65: Preparing to go to the US again

The laboratory was a restricted area of the Official Base, impossible for ordinary people to enter.

So, they went to find Director Zhang first.

When Director Zhang heard the news, his expression became solemn.

Lately, Shi Li had been distracted, running over to Qingyun Base every day. Director Zhang knew about the feelings of young people, so as long as Shi Li handled his duties properly, he would turn a blind eye to other matters.

Another consideration was that being close to the people of Qingyun Base was not a disadvantage.

But he never expected that the virus inside Yi Nian had not been completely eliminated.

Wang Peihua had sacrificed himself during that upheaval; his daughter truly could not afford another accident, especially since she was a member of the Qingyun Squad and Shi Li's beloved.

Lin Wan looked at him:

"Leader, is there something difficult about this?"

Director Zhang looked at their expectant eyes and shook his head:

"Not at all, it's just that you shouldn't hold out too much hope."

"We still haven't obtained a sample of this virus. None of the people we captured at Guangming Base had even seen this virus."

"So I suspect this was just recently developed, and there aren't many samples. Only Shen Mingqian has two, and now we can only start researching from scratch using Yi Nian's body, which will require a huge amount of time."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.

It was certain that once this virus developed, it would spread very quickly.

The previous serum might have only suppressed the virus for a period, or perhaps it was a fake serum altogether.

Looking at Yi Nian's current state, they might truly not have much time left.

Mo Chi frowned slightly:

"Regardless, we should go over first, see what the professors say, and then we can figure out a plan."

Lin Wan nodded.

"Right, maybe it's not as bad as we think."

To show his seriousness, Director Zhang immediately said:

"Good, let's go. I will personally take you there."

Upon arriving at the laboratory, Director Zhang explained the situation and urged them to do their utmost to help.

All the medical equipment and medicines here were the most advanced; some items were even provided by Lin Wan previously.

After he left, the professors began a comprehensive examination of Yi Nian.

Shi Li and Mo Chi waited outside.

Lin Wan stayed with her the entire time.

Professor Li in the laboratory was exceptionally capable, a leader in this field.

After the examination, he took Yi Nian's blood and placed it into the machine, communicating with his colleagues while waiting for the results.

Lin Wan and the others waited anxiously until nightfall.

Professor Li held the results, his brow tightly furrowed.

Lin Wan's heart sank, but she smiled and said, "Shi Li, take Yi Nian out for a walk. I need to speak with Professor Li."

Yi Nian had always been very well-behaved; in fact, she had long been mentally prepared for this.

When Shi Li took her hand, she left with him.

"Professor Li, how is it? Can we inject her with the serum we currently have for the zombies?"

Professor Li shook his head.

"No, Little Wan. The situation is very tricky. If we inject her with our current serum, it won't just be useless; it might even accelerate her mutation process!"

"If Country M really mass-produces this virus, it means all our previous efforts were in vain. The serum we developed that can suppress Level Four zombies and below has absolutely no effect on this virus."

Although she had speculated, Lin Wan hadn't expected the situation to be this severe.

"Then, Professor Li, how much time does Yi Nian have left?"

Professor Li sighed.

"Less than a month before she fully mutates."

"Actually, she has already begun to mutate. This virus affects the genes within the human body. Currently, due to certain reasons, she still retains some consciousness. I suspect it has something to do with your spiritual spring water."

"However, as the virus develops, she will gradually enter a semi-conscious state until she finally loses consciousness completely. Right now, she only craves blood, but later, she will crave raw flesh, just like those ferocious zombies outside. Only fresh blood and flesh will keep her alive!"

Lin Wan's chest tightened, and tears instantly welled up.

She couldn't bear to imagine the beautiful and lovely Yi Nian turning into a zombie that only knew how to bite.

"Then, Professor Li, how much effect does my spiritual spring water actually have on her?"

Professor Li shook his head.

"It's hard to say, but if you weren't giving her spiritual spring water every day, how could she have held on this long?"

"This situation is very serious. I need to report to the Base to make early preparations. Just in case, we must accelerate our research."

Lin Wan held the report, looking utterly devastated.

Mo Chi wiped away her tears; his heart was no less pained.

If it hadn't been for Shen Mingqian, they wouldn't have suffered such an undeserved disaster.

The two sat on the steps, looking up at the still pitch-black sky outside.

"Mo Chi, when will we finally see the light? It's been almost half a year; the period of extreme darkness is truly long."

"We will, Wanwan. There will always be a day when everything will be alright."

Lin Wan's mind was a mess, with no clear direction; she didn't know how she would tell Yi Nian later.

Mo Chi wrapped his arm around her.

"Wanwan, I want to take a trip to Country M."

"They haven't had time to reach out to Huaxia yet. Because of Shen Mingqian's death, the entire Huaxia is on high alert, and things seem quiet recently."

"But they must have the real serum. I have to go get it; this is what I owe Uncle Wang."

Lin Wan looked into his deep, guilty eyes.

"Mo Chi, how can this be your fault? It was his cunning, malicious selfishness! But right now, there is no other way."

"Mo Chi, I'll go with you. No matter what, we have to save Yi Nian."

"Right now, research needs time, and the results are uncertain, but Yi Nian cannot wait. We depart tomorrow."

Mo Chi did not decline, because he knew Lin Wan was determined to make this trip.

"Okay."

Shi Li escorted Yi Nian back to Qingyun Base, while Lin Wan and Mo Chi went to find Director Zhang.

"Just the two of you? No, that's too dangerous!"

"Since your last trip, they have strengthened border security. Now, not even a mosquito can fly in!"

"Moreover, they have already obtained photos of the few of you through an inside agent! They are practically begging you to walk into their trap!"

Lin Wan and Mo Chi knew this, but now they had no other choice.

They could not stand by and watch Yi Nian turn into a zombie and eventually die.

"Leader, Professor Li must have told you how serious the situation is. The fact that they are heavily guarded and have developed this virus means they are certainly planning something major against our Huaxia. We cannot just sit and wait."

"We are going to get the serum for Yi Nian, and while we're there, we can probe them."

Director Zhang saw that their minds were made up and felt that what they said made sense. Lin Wan's space would be very useful, and perhaps they really could gather some intelligence if they went.

"Then I will send a troop of soldiers to go with you."

Lin Wan shook her head.

"This time, it will just be the two of us going; we aren't taking anyone else. I have the space; we can hide inside during a crisis. Bringing more people will only be inconvenient and make us easier to expose."

Lin Wan was a key protected person, but Director Zhang did not have the authority to restrict her freedom. Furthermore, that virus was indeed a major hidden danger.

"Then take Shi Li along."

Mo Chi refused.

"He needs to stay and accompany Yi Nian."

Director Zhang looked at Shi Li's silent agreement and sighed helplessly.

"Then if you two leave, what about the Base?"

"Ji Chuan and Yue Yue are here, and our Base is quite stable now. However, if any trouble arises, Leader, you must help them out."

Director Zhang waved his hand grandly.

"That is natural. You risk your lives for Huaxia; I cannot let your home front catch fire. Go with peace of mind."

After some thought, he took out a piece of paper from a drawer locked underneath.

"Take this list with you. These are our long-term agents embedded in Country M. However, the situation has been tense recently, and their scrutiny is very strict, so we haven't contacted them lately to avoid exposure. When you get there, you can try to contact them using the methods listed, but you must be extremely careful."

Lin Wan and Mo Chi knew this was top-secret information.

She solemnly tucked the list away.

"Okay, thank you, Leader."

Although Director Zhang was very good to them, it was mostly because they had done many things beneficial to Huaxia. As a high-ranking official, he primarily considered the overall situation and security of the nation. Thus, while he worried about their trip, he also secretly looked forward to an unexpected surprise, much like when they destroyed a large part of Country M and Japan previously.