130: Chapter 130 Inside and Outside the Window, Quietly Observing the Chess Moves

Continuing to participate in the public activities of the Paranormal Research Society in a limited capacity, under the guise of being a "student interested in scientific methods," was logical. This allowed him to maintain a steady stream of information from this "official perspective," while observing changes in their research direction and the dynamics of its members, especially Su Qing and Zhou Ming.

During activities, he maintained a low profile, remaining cooperative and eager to learn, neither sticking his neck out nor remaining completely silent. He could "accidentally" throw out some filtered, non-core "anomalous details" obtained from public channels or Old Zhao, then observe the reactions of Su Qing and Zhou Ming to assess the depth of their information and their attitudes.

This approach allowed him to maintain his "presence" without attracting excessive attention, while continuously gathering information. If necessary, he could use this platform as a springboard for deeper probing or information exchange.

Over the next few days, Ling Ye's life returned to its previous rhythm, with only one addition: keeping an eye out for notifications from the Paranormal Research Society.

Three days later, in the evening, he received another activity notification from Su Qing. The topic was "Preliminary Analysis and Visualization of Anomalous Environmental Data," and the location was still D-207. Ling Ye arrived on time.

This event was more like an internal seminar. Lin Tao presented some data charts he had preliminarily compiled on "Class E phenomena," including an overlay of the time distribution of complaints about strange noises in the community with meteorological data, spectral analysis of magnetic field disturbance records in the western suburbs, and a preliminary comparison of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, electromagnetic background) around the locations of Crystal-Armored Beast attacks. The charts were professional and the analysis strove for objectivity, but the conclusions remained ambiguous, emphasizing that "correlation does not equal Karma" and that "more multi-dimensional data support is needed."

During the discussion session, encouraged by Su Qing, Ling Ye spoke from the perspective of a "community resident." He mentioned the phenomenon that Old Zhao had spoken of—the peculiar "smell of rust and mud" that would drift from the direction of the Old Factory District after rain—and asked if this could be related to "odors backing up from old underground pipe networks" or "pollutant dispersion under specific meteorological conditions." He deliberately omitted Old Zhao's core description about "hitting something that shouldn't have been hit," mentioning only the relatively superficial phenomenon of the "smell."

After listening, Su Qing pushed up her glasses, a flash of thought crossing her eyes. She didn't answer immediately, instead tossing the question to Lin Tao: "Lin Tao, do we have any relevant information regarding the underground pipe networks and pollution history of the Oak Street Community and the Old Factory District?"

Lin Tao quickly searched the database, pulling up some old Municipal Government pipe network blueprints (with some areas blurred) and environmental relocation records. He confirmed that the Old Factory District did indeed have heavy metal pollution treatment facilities in its early years, but "basic remediation" had been conducted after the relocation, so, theoretically, the odor problem should not have persisted for so long or exhibited such regularity. He also mentioned that recent Municipal Government environmental monitoring points had not detected any excessive pollutants around the Old Factory District.

"Therefore, the 'strange smell after rain' mentioned by classmate Ling Ye might involve more complex factors, such as the manifestation of micro-leaks from sealed facilities under specific meteorological conditions, or... special changes in the local underground micro-environment," Lin Tao concluded, his wording remaining cautious.

Zhou Ming interjected: "Smell is a relatively subjective perception, heavily influenced by individual sensitivity and psychological expectations. If possible, we could actually use a portable multi-gas detector to conduct on-site sampling and analysis at the corresponding times and locations; let the data speak." As he spoke, he glanced at Ling Ye and smiled: "Ling Ye, why don't we find a time? I'll bring the equipment, and we can go over there and take a look? Just as... an extracurricular scientific practice?"

Here it was. Zhou Ming was trying to push for "on-site contact" again, and this time, the excuse was more "legitimate."

Ling Ye understood clearly. He showed appropriate interest and a hint of hesitation on his face: "On-site testing? That sounds very interesting... However, the Old Factory District is private property, and there are warning signs. Can we get in? Besides, wouldn't it be unsafe to go at night?" He threw out the issues of "safety" and "rules," which was both a reasonable concern and a way to observe how the other party would respond.

Su Qing spoke up at the right moment, her tone gentle but with a clear instructional tone: "Zhou Ming's direction is correct; empirical evidence is important. But safety must be placed first. The situation in the Old Factory District is unclear, and it involves private property; unauthorized entry is not advisable. If it becomes necessary to conduct on-site environmental sampling in the future, it must be done through official channels, with safety ensured and an adult accompanying you. At this stage, we should still focus on public data analysis and indirect observation."

Her words both affirmed Zhou Ming's line of thought and drew a clear line, emphasizing procedure and safety, which fit her identity as a "college teacher" and "research supervisor." This also seemed to imply that, at least at the current stage, the "official" level of the Paranormal Research Society did not have plans (or authorization) to conduct direct, in-depth on-site exploration of the Old Factory District. Zhou Ming's proposal might represent his personal interest, or... intentions on another level?

Upon hearing Su Qing's words, Zhou Ming shrugged, his smile unchanged: "Teacher Su is right, safety first. Then we'll talk about it later."

This small episode passed. But Ling Ye noticed that when Zhou Ming said "we'll talk about it later," a barely perceptible look, something like "a pity" or "as expected," flashed deep in his eyes.

After the activity ended, Ling Ye left silently once again. From this participation, he confirmed a few points:

The public research of the Paranormal Research Society indeed remained at a relatively "safe" and "academic" level, and their understanding of the Old Factory District did not seem to be much more than what was available in public Municipal Government data, at least based on the data Lin Tao presented.

Su Qing maintained strict control over research and safety procedures, demonstrating the discipline of her "official" background.

Zhou Ming was indeed strongly interested in "on-site exploration" of the Old Factory District and seemed to have a certain inclination toward independent action, but he was constrained by Su Qing and the "rules."

The "strange smell after rain" clue he had thrown out caught Su Qing's attention but did not trigger an excessive reaction, indicating that this information was within the scope of what they already knew or could explain.

Overall, remaining within the observation window of the Paranormal Research Society with a stance of "moderate participation" offered more benefits than drawbacks. It allowed him to continuously obtain their "public" research trends and, from the interaction between Su Qing and Zhou Ming, glimpse the potential tensions or different levels within this "official/semi-official" system.

He needed patience; he needed to slowly accumulate information and behavioral patterns regarding Su Qing and Zhou Ming, just as he had done with Old Zhao.

At the same time, he did not relax for a moment in his late-night perception of the Old Factory District and his targeted Cultivate. As his Star Visualization and Qi Membrane circulation became increasingly proficient, he felt that his mental resistance and the stability of his life field had improved significantly. Now, even on rainy nights when the "sense of dissonance" in the Old Factory District was highly active, the mental fatigue and discomfort caused by conducting long-distance perception for extended periods were greatly reduced.

He even began to attempt, while perceiving, to simulate that "erosion" and "low-frequency interference" acting upon himself, using the Qi Membrane and the visualized starlight to resist and neutralize it, as if conducting a silent offensive and defensive drill. The results were beginning to show; his "tolerance" for that negative influence was slowly increasing.

In terms of physical fitness and close-combat skills, in addition to his regular training, he also began to use the academy's free public holographic tactical training pods (the most basic version) to conduct some simple evasion, blocking, and environmental adaptation training. Although the enemies and scenarios simulated in the pod were very Elementary, it was quite helpful for him to familiarize himself with the combat instincts of this body and to exercise his ability to maintain calm judgment in complex environments.

Another week passed in focused Cultivate, study, and limited observation.

The mid-term examinations were approaching, and the atmosphere of study in the academy had become much more intense. Relying on solid study and efficient comprehension, Ling Ye's grades in various subjects improved steadily. Although he was not at the top, he had moved out of the previous category of "barely passing," which attracted the attention of a few instructors. This was a good sign for him; a student with good grades and a serious attitude was less likely to be given special "attention" than a student who was trailing at the bottom or was socially isolated.

Sun Li seemed completely immersed in her studies, almost never communicating with others. Her complexion remained pale, but there was a near-obsessive focus in her eyes. Wang Hao was busy cramming at the last minute, complaining incessantly.

As for Old Zhao, Ling Ye continued to maintain his "chance encounters" two or three times a week. The topics mostly revolved around community trivialities, health preservation, or chess games, never mentioning the Old Factory District again. However, Old Zhao's attitude toward him was noticeably friendlier. Sometimes he would take the initiative to chat with him about strange stories he had encountered in the maintenance team in his early years (of course, avoiding sensitive content). Once, while playing chess, he even "accidentally" revealed that he had heard the Municipal Government seemed to have received new complaints about the Old Factory District again. This time, it wasn't just strange noises; some people said they saw "flickering, faint blue light" inside the wall, but when the patrol drones went over, they found nothing.

"Flickering, faint blue light"? Ling Ye felt a chill in his heart. This seemed to vaguely correspond to some "active" luminescent characteristic that the source of the "sense of dissonance" in the Old Factory District might possess, as well as the "stone that was so blue it looked black" that Old Zhao had described in his early years. Could it be that the "activity" of that thing had intensified? Had it even started to have more intuitive manifestations?

He silently noted this information, while reminding Old Zhao to be extra careful himself.

Beneath the calm surface, waves seemed to be gathering.

That night, after Ling Ye finished his Cultivate and was preparing to conduct his routine perception of the Old Factory District, his personal terminal vibrated again. It was a message from Su Qing, but the content was unrelated to the Paranormal Research Society activities:

"Classmate Ling Ye, the academy's Mental Health Center is recently conducting a longitudinal study on 'Psychological Resilience and Growth After Major Life Events.' We need some volunteers for in-depth interviews and a small amount of physiological indicator monitoring. I think your experience and current state of recovery are very representative. Would you be willing to participate? This is a formal academic study with strict ethical review and privacy protection, and participants will receive a small amount of credit points as a subsidy. If you are interested, you can come to my office tomorrow afternoon to discuss it in detail. — Su Qing"

A new invitation for contact. This time, it was in the name of "academic research" and "psychological tracking," and it involved "physiological indicator monitoring."

Was it a purely research-based need, or... did Su Qing want to use this opportunity to conduct more "formal" and "in-depth" testing and assessment on him?

Ling Ye looked at this message, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the terminal.

The night outside the window grew even deeper.