“Tang, it’s time to get off work.” Lodge organized today’s information, packed the materials, and called Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao: “You can go back first. I’m on duty tonight.”
“Well, it’s not your shift yet, right?” Lodge asked curiously.
“I switched with Aberk,” Tang Xiao said casually. “428 just hatched. Maybe there will be some changes tonight. I want to stay and record it.”
“Okay.” Lodge sighed. “I’ll go first.”
The people in the laboratory left one by one. Ultimately, only two people, including Tang Xiao, were left on duty. Of course, besides them, there were security patrols outside.
The two of them didn’t know each other before and simply greeted each other before doing their own thing, except that Tang Xiao couldn’t help but look toward the experimental subject area when he occasionally looked up.
Unlike at Bader’s place before, the laboratory area of this project was much larger, and various functional areas were also distinguished. For example, where 428 was located. Bader’s laboratory was not divided into a separate area for 428, but now 428 was locked up in the experimental subject area alone, and the researchers who did experiments outside would not come into contact with him.
Of course, Tang Xiao and another on-duty researcher’s main task tonight was to observe and record data. So, they would enter the observation area. This duty task did not require constant staring. Two people could take turns recording data.
In theory, the regulation had been tightened so much that it should be impossible for 428 to come out of the laboratory.
However, when Tang Xiao thought of 428’s gaze, he didn’t think he would obediently stay in the experimental subject area.
Xiao Bai had already suspected him before. To avoid anything happening, Tang Xiao decided that it would be better not to go back to the dormitory for the time being. He could stay in the laboratory and observe how 428 came out. The surveillance and staff could also keep him in check.
Of course, it would be better if he couldn’t get out.
Tang Xiao prayed silently in his heart.
In the first shift, the unknown researcher took notes, while Tang Xiao was doing his own thing on his desk.
Time passed slowly during the experiment. Tang Xiao’s tense nerves also slowly soothed, thinking that he should have been overly concerned. 428 could come out from the laboratory before, probably because Bader laboratory’s security system was too low. After all, the project was halted because of a variety of reasons at that time.
It was different now. After knowing 428’s preciousness and importance, the area where 428 was held was definitely more heavily guarded.
‘It’s okay, it’s okay.’
Tang Xiao consoled himself and redirected his attention to the experiment at hand.
Time passed bit by bit. Tang Xiao was immersed in experimenting until another researcher came out of the observation room and said to him, “It’s your turn. I’ll take a rest. I’ll find you when the time comes.”
Tang Xiao answered and walked into the observation room on his behalf.
The observation room had an operator’s desk next to various alarms, weapons, and, of course, a workbench. The room holding 428 had a single glass wall on one side, like Bader’s laboratory. The outside could see in and the inside couldn’t see out.
Tang Xiao looked inside the holding cell where the naked, dark-skinned man sat at the foot of the wall. He had regained consciousness, but his eyes were wandering in the air, unfocused.
As if in a daze, Tang Xiao stared at him for two seconds to make sure he didn’t have any unusual movements. Then he looked away and glanced at the surveillance room in the observation room.
Just like the laboratory outside, this place was fully monitored, so nothing should happen.
The little monster was motionless inside. Nothing was interesting to see. Tang Xiao couldn’t possibly keep staring at him, so he looked down at the instrument to record the data.
Rustling
The young man didn’t notice that, at some point, the surveillance spinning above his head suddenly jammed for a moment.
Tang Xiao stared at the data on top of the instrument and suddenly blinked.
The white light was behind him, but the shadow reflected on top of the instrument was a head taller than him. Tang Xiao’s expression froze for a moment. He subconsciously raised his head to look at the holding cell, only to find that the man was still staying well in place. His position hadn’t even changed for a moment, but now, a dark-skinned hand wrapped around his waist from behind.
“Xiaoxiao.”
The monster in a human shell came close to his ear and whispered his name.
Unlike the strange hoarse voice from before, his voice became low and magnetic, perhaps because of the human shell. Tang Xiao had heard about this kind of bass sound online. He usually had no feeling for these sounds, but he trembled a little at this moment after hearing it.
His ears were tinted with a layer of pink.
The monster’s keen vision caught this subtle change. He curiously moved closer, watching the small patch of Tang Xiao’s skin become redder. He felt itchy and couldn’t help but lick it.
The young man suddenly felt as if he was struck by lightning. He jumped a bit, covered his ears, and looked at him in disbelief. “You– what are you doing?”
The monster in human skin did not speak. The arm that was placed on Tang Xiao’s waist tightened, hugging the person even tighter.
He couldn’t say what he wanted to do.
It was just that the hole in his heart couldn’t be filled until he saw Tang Xiao.
‘I want to see him, want to talk to him, want to hear his heartbeat, and want to see his lively expression.’
428 was willing to do anything except to see the young man with his eyes closed and weak breath.
He didn’t want to see Tang Xiao like that again.
Tang Xiao was caught off guard, and he buried his face directly into the little monster’s pecs. After suddenly realizing that the little monster was a naked man with no clothes on now, his head went straight down.
Laboratory, naked man.
Tang Xiao’s mind went blank from the impact of those two words, thinking foolishly as his cheek rubbed against the little monster’s pecs. It was actually quite elastic.
Not right.
“Wait–wait a minute,” Tang Xiao couldn’t help but struggle. He raised his hand to grab little monster’s broad shoulder to push him back. “Let go of me first. How did you get out? Aren’t you still inside?”
‘The man holding him here is 428. Who’s inside?’
“Don’t want.” The little monster hugged him for a while, realizing that he liked the position of being able to encircle the young man entirely. He didn’t want to let go. “Inside it fruiting body.”
*Fruiting bodies are spore-containing fungal structures. The fruiting body is part of the sexual phase of a fungal life cycle. They occur in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The fruiting body is a multicellular structure.
“How did you break through the sensing device? You must go back first. Another researcher will be back later.” Tang Xiao’s scalp was numb. He thought of the little monster’s purpose in coming to him and added, “Let go of me. I’ll give you blood.”
“No blood.” The little monster said softly.
Tang Xiao was stunned for a moment as the sun came out from the west. He stopped struggling for a moment and said hesitantly, “You no longer need my blood.”
‘That’s really great.’
“No,” 428 lowered his head and looked at the young man, who continued to exude fragrance.
He was still intoxicated by his taste. However, when he thought about the slight wound that nearly made him lose Tang Xiao, 428 gained a new understanding of how fragile humans can be.
Although he wanted to eat, flesh and blood were not an option.
“Use another liquid.”
The little monster lowered his head and tried to get closer to the young man’s lips, which were blocked by Tang Xiao’s quick eyes and hands. “No.”
The naked man felt aggravated. “Why?” It was obviously okay before.
Tang Xiao thought, ‘That’s because you used to have the appearance of a weird monster before, and he could still comfort himself that it was feeding, not kissing. However, now that 428 has changed to a 1,9 meters manly shell, the kissing becomes weird ah.’ Even so, Tang Xiao couldn’t let him change back to his original appearance to kiss again.
‘It’s even weirder ah.’
He had trouble explaining to 428 what kissing meant in human society. He figured 428 wouldn’t listen if he did, so he just gritted his teeth and said, “You can’t use other liquids. I’ll give you blood.”
He brought his wrist up to the little monster’s mouth, but the little monster’s temper came up as well. He turned his head and said, “I don’t want it.”
Tang Xiao gave an exasperated laugh. “Then, don’t eat. Let go.”
He reached out to break away from the little monster’s arm, but it was like he was struggling with a piece of iron. He couldn’t break away. The little monster hugged him and said with a low voice, “I’m hungry.”
“Then drink the blood and don’t kiss me.” Tang Xiao said mercilessly.
This time, 428 was silent for a few seconds. Then, Tang Xiao suddenly felt his body being lifted upwards by a force. When he looked back, 428 had already positioned him on the experimental table.
The mycelium carefully moved away the test tubes and pipettes that Tang Xiao had used earlier, sweeping out a clean area.
Tang Xiao would not appreciate his attentiveness.
His pupils jolted as he watched the naked man with eight-pack abs squat down before him and brought his face close between his legs. “The one here is fine too.”
Tang Xiao kicked him subconsciously, but 428 quickly grabbed his ankle and pulled him. The young man fell directly on top of 428. They fell to the ground together.
Tang Xiao subconsciously closed his eyes but did not feel the impact of falling on the ground. He opened his eyes to see that it was 428 who acted as a meat cushion for him. His broad palms were still protecting the back of his head, and 428 looked at him innocently. “Xiaoxiao, are you okay?”
If he hadn’t gone crazy, what could have happened to him? Tang Xiao didn’t say anything, struggling to get up. He sat in a rather delicate position and already felt something was wrong. However, the mycelium was still tugging his ankles. He struggled twice and couldn’t get away. The little monster underneath him suddenly let out a muffled groan.
They were both man. He clearly felt something and looked up to meet 428’s gaze.
The little monster, with his innocent, bewildered eyes, said to him, “It’s hard.”
Tang Xiao’s eyes twitched. He laughed angrily at this yellow-kind development. He smiled coldly and said, “Don’t worry. You’ll be soft soon.”
He reached down and squeezed the thing with precision, pinching it viciously. He used a force that could cripple a human.
THe little monster grunted again.
“Do it again.”
At this time, both of them heard footsteps coming from outside.
“Let go. He’s back.”
The little monster looked up to observe the young man’s expression and realized that Tang Xiao seemed to be really angry, so he let go. Tang Xiao didn’t need to explain about pros and cons for him to back obediently.
This time, Tang Xiao finally saw how 428 came in and out. He saw him change back into mycelium and then the blood-colored mycelium became transparent and very tiny. It seemed that 428 had disappeared from the naked eye. The next moment, the eyes of the body in the detention area were filled with vitality.
By the way, it also injected vitality into the lower body, too.
Looking at the energetic naked man in the detention area, Tang Xiao didn’t know what kind of expression to use. Finally, he took off his white coat.
The researcher finished his meal in the cafeteria, patted his stomach happily, and returned to the laboratory. He opened the door of the observation room and walked in. He subconsciously glanced at the experimental subject, only to find that he had an extra piece of clothing on him. “Huh. Did you throw it in?”
Tang Xiao stared at the instrument without looking inside at all. “Well, we can’t keep him naked.”
The researcher pointed to the man in the detention area, who had no intention of putting on the clothes. He just scattered the white coat around his waist before bending over and burying his face in the clothes, making heavy inhaling noises. His handsome face was full of pervert-like obsession.
“But he’s sniffing eh.”
“Dogs are like that.”
On duty until early in the morning, Tang Xiao couldn’t bear it anymore and went offline to sleep for a while. When he came back online, many researchers in the laboratory had already clocked in for work. Xiao Bai was also here.
The first thing Xiao Bai did at work was to take a look at the experimental subject area. He was surprised to find that 428 had an extra white coat on him and asked, “Did you throw it in?”
Tang Xiao forced himself to calm down and said, “En.”
“You can’t keep him naked.”
Xiao Bai frowned. “Don’t you know you have to report and account for any item entering the experimental subject area? Especially human items.”
“Sorry, I didn’t think of that.” What could Tang Xiao say? He couldn’t say that without the white coat, the staff on duty would have to face the embarrassing scene of a pillar standing straight.
Xiao Bai was still a bit displeased, but in the next second, he saw a few newbie researchers in the laboratory excitedly going to the observation room and then coming out with a disappointed sigh.
“Forget it this time,” Xiao Bai said expressionlessly, “I’ll ask someone to customize the special bondage suit for the experimental subject to wear. Other than that, there were no special circumstances last night?”
Tang Xiao shook his head expressionlessly.
‘There’s definitely something there, but I just can’t say it out loud.’
Xiao Bai scrutinized Tang Xiao’s face for a while. Staying up late all night had made under the young man’s eyes darker, but he seemed to be in good spirits.
But Xiao Bai still had a feeling that something was hidden in his heart.
It was very weird. This weird feeling that had existed since 428 hatched. No, maybe since 427 had been staring straight at him. He just hadn’t figured out why yet.
He didn’t say anything but asked Tang Xiao to make a trip to his office at noon to have a meeting together.
Tang Xiao yawned and returned to his seat. Lodge poked his head out and looked a little worriedly at Tang Xiao’s dark circles under his eyes. “Hurry up and go back to sleep.”
“En. Let’s go back.” Tang Xiao remembered the meeting Xiao Bai had mentioned earlier and couldn’t help but ask, “Did Dr. Xiao say anything to you about a meeting at noon?”
“He said it,” Lodge said excitedly, “It must be something to do with your previous ideas. Higher-ups had called Xiao Bai since last night, supposedly to discuss the progress of the next project.”
Tang Xiao looked thoughtful.
He hoped that he could pass this hurdle. As long as the organization’s attention from him as an individual could be shifted, everything would be fine.
Since he was on duty last night, Tang Xiao was able to rest in the morning and went offline to make up for submissions. When he logged on to the game again, he found that there was a new message on his bracelet. Xiao Bai asked him to go to the conference room.
As soon as Tang Xiao entered, he found that there were many scientists in white coats sitting on the long table. Lodge was sitting at the very edge of the seat, desperately waving at Tang Xiao after seeing him arrive.
Tang Xiao walked over with a puzzled look on his face, took a seat next to Lodge and asked in a low voice, “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I just got called here today,” Lodge whispered, “Look at all these scientists, many of them are young professionals in the field of mushrooms or microorganisms. I have read journals of several of them.”
After hearing this, Tang Xiao looked around the room and, well, realized that he didn’t recognize any of them.
It couldn’t be helped. There was still a big difference between the academic world in the game and reality. The technology tree was different. No matter how Tang Xiao made up for it, it would take time.
Things like research journals didn’t work even with adding points; Adding points could only make up knowledge points, but not cutting-edge journals. Unless those journals were upgraded to knowledge points that must be memorized in biology.
However, Tang Xiao did notice the badges on their chests. They were basically Level 1 or 2 scientists, which, according to the division here, meant that they had published top-notch journals in the academic world. They could benchmark against associate professors and weaker official professors in real universities.
“Thank you for coming. To make a long story short, since 428 has hatched from its cocoon, we’re almost ready to start research on related topics,” Xiao Bai said.
The scientists present were noncommittal. They had more or less guessed Xiao Bai’s purpose of calling them here.
This kind of big project was certainly to distinguish between different research topics. A level 5 scientist like Xiao Bai only had an overall grasp of the project's progress and direction. He would not be overly involved in small projects, and it would be subcontracted to other lower-level scientists in the project team.
It was obvious that the people present now were the research team members that Xiao Bai needed.
“The current project I want you to work on is to study the 428’s feeding mechanism and the possible connection between the King of Mushroom spores and the King of Mushroom. This is related to whether we can completely solve the current biological community’s conjectures about why mushrooms invade and parasitize other species. So, please take it very seriously.”
Xiao Bai paused and said, “Tang Xiao, come up here and explain your previous guesses.”
Tang Xiao, who was suddenly named, stepped onto the stage under the curious gaze of the scientists present. He stated his findings as before and also added, “This is a phenomenon that I observed before. There is no more experimental proof.”
“There was much speculation in the biological community about the purpose of the mushroom invasion before, and the theory of plundering genes is also one of the more popular speculations,” A scientist said thoughtfully, “It’s interesting. The King of Mushroom spores do have a certain degree of connection with the King of Mushroom. Perhaps this speculation is actually correct.”
“Of course, conclusions can only be drawn after seeing the specific experimental results.” Another scientist said, but his expression was a bit excited, clearly feeling that there was a door open to this conjecture.
In the context of mushroom invasions, the classic three questions were currently the most popular direction in the biological community and even the most popular direction in the entire academic world. All scientists were racking their brains on how to let humans survive in an increasingly dangerous environment.
Although there had been a lot of speculation about the mushroom invasion, no one had ever come up with definite proof of this. After all, mushrooms couldn’t talk and couldn’t state their purpose. If a conclusive journal could be made, even if it was a minor proof, they could also make a name for themselves in the academic world.
This was the advantage of joining 428’s project team. Any achievement would attract the world’s attention.
There were already scientists who were foolishly looking at the others, especially the Level 2 scientists, thinking that it should not be a problem for them to lead this research group with their seniority. So, they all looked at Xiao Bai.
Facing the expectations of the scientists present, Xiao Bai’s expression remained cold. He dropped a huge thunderbolt, “I intend to hand over this research group to Tang Xiao.”
Tang Xiao, who was sitting on the edge of the room, suddenly froze as he was named.
‘What’s going on?’
“Tang Xiao.”
The other scientists froze and subconsciously looked at Tang Xiao’s badge. When they saw that he was only an official researcher and didn’t even have a level, they immediately quit.
“Dr. Xiao, are you kidding? Has Tang Xiao ever led a research group?”
“That’s right. He’s just an official researcher. Judging from the time he joined, he is just a newcomer.”
“Is it too much for you to hand such an important research over to a newcomer? Can he do it well with his experience?”
“I won’t accept giving a hand to a newcomer.”
“This was originally his topic. He was the one who took the lead in proposing this idea and finding the direction,” Xiao Bai remained expressionless in the face of those scientists’ skepticism. “As for qualifications. If you want to talk about qualifications, you can go to the Alliance and join in. A tenured professor can live his entire life in a safe zone. Why are you coming to Third Eye for?”
The few scientists who questioned were stuck, but someone soon grasped the key to the problem. “Tang is very good, but doing experiments and leading research groups are completely different. Does he have mature ideas for designing experiments? Does he have enough knowledge reserves? Does he have experience in leading projects?”
“That’s his problem. This is how everyone comes here.” Xiao Bai glanced at Tang Xiao lightly and said, “I don’t care about that. I only care about checking the overall progress. If he can’t produce any results, he’ll be replaced. It’s as simple as that.”
“Those who can’t accept this can withdraw from this research group. You can also find your own topics and do them yourself. You can also join other people’s research projects. I won’t restrict you.”
As soon as Xiao Bai’s words fell, two Level 2 scientists got up and left. They could not accept the idea of helping a newcomer who had just joined not long ago.
The remaining Level 1 scientists were hesitant. They were also reluctant inwardly, but the Level 1 scientists were a subtle dividing line. Although they had broken away from the lowest status of scientific research workers, they were still at the bottom of the entire scientific sequence. They could do their own projects, but it was difficult to apply for enough resources. It was better to join the boss’s projects and accumulate journals.
Working anywhere was just working anyway. They might as well take a gamble here. In case Tang Xiao failed, they still had a chance to pick up the project.
Seeing that no one left again, Xiao Bai nodded and looked at Tang Xiao. “Then I’ll leave this topic to you. I’ll come to check your progress in a month.”
Tang Xiao replied, “ah.” This, wait, no.
‘What about his opinion? Doesn’t anyone listen to him?’
“Do you have anything else to say?” Xiao Bai asked, looking at Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao looked around and realized that the scientists were all looking at him.
There was scrutiny and temptation hidden in their eyes, while Lodge showed unabashed anticipation and excitement.
Tang Xiao pinched his palms, feeling the urge to laugh bitterly.
‘That damn self-esteem.’
“No more.”
“The rest of the time will be left to you. Dismissed.”
After saying that, Xiao Bai took the lead and walked toward the door, leaving space for Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao sat back in his seat somewhat feebly. If this was a cartoon, everyone would probably be able to see his soul fly out of his mouth, ascending to Heaven.
‘How can this happen? Everything is going in the right direction. The Level 5 project has been restarted, his main task is safe and the suspicions have been cleared. He feels that he can fish with peace of mind.’
‘How can it be like this? Orz.’
“Tang, what should we do next?”
Seeing that Tang Xiao hadn’t said anything for a long time, Lodge took the initiative to ask. He looked like he was supporting him as his eyes shone brightly.
Tang Xiao stared at him with complicated eyes. After a while, he said quietly, “Anyway, let’s read the papers and books first. I’ll think about experimental design ideas in the next few days.”
Lodge nodded obediently and smiled cheerfully. “You can do it. Let’s work on this project together.”
Tang Xiao smiled weakly. “Ah, okay.”
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