Chapter 190
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After everyone finished making a fuss, in the end, no one backed out.
The true strength of Unit 9 shouldn’t be revealed publicly, so the “secret test” was indeed the best method. To Yin Ren’s surprise, Professor Li remained unmoved. As one of the highest leaders in the Shian Haigu branch, he should have prioritized his own safety.
However, he simply stood firmly in his place, with half of his face illuminated and darkened by the screen on Jiao Lian’s body.
“Can we start? I have a meeting afterward,” Li Nian said.
Yin Ren remained silent for a moment, then raised his hand and drew several paths of light in the air—
Fear, satisfaction.
Hate, sorrow, joy, love.
…
He crookedly wrote down various emotions and marked a red cross on a few of them.
“Whether it’s the Divine Descent twenty-eight years ago or the present, only a few individuals have disappeared after exposure to corruption. If the premise of ‘mental resilience’ is correct, we need to determine which ’emotion’ triggers the disappearances.”
Yin Ren brought over a chair and sat in front of Jiao Lian.
Zhong Chengshuo naturally stepped forward, placing his hands on the back of a wooden chair.
Yin Ren slowed down his voice. “Last night, I conducted some tests. We only need to test a few emotions… We don’t need to test ‘satisfaction’. Next, we will experiment with fear. Minister Jiao will monitor the other side, while I will observe the situation here.”
“That sounds feasible.”
Fu Xingchuan glanced at Zhong Chengshuo a few times as he spoke, and the latter made an effort to look innocent, resembling a large hanging decoration behind Yin Ren’s chair. Fu Xingchuan looked on fruitlessly, then withdrew his gaze after a while.
“When it comes to manipulating emotions, I have a quick method. Time is limited, so let’s go with this.”
Fu Xingchuan took out a box of sticky note-like objects from his pocket and swiftly tore off several pieces. “These are illusion talismans, ready-made good stuff. I will evoke your corresponding memories.”
Once the memories were in place, it wasn’t difficult to trigger emotions. When the situation called for it, Shian personnel used similar methods to soothe those involved. Fu Xingchuan held the expensive talismans between his fingers and skillfully distributed them among the group.
When it came to Li Nian, Fu Xingchuan hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t give him a talisman.
“You won’t be affected much by it so just imagine it yourself,” Fu Xingchuan said softly.
Yin Ren looked around. After Fu Xingchuan completed his round, everyone in the dim room, including Zhong Chengshuo and Li Nian, as well as Yin Ren himself, had a square piece of talisman-like sticky note.
Lord Ghost King didn’t hold back and stuck the talisman on his face like a strip of adhesive. Fu Xingchuan simply stuck it on the back of his hand, performing the action with equal ease.
Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting held it solemnly in their hands, while Huang Jin wore a troubled expression, reluctantly pinching it with his fingertips.
First was fear.
Fu Xingchuan began by testing Yin Ren. When the other party’s fingers approached, Yin Ren decisively withdrew his defenses and allowed the other to perform the spell.
The illusion wasn’t powerful, but it was intricate. In an instant, the scene in front of Yin Ren receded, and familiar images entered his eyes.
The setting sun, steps, the exit of the Fu residence’s basement.
Sudden gunshots, splattering blood, Zhong Chengshuo’s bewildered gaze.
…And right after, the head suddenly exploded in front of Yin Ren.
Although he knew that the person was right beside him, the blood in the illusion felt sticky, warm, and the strong scent of blood assaulted his nose. The touch, the temperature—everything felt unbelievably real.
The blood of Zhong Chengshuo.
Even though he knew it was all an illusion, Yin Ren’s heart raced madly, and his nerves stretched to the point of pain. The panic and helplessness of that moment felt like a torn wound, oozing putrid pus.
Yin Ren felt a bit dazed. The subsequent search, battle, and reunion, including the present moment, were all just grand illusions. Was it because he couldn’t accept Zhong Chengshuo’s death that his mind conjured up these subsequent bizarre fantasies?
As this thought arose, boundless fear descended upon him.
In the next moment, Yin Ren’s vision darkened. The old steps under the evening sun vanished, and he found himself back in the secret room of the Shian building. If he hadn’t forcibly steadied himself, Yin Ren would have almost fallen to the ground.
“Haa… Haa…” Regardless of dignity, he struggled to regulate his breathing, feeling a tumultuous churning in his stomach.
He thought that once Zhong Chengshuo returned, the impact of this scene would dissipate. However, when it reappeared before him, Yin Ren realized that he could hardly think straight. His head buzzed, and the blood in his entire body turned icy cold, as if submerged in ice water.
Yin Ren subconsciously wanted to grasp the hand Zhong Chengshuo had placed on the chair back, but he ultimately held back. He quietly extended a small, wing-like appendage the size of a finger joint and slid it down the chair leg, disappearing into the shadow and crawling up Zhong Chengshuo’s pants until it reached the person’s chest.
Sensing the rise and fall of Zhong Chengshuo’s chest, feeling the warmth of his body, Yin Ren finally calmed down.
“The Evil Force in the wooden talisman doesn’t have any special reaction,” he said, clearing his throat.
“There’s, no special reaction, either,” Jiao Lian dutifully reported.
“Then, let’s move on to the next one.” Yin Ren handed out the wooden rabbit talisman he held.
He had intended to hand it to Fu Xingchuan, but Professor Li intercepted him midway. The professor tightly clenched the rabbit wooden talisman in his palm, closed his eyes, and pursed his lips tightly.
That already serious face appeared even more devoid of emotion.
As a top science post, Li Nian couldn’t rely on talismans. No one knew what kind of terrifying memories this impassive individual had unearthed.
In less than five seconds, Li Nian’s face began to pale, and a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead. His hand trembled as he held the wooden rabbit talisman left no doubt that he was enduring profound fear.
“No special reaction,” Yin Ren said.
“Same,” Jiao Lian concisely added.
Fu Xingchuan, Ge Tingting… and finally, it was Huang Jin’s turn. They didn’t know what Huang Jin saw, but he seemed to want to pack himself into a box. Unfortunately, as the wooden rabbit talisman made its way around the group, it remained unresponsive, devoid of any special fluctuations, like an ordinary object.
Disgust, no special reaction.
Sorrow, still no special reaction on either side. Yin Ren looked around cautiously, fearing that Ms. Qi might suddenly appear for a meal in some corner.
“The next one is…” Yin Ren’s memory was a bit hazy. He took out his phone, attempting to look up Shian’s emotional classifications.
“There’s no need to continue.”
Tortured by three negative emotions three times, even someone as strong as Fu Xingchuan’s complexion turned slightly bluish.
“Didn’t you say that the more primitive the emotion, the stronger the Primordial Elemental? If you’re shamelessly snatching people, surely you won’t snatch someone away to feed minor characters on the Other Side.”
“That’s true, but I did test satisfaction before.” Yin Ren frowned. “Satisfaction, joy, and love…”
“How did you test it?”
Fu Xingchuan hesitated several times before speaking, but before he could say anything, Li Nian preempted him.
For some reason, even without the aid of talismans, Professor Li’s reaction was greater than anyone else’s. After three rounds, his hair was completely drenched in sweat, and he seemed on the verge of fainting at any moment.
But his voice remained steady.
“Could it be an experiment using a living person?” His sharp gaze was fixed directly on Yin Ren.
“Not to that extent. I have my methods.”
Thinking about the massive fortunes destroyed by Miss Qi Xin, even if they weren’t his own belongings, Yin Ren couldn’t help but feel a surge of overwhelming sadness.
“So, can you confirm that the experimental materials are not flawed?” Faced with this senior who had traveled through time, Li Nian remained composed, showing no mercy. “I suggest verifying it again. Satisfaction is a positive emotion that everyone should find easier to accept.”
“Well, technically, it’s possible…”
But theoretically, Zhong Chengshuo’s ability to simulate emotions with data should yield better results than the effects of illusions. After all, these people were at least considered his friends, and illusions ultimately affected people, tormenting their hearts and minds.
They didn’t have much time now, and it was not suitable to waste their energy on detours.
Just as Yin Ren was about to explain the situation, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
[You can save them. But a small suggestion, don’t use the pile of brains from just now… They have defects that will conveniently lead you astray from the correct answer.]
Wait a minute.
“Lead you astray from the correct answer…” Yin Ren tightly clenched the talisman paper in his hand, murmuring under his breath.
There were a relatively large number of brains there. What unified flaw could they possibly have? Even serial killers were still humans. Whether it was fear or satisfaction, they would always have corresponding perceptions, unless… unless…
Amidst the haze, Yin Ren seemed to have grasped something.
Satisfaction.
Joy and love.
“They mostly lack the capacity for ‘love’.” Zhong Chengshuo lowered his body, his gentle breath brushing against the skin by Yin Ren’s ear. “Although you haven’t researched this, you must have seen plenty of related films and TV shows.”
Indeed. Mr. Qiu corresponded to “disgust” and Ms. Qi Xin corresponded to “sorrow”. Mr. Qiu was already dead, and Ms. Qi Xin was someone who actively sought her own sustenance. The only advanced elements remaining were “joy” and “love”. Combined with what Zhong Chengshuo just said…
“We can retest if you want. Let’s try ‘love’ first.” Yin Ren made a decisive decision.
After speaking, he once again placed the sticky note on his face.
The illusion started for the fourth time.
Yin Ren saw Zhong Chengshuo, wearing a rabbit mask, shooting a string of bubbles in the abandoned amusement park. He also saw his lover, deeply asleep and breathing softly, leaning on the table.
Light and shadows flowed, and the illusion turned into caresses and warmth. The touch on his skin felt incredibly real, almost scorching his brain.
The wooden rabbit talisman in his palm moved.
“There’s a reaction,” Jiao Lian said. “The space on the other side is vibrating.”
Yin Ren ended the illusion with a slightly dazed expression and turned to look at Zhong Chengshuo. There was a reaction, but he himself didn’t disappear like Lu Xiaohe’s mother.
For some reason, this discovery left him somewhat disheartened. Yin Ren’s mind was filled with mixed emotions, and he couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of his disappointment.
“I’ll go next!” Fu Xingchuan, oblivious to the subtle thoughts of his elder, sounded a bit joyful in his voice.
Unfortunately, Fu Xingchuan, who had been single for over forty years, couldn’t perform any miracles. Compared to Yin Ren’s turn, both the wooden talisman and the response from the Other Side were weaker.
Fu Xingchuan: “…”
“You work too much overtime,” Minister Jiao Lian pointed out seriously. “Life is barren. What did you see just now?”
Fu Xingchuan struggled, considering that it wasn’t easy to converse with Minister Jiao. Nonetheless, he bravely gave his answer. “…When I was a child, I went to the beach with my whole family to sunbathe. My mom bought me three scoops of ice cream.”
Jiao Lian: “Hehe!”
The screens all over her body gleefully flickered. Yin Ren’s emotions eased slightly. Despite Minister Jiao’s unfavorable circumstances, her personality was quite… different from what he had imagined.
With this little interlude, the previously tense atmosphere finally loosened slightly.
Ignoring the sympathetic gazes from everyone, Fu Xingchuan handed the wooden talisman to Li Nian. However, Li Nian, who rarely showed any emotion, didn’t take it. “I’ll go last.”
He didn’t explain why.
Since the higher-ups indicated postponement, Ge Tingting was the next to grab the wooden talisman. Unfortunately, the level of abnormality she caused was almost identical to Fu Xingchuan’s, leaving it unclear who was more deserving of sympathy.
Next was Lu Xiaohe.
The moment the illusion started, tears welled up in Lu Xiaohe’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She held back from making any sound, but the tears continued to flow. The wooden talisman emitted a chilling aura, and Lu Xiaohe’s feet turned into phantoms. She appeared as if she were a living ghost.
“Stop!” Yin Ren formed a gesture, and the wooden talisman flew out in response. Lu Xiaohe’s feet instantly solidified, and she collapsed to the ground.
Her sports shoes vanished without a trace, leaving behind a pair of clean, bare feet.
“The reaction from the Other Side is stronger.” Jiao Lian’s speech speed quickened. “I need more data.”
“Same here,” Yin Ren agreed. He took a long breath and felt the strange sense of disappointment weighing heavily on his heart.
“Bring it here.” Huang Jin, wearing a pained expression, walked up to Yin Ren and obediently took the wooden talisman. “Don’t hold too much hope. I… Ahhhh!”
Before the illusion even started, as if sinking into invisible seawater, Huang Jin’s lower body instantly disappeared.
Terrified, he flailed his arms and grabbed hold of Yin Ren’s hair. His rough pulling nearly yanked Yin Ren to tears.
There was no brilliance of spells, no strange sounds—only the Evil Force on the wooden talisman was rapidly surging. Seeing this person’s body quickly vanishing up to his chest, Yin Ren made a decisive move. In front of everyone, he extended a strand of hair and dug out the wooden talisman from Huang Jin’s hand. In the next moment, it was completely sealed within the dark mass of his black hair.
Fu Xingchuan swiftly rushed forward, activating dozens of spells in an instant. Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting hastily reached out, grabbing hold of Huang Jin’s clothes, pulling him out together as if pulling out a radish.
“Fuck, fuck, take it easy! It hurts, ahhhhh!!!”
Huang Jin had an expressionless face as he frantically clawed at the things around him, resembling a person about to be swept away by a torrential flood. After more than ten seconds, everyone finally managed to pull Huang Jin, who had nearly disappeared, back. The suction force from the other side was extremely stubborn, and the whole process was more difficult than rescuing someone from a swamp.
Even Zhong Chengshuo had a stern face and grabbed a bed sheet to cover the lower half of Huang Jin’s body—while Lu Xiaohe only lost her shoes, Huang Jin’s clothes, from his chest down, completely vanished without a trace.
After being pulled out, Huang Jin trembled and shrank into the corner, wrapping himself tightly in the bedsheets.
“This is unscientific!” Huang Jin leaned against the corner of the bed; his voice nearly cracking. “How is it possible that my situation is worse than Lu Xiaohe’s?!”
“Maybe you really like Ding Lizi Jie,” Ge Tingting objectively speculated. “And besides, this is not within the realm of science.”
Huang Jin’s face turned pale and then green. He looked around at his superiors and colleagues, ultimately pulling the bed sheet up to cover his head as well. He then turned his entire body towards the corner of the room, indicating that he didn’t intend to speak again.
“The reaction from the Other Side is very strong,” Jiao Lian commented.
“We have enough data, but it can still be supplemented,” Yin Ren added.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s gaze turned to Li Nian. It was said that it could be supplemented, and he was the only one left to be tested.
“I won’t need it,” Professor Li said indifferently, without touching the ice-cold wooden talisman.
Fu Xingchuan looked at him for a while and said, “…Okay.”
“Why?” Huang Jin, inside the bed sheets, muttered with a voice that wasn’t too loud. “You just said you wanted to be the last one.”
“Because I’m different from you.”
Li Nian maintained his calm and plain tone.
“If it were me, there would be a more than 90% chance that I would disappear instantly. I still have work at Shian, and it’s not the right time yet.”
Huang Jin finally emerged his head from the bed sheet and looked at Li Nian with a hint of surprise.
“Then let’s end it here for today.” Upon hearing these words, Yin Ren stood up with an expression that wasn’t too great. “Everyone needs rest, and Minister Jiao and I have gathered enough data. Minister Jiao, when you have results on your end, remember to have Fu Xingchuan and the others inform me.”
With that, he, unusually, didn’t wait for his companions and was the first to leave the room.
Zhong Chengshuo quickly followed suit and walked out second.
“There are still three hours until the end of work. We can go home first, and you can request to work from home.” Zhong Chengshuo habitually discussed the day’s plan. “We made great progress at Shian today, which is suitable for us to study together.”
“Sure, okay…” Yin Ren replied with little enthusiasm.
“I can make your favorite food at home.”
Seeing that his lover was in a bad mood, Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes and took out his top-ranked response plan from his mind.
“Do you have any thoughts about what just happened?” Yin Ren smoothly stepped into the elevator and pressed the “1” button.
Zhong Chengshuo looked around, and they were the only two people in the elevator, but the atmosphere wasn’t as gentle as usual.
“The reason for those people’s disappearance may be related to the emotion of ‘love’. However, the specific conditions and whether they are consistent with the incident from twenty-eight years ago will need to be determined after examining the specific data.”
So that’s it. Yin Ren was probably focused on considering the case. After pondering for a moment, Zhong Chengshuo confidently gave his opinion.
“Is that all?” Yin Ren turned his face, and his visible disappointment was unmasked.
Zhong Chengshuo’s thoughts raced frantically, unable to think of any overlooked aspects. He shook his head sincerely. Yin Ren let out a sigh, and the mini wings that were attached to Zhong Chengshuo’s chest slipped out and reverted to ordinary strands of hair.
“Are you angry?”
Zhong Chengshuo, following the fine tradition of a science post, asked when he didn’t understand.
“No.” Yin Ren stopped by the roadside, staring at the busy traffic in the afternoon.
“But you’re in a bad mood. Is it because of me?”
“You could say that…”
“I understand. It’s because I covered Huang Jin with a bed sheet and saw him without clothes.” Zhong Chengshuo began analyzing the accumulated themes of romantic works. “So you’re unhappy.”
Yin Ren looked at him in shock. He touched his own forehead, then touched Zhong Chengshuo’s forehead, his face filled with even more perplexity.
Fortunately, at that moment, the taxi they had called in advance arrived, preventing Lord Ghost King’s medical examination behavior from escalating further.
“…I just thought that maybe you should be angry.”
Once they got in the car, Yin Ren immediately opened the window. The autumn air carried a strong scent of osmanthus flowers, filling the car in an instant. Zhong Chengshuo tilted his head slightly and appeared a bit confused.
“Why should I be angry?”
Yin Ren glanced at the driver in front and began typing on his phone.
[The reason for the disappearances is related to “love”, but these rules have a very mild effect on me, slightly stronger than Fu Xingchuan and the others.]
[Ge Tingting is young and has little experience. Fu Xingchuan thought of a family trip to the seaside. As for my feelings for you, they don’t seem to be as strong as you think. Upon reflection, the things I’ve done for you sound remarkable, but they are all based on the premise that “I know I am strong”. It’s not that extraordinary.]
Zhong Chengshuo lowered his gaze, quietly reading the text. After spending some time in the modern world, Yin Ren’s typing speed had noticeably increased.
[You have always been quick-witted. How could you not have thought of this? But you don’t seem to care about it either. I have a strange feeling, as if it’s not right for me to be mad at myself, nor at you.]
[I’m worried.]
After typing those words, Yin Ren’s fingers paused for a moment. His strands of hair swayed gently, and the warm afternoon light flowed slowly through his black hair. Lord Ghost King sighed for a few seconds before resuming the movement of his fingers.
[I’m worried that our approach to love is off, and I don’t know how to do it. I’m supposed to be the one guiding you, as I understand social conventions better than you.]
Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes, reached out his hand, and slowly pulled the little device from Yin Ren’s hand.
[I can’t answer that.]
In the refreshing and sweet scent of osmanthus, he earnestly typed his response.
[I can only tell you that this experiment hasn’t been thoroughly analyzed yet. In theory, Lu Xiaohe’s “love” for her mother should not be weaker than Huang Jin’s “love” for Ding Lizi. I believe emotions are complex, and there are many variables in the experiment.]
[The “intensity of love” may be just one of the conditions. Until we have more certain conditions, you don’t need to feel discouraged.]
Zhong Chengshuo typed that sentence very slowly. Yin Ren couldn’t help but shift his gaze and look at Zhong Chengshuo, who was typing seriously.
Zhong Chengshuo was sitting on the side facing the sun. As the sunlight poured in through the car window, it cast a golden-brown hue on his black eyelashes.
“Are you trying to comfort me?” Yin Ren forced a smile, dissipating some of the confusion. However, it still lingered like a layer of dark clouds in his heart.
Zhong Chengshuo turned his dark eyes and shook his head firmly.
[This is science.] He emphasized seriously.
“Well, I hope I’m just overthinking.”
Zhong Chengshuo was still the same Zhong Chengshuo, explaining the situation with such rationality that it was exasperating. With important matters at hand, Yin Ren decided to set aside this mysterious emotional issue and focus on finding a solution on his own.
“Anyway, let’s focus our energy on the experiment… Huh?”
Zhong Chengshuo didn’t stop there; he seemed to have noticed something and started typing seriously again.
[Personally, I think it doesn’t matter if we choose the wrong way of love or if our emotional intensity isn’t as strong as others. In this aspect, I don’t need your guidance.]
[You are judging guidance based on human emotions as a benchmark, but we are not humans, and those benchmarks may not be applicable.]
After typing this sentence, a subtle sense of satisfaction appeared on Zhong Chengshuo’s tense face.
[Objectively speaking, we are each other’s only kind.]
“That’s true.”
Yin Ren was taken aback, then chuckled. Looking at the vivid satisfaction on Zhong Chengshuo’s face, for some reason, most of his distress dissipated in an instant.
“I didn’t expect it, Zhong Ge. You’re quite eloquent… Wait a minute.”
Yin Ren’s expression suddenly froze.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
After everyone finished making a fuss, in the end, no one backed out.
The true strength of Unit 9 shouldn’t be revealed publicly, so the “secret test” was indeed the best method. To Yin Ren’s surprise, Professor Li remained unmoved. As one of the highest leaders in the Shian Haigu branch, he should have prioritized his own safety.
However, he simply stood firmly in his place, with half of his face illuminated and darkened by the screen on Jiao Lian’s body.
“Can we start? I have a meeting afterward,” Li Nian said.
Yin Ren remained silent for a moment, then raised his hand and drew several paths of light in the air—
Fear, satisfaction.
Hate, sorrow, joy, love.
…
He crookedly wrote down various emotions and marked a red cross on a few of them.
“Whether it’s the Divine Descent twenty-eight years ago or the present, only a few individuals have disappeared after exposure to corruption. If the premise of ‘mental resilience’ is correct, we need to determine which ’emotion’ triggers the disappearances.”
Yin Ren brought over a chair and sat in front of Jiao Lian.
Zhong Chengshuo naturally stepped forward, placing his hands on the back of a wooden chair.
Yin Ren slowed down his voice. “Last night, I conducted some tests. We only need to test a few emotions… We don’t need to test ‘satisfaction’. Next, we will experiment with fear. Minister Jiao will monitor the other side, while I will observe the situation here.”
“That sounds feasible.”
Fu Xingchuan glanced at Zhong Chengshuo a few times as he spoke, and the latter made an effort to look innocent, resembling a large hanging decoration behind Yin Ren’s chair. Fu Xingchuan looked on fruitlessly, then withdrew his gaze after a while.
“When it comes to manipulating emotions, I have a quick method. Time is limited, so let’s go with this.”
Fu Xingchuan took out a box of sticky note-like objects from his pocket and swiftly tore off several pieces. “These are illusion talismans, ready-made good stuff. I will evoke your corresponding memories.”
Once the memories were in place, it wasn’t difficult to trigger emotions. When the situation called for it, Shian personnel used similar methods to soothe those involved. Fu Xingchuan held the expensive talismans between his fingers and skillfully distributed them among the group.
When it came to Li Nian, Fu Xingchuan hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t give him a talisman.
“You won’t be affected much by it so just imagine it yourself,” Fu Xingchuan said softly.
Yin Ren looked around. After Fu Xingchuan completed his round, everyone in the dim room, including Zhong Chengshuo and Li Nian, as well as Yin Ren himself, had a square piece of talisman-like sticky note.
Lord Ghost King didn’t hold back and stuck the talisman on his face like a strip of adhesive. Fu Xingchuan simply stuck it on the back of his hand, performing the action with equal ease.
Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting held it solemnly in their hands, while Huang Jin wore a troubled expression, reluctantly pinching it with his fingertips.
First was fear.
Fu Xingchuan began by testing Yin Ren. When the other party’s fingers approached, Yin Ren decisively withdrew his defenses and allowed the other to perform the spell.
The illusion wasn’t powerful, but it was intricate. In an instant, the scene in front of Yin Ren receded, and familiar images entered his eyes.
The setting sun, steps, the exit of the Fu residence’s basement.
Sudden gunshots, splattering blood, Zhong Chengshuo’s bewildered gaze.
…And right after, the head suddenly exploded in front of Yin Ren.
Although he knew that the person was right beside him, the blood in the illusion felt sticky, warm, and the strong scent of blood assaulted his nose. The touch, the temperature—everything felt unbelievably real.
The blood of Zhong Chengshuo.
Even though he knew it was all an illusion, Yin Ren’s heart raced madly, and his nerves stretched to the point of pain. The panic and helplessness of that moment felt like a torn wound, oozing putrid pus.
Yin Ren felt a bit dazed. The subsequent search, battle, and reunion, including the present moment, were all just grand illusions. Was it because he couldn’t accept Zhong Chengshuo’s death that his mind conjured up these subsequent bizarre fantasies?
As this thought arose, boundless fear descended upon him.
In the next moment, Yin Ren’s vision darkened. The old steps under the evening sun vanished, and he found himself back in the secret room of the Shian building. If he hadn’t forcibly steadied himself, Yin Ren would have almost fallen to the ground.
“Haa… Haa…” Regardless of dignity, he struggled to regulate his breathing, feeling a tumultuous churning in his stomach.
He thought that once Zhong Chengshuo returned, the impact of this scene would dissipate. However, when it reappeared before him, Yin Ren realized that he could hardly think straight. His head buzzed, and the blood in his entire body turned icy cold, as if submerged in ice water.
Yin Ren subconsciously wanted to grasp the hand Zhong Chengshuo had placed on the chair back, but he ultimately held back. He quietly extended a small, wing-like appendage the size of a finger joint and slid it down the chair leg, disappearing into the shadow and crawling up Zhong Chengshuo’s pants until it reached the person’s chest.
Sensing the rise and fall of Zhong Chengshuo’s chest, feeling the warmth of his body, Yin Ren finally calmed down.
“The Evil Force in the wooden talisman doesn’t have any special reaction,” he said, clearing his throat.
“There’s, no special reaction, either,” Jiao Lian dutifully reported.
“Then, let’s move on to the next one.” Yin Ren handed out the wooden rabbit talisman he held.
He had intended to hand it to Fu Xingchuan, but Professor Li intercepted him midway. The professor tightly clenched the rabbit wooden talisman in his palm, closed his eyes, and pursed his lips tightly.
That already serious face appeared even more devoid of emotion.
As a top science post, Li Nian couldn’t rely on talismans. No one knew what kind of terrifying memories this impassive individual had unearthed.
In less than five seconds, Li Nian’s face began to pale, and a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead. His hand trembled as he held the wooden rabbit talisman left no doubt that he was enduring profound fear.
“No special reaction,” Yin Ren said.
“Same,” Jiao Lian concisely added.
Fu Xingchuan, Ge Tingting… and finally, it was Huang Jin’s turn. They didn’t know what Huang Jin saw, but he seemed to want to pack himself into a box. Unfortunately, as the wooden rabbit talisman made its way around the group, it remained unresponsive, devoid of any special fluctuations, like an ordinary object.
Disgust, no special reaction.
Sorrow, still no special reaction on either side. Yin Ren looked around cautiously, fearing that Ms. Qi might suddenly appear for a meal in some corner.
“The next one is…” Yin Ren’s memory was a bit hazy. He took out his phone, attempting to look up Shian’s emotional classifications.
“There’s no need to continue.”
Tortured by three negative emotions three times, even someone as strong as Fu Xingchuan’s complexion turned slightly bluish.
“Didn’t you say that the more primitive the emotion, the stronger the Primordial Elemental? If you’re shamelessly snatching people, surely you won’t snatch someone away to feed minor characters on the Other Side.”
“That’s true, but I did test satisfaction before.” Yin Ren frowned. “Satisfaction, joy, and love…”
“How did you test it?”
Fu Xingchuan hesitated several times before speaking, but before he could say anything, Li Nian preempted him.
For some reason, even without the aid of talismans, Professor Li’s reaction was greater than anyone else’s. After three rounds, his hair was completely drenched in sweat, and he seemed on the verge of fainting at any moment.
But his voice remained steady.
“Could it be an experiment using a living person?” His sharp gaze was fixed directly on Yin Ren.
“Not to that extent. I have my methods.”
Thinking about the massive fortunes destroyed by Miss Qi Xin, even if they weren’t his own belongings, Yin Ren couldn’t help but feel a surge of overwhelming sadness.
“So, can you confirm that the experimental materials are not flawed?” Faced with this senior who had traveled through time, Li Nian remained composed, showing no mercy. “I suggest verifying it again. Satisfaction is a positive emotion that everyone should find easier to accept.”
“Well, technically, it’s possible…”
But theoretically, Zhong Chengshuo’s ability to simulate emotions with data should yield better results than the effects of illusions. After all, these people were at least considered his friends, and illusions ultimately affected people, tormenting their hearts and minds.
They didn’t have much time now, and it was not suitable to waste their energy on detours.
Just as Yin Ren was about to explain the situation, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
[You can save them. But a small suggestion, don’t use the pile of brains from just now… They have defects that will conveniently lead you astray from the correct answer.]
Wait a minute.
“Lead you astray from the correct answer…” Yin Ren tightly clenched the talisman paper in his hand, murmuring under his breath.
There were a relatively large number of brains there. What unified flaw could they possibly have? Even serial killers were still humans. Whether it was fear or satisfaction, they would always have corresponding perceptions, unless… unless…
Amidst the haze, Yin Ren seemed to have grasped something.
Satisfaction.
Joy and love.
“They mostly lack the capacity for ‘love’.” Zhong Chengshuo lowered his body, his gentle breath brushing against the skin by Yin Ren’s ear. “Although you haven’t researched this, you must have seen plenty of related films and TV shows.”
Indeed. Mr. Qiu corresponded to “disgust” and Ms. Qi Xin corresponded to “sorrow”. Mr. Qiu was already dead, and Ms. Qi Xin was someone who actively sought her own sustenance. The only advanced elements remaining were “joy” and “love”. Combined with what Zhong Chengshuo just said…
“We can retest if you want. Let’s try ‘love’ first.” Yin Ren made a decisive decision.
After speaking, he once again placed the sticky note on his face.
The illusion started for the fourth time.
Yin Ren saw Zhong Chengshuo, wearing a rabbit mask, shooting a string of bubbles in the abandoned amusement park. He also saw his lover, deeply asleep and breathing softly, leaning on the table.
Light and shadows flowed, and the illusion turned into caresses and warmth. The touch on his skin felt incredibly real, almost scorching his brain.
The wooden rabbit talisman in his palm moved.
“There’s a reaction,” Jiao Lian said. “The space on the other side is vibrating.”
Yin Ren ended the illusion with a slightly dazed expression and turned to look at Zhong Chengshuo. There was a reaction, but he himself didn’t disappear like Lu Xiaohe’s mother.
For some reason, this discovery left him somewhat disheartened. Yin Ren’s mind was filled with mixed emotions, and he couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of his disappointment.
“I’ll go next!” Fu Xingchuan, oblivious to the subtle thoughts of his elder, sounded a bit joyful in his voice.
Unfortunately, Fu Xingchuan, who had been single for over forty years, couldn’t perform any miracles. Compared to Yin Ren’s turn, both the wooden talisman and the response from the Other Side were weaker.
Fu Xingchuan: “…”
“You work too much overtime,” Minister Jiao Lian pointed out seriously. “Life is barren. What did you see just now?”
Fu Xingchuan struggled, considering that it wasn’t easy to converse with Minister Jiao. Nonetheless, he bravely gave his answer. “…When I was a child, I went to the beach with my whole family to sunbathe. My mom bought me three scoops of ice cream.”
Jiao Lian: “Hehe!”
The screens all over her body gleefully flickered. Yin Ren’s emotions eased slightly. Despite Minister Jiao’s unfavorable circumstances, her personality was quite… different from what he had imagined.
With this little interlude, the previously tense atmosphere finally loosened slightly.
Ignoring the sympathetic gazes from everyone, Fu Xingchuan handed the wooden talisman to Li Nian. However, Li Nian, who rarely showed any emotion, didn’t take it. “I’ll go last.”
He didn’t explain why.
Since the higher-ups indicated postponement, Ge Tingting was the next to grab the wooden talisman. Unfortunately, the level of abnormality she caused was almost identical to Fu Xingchuan’s, leaving it unclear who was more deserving of sympathy.
Next was Lu Xiaohe.
The moment the illusion started, tears welled up in Lu Xiaohe’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She held back from making any sound, but the tears continued to flow. The wooden talisman emitted a chilling aura, and Lu Xiaohe’s feet turned into phantoms. She appeared as if she were a living ghost.
“Stop!” Yin Ren formed a gesture, and the wooden talisman flew out in response. Lu Xiaohe’s feet instantly solidified, and she collapsed to the ground.
Her sports shoes vanished without a trace, leaving behind a pair of clean, bare feet.
“The reaction from the Other Side is stronger.” Jiao Lian’s speech speed quickened. “I need more data.”
“Same here,” Yin Ren agreed. He took a long breath and felt the strange sense of disappointment weighing heavily on his heart.
“Bring it here.” Huang Jin, wearing a pained expression, walked up to Yin Ren and obediently took the wooden talisman. “Don’t hold too much hope. I… Ahhhh!”
Before the illusion even started, as if sinking into invisible seawater, Huang Jin’s lower body instantly disappeared.
Terrified, he flailed his arms and grabbed hold of Yin Ren’s hair. His rough pulling nearly yanked Yin Ren to tears.
There was no brilliance of spells, no strange sounds—only the Evil Force on the wooden talisman was rapidly surging. Seeing this person’s body quickly vanishing up to his chest, Yin Ren made a decisive move. In front of everyone, he extended a strand of hair and dug out the wooden talisman from Huang Jin’s hand. In the next moment, it was completely sealed within the dark mass of his black hair.
Fu Xingchuan swiftly rushed forward, activating dozens of spells in an instant. Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting hastily reached out, grabbing hold of Huang Jin’s clothes, pulling him out together as if pulling out a radish.
“Fuck, fuck, take it easy! It hurts, ahhhhh!!!”
Huang Jin had an expressionless face as he frantically clawed at the things around him, resembling a person about to be swept away by a torrential flood. After more than ten seconds, everyone finally managed to pull Huang Jin, who had nearly disappeared, back. The suction force from the other side was extremely stubborn, and the whole process was more difficult than rescuing someone from a swamp.
Even Zhong Chengshuo had a stern face and grabbed a bed sheet to cover the lower half of Huang Jin’s body—while Lu Xiaohe only lost her shoes, Huang Jin’s clothes, from his chest down, completely vanished without a trace.
After being pulled out, Huang Jin trembled and shrank into the corner, wrapping himself tightly in the bedsheets.
“This is unscientific!” Huang Jin leaned against the corner of the bed; his voice nearly cracking. “How is it possible that my situation is worse than Lu Xiaohe’s?!”
“Maybe you really like Ding Lizi Jie,” Ge Tingting objectively speculated. “And besides, this is not within the realm of science.”
Huang Jin’s face turned pale and then green. He looked around at his superiors and colleagues, ultimately pulling the bed sheet up to cover his head as well. He then turned his entire body towards the corner of the room, indicating that he didn’t intend to speak again.
“The reaction from the Other Side is very strong,” Jiao Lian commented.
“We have enough data, but it can still be supplemented,” Yin Ren added.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s gaze turned to Li Nian. It was said that it could be supplemented, and he was the only one left to be tested.
“I won’t need it,” Professor Li said indifferently, without touching the ice-cold wooden talisman.
Fu Xingchuan looked at him for a while and said, “…Okay.”
“Why?” Huang Jin, inside the bed sheets, muttered with a voice that wasn’t too loud. “You just said you wanted to be the last one.”
“Because I’m different from you.”
Li Nian maintained his calm and plain tone.
“If it were me, there would be a more than 90% chance that I would disappear instantly. I still have work at Shian, and it’s not the right time yet.”
Huang Jin finally emerged his head from the bed sheet and looked at Li Nian with a hint of surprise.
“Then let’s end it here for today.” Upon hearing these words, Yin Ren stood up with an expression that wasn’t too great. “Everyone needs rest, and Minister Jiao and I have gathered enough data. Minister Jiao, when you have results on your end, remember to have Fu Xingchuan and the others inform me.”
With that, he, unusually, didn’t wait for his companions and was the first to leave the room.
Zhong Chengshuo quickly followed suit and walked out second.
“There are still three hours until the end of work. We can go home first, and you can request to work from home.” Zhong Chengshuo habitually discussed the day’s plan. “We made great progress at Shian today, which is suitable for us to study together.”
“Sure, okay…” Yin Ren replied with little enthusiasm.
“I can make your favorite food at home.”
Seeing that his lover was in a bad mood, Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes and took out his top-ranked response plan from his mind.
“Do you have any thoughts about what just happened?” Yin Ren smoothly stepped into the elevator and pressed the “1” button.
Zhong Chengshuo looked around, and they were the only two people in the elevator, but the atmosphere wasn’t as gentle as usual.
“The reason for those people’s disappearance may be related to the emotion of ‘love’. However, the specific conditions and whether they are consistent with the incident from twenty-eight years ago will need to be determined after examining the specific data.”
So that’s it. Yin Ren was probably focused on considering the case. After pondering for a moment, Zhong Chengshuo confidently gave his opinion.
“Is that all?” Yin Ren turned his face, and his visible disappointment was unmasked.
Zhong Chengshuo’s thoughts raced frantically, unable to think of any overlooked aspects. He shook his head sincerely. Yin Ren let out a sigh, and the mini wings that were attached to Zhong Chengshuo’s chest slipped out and reverted to ordinary strands of hair.
“Are you angry?”
Zhong Chengshuo, following the fine tradition of a science post, asked when he didn’t understand.
“No.” Yin Ren stopped by the roadside, staring at the busy traffic in the afternoon.
“But you’re in a bad mood. Is it because of me?”
“You could say that…”
“I understand. It’s because I covered Huang Jin with a bed sheet and saw him without clothes.” Zhong Chengshuo began analyzing the accumulated themes of romantic works. “So you’re unhappy.”
Yin Ren looked at him in shock. He touched his own forehead, then touched Zhong Chengshuo’s forehead, his face filled with even more perplexity.
Fortunately, at that moment, the taxi they had called in advance arrived, preventing Lord Ghost King’s medical examination behavior from escalating further.
“…I just thought that maybe you should be angry.”
Once they got in the car, Yin Ren immediately opened the window. The autumn air carried a strong scent of osmanthus flowers, filling the car in an instant. Zhong Chengshuo tilted his head slightly and appeared a bit confused.
“Why should I be angry?”
Yin Ren glanced at the driver in front and began typing on his phone.
[The reason for the disappearances is related to “love”, but these rules have a very mild effect on me, slightly stronger than Fu Xingchuan and the others.]
[Ge Tingting is young and has little experience. Fu Xingchuan thought of a family trip to the seaside. As for my feelings for you, they don’t seem to be as strong as you think. Upon reflection, the things I’ve done for you sound remarkable, but they are all based on the premise that “I know I am strong”. It’s not that extraordinary.]
Zhong Chengshuo lowered his gaze, quietly reading the text. After spending some time in the modern world, Yin Ren’s typing speed had noticeably increased.
[You have always been quick-witted. How could you not have thought of this? But you don’t seem to care about it either. I have a strange feeling, as if it’s not right for me to be mad at myself, nor at you.]
[I’m worried.]
After typing those words, Yin Ren’s fingers paused for a moment. His strands of hair swayed gently, and the warm afternoon light flowed slowly through his black hair. Lord Ghost King sighed for a few seconds before resuming the movement of his fingers.
[I’m worried that our approach to love is off, and I don’t know how to do it. I’m supposed to be the one guiding you, as I understand social conventions better than you.]
Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes, reached out his hand, and slowly pulled the little device from Yin Ren’s hand.
[I can’t answer that.]
In the refreshing and sweet scent of osmanthus, he earnestly typed his response.
[I can only tell you that this experiment hasn’t been thoroughly analyzed yet. In theory, Lu Xiaohe’s “love” for her mother should not be weaker than Huang Jin’s “love” for Ding Lizi. I believe emotions are complex, and there are many variables in the experiment.]
[The “intensity of love” may be just one of the conditions. Until we have more certain conditions, you don’t need to feel discouraged.]
Zhong Chengshuo typed that sentence very slowly. Yin Ren couldn’t help but shift his gaze and look at Zhong Chengshuo, who was typing seriously.
Zhong Chengshuo was sitting on the side facing the sun. As the sunlight poured in through the car window, it cast a golden-brown hue on his black eyelashes.
“Are you trying to comfort me?” Yin Ren forced a smile, dissipating some of the confusion. However, it still lingered like a layer of dark clouds in his heart.
Zhong Chengshuo turned his dark eyes and shook his head firmly.
[This is science.] He emphasized seriously.
“Well, I hope I’m just overthinking.”
Zhong Chengshuo was still the same Zhong Chengshuo, explaining the situation with such rationality that it was exasperating. With important matters at hand, Yin Ren decided to set aside this mysterious emotional issue and focus on finding a solution on his own.
“Anyway, let’s focus our energy on the experiment… Huh?”
Zhong Chengshuo didn’t stop there; he seemed to have noticed something and started typing seriously again.
[Personally, I think it doesn’t matter if we choose the wrong way of love or if our emotional intensity isn’t as strong as others. In this aspect, I don’t need your guidance.]
[You are judging guidance based on human emotions as a benchmark, but we are not humans, and those benchmarks may not be applicable.]
After typing this sentence, a subtle sense of satisfaction appeared on Zhong Chengshuo’s tense face.
[Objectively speaking, we are each other’s only kind.]
“That’s true.”
Yin Ren was taken aback, then chuckled. Looking at the vivid satisfaction on Zhong Chengshuo’s face, for some reason, most of his distress dissipated in an instant.
“I didn’t expect it, Zhong Ge. You’re quite eloquent… Wait a minute.”
Yin Ren’s expression suddenly froze.
After everyone finished making a fuss, in the end, no one backed out.The true strength of Unit 9 shouldn't be revealed publicly, so the secret test was indeed the best method. To Yin Ren's surprise, Professor Li remained unmoved. As one of the highest leaders in the Shian Haigu branch, he should have prioritized his own safety.However, he simply stood firmly in his place, with half of his face illuminated and darkened by the screen on Jiao Lian's body.Can we start? I have a meeting afterward, Li Nian said.Yin Ren remained silent for a moment, then raised his hand and drew several paths of light in the airFear, satisfaction.Hate, sorrow, joy, love.He crookedly wrote down various emotions and marked a red cross on a few of them.Whether it's the Divine Descent twenty-eight years ago or the present, only a few individuals have disappeared after exposure to corruption. If the premise of mental resilience' is correct, we need to determine which 'emotion' triggers the disappearances.Yin Ren brought over a chair and sat in front of Jiao Lian.Zhong Chengshuo naturally stepped forward, placing his hands on the back of a wooden chair.Yin Ren slowed down his voice. Last night, I conducted some tests. We only need to test a few emotions We don't need to test satisfaction'. Next, we will experiment with fear. Minister Jiao will monitor the other side, while I will observe the situation here.That sounds feasible.Fu Xingchuan glanced at Zhong Chengshuo a few times as he spoke, and the latter made an effort to look innocent, resembling a large hanging decoration behind Yin Ren's chair. Fu Xingchuan looked on fruitlessly, then withdrew his gaze after a while.When it comes to manipulating emotions, I have a quick method. Time is limited, so let's go with this.Fu Xingchuan took out a box of sticky note-like objects from his pocket and swiftly tore off several pieces. These are illusion talismans, ready-made good stuff. I will evoke your corresponding memories.Once the memories were in place, it wasn't difficult to trigger emotions. When the situation called for it, Shian personnel used similar methods to soothe those involved. Fu Xingchuan held the expensive talismans between his fingers and skillfully distributed them among the group.When it came to Li Nian, Fu Xingchuan hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't give him a talisman.You won't be affected much by it so just imagine it yourself, Fu Xingchuan said softly.Yin Ren looked around. After Fu Xingchuan completed his round, everyone in the dim room, including Zhong Chengshuo and Li Nian, as well as Yin Ren himself, had a square piece of talisman-like sticky note.Lord Ghost King didn't hold back and stuck the talisman on his face like a strip of adhesive. Fu Xingchuan simply stuck it on the back of his hand, performing the action with equal ease.Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting held it solemnly in their hands, while Huang Jin wore a troubled expression, reluctantly pinching it with his fingertips.First was fear.Fu Xingchuan began by testing Yin Ren. When the other party's fingers approached, Yin Ren decisively withdrew his defenses and allowed the other to perform the spell.The illusion wasn't powerful, but it was intricate. In an instant, the scene in front of Yin Ren receded, and familiar images entered his eyes.The setting sun, steps, the exit of the Fu residence's basement.Sudden gunshots, splattering blood, Zhong Chengshuo's bewildered gaze.And right after, the head suddenly exploded in front of Yin Ren.Although he knew that the person was right beside him, the blood in the illusion felt sticky, warm, and the strong scent of blood assaulted his nose. The touch, the temperatureeverything felt unbelievably real.The blood of Zhong Chengshuo.Even though he knew it was all an illusion, Yin Ren's heart raced madly, and his nerves stretched to the point of pain. The panic and helplessness of that moment felt like a torn wound, oozing putrid pus.Yin Ren felt a bit dazed. The subsequent search, battle, and reunion, including the present moment, were all just grand illusions. Was it because he couldn't accept Zhong Chengshuo's death that his mind conjured up these subsequent bizarre fantasies?As this thought arose, boundless fear descended upon him.In the next moment, Yin Ren's vision darkened. The old steps under the evening sun vanished, and he found himself back in the secret room of the Shian building. If he hadn't forcibly steadied himself, Yin Ren would have almost fallen to the ground.Haa Haa Regardless of dignity, he struggled to regulate his breathing, feeling a tumultuous churning in his stomach.He thought that once Zhong Chengshuo returned, the impact of this scene would dissipate. However, when it reappeared before him, Yin Ren realized that he could hardly think straight. His head buzzed, and the blood in his entire body turned icy cold, as if submerged in ice water.Yin Ren subconsciously wanted to grasp the hand Zhong Chengshuo had placed on the chair back, but he ultimately held back. He quietly extended a small, wing-like appendage the size of a finger joint and slid it down the chair leg, disappearing into the shadow and crawling up Zhong Chengshuo's pants until it reached the person's chest.Sensing the rise and fall of Zhong Chengshuo's chest, feeling the warmth of his body, Yin Ren finally calmed down.The Evil Force in the wooden talisman doesn't have any special reaction, he said, clearing his throat.There's, no special reaction, either, Jiao Lian dutifully reported.Then, let's move on to the next one. Yin Ren handed out the wooden rabbit talisman he held.He had intended to hand it to Fu Xingchuan, but Professor Li intercepted him midway. The professor tightly clenched the rabbit wooden talisman in his palm, closed his eyes, and pursed his lips tightly.That already serious face appeared even more devoid of emotion.As a top science post, Li Nian couldn't rely on talismans. No one knew what kind of terrifying memories this impassive individual had unearthed.In less than five seconds, Li Nian's face began to pale, and a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead. His hand trembled as he held the wooden rabbit talisman left no doubt that he was enduring profound fear.No special reaction, Yin Ren said.Same, Jiao Lian concisely added.Fu Xingchuan, Ge Tingting and finally, it was Huang Jin's turn. They didn't know what Huang Jin saw, but he seemed to want to pack himself into a box. Unfortunately, as the wooden rabbit talisman made its way around the group, it remained unresponsive, devoid of any special fluctuations, like an ordinary object.Disgust, no special reaction.Sorrow, still no special reaction on either side. Yin Ren looked around cautiously, fearing that Ms. Qi might suddenly appear for a meal in some corner.The next one is Yin Ren's memory was a bit hazy. He took out his phone, attempting to look up Shian's emotional classifications.There's no need to continue.Tortured by three negative emotions three times, even someone as strong as Fu Xingchuan's complexion turned slightly bluish.Didn't you say that the more primitive the emotion, the stronger the Primordial Elemental? If you're shamelessly snatching people, surely you won't snatch someone away to feed minor characters on the Other Side.That's true, but I did test satisfaction before. Yin Ren frowned. Satisfaction, joy, and loveHow did you test it?Fu Xingchuan hesitated several times before speaking, but before he could say anything, Li Nian preempted him.For some reason, even without the aid of talismans, Professor Li's reaction was greater than anyone else's. After three rounds, his hair was completely drenched in sweat, and he seemed on the verge of fainting at any moment.But his voice remained steady.Could it be an experiment using a living person? His sharp gaze was fixed directly on Yin Ren.Not to that extent. I have my methods.Thinking about the massive fortunes destroyed by Miss Qi Xin, even if they weren't his own belongings, Yin Ren couldn't help but feel a surge of overwhelming sadness.So, can you confirm that the experimental materials are not flawed? Faced with this senior who had traveled through time, Li Nian remained composed, showing no mercy. I suggest verifying it again. Satisfaction is a positive emotion that everyone should find easier to accept.Well, technically, it's possibleBut theoretically, Zhong Chengshuo's ability to simulate emotions with data should yield better results than the effects of illusions. After all, these people were at least considered his friends, and illusions ultimately affected people, tormenting their hearts and minds.They didn't have much time now, and it was not suitable to waste their energy on detours.Just as Yin Ren was about to explain the situation, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.You can save them. But a small suggestion, don't use the pile of brains from just now They have defects that will conveniently lead you astray from the correct answer.Wait a minute.Lead you astray from the correct answer Yin Ren tightly clenched the talisman paper in his hand, murmuring under his breath.There were a relatively large number of brains there. What unified flaw could they possibly have? Even serial killers were still humans. Whether it was fear or satisfaction, they would always have corresponding perceptions, unless unlessAmidst the haze, Yin Ren seemed to have grasped something.Satisfaction.Joy and love.They mostly lack the capacity for love'. Zhong Chengshuo lowered his body, his gentle breath brushing against the skin by Yin Ren's ear. Although you haven't researched this, you must have seen plenty of related films and TV shows.Indeed. Mr. Qiu corresponded to disgust and Ms. Qi Xin corresponded to sorrow. Mr. Qiu was already dead, and Ms. Qi Xin was someone who actively sought her own sustenance. The only advanced elements remaining were joy and love. Combined with what Zhong Chengshuo just saidWe can retest if you want. Let's try love' first. Yin Ren made a decisive decision.After speaking, he once again placed the sticky note on his face.The illusion started for the fourth time.Yin Ren saw Zhong Chengshuo, wearing a rabbit mask, shooting a string of bubbles in the abandoned amusement park. He also saw his lover, deeply asleep and breathing softly, leaning on the table.Light and shadows flowed, and the illusion turned into caresses and warmth. The touch on his skin felt incredibly real, almost scorching his brain.The wooden rabbit talisman in his palm moved.There's a reaction, Jiao Lian said. The space on the other side is vibrating.Yin Ren ended the illusion with a slightly dazed expression and turned to look at Zhong Chengshuo. There was a reaction, but he himself didn't disappear like Lu Xiaohe's mother.For some reason, this discovery left him somewhat disheartened. Yin Ren's mind was filled with mixed emotions, and he couldn't quite pinpoint the source of his disappointment.I'll go next! Fu Xingchuan, oblivious to the subtle thoughts of his elder, sounded a bit joyful in his voice.Unfortunately, Fu Xingchuan, who had been single for over forty years, couldn't perform any miracles. Compared to Yin Ren's turn, both the wooden talisman and the response from the Other Side were weaker.Fu Xingchuan: You work too much overtime, Minister Jiao Lian pointed out seriously. Life is barren. What did you see just now?Fu Xingchuan struggled, considering that it wasn't easy to converse with Minister Jiao. Nonetheless, he bravely gave his answer. When I was a child, I went to the beach with my whole family to sunbathe. My mom bought me three scoops of ice cream.Jiao Lian: Hehe!The screens all over her body gleefully flickered. Yin Ren's emotions eased slightly. Despite Minister Jiao's unfavorable circumstances, her personality was quite different from what he had imagined.With this little interlude, the previously tense atmosphere finally loosened slightly.Ignoring the sympathetic gazes from everyone, Fu Xingchuan handed the wooden talisman to Li Nian. However, Li Nian, who rarely showed any emotion, didn't take it. I'll go last.He didn't explain why.Since the higher-ups indicated postponement, Ge Tingting was the next to grab the wooden talisman. Unfortunately, the level of abnormality she caused was almost identical to Fu Xingchuan's, leaving it unclear who was more deserving of sympathy.Next was Lu Xiaohe.The moment the illusion started, tears welled up in Lu Xiaohe's eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She held back from making any sound, but the tears continued to flow. The wooden talisman emitted a chilling aura, and Lu Xiaohe's feet turned into phantoms. She appeared as if she were a living ghost.Stop! Yin Ren formed a gesture, and the wooden talisman flew out in response. Lu Xiaohe's feet instantly solidified, and she collapsed to the ground.Her sports shoes vanished without a trace, leaving behind a pair of clean, bare feet.The reaction from the Other Side is stronger. Jiao Lian's speech speed quickened. I need more data.Same here, Yin Ren agreed. He took a long breath and felt the strange sense of disappointment weighing heavily on his heart.Bring it here. Huang Jin, wearing a pained expression, walked up to Yin Ren and obediently took the wooden talisman. Don't hold too much hope. I Ahhhh!Before the illusion even started, as if sinking into invisible seawater, Huang Jin's lower body instantly disappeared.Terrified, he flailed his arms and grabbed hold of Yin Ren's hair. His rough pulling nearly yanked Yin Ren to tears.There was no brilliance of spells, no strange soundsonly the Evil Force on the wooden talisman was rapidly surging. Seeing this person's body quickly vanishing up to his chest, Yin Ren made a decisive move. In front of everyone, he extended a strand of hair and dug out the wooden talisman from Huang Jin's hand. In the next moment, it was completely sealed within the dark mass of his black hair.Fu Xingchuan swiftly rushed forward, activating dozens of spells in an instant. Lu Xiaohe and Ge Tingting hastily reached out, grabbing hold of Huang Jin's clothes, pulling him out together as if pulling out a radish.Fuck, fuck, take it easy! It hurts, ahhhhh!!!Huang Jin had an expressionless face as he frantically clawed at the things around him, resembling a person about to be swept away by a torrential flood. After more than ten seconds, everyone finally managed to pull Huang Jin, who had nearly disappeared, back. The suction force from the other side was extremely stubborn, and the whole process was more difficult than rescuing someone from a swamp.Even Zhong Chengshuo had a stern face and grabbed a bed sheet to cover the lower half of Huang Jin's bodywhile Lu Xiaohe only lost her shoes, Huang Jin's clothes, from his chest down, completely vanished without a trace.After being pulled out, Huang Jin trembled and shrank into the corner, wrapping himself tightly in the bedsheets.This is unscientific! Huang Jin leaned against the corner of the bed; his voice nearly cracking. How is it possible that my situation is worse than Lu Xiaohe's?!Maybe you really like Ding Lizi Jie, Ge Tingting objectively speculated. And besides, this is not within the realm of science.Huang Jin's face turned pale and then green. He looked around at his superiors and colleagues, ultimately pulling the bed sheet up to cover his head as well. He then turned his entire body towards the corner of the room, indicating that he didn't intend to speak again.The reaction from the Other Side is very strong, Jiao Lian commented.We have enough data, but it can still be supplemented, Yin Ren added.Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned to Li Nian. It was said that it could be supplemented, and he was the only one left to be tested.I won't need it, Professor Li said indifferently, without touching the ice-cold wooden talisman.Fu Xingchuan looked at him for a while and said, Okay.Why? Huang Jin, inside the bed sheets, muttered with a voice that wasn't too loud. You just said you wanted to be the last one.Because I'm different from you.Li Nian maintained his calm and plain tone.If it were me, there would be a more than 90% chance that I would disappear instantly. I still have work at Shian, and it's not the right time yet.Huang Jin finally emerged his head from the bed sheet and looked at Li Nian with a hint of surprise.Then let's end it here for today. Upon hearing these words, Yin Ren stood up with an expression that wasn't too great. Everyone needs rest, and Minister Jiao and I have gathered enough data. Minister Jiao, when you have results on your end, remember to have Fu Xingchuan and the others inform me.With that, he, unusually, didn't wait for his companions and was the first to leave the room.Zhong Chengshuo quickly followed suit and walked out second.There are still three hours until the end of work. We can go home first, and you can request to work from home. Zhong Chengshuo habitually discussed the day's plan. We made great progress at Shian today, which is suitable for us to study together.Sure, okay Yin Ren replied with little enthusiasm.I can make your favorite food at home.Seeing that his lover was in a bad mood, Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes and took out his top-ranked response plan from his mind.Do you have any thoughts about what just happened? Yin Ren smoothly stepped into the elevator and pressed the 1 button.Zhong Chengshuo looked around, and they were the only two people in the elevator, but the atmosphere wasn't as gentle as usual.The reason for those people's disappearance may be related to the emotion of love'. However, the specific conditions and whether they are consistent with the incident from twenty-eight years ago will need to be determined after examining the specific data.So that's it.Yin Ren was probably focused on considering the case. After pondering for a moment, Zhong Chengshuo confidently gave his opinion.Is that all? Yin Ren turned his face, and his visible disappointment was unmasked.Zhong Chengshuo's thoughts raced frantically, unable to think of any overlooked aspects. He shook his head sincerely. Yin Ren let out a sigh, and the mini wings that were attached to Zhong Chengshuo's chest slipped out and reverted to ordinary strands of hair.Are you angry?Zhong Chengshuo, following the fine tradition of a science post, asked when he didn't understand.No. Yin Ren stopped by the roadside, staring at the busy traffic in the afternoon.But you're in a bad mood. Is it because of me?You could say thatI understand. It's because I covered Huang Jin with a bed sheet and saw him without clothes. Zhong Chengshuo began analyzing the accumulated themes of romantic works. So you're unhappy.Yin Ren looked at him in shock. He touched his own forehead, then touched Zhong Chengshuo's forehead, his face filled with even more perplexity.Fortunately, at that moment, the taxi they had called in advance arrived, preventing Lord Ghost King's medical examination behavior from escalating further.I just thought that maybe you should be angry.Once they got in the car, Yin Ren immediately opened the window. The autumn air carried a strong scent of osmanthus flowers, filling the car in an instant. Zhong Chengshuo tilted his head slightly and appeared a bit confused.Why should I be angry?Yin Ren glanced at the driver in front and began typing on his phone.The reason for the disappearances is related to love, but these rules have a very mild effect on me, slightly stronger than Fu Xingchuan and the others.Ge Tingting is young and has little experience. Fu Xingchuan thought of a family trip to the seaside. As for my feelings for you, they don't seem to be as strong as you think. Upon reflection, the things I've done for you sound remarkable, but they are all based on the premise that I know I am strong. It's not that extraordinary.Zhong Chengshuo lowered his gaze, quietly reading the text. After spending some time in the modern world, Yin Ren's typing speed had noticeably increased.You have always been quick-witted. How could you not have thought of this? But you don't seem to care about it either. I have a strange feeling, as if it's not right for me to be mad at myself, nor at you.I'm worried.After typing those words, Yin Ren's fingers paused for a moment. His strands of hair swayed gently, and the warm afternoon light flowed slowly through his black hair. Lord Ghost King sighed for a few seconds before resuming the movement of his fingers.I'm worried that our approach to love is off, and I don't know how to do it. I'm supposed to be the one guiding you, as I understand social conventions better than you.Zhong Chengshuo blinked his eyes, reached out his hand, and slowly pulled the little device from Yin Ren's hand.I can't answer that.In the refreshing and sweet scent of osmanthus, he earnestly typed his response.I can only tell you that this experiment hasn't been thoroughly analyzed yet. In theory, Lu Xiaohe's love for her mother should not be weaker than Huang Jin's love for Ding Lizi. I believe emotions are complex, and there are many variables in the experiment.The intensity of love may be just one of the conditions. Until we have more certain conditions, you don't need to feel discouraged.Zhong Chengshuo typed that sentence very slowly. Yin Ren couldn't help but shift his gaze and look at Zhong Chengshuo, who was typing seriously.Zhong Chengshuo was sitting on the side facing the sun. As the sunlight poured in through the car window, it cast a golden-brown hue on his black eyelashes.Are you trying to comfort me? Yin Ren forced a smile, dissipating some of the confusion. However, it still lingered like a layer of dark clouds in his heart.Zhong Chengshuo turned his dark eyes and shook his head firmly.This is science. He emphasized seriously.Well, I hope I'm just overthinking.Zhong Chengshuo was still the same Zhong Chengshuo, explaining the situation with such rationality that it was exasperating. With important matters at hand, Yin Ren decided to set aside this mysterious emotional issue and focus on finding a solution on his own.Anyway, let's focus our energy on the experiment Huh?Zhong Chengshuo didn't stop there; he seemed to have noticed something and started typing seriously again.Personally, I think it doesn't matter if we choose the wrong way of love or if our emotional intensity isn't as strong as others. In this aspect, I don't need your guidance.You are judging guidance based on human emotions as a benchmark, but we are not humans, and those benchmarks may not be applicable.After typing this sentence, a subtle sense of satisfaction appeared on Zhong Chengshuo's tense face.Objectively speaking, we are each other's only kind.That's true.Yin Ren was taken aback, then chuckled. Looking at the vivid satisfaction on Zhong Chengshuo's face, for some reason, most of his distress dissipated in an instant.I didn't expect it, Zhong Ge. You're quite eloquent Wait a minute.Yin Ren's expression suddenly froze.
