, but they weren’t going smoothly.”

The image of those dead modified humans underground flashed before Chi Yao’s eyes.

“They hoped you could help them complete this experiment?”

Qiu Tianlin nodded.

“Where did those test subjects come from?” Jing Xi interjected.

Qiu Tianlin: “I’m not clear on the historical remnants. What I handled were all tissues and organs cultivated by the laboratory itself, but they were all destroyed by you.”

Chi Yao immediately thought of the blown-up specimen room.

He had thought those were all cut from living people.

“Were there also many you didn’t handle?”

Chi Yao said lightly, “Among the corpses parked underground, some were obviously fresh.”

Qiu Tianlin said calmly: “I am just a scholar. Investigating criminal cases is not within my scope of authority.”

Someone was even colder-blooded than him.

Chi Yao calmed down instead and teased: “But as an imperial citizen, don’t you feel you have a responsibility to report such illegal activities?”

Qiu Tianlin looked composed: “Then how do you know law enforcement isn’t dirtier than the criminals?”

Both Chi Yao and Jing Xi were stunned.

Jing Xi: “So you chose to cover it up?”

“I don’t have that much time to deal with these things,” Qiu Tianlin frowned, rubbing his temples. “Rashly reporting isn’t necessarily a good thing. If there is still hope for this country, someone will naturally come looking.”

Jing Xi thought of that night: “So you discovered us that night but didn’t tell your companions?”

Qiu Tianlin: “I had pulled two all-nighters in a row. I was tired and didn’t want to bother.”

Jing Xi: “…”

Qiu Tianlin: “But I still underestimated your destructive power. If I had known, I should have gone back and copied the data.”

“The data is in our hands,” Chi Yao chuckled. “As long as you are sincere in cooperating, you can have whatever you want.”

Qiu Tianlin’s eyes flashed, and his expression finally loosened a bit.

“The state prohibits human-beast gene fusion projects. I think you understand the reasons better than we do,” Jing Xi said in a low voice. “We are not asking you to make any sacrifices for the country. You just need to be responsible for the research. Naturally, those who should be responsible for other matters will take responsibility.”

Qiu Tianlin: “What do you want me to do?”

Jing Xi and Chi Yao looked at each other and then at him again: “Restore the people who have undergone modification.”

The two packaged the database obtained from the Xingguo Research Institute for him and gave him a test tube of Chi Yao’s blood collected in advance.

To be safe, neither said whose blood it was.

After getting the data and materials, Qiu Tianlin seemed like a different person. Suddenly energized, he left them without a word and dove into the laboratory.

“After reaching the ultimate in a certain field, is it inevitable to show defects in other areas?”

Watching Qiu Tianlin busy in the sterile room, Chi Yao was thoughtful.

“How many people can be perfect in everything?” Jing Xi leaned against the console next to him. “But his situation is better than I expected.”

Chi Yao chuckled: “Is it because you set the lowest standard from the start?”

Jing Xi: “He knows very well what he should do and what he can do. That is enough.”

Most people discovering such a laboratory would either report it or collude for profit, but Qiu Tianlin stood his ground from beginning to end.

Based on the principle of “so much material is right in front of me, it would be a waste not to use it” and “since you’ve started, I might as well participate in the research,” he walked the line between good and evil without any trouble.

“If he weren’t this kind of character, those people wouldn’t have sought him out, and we wouldn’t have found a breakthrough,” Jing Xi said lightly.

Chi Yao: “True.”

The two waited outside for a full two hours, but Qiu Tianlin seemed to have completely forgotten them.

“Have someone come watch him. Let’s go back first,” Chi Yao said.

On the Capital Star, Jing Xi’s connections were more useful than his.

“They’ve already arrived,” Jing Xi said. “The network is also being monitored.”

This matter was of great importance, especially involving Chi Yao; he had to be cautious.

As they were leaving, Qiu Tianlin hurriedly chased after them.

Seeing his shining eyes, Jing Xi asked urgently: “Do you have a result? Can they be restored?”

“Can you get some more of his blood? Tissue is fine too!”

Qiu Tianlin looked as if he had won the lottery, hyper-excited. “I’ve never seen so many perfect fusions. It’s simply incredible!”

Jing Xi’s heart sank with a thud.

“Is there a way to restore them?”

Qiu Tianlin looked at him: “I’m just a scholar, not a god. If you want me to research, you have to give me time.”

Jing Xi choked.

“Sorry, I was too impatient.”

Qiu Tianlin instructed solemnly: “The hormone and pheromone levels in this blood sample are high. He may be approaching his first susceptible period soon. Remember to take a sample for me.”

Chi Yao’s brow twitched.

Jing Xi frowned: “First susceptible period? He has been an adult for a long time.”

Qiu Tianlin adjusted his glasses frame. “From the blood sample, he hasn’t fully reached maturity yet.”

Jing Xi was in disbelief: “Are you saying he’s not an adult yet?”

Qiu Tianlin nodded, not wanting to dwell on this matter, and pulled back to the original topic: “During the susceptible period, emotions fluctuate, various body hormones soar, and the beast genes will occupy a dominant position. It is extremely likely that beast transformation phenomena will occur. The blood sample at this time is of great research value. You must not forget!”

Extremely likely to transform into a beast—

Jing Xi’s ears were buzzing.

Out of a long speech, he only heard these few words.

Walking out of the laboratory, Chi Yao held the sedative given by Qiu Tianlin, his words echoing in his ears.

After being modified, he knew very well that he was drifting further and further away from being “human.”

Many times he felt that he was just a beast in a human shell.

After hearing it directly from an authority figure, this feeling became even stronger.

The influence of the beast genes was more profound than he imagined, even changing his physiological age.

“It will be okay.” Jing Xi held his hand.

Chi Yao turned his head to look into his eyes, and after a long while, chuckled softly: “Mm.”

Back home, Bai Qi keenly noticed the subtle atmosphere between them and found an opportunity to call Jing Xi to the greenhouse to trim flower branches.

“Had a conflict with Ah Yao?” Bai Qi asked.

Jing Xi held the shears, somewhat absent-minded.

“No.”

Bai Qi gently wiped the leaves: “When two people are together, the hardest part is the adjustment period. Your grandfather and I have been together for decades, and sometimes I still can’t guess what he’s thinking.”

Jing Xi looked at the shears in his hand and was silent.

“I probably know what he’s thinking, but—”

Knowing clearly but being powerless to help, that was the most suffocating part.

“I want to help him, but I can’t be of help.” Jing Xi looked at Bai Qi. “I don’t know what else I can do.”

Bai Qi looked up and chuckled: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Many things between partners influence each other. Maybe what he wants is something simpler?”

Jing Xi pondered for a long time and felt that his grandmother meant he had fed the pressure of “wanting to cure Chi Yao” back to Chi Yao, making him carry a double burden.

Maybe things weren’t as bad as he thought.

In the middle of the night, Chi Yao came down from the fourth floor to the second floor and entered through the door Jing Xi had deliberately left unlocked.

He crawled under the covers, pulled his sleeping, warm wife over to use as a body pillow, and his sleep quality instantly improved.

“Wife, kid, warm bed… just missing the kid—”

Hearing this whispered mumble, Jing Xi said: “So you just wait every day for me to warm the bed before coming?”

Chi Yao: “Otherwise? Isn’t that what a wife is for?”

Jing Xi: “…”

Chi Yao smelled the fragrance in his hair and chuckled: “When I first saw you, I wanted to grab you back to warm my bed.”

Jing Xi: “Who was the one always calling me ‘Old Iceberg’?”

Chi Yao: “…”

Holds grudges too much.

“Chi Yao.”

Just as he was dazedly drifting off to sleep, he heard Jing Xi call him in a low voice.

Chi Yao: “What is it?”

Jing Xi: “I like you.”

Sudden attack. Chi Yao was instantly wide awake.

“Say that again?”

Jing Xi closed his eyes and adjusted to a comfortable position in his arms: “Sleeping.”

“Fuck.”

Chi Yao cursed under his breath. “Would it kill you to say it one more time?”

Jing Xi: “It would.”

Chi Yao: “…”

After no movement for a while, Chi Yao gently nudged him: “Xixi? Jing Xi? Wife?”

Jing Xi turned his back to him: “Not saying it anymore.”

Chi Yao wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him back.

“I didn’t even have time to savor it. Your confession doesn’t pass.”

Jing Xi: “What is there to savor?”

Chi Yao stifled a laugh and said solemnly: “Our past of love and hate.”

Jing Xi: “…………”

Chi Yao: “It’s fine if you don’t say it. Call me husband and I’ll let you off.”

Jing Xi: “…”

Chi Yao: “If not husband, brother is fine too.”

Still no response for a long time.

Chi Yao leaned close to listen to his breathing.

“Brother.”

In the darkness, Jing Xi’s voice was exceptionally deep and pleasant, making Chi Yao’s heart race.

Jing Xi turned his head and kissed his cheek: “Why aren’t you an adult yet, brother?”

Chi Yao: “…………”

His heartbeat gradually calmed down.

Jing Xi turned his head back, closed his eyes, and said calmly: “When your susceptible period comes, I’ll give you a red envelope.”

Chi Yao: “…”

Giving a red envelope to an underage alpha for their first susceptible period signifies a smooth transition to adulthood, but that’s something elders give to juniors!

Looked down upon by his wife.

“What kind of trash doctor, spouting nonsense.”

The corners of Jing Xi’s lips lifted. He interlaced his fingers with Chi Yao’s.

“Don’t be shy.”

Chi Yao: “…”

Fuck.

The anxiety and irritability of the past few days dissolved in a few words and disappeared.

After the online public opinion exploded, the heat remained high.

Under pressure from public opinion, various departments of Number 333 were actively cooperating with the reconstruction after the beast tide, conveniently gaining some popularity and goodwill.

The military was also busy with this.

The punishment for Chen Bingfeng and White Crane had been delayed, which made countless netizens very dissatisfied.

Pei Zhenyue and a group of high-level officials held meetings every day but had no results.

“So it’s just going to be left unsettled again?”

“What kind of people are our personal safety controlled by?”

“White Crane’s inaction absolutely cannot be tolerated @AdmiralPeiZhenyue.”

“White Crane committed murder in disguise. Commander Chen Bingfeng bears the greatest responsibility and must give an explanation!”

The online public opinion finally attracted the attention of the Palace, which established an investigation team to give an account to the public within three days.

Zhuo Lin from the General Affairs Department was designated as the leader of this team.

He had always acted vigorously and swiftly. On the first day, he questioned Chen Bingfeng, and on the second day, he sought out Chi Yao and Jing Xi.

Jing Xi: “I have already submitted all relevant evidence regarding this matter. There is nothing to add.”

“I know.” Zhuo Lin sat opposite him, looking serious. “I came to you just to confirm whether what you said is true.”

Jing Xi: “I can take responsibility for what I said.”

Zhuo Lin looked at Chi Yao. “Mr. Chi, I’ll ask you one more thing too. Is what you said true?”

“Of course.” Chi Yao smiled. “I wouldn’t speak recklessly about these things.”

“Good.” Zhuo Lin stood up. “If there’s anything else later, I’ll contact you then.”

With that, he left.

Chi Yao edited a message and sent it to D.

A reply came quickly.

[The Palace has given the order. It’s useless for those old guys to argue anymore.]

Chi Yao: [Is this Zhuo Lin reliable? Don’t drop a rock on your own foot.]

[D: Don’t worry about how I handle things.]

Chi Yao: “…”

[D: You just find clues, I’ll deal with it. Love you, mwah~]

Chi Yao: “…”

Damn old man.

Jing Xi turned his head and saw the final “Love you, mwah~”.

He saw it but said nothing, changing the subject: “Admiral Pei has already taken action.”

Chi Yao opened a social media platform. The top trending topic was the military’s new way of thinking about managing the star pirate circle.

In the whole article, both explicitly and implicitly praising Extreme Shadow took up more than half, and the remaining half expressed one meaning—the military wants to start unprecedented cooperation with star pirate groups.

The popularity of Extreme Shadow’s rescue was already high. As soon as this announcement came out, the comments were full of people heaping praise on Extreme Shadow.

“Extreme Shadow yyds (eternal god)”

“Extreme Shadow’s vision is just different! Hope the power of star pirates can be used in a good direction!”

“I thought before that Extreme Shadow was different from ordinary star pirate groups. Chi Yao is just too handsome!”

“Can they really train a bunch of villains into good citizens?”

No matter how netizens argued, for various forces, this was undoubtedly a new weather vane.

Chi Yao and Jing Xi secretly observed Ruan Lingyun’s movements, waiting for the other party to reveal more clues and intelligence to them.

But instead of Ruan Lingyun’s contact, Li Yuan’s communication came again.

“What now?” Chi Yao answered impatiently.

Li Yuan: “What the hell is wrong with them lately?! Just sent away Viper, and three more groups came to block our base and refused to leave, insisting on giving us battleships. Don’t know what their problem is!”

Chi Yao: “…”

Li Yuan: “Do they want to unite and take us out from the inside out?”

Chi Yao: “…No.”

Li Yuan pulled at his buzz cut, unable to figure it out.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jing Xi walk past in the video, and his eyes lit up.

“Is it because Extreme Shadow married an officer as the Big Sister, so they treat us as a backer?”

Jing Xi paused, glanced over, his voice icy: “Big Sister?”

Li Yuan covered his mouth: “…Dad.”

Chi Yao: “…”