Chapter 81: Chef Identity, Infiltration
While mining, it was inevitable to inhale mineral dust. Once these particles entered the lungs, they acted like a virus, slowly corroding the body.
Su Ning eventually realized that Crystal Lung Disease was essentially a chronic viral infection that gradually eroded a person’s health and crystalized their body.
However, Su Ning’s Scavenger’s Toxicity ability could devour any virus attempting to enter her body.
Not only that—she could absorb and repurpose the virus, which miraculously rendered her immune to Crystal Lung Disease. Moreover, by devouring the virus, she developed a new skill:
Crystal Petrification Virus.
Now, seeing the old man lying dead before her, Su Ning suddenly had an idea.
She quickly took the old man’s clothes and had Number 2 change into them.
Then, using the Crystal Petrification Virus, she began a magical transformation on Number 2.
Soon, Number 2 took on the exact appearance of the old man—crystallized over 90% of his body.
At this point, if anyone saw Number 2, they would never recognize him. They’d only assume he was a terminally ill miner suffering from the late stages of Crystal Lung Disease—on the brink of death.
“Now Number 2 can appear openly at my side.”
Su Ning also picked up the old man’s ID card. It only displayed a serial number: 2-0017, and a countdown timer.
Since she was borrowing this man’s identity, she had Number 2 bury him right there—as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
“Let’s go, Number 2!”
With Number 2 helping her mine and no surveillance in the crystal zone, Su Ning allowed him to go all out. Number 2’s Digging ability truly shone when used for mining.
They effortlessly unearthed a large quantity of minerals.
However, despite the haul, Su Ning scanned the ores using Scavenger’s Eye, and none of them turned out to be energy crystals.
“As expected, searching for energy crystals this way is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
And frankly, it was a stupidly inefficient method.
She needed a new strategy.
Su Ning decided to leave Number 2 behind to continue mining. She’d return later to collect whatever he dug up—saving herself time to take care of other matters.
After exiting the crystal zone, Su Ning pretended to be shaken—acting like she had been terrified by something inside.
The rat-faced man saw her and immediately laughed out loud.
“I knew it! There’s no way she’d last long in there. Look at her—fleeing in a panic!”
But when Su Ning swept her gaze over him, he instantly shut up. The look in her eyes triggered a phantom pain in his cheek—reminding him of the time she kicked him.
…Wait, now that I think about it—I can’t beat her.
Damn it!
The rat-faced man quickly backed away from Su Ning.
With Number 2 mining for her, Su Ning now had time to try a different method of locating energy crystals.
She made her way to the Colonial Company headquarters. The company’s giant logo loomed above, its glowing purple-red letters extremely eye-catching.
Why was she here?
Simple. Every ore dug up by miners was eventually confiscated by the Colonial Company. So if she could get inside, she could surely locate the energy crystals.
As Su Ning was considering how to infiltrate the company—
She overheard a panicked conversation nearby.
“What?!”
Turning her head, she saw a chubby man wiping sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief, looking extremely anxious.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! You lost the young master’s chef?! Where the hell am I supposed to find another one in time? Are you trying to get me killed?!”
The man was clearly under a lot of pressure. His trembling lips and clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.
This “missing chef” situation was no small matter.
Su Ning quickly sized the man up. He dressed nothing like the surrounding miners—clearly a higher-ranking individual. And given how he referred to the “young master” over the phone, Su Ning suspected that the person he served had an extraordinary identity.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through Su Ning’s mind.
Just then, the man hung up the phone, still cursing the person on the other end.
“Damn it! Always dumping the blame on me the moment something goes wrong!”
His agitation was reaching a breaking point.
But before he could erupt, a soft voice floated to his ears.
Su Ning’s eyes sparkled with cunning.
Time to activate her “Innocent Flower” persona.
She quickly activated the Little White Flower title, pairing it with her Mental Control ability.
The man—Dex—froze upon hearing Su Ning’s voice.
His previously furious expression melted away, replaced by calmness and serenity.
It felt as if a warm spring breeze had brushed over his heart, dispelling all his rage.
Worried that the Little White Flower effect would draw too much attention, Su Ning immediately deactivated it after successfully subduing the man, avoiding any unnecessary complications.
She then amplified her mental control, ensuring the man completely accepted and trusted her.
Dex had no clue how serious the situation had become.
His attention was fully consumed by Su Ning’s smile.
At this moment, Su Ning’s expression was like a blooming flower—radiant and fragrant.
To Dex, it was the most beautiful and gentle smile he had ever seen. He couldn’t help but be drawn in.
Su Ning smiled sweetly and said, “Sir, are you looking for a chef? What a coincidence—I happen to be a seasoned chef.”
Dex barely heard what she said—he just stared blankly at her.
(Su Ning: Uh-oh… Did I overdo it on my first try at mind control? Did I fry his brain?)
This wouldn’t do.
Su Ning’s pupils flashed briefly. Dex snapped out of his daze, and his gaze regained some clarity.
“Miss… Did you say you’re a chef?”
He looked her up and down, suspicion flickering in his eyes—but mostly hope.
“I happen to have a job that desperately needs a chef. If you can handle it, I can help you escape this filthy miner’s life.”
Su Ning was overjoyed to hear that. Without hesitation, she nodded.
“Absolutely!”
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Dex, seeing her expression, wavered again.
Something about this felt… off. But he couldn’t pinpoint why. He just wanted to follow her lead.
Su Ning soon changed into a clean uniform and followed Dex to the core of the Colonial Company—the private sector.
The area was extravagantly decorated, exuding luxury and privilege.
At the very center, inside a lavish mansion, a stunning woman in a fiery red dress lounged lazily on a plush sofa, swirling a wine glass in her hand as she watched a group of dancing men.
She frowned slightly and said coldly:
“Where’s that fat pig Dex? Why hasn’t he brought the chef yet?”
A nearby maid quickly replied:
“Miss, Dex is already on his way.”
(End of Chapter)
