At this time, another person helped him pick up several other documents.
Xiao Bai took a look and saw that it was the old man who had just spoken to him.
He looked about 70 years old, had gray hair, and had over half fallen off. Only his eyes showed the bright light of wisdom, despite the vicissitudes of time. He asked with a smile, “Is the project not going well?”
In front of this old man, Xiao Bai didn’t need to hide anything and just hummed softly.
“It’s also a common thing. Big projects rarely go smoothly from the beginning.” The old man obviously a veteran, patted Xiao Bai’s shoulder. “The most important thing is that you as the project leader, must be stable. At least, on the surface, it must be stable. If you don’t know what to do, then the following researcher will not know what to do.”
Xiao Bai whispered. “I know.”
“Don’t take what Leon said to heart just now. He is friends with a few Level 5 scientists. Because your project has caused their resources to be cut off, they will definitely gossip. Everyone’s eyes are on you.”
“I know.”
Xiao Bai exhaled lightly.
He knew the principle, but it was not that easy to put it into practice.
The responsibility of the project team rested heavily on his shoulders. The project itself was being restarted and too many resources had been invested in it before. If it didn’t work this time, it probably wouldn’t be started again.
More importantly, the project leader was bound to suffer the most, just like Bader who fell from the Level 5 scientist to the Level 4. Although Xiao Bai was not afraid of this and there was still hope of climbing up at his age, no one liked to fail.
Furthermore, the situation outside was getting more and more serious. Who knew which one would come first, tomorrow or the accident?
Xiao Bai calmed down, resumed his expressionless appearance, and walked toward the project’s experimental area as usual.
In the laboratory, the researchers were still busy. A few people with gloomy expressions might have learned the news that Xiao Bai had gone to meet with the higher-ups and secretly looked at his expression. When they saw that Xiao Bai was still the same as before, they all sighed with relief.
When Xiao Bai saw them, he turned his footsteps and took a whim to scan the progress of the experiments done by each research group.
He came to observe without prior notice to any of the groups. Therefore, what he observed was the most realistic state.
Most of the researchers were conducting experiments seriously, but their faces showed more or less anxiety and annoyance.
He didn’t blame them. If fact, it was not just the researchers on the front line who were annoyed, it was the senior scientists who were responsible for leading the projects who were even more annoyed.
The more scientists who had been immersed in biology for many years and had certain achievements in the field of scientific research, the more frightened they would be by the phenomenon observed in 428.
Through their gradual research and study, they had already established a set of deep-rooted biological common sense, but this common sense was gradually being broken.
Because of this, there were so many senior scientists in need of psychological consultation these days.
Once the scientist in charge of the topic wavered, this panic would spread uncontrollably to the front-line researchers below.
This was also a problem that the project team was currently facing. With Bader’s experience in the past, all of them were under great pressure to check if they were the next losers and to check if they had wasted so much time and effort but achieved nothing in the end.
This was where anxiety spread.
At this time, Xiao Bai suddenly stopped and looked at one of the laboratories with some surprise.
Tang Xiao and the others were doing experiments inside. Surprisingly, compared to the heavy atmosphere outside, they were quite relaxed here.
Xiao Bai stood in the doorway of the back door, so they didn’t see Xiao Bai’s arrival, chatting and relaxing while doing experiments.
Xiao Bai stood there and observed for a moment, then his eyes gradually shifted to Tang Xiao.
Obviously, in those days before, Lodge and the others were no different from the rest of the project team, so it was obvious who was playing the role.
Tang Xiao had returned to work and should have been aware of the strangeness of 428’s body.
But despite this, he still didn’t seem to be shaken much and even had a smile on his face. The curled-up corners of his lips diluted the cold aura around him, whispering something to the members of the group in the gap between waiting for the results, which might have been a joke because Xiao Bai saw a smile on the other faces.
Xiao Bai stopped and observed for a moment, without disturbing anyone, and quietly left.
He was indeed right. No one was more suitable to lead this topic than Tang Xiao.
It was really shameful that a newcomer understood even earlier than he did that as a person leading the project, he couldn’t be swayed no matter what the circumstances were.
Sometime after Xiao Bai left, Lodge gleaned at the group chat and said, “Aberk reminded us not to slack off. The big boss is inspecting.”
Tang Xiao looked up blankly. “Is he here?”
“It seems he has left,” Lodge said.
Tang Xiao thought about what they were doing just now. It was a good thing they weren’t bad-mouthing Xiao Bai behind his back. However, it didn’t seem like it was that bad because they were gossiping about some of the prominent academics.
He also talked about Bader’s story that Feng Shuyun shared at the dinner last time. In exchange, Yu Ming and the others also talked about the exciting laboratory love history with their previous young boss.
Among them, there should be no one who had a good relationship with Xiao Bai, right? He wouldn’t have heard about it and go to complain with them, right??
Several people were a little angry and restless, so they shut up and conducted experiments quietly.
The atmosphere became quiet again. Lodge felt something and glanced at Tang Xiao.
The atmosphere in the group was much better than before Tang Xiao had returned.
Sure enough… he did it on purpose.
Tang Xiao’s knowledge was not much inferior to those of long-established scientists. As the first newcomer promoted in the first project, his pressure would be much greater than that of those long-established scientists. If the project was not completed, at least before he was promoted to Level 1 scientist, he would definitely not be able to lead the project again. No one would believe him.
However, under such a high-pressure environment, Tang Xiao still didn’t transfer the pressure to everyone. Even after learning about 428’s weirdness, he didn’t waver at all.
The attitude and performance of the project leader would also affect other people in the research group.
Yu Ming and the others, who had been affected by the others and appeared to be a bit anxious, all relaxed as a result.
It was really awesome.
Lodge’s hot gaze was hard to ignore. Tang Xiao raised his head and glanced at him blankly.
What? Do you still want to hear the gossip? But that’s all he knows ah.
Generally speaking, shouldn’t you boys who know more?
……
Shortly after Tang Xiao returned to laboratory life, the weekly group meeting began as usual.
Compared to the relaxed atmosphere last time, everyone’s expressions were much more solemn this time, including the Level 3 and Level 4 scientists. The depressing atmosphere made all those who walked in couldn’t help but walk softly. They didn’t even dare to communicate loudly.
Tang Xiao and the others in the group quietly found a seat and sat down, while the ppt was held in Lodge’s hand. Since Tang Xiao was basically recovering from his injuries last week, Lodge explained the progress of the experiment.
After most people were seated, Xiao Bai arrived in a hurry. The scientist awkwardly raised their heads as usual and fell into a dazed state the next second.
For no other reason, Dr. Xiao, who had always been cold and serious, had frowned less today. The corners of his mouth had even risen by 10 degrees.
What’s going on? Falling in love? Humanity wins? All mushrooms suddenly die violently in the wilderness?
Otherwise, how can this person smile???
Seeing their wide-eyed look, Xiao Bai’s long-practiced smile almost froze on his lips.
However, he held himself back, thinking that since the juniors could do it, there was no need for him to maintain a cold persona. He maintained the smile on his lips as he walked to the center of everyone’s line of sight, and said in a gentle tone, “Alright. Since everyone is here, let’s talk about the progress of the experiment.”
The first group of scientists who presented the ppt were in a trance. They finished the progress of their current projects with a distracted look, looking at Xiao Bai doubtfully from time to time, but received a smile and nod from him.
The scientist almost bit his tongue.
“Well said. Next.”
The second scientist came on stage and repeated the previous steps. He made a statement with a dazed expression on his face and went down after receiving praise from Xiao Bai.
The audience was as quiet as a chicken. Now, they were really sure that Xiao Bai was serious.
What is this? Is this possible that too much stress can change a person’s personality?
During the presentation, even Tang Xiao could sense that the situation of the project team was not optimistic. After all, almost all the researchers were centered around 428. A little change in him would definitely affect all the experiments. Logically speaking, the atmosphere of the group meeting should be very serious, but no one cared about this. Everyone’s attention was attracted by Xiao Bai’s changed personality, and they were even a little worried about him.
When the last person finished speaking, the smile on Xiao Bai’s lips was still on the spot. At this point, it was a little bit penetrating.
Professor Ye couldn’t help but ask. “Dr. Xiao, is it because our progress is too slow that the higher-ups embarrassed you?”
“No. Why do you think so?” Xiao Bai asked.
Everyone would think so. Professor Ye thought silently.
“Don’t think too much. For such a big project, it’s foreseeable that it will encounter some difficulties. If results can be achieved so easily, Bader won’t go astray. He still has the strength.” Xiao Bai seemed to realize that his smile frightened them. He rubbed the corners of his mouth and put down his unnatural smile.
There seemed to be a faintly audible sigh of relief.
However, some people noticed that Xiao Bai didn’t refute the embarrassment from someone above. Sure enough, the higher-ups were dissatisfied with their progress.
After all, it had been so long since the project was restarted. It had yet to produce even a single result.
In fact, it was possible to insist on a few theses, but everyone here knew that it would not satisfy the higher-ups, nor would it satisfy other scientists who were waiting in line for funds.
It took up the most resources. If it couldn’t produce results, it was unjustifiable.
Everyone was watching them. The academic community was paying attention to them. This was both pressure and opportunity.
As the first thesis in this Level 5 project, it would definitely be reviewed by most people and would be used to judge whether the project was progressing smoothly or not.
Xiao Bai also knew this. So, after all the research groups finished talking about their progress, he slowly said, “I’m sure that everyone is walking in the right direction. The next thing to do is to overcome specific difficulties. So, let’s do it this way. The first research group that publishes their thesis in a top journal, I will personally reward them with 500,000 points, or 1 million alliance coins. You will distribute it internally according to the contribution value.”
As soon as this statement came out, everyone was shocked.
One million alliance coins. With this money, even if they left the Third Eye, they could permanently obtain resident status in the safe zone at the center of the alliance.
Even if they didn’t leave the Third Eye, half a million points were enough to start some less resource-intensive topics.
Even for Level 3 scientists who didn’t have many valuable patents, it was a great temptation. After all, they could only earn a fixed salary of 200,000 points a year.
The system page in front of Tang Xiao suddenly popped up
[Temporary Task: Complete a thesis within two months and successfully publish it in the top journal
Description: As a restarted Level 5 project, this project has attracted the attention of everyone in the organization. Regardless of whether it’s successful or not, it will cause a big shock in the academic world. This attention is pressure but also an opportunity. After such a long time, the impression you made at the Achievement Conference has faded from some people’s minds, so please shock them again!
Reward: Any attribute points +10, Subject Experience +5000, one lucky draw opportunity!]
Temporary task!
Tang Xiao couldn’t help but think. ‘Good guy, the game system has not made any sound after such a long time.’
As a result, it responded immediately when academic matters came up.
Did he misunderstand this game? In fact, is this a game to encourage students to learn?
……
After the group meeting, everyone was discussing the carrot released by Xiao Bai. The atmosphere of the project team, which had been lifeless became somewhat warmer.
Many assistant researchers were chatting between experiments about how to spend this credit as if they had already thought about the life of publishing top journals, obtaining prizes, and attention, and successfully embarking on a life at the peak of the scientific research world.
However, the unsatisfactory experimental data soon made them put on the mask of pain again.
Alas, it’s difficult to come up with results and deliver core results.
Tang Xiao also found it difficult because his topic was indeed stuck.
Now, they had confirmed through a series of experiments that one of 428’s primary food sources was DNA, but the next step was stuck.
They only confirmed that 428 did absorb DNA. That DNA was at least one of his foods, but then how were they screened? How were they fed back to the main body? What did those spores mean to the main body?
Although it was possible to publish a thesis directly after this step, he always felt that it was just to prove the food itself. It was still a bit doubtful whether it could be published to the top journal.
Xiao Bai made it clear from the beginning that perhaps this topic could solve the mystery of the King of Mushroom’s invasion of other races, but relying solely on their current discoveries would make it difficult to conclude the current academic debate.
No one had mentioned whether to publish a thesis these days, and the members of the research group were holding their breath. Tang Xiao also infected by the atmosphere, put away his original Buddhist mentality and started to roll up.
This night was Tang Xiao’s turn to work the night shift again, but he didn’t take the initiative. It was his normal night shift.
In the observation room, 428 was looking toward Tang Xiao.
Since they reached a tacit understanding before, Tang Xiao would only call 428’s name in private, including the promised feeding in the dormitory. So, Tang Xiao didn’t need to come to the night shift to maintain their ‘hostile’ setting. Tang Xiao had agreed with 428 not to stick to him in places other than the dormitory.
You can look, but your eyes should be more sinister.
Be more vicious.
428 remembered what Tang Xiao said in mind. He looked greedily at Tang Xiao.
If his gaze could be visualized, Tang Xiao would probably had been licked all over by now.
Tang Xiao’s hand shook as he held the test tube. He almost couldn’t control his expression.
“428, what are you doing?” Tang Xiao’s voice was low enough that it was hard for anyone standing right next to him to hear, but he knew 428 could hear him.
Sure enough, a mycelium crept up from the corner of the table clung to him, and said, “Xiaoxiao, are you in trouble?”
Tang Xiao was not surprised that 428 knew something. His mycelium had probably been crawling all over the Third Eye for a long time. They could not hide anything from this guy in their meetings or what they did on weekdays.
Tang Xiao put down the test tube in his hand. “Yes. So what?”
“I can… help Xiaoxiao.”
The man in the observation room said softly. He walked over to the glass wall and pressed his palm against it, staring at Tang Xiao with his orange-yellow pupils.
Tang Xiao waited for a long time but didn’t wait for 428 to continue. He raised his eyebrows. “Then what?”
“I know what Xiaoxiao is confused about. I know the answer.” 428’s pupils reflected the young man’s figure. “In exchange… Xiaoxiao has to answer my question.”
“What question?” Tang Xiao originally thought that 428 was going to talk about exchanging questions for more food, but he hadn’t expected him to say that he would exchange questions for questions, which made him look up with interest.
Has 428 become interested in human cultures?
Learning and understanding naturally lead to questions. These questions arise from diverse racial concepts and cultural differences among humans. Through the constant exchange of questions and answers, people can explore and learn from each other.
Even if Tang Xiao was not a psychologist, he was still interested in the doubts that 428 would generate. He even took the initiative to step out from behind the experimental table.
428… Jun Tesi said, “Xiaoxiao… is no longer food.”
Tang Xiao stopped and looked at him in surprise.
Standing on the other side of the glass wall, Jun Tesi said calmly, “For me, Xiaoxiao should not be food anymore. I vaguely understood it in the previous anatomy room. So, I’ve been rethinking Xiaoxiao’s definition for me.”
Tang Xiao’s eyelashes fluttered. He didn’t know what to say for a moment.
“In our world, apart from the same kind, there are only the concepts of king, food, and host. There is only one king, but food and host don’t seem to correspond to you.” Jun Tesi felt distress. “Then, what is Xiaoxiao to me?”
…Not good.
Tang Xiao thought as he watched the favorability that had jumped another 5 points while he was talking.
65, had entered the range of like. Nevertheless, Tang Xiao had always felt that this favorability was not accurate for 428 because, at a few dozen points, 428 was too clingy and protective.
Maybe there was a wider world for humans than just love.
But for 428, for Jun Tesi now.
There was only one Tang Xiao in his spiritual world.
At this level, 428 was already difficult to deal with. It was hard to imagine what would happen if the favorability point went higher.
“Xiaoxiao, can you tell me?” Jun Tesi pressed his chest with his hand and stared at Tang Xiao. “For humans, what is this kind of emotion?”
… Is he asking intentionally or sincerely?
He looked at 428 in the glass wall and keenly noticed that there seemed to be some extra emotions in the man’s eyes.
Even the inhuman vertical pupils turned into round pupils. Every time Tang Xiao looked at 428, no matter how much he disguised his appearance, he would not really regard him as a human. The inhuman temperament and thoughts he leaked were too obvious. Even the previous kiss, Tang Xiao wouldn’t regard it as a kiss between normal humans.
But something seems different now.
428’s eyes and his rolling throat gave Tang Xiao a subtle sense of dj vu.
It was as if he wasn’t facing a monster coveting him, but a pursuer.
In the past, Tang Xiao knew that 428 didn’t have so many ideas at all. He was asking questions because he was really confused.
But now, he hesitated.
428 grew up too fast. Maybe he already knew it, but he was just asking him deliberately so that he could change the relationship and ask for more.
Just like in the beginning, slowly enjoying the prey walking into the trap in a dark laboratory.
……
Jun Tesi’s eyes reflected the silent young man.
What will he do?
As Tang Xiao suspected, 428 had been exploring a new relationship between them ever since the discovery that Tang Xiao was not equal to food in the anatomy room. His extended mycelium brought back to him the relevant concepts of human ‘love’ and ‘like’.
He was no longer the 428 who didn’t know love before, he’s Jun Tesi now.
Tang Xiao once told him that love was restrained, possessive, and uncontrollable.
428 checked it himself.
Restraint: 428 restrained himself from eating Tang Xiao’s blood.
Possessive: 428 would love to stay with Tang Xiao all the time.
Uncontrollable: 428 would love to kiss Tang Xiao all the time.
A perfect match!
An equation silently collided in 428’s little head.
Love = can stick up without restraint = more food = Xiaoxiao
So there is only one question left.
How to take their relationship to the next level?
428 knew that it wasn’t an easy task because the failure rate of pursuit in the information sent back by the mycelium was also quite high. However, 428 would not accept failure. 428 could accept any inability to obtain food, but couldn’t accept the possibility that Tang Xiao would reject him.
428 has long experienced the fact that Xiaoxiao eats soft ways and not hard ways. So, he has to make changes subtly.
This way of exchanging questions with questions was the first step to guide the prey into the trap.
These days, he was not learning in depth. He was also collecting information from the mycelium.
After he took the initiative to accelerate evolution, he also watched the reactions of those humans.
They were in a dilemma. So, of course, the person who solved the dilemma would gain the most.
428 wasn’t interested in any of this, but that didn’t stop him from sensing that it was an opportunity to successfully transform their relationship.
“If I tell you, will you just tell me the answer to the question of how the mushroom passes on and absorbs DNA?” Tang Xiao asked proactively as expected.
“Yes.” 428 replied.
Tang Xiao raised his eyebrows and approached the glass wall step by step.
This ordinary gesture, to 428, who already knew about human reproduction, seemed to be tinged with warmth. He couldn’t help but uncontrollably remember the scene he had seen in the bathroom before.
His earlobes felt slightly hot, and his dark skin even showed a light pink color.
When the human gene was strongly expressed, the instinct belonging to that part permeated 428’s mind. For the first time, it made him have a desire similar to appetite, but different.
Tang Xiao stopped one step away from the glass wall, bent down, and slowly approached the glass wall, with an ambiguous smile on his lips.
428 swallowed subconsciously and his eyes couldn’t help but fall on Tang Xiao’s fair neck. The loose collar revealed a beautiful collarbone and the skin seemed to emit a translucent white light.
At this moment, he even had the urge to destroy the glass in front of him.
Suddenly, Tang Xiao straightened up when he was about to touch the glass, smiling wilfully. “I won’t tell you.”
428 was stunned. The mycelium that was about to poke out of the glass wall suddenly shrank back.
Tang Xiao’s lips curled up and distanced himself again. His eyes were filled with excitement and the young man’s spirit even broke through the oppressive atmosphere of the laboratory. “I don’t need your answer. I can also do this project within two months.”
“If you want to know what this feeling is? Make your own guesses.”
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