The surprise was not for Ying Tianlong or the others, but for Lin Yuan.
What was going on?
Could Wang Xiaoxin be the only survivor of the God's Elixir experiment besides himself?
No, according to the information Carroanna provided, none of the five names were Wang Xiaoxin.
Even though his own name was fake, it wasn't like all five names were fake, right?
This was truly bizarre. This was unbelievably absurd.
Unbelievably absurd!
As the head of the intelligence department, Ying Tianlong must have been the first to know about this.
Seeing Lin Yuan's reaction, he suddenly recalled that when he was investigating Lin Yuan's file, it mentioned Lin Yuan's relationships, with Wang Xiaoxin being a significant connection.
He had initially thought it was a case of similar names, but now it seemed they truly knew each other and had survived to be together.
He thought this to himself but dared not say it aloud. So, he asked, "Xiaoyuan, do you two know each other?"
Lin Yuan had not officially joined the team yet. Ying Tianlong had mentioned that the detailed investigation would take place after the physical examination, so he had told a small lie.
After a few minutes, Lin Yuan snapped back to reality and replied, "That's right. He's my childhood friend. I never expected our fate to be so deep; we're both people who have broken through the limits of strengthening and amplification."
He hadn't revealed his secret, choosing instead to lie. He felt it couldn't be such a coincidence. Wang Xiaoxin taking his physical examination at this time was likely to join his team.
As for why, Lin Yuan was still unsure.
Ying Tianlong, however, didn't think much of it and burst into laughter, "Great! Since fate has brought you together and you know each other so well, why don't we recruit Comrade Xiao Wang as well?
She has shown considerable skill in her journey from Yuzhou. What do you all think?"
Recruiting new members was not a trivial matter, and even Lin Yuan had to undergo strict screening. Ying Tianlong was merely stating his thoughts; if Lin Yuan and the others disagreed, he couldn't force it.
Disunity within a team was a serious taboo. There was no time for them to gel; they would be facing dangerous mutants and biochemical terrorist organizations on missions, and any mistake could lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, new members should be people who were recognized by everyone.
Lin Yuan agreed without hesitation, "I have no problem with it. Having one more combatant means more security, and we know each other well."
The others also nodded in agreement, "We admire her for riding a motorcycle alone all the way from Yuzhou."
"In that case, everyone can go back and await the assessment. There's a special car at the entrance to send everyone home." The establishment of the Biochemical Terrorist Organization Investigation Unit (biochemical investigation unit) was still a secret, so it was best not to publicize it.
(From now on, the acronym BIU will be used to refer to Lin Yuan's investigation team, although its role is not extensive.)
Everyone present had already signed a confidentiality agreement, so they did not linger. After handing over their physical examination reports to Ying Tianlong, they each returned home.
Lin Yuan initially thought the assessment wouldn't take long, but he ended up waiting at home until the afternoon of New Year's Eve to receive notification.
"Be at the Intelligence Department promptly at 5 o'clock for the joining oath ceremony."
He had finally received the news. If there was no news after the New Year, Lin Yuan had planned to go out and work as a hunter on his own.
However, being a hunter had more restrictions, so after careful consideration, he abandoned the idea. Did they think the safe zone would easily hand them guns?
You weren't still a survivor struggling outside, without special privileges.
He handed over the New Year's goods he had bought to Wu Tian to manage. These past couple of days had been like dry wood meeting a raging fire, crackling non-stop.
Wu Tian's complexion had become much rosier, already exuding the allure of a mature woman.
"Come back early~"
Hearing the voice, which sent shivers down to his bones, Lin Yuan sprinted away.
They were only getting their marriage license tomorrow, and he had already experienced the need for wolfberry and red date soup after marriage these past two days.
He had drunk a bottle of wolfberry essence brought from the camp. Even with Lin Yuan's physique, he needed it, which showed how much.
Women were truly terrifying.
However, once he was outside the apartment unit, Lin Yuan felt relaxed. Humming a tune, he casually boarded the shuttle bus.
Intelligence Department.
The members of BIU were all present. Lin Yuan was slightly late by a minute. As he pushed the door open, all the team members stared at him.
What the heck?
Was I late?
He raised his hand to check the time; there were still 15 minutes until 5 o'clock.
As expected of good comrades in China, their enthusiasm and attitude were always so good!
With an awkward smile, Lin Yuan said apologetically, "Hahaha, sorry, I got a bit stuck in traffic."
Everyone: "..."
I don't believe you. You're a bad one. At this hour, survivors are all working. Even after work, there's no such thing as traffic jams in the safe zone.
"Alright, since everyone is here, I have one last question for you all," Ying Tianlong smiled and beckoned Lin Yuan to join the team.
Lin Yuan looked around and stood next to Wang Xiaoxin.
Wang Xiaoxin glanced at him, noticing his slightly haggard expression. Just as she began to show concern, it disappeared, replaced by a comical face.
"..."
Old Wang, why are you making that face? I'm full of energy right now!!
Heh heh, I guessed right, didn't I!
Wang Xiaoxin didn't respond, maintaining a smile that kept trying to break out.
Seeing Wang Xiaoxin's struggle to suppress a smile, Lin Yuan was certain that this girl would loudly proclaim his "kidney deficiency" at the New Year's Eve dinner tonight.
I must be overly suspicious. Why would I suspect this simpleton? Jiang Ziqi's situation should be the same as his; the enhancement of physical fitness breaking through limits, leading to abnormal blood flow sounds.
Joining BIU was also to compare himself with him.
Having figured this out, Lin Yuan also relaxed a bit. At least the current situation was good, wasn't it?
"Our investigation team's mission is to investigate and pursue biochemical terrorist organizations appearing in China. The mission will be extremely dangerous, and it's highly possible that someone in our team will be sacrificed. I've been saying this for the past few days, so I'll ask one last time.
Is there anyone who wishes to withdraw? There's no shame in it, and the safe zone will still arrange suitable positions for you. No one will mock you, nor will anyone make things difficult for you.
Is there anyone?"
No one raised their hand.
Wang Xiaoxin looked at Lin Yuan, who was also looking at her, and they exchanged glances.
"Old Wang, you should leave. It's too dangerous."
Wang Xiaoxin frowned and responded with a glance.
"Anyway, I'm all alone, with no attachments. But you still need to go back."
Raising his eyebrows, Lin Yuan fell silent.
He had reasons he couldn't reveal, but he couldn't disclose them.
"Good, all good comrades. Then wait here, I'll be right back." Ying Tianlong was very pleased that no one had backed down, especially Lin Yuan and this little girl who had painted the entire South Second Living Area into a fairy tale town. They were all outstanding individuals!
Possessing bravery and willing to serve the country, they were indeed worthy children of China!
After coming down, he would have to try and negotiate with his superiors to raise their treatment to the highest level.
Five minutes later.
The office door opened, and Ying Tianlong, accompanied by an unfamiliar man, pushed a small cart into the room.
"Attention!"
"Snap!" Upon hearing the command, everyone immediately straightened their chests, their hands held tightly along their seams.
It was exactly like the university military training of the past.
"At ease!"
"Attention!"
After forming ranks, Ying Tianlong took out a flat box from the small cart. It was somewhat large, requiring both hands to hold.
"Retrieve the flag!"
As soon as he spoke, the stranger beside Ying Tianlong opened the box, took out a red flag, and carefully unfurled it.
Although the sky was overcast and the room lacked light, the flowing crimson and five golden stars on it were incredibly dazzling.
"Comrades, after careful consideration by the organization and the anti-biochemical command center, the Shu State Tianfu Military Security Zone's Biochemical Terrorist Organization Investigation Unit, with the English name BIU Investigation Team, is officially established!
The team consists of 12 members, divided into two groups of six members each: the Intelligence Group and the Action Group. Comrade Ying Tianlong will serve as the head of the Intelligence Group, and Zheng Mengmeng as the deputy head of the Intelligence Group; Comrade Lin Yuan will serve as the head of the Action Group, and Jiang Hai as the deputy head of the Action Group.
All members of the group have passed their respective screenings, the purpose of establishing the group is clear, and it is extremely beneficial to China and its people. It is hereby approved!" After reading the approval document, Ying Tianlong stood ramrod straight, his fist held firmly at his temple, the back of his hand inward, and said with sonorous force.
"Now, take the oath with me! I, Ying Tianlong!"
Lin Yuan and the other 12 members raised their fists with Ying Tianlong and said with equal sonorous force:
"I, Lin Yuan!"
"I, Wang Xiaoxin!"
"I, Zheng Mengmeng!"
"I, ..."
"..."
"Voluntarily join the BIU Investigation Team!"
"Voluntarily join the BIU Investigation Team!"
"Defeat foreign enemies at the nation's gate!"
"Defeat foreign enemies at the nation's gate!"
"Do our best to ensure the happiness of our people!"
"Do our best to ensure the happiness of our people!"
"Protect the peace of our homeland!"
"Protect the peace of our homeland!"
"For the sake of the myriad of lights behind us!"
"For the sake of the myriad of lights behind us!"
"For a prosperous China in the future!"
"For a prosperous China in the future!"
"Defy death and disregard danger!"
"Defy death and disregard danger!"
"Shoulder mountains and stand firm!"
"Shoulder mountains and stand firm!!!"
"Oath completed, dismissed."
Ying Tianlong's face was also tinged with the flush of excitement. The two carefully put away the red flag. Then they took out the standard uniforms of the BIU Investigation Team and gave them to them.
"Try them on. This is the inner lining. See if it fits. The external equipment is still being made. You can pick them up after the New Year."
Lin Yuan and the others took the clothes and tried them on. It was winter, and everyone was wearing clothes, so there was no need for pretense.
"It fits, it fits perfectly." Lin Yuan exclaimed first, twisting and moving vigorously. There was no sense of restriction at all.
It was much better than the summer clothes provided by the safe zone. The winter clothes were thick, so they also fit well. Summer clothes were different, especially around the armpits, where they were a bit restrictive. After changing to two sizes larger, they felt much more comfortable.
There was no need to guess; the clothes they were given now would definitely fit. During the comprehensive physical examination, this had already been taken into account, so each person's body proportions were meticulously recorded. The clothes made would definitely fit.
"As long as it fits, now hand these clothes back. Go back and spend the New Year with your family and friends. On the second day of the New Year, we will gather at your stationed location to discuss the specific details of our first mission."
"Received!" x12
After formally joining the team, they gradually left the Intelligence Department. When getting into the car, Lin Yuan said to Wang Xiaoxin, "Old Wang, come over to our place for New Year's Eve dinner tonight. We'll be quite busy after that."
Wang Xiaoxin, having arrived earlier, did not live in the Sunflower Community. The night she arrived, wanting Lin Yuan's cat, she had slept in the guardhouse. Her real home was in the community next to the Sunflower Community, and next to that.
She was one of the last survivors to move into this community.
Hearing Lin Yuan's invitation, Wang Xiaoxin smiled sweetly, "Okay, I'll definitely be there!"
Time flew by quickly, and tables and chairs were already set up in the small square of the Sunflower Community.
Wang Zhihai and the others, returning from work or vacation, came back in twos and threes, carrying various New Year's goods purchased from the official market and the night market of the safe zone.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan and Wu Tian were already preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.
For this most important traditional festival in China, after the second installment of military merit points was credited, Lin Yuan went and bought a can of liquefied petroleum gas and a gas stove. It was slightly expensive but completely within his budget.
He prepared the purchased frozen meat, mushrooms, potatoes, sweet potatoes, protein blocks, and a small amount of vegetables and fruits.
Although the variety of ingredients was not large, the heritage of Chinese cuisine was profound, especially with Qin Xia, a disciple of a Sichuan cuisine master.
With variations, she could still make 100 dishes using these few items.
"Food is served! Food is served!"
Qin Xia served a pot of braised rat meat, with rat meat, potatoes, and mushrooms added. It was simmered over low heat, incredibly flavorful.
Tonight, the living area of the safe zone was exceptionally lively. Of course, the sounds could not escape. Sound detection devices were installed on the city walls of the safe zone and the inner walls of various districts.
As soon as the sound exceeded the prescribed limit, the detection device would sound an alarm, and the guard troops would be immediately mobilized for defense. The law enforcement teams in each guard post would also be dispatched to locate the sound source and stop its continuous influence.
Now, outside each community, there were law enforcement officers riding motorcycles with small loudspeakers reminding people.
"No fireworks or firecrackers. Community directors must control the broadcast volume."
"Prohibited..."
There were likely no fireworks or firecrackers in the safe zone. After all, gunpowder was absolutely prohibited in the safe zone; only the authorities could control it.
But it was better to be safe than sorry. Continuous reminders were always good.
"Everyone, eat! Don't be shy. I'm not exaggerating when I say Sister Qin Xia's cooking is the best! There are no more than five people in the entire safe zone who can surpass her!"
"Captain! Don't talk nonsense. I'm not that skilled!" Qin Xia was still holding a spoon when her words reached Lin Yuan's ears.
"I agree with the captain's opinion. Sister Qin Xia's cooking is truly amazing!" Wang Zhihai was the first to raise his hand in agreement!
"I also agree with Lin Yuan Ge's opinion!!!" Jiang Ziqi, who had been specially granted leave, raised her left hand high.
It was inevitable. This girl had been eating nutrient meals for several days. Although they were balanced in meat and vegetables, with eggs, it always felt like something was missing.
It wasn't as delicious as Sister Qin Xia's, nor as flavorful as Lin Yuan Ge's, nor did it have the taste of home like Auntie Wang's.
She really wanted to eat scrambled eggs with tomatoes!
Jiang Ziqi's dream could not be realized for the time being. The tomatoes in the safe zone were still in the greenhouses, exclusively for schools, and could not be taken out.
Moreover, it was stipulated that students should not waste food and strictly followed the "clean plate" campaign.
She couldn't eat them even if she wanted to. She could only go back and ask the laboratory staff for help.
_(:з」∠)_ Little Jiang just wants to lie flat~