Chapter 342: Shen Wencheng’s Hypothesis
Su Tao thought for a moment and said:
“I have no objections on my side, but I respect Mr. Shen’s decision.”
Professor Qiao grinned from ear to ear. “Mr. Shen will definitely agree. Thank you, Boss Su.”
Since Shen Wencheng was now under Taoyang’s protection, Su Tao’s approval meant that Shen Wencheng would likely be willing to participate.
Su Tao called Zhuang Wan and asked her to check if Shen Wencheng was interested in joining the Bonewing research project. If he was, he should head to the containment site in ten minutes.
A few minutes later, Zhuang Wan called back.
“He’s willing—very willing! As soon as he heard the news, he and his team rushed out the door. Boss, you have no idea—they’re research maniacs who can’t sit still!
“They haven’t been in Taoyang for long, but one of the tenants already reported them for hiding corpses in their apartment. I was scared out of my wits until I found out they were zombie specimens. When I opened their wardrobe, it was full of them. If Meng Qian hadn’t been holding me up, I’d have fainted on the spot.”
Su Tao rubbed her forehead. “Thanks for handling it.”
Zhuang Wan waved it off. “It’s fine. I just want to ask—can we arrange separate housing for them in the future? I’m not complaining, but I’m worried the other tenants won’t be able to handle it. Plus, the smell isn’t great, and most of them are so absorbed in research that they can’t socialize normally.”
Su Tao nodded. “It’s already in the plan. We’ll build them a dedicated research base, but it’ll take time. In the meantime, please continue to calm the other tenants—small gifts might help if needed.”
While they talked, the convoy arrived at the containment site.
As soon as they stepped out, they saw Shen Wencheng and his team craning their necks in anticipation.
When Shen Wencheng spotted Su Tao, he strode over quickly and extended his hand.
“Boss Su, I didn’t want to disturb you last night since you returned so late. But now that I’m here, I want to personally thank you on behalf of my entire team!”
He then bowed deeply, and his colleagues followed suit.
When He Kang collapsed, they had faced two choices—follow Changjing’s forces north or seek refuge with Taoyang.
Joining Changjing would likely mean being overlooked or relegated to menial work in one of their many research facilities.
In contrast, Su Tao had promptly issued a generous bounty to hire mercenaries to escort them to Taoyang, promising to fully support their research. For this, Shen Wencheng’s team was deeply grateful.
At that moment, Professor Qiao cheerfully squeezed forward. “Young Shen, do you still remember this old man?”
Shen Wencheng humbly replied, “Of course, Professor Qiao. How could I forget you? You’re leading the Bonewing research team now, right? I hope to learn a lot from you.”
Professor Qiao chuckled, “Learn from me? You all have outpaced Changjing in research—”
Su Tao cleared her throat.
This old man really had no filter. While the adaptability of ability-user crystal cores was a semi-public secret, he shouldn’t be broadcasting it so openly.
Moreover, though Shen Wencheng’s team had made this breakthrough, their research had been intercepted and stolen on its way to Changjing. Otherwise, Changjing would’ve eagerly recruited them rather than leaving them for Taoyang to “pick up.”
Realizing his blunder, Professor Qiao laughed awkwardly. “Ah… What I meant was, we can learn from each other!”
The group moved toward the containment site.
As he surveyed the area, Professor Qiao couldn’t help but suggest, “Boss Su, have you considered building a research base here? With Bonewing contained below, it would be both secure and convenient for study.”
Su Tao nodded. “I had the same idea. Mr. Shen, what do you think? This base would be built primarily for your team.”
Shen Wencheng paused and asked cautiously, “I hope I’m not overstepping, but… are we talking about a P3 or even a P4 laboratory?”
P3 and P4 labs are the highest-level biosafety facilities—capable of handling lethal, highly infectious viruses, including the still-unresolved zombie virus. Only with such a facility could they truly conduct groundbreaking research.
During their time at He Kang, even their most senior supporter, Mr. Ji, could only secure a P2 lab, limiting their studies.
“Yes,” Su Tao confirmed without hesitation. “If we’re building a lab, it will be the best. Otherwise, we’ll just have to rebuild it later. I’ll start acquiring specialized equipment immediately. So, should we settle on this location? Professor Qiao made a good point—it’s both secure and practical.”
Professor Qiao watched in awe as they casually decided to construct a P4 research base—something even Dongyang had never achieved.
He no longer doubted Su Tao’s sincerity. Taoyang might truly build a facility capable of rivaling Changjing.
A sudden pang of envy struck him.
The group descended to the subterranean level. Su Tao led them through a series of security gates into the core containment area.
Lin Fangzhi carefully placed Bonewing’s containment tank into a recessed platform and activated the locking mechanism. A layer of reinforced glass then rose to encase the tank.
Shen Wencheng pressed close to the glass, his eyes practically glued to the floating creature.
“This is terrifying…” he murmured. “Its appearance is almost indistinguishable from a human. If it continues to evolve, could it mimic human body temperature and heartbeat as well? If that happens, what would separate zombies from humans? Could they already be hiding among us—waiting for the perfect moment to strike?”
A chill swept through the room, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.
Unfazed, Shen Wencheng continued musing aloud.
“This is only the first mutant zombie we’ve discovered in twenty years. What triggered its mutation? Could there already be others out there—ones so human-like we simply haven’t recognized them yet?”
Su Tao, feeling a cold dread creep up her spine, quickly interrupted the eerie speculation.
“It’s secure now. If there’s nothing else, let’s head back up.”
Despite their composed facades, most people couldn’t leave fast enough.
Only Shen Wencheng lingered, gazing longingly at the containment tank as if it were Pandora’s box—an enigma he was desperate to unravel.
