Researchers were baffled as to where things had gone wrong. Xing Yuan had seemed completely clueless just a few months ago.
After only a few months of study, she was now indistinguishable from a normal person.
A sense of crisis also arose in his heart. If all zombies possessed such powerful learning abilities as Xing Yuan, how long could their human base truly hold out?
After reporting layer by layer, by the time Xia Zhiyue was discharged from the hospital, many elders were already waiting outside her room.
Every time they saw Xing Yuan, this novel species, they couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of creation.
Ran Fangxu even felt that the idea his junior fellow disciple had proposed back then might not be impossible to achieve. However, if a new race were to truly emerge in the world, it absolutely could not be these zombies who preyed on humans.
Having seen these people frequently during this period, Xing Yuan had grown accustomed to them and instinctively rolled up her sleeves.
Although her blood was only collected at intervals, there would be temporary needs if they made any research breakthroughs.
"No, we heard you were hospitalized and came to check on your condition," Ran Fangxu said with a faint smile, looking at Xia Zhiyue.
"I'm fine. Ah Yuan accidentally scratched my skin while playing with me, which caused an infection. But I'm alright now, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise – I've awakened my abilities," Xia Zhiyue said with a smile, though she was somewhat worried that these people might use this incident as an excuse to place Xing Yuan under surveillance.
"It's good that you're alright. However, I heard... she seems to be able to communicate with others now," Ran Fangxu mentioned casually.
Under normal circumstances, Xing Yuan only came to their laboratory for blood collection. She had never spoken in front of them, so they were genuinely quite curious.
"Yes! Ah Yuan has a strong learning ability, but it's mainly because her teacher is professional. When I taught her before, it didn't have this effect," Xia Zhiyue said, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes, feeling that the teaching methods weren't that different!
"Mmm! Excellent! Excellent!" Ran Fangxu was somewhat excited but managed to maintain his composure.
"So, recently, we've also made some progress in our research. Her blood contains a very special component, but we haven't been able to extract it yet," Ran Fangxu said with a frown, his tone becoming businesslike.
"The base has recently decided to send her out to help find survivors. Since Miss Xia has also awakened her abilities, you can go together."
Ran Fangxu could trust anyone, but when facing a non-human like Xing Yuan, he still harbored some doubts. Although Xia Zhiyue claimed it was an accident, based on Xing Yuan's usual behavior, this was almost impossible.
Therefore, it was highly likely that Xing Yuan also harbored a bloodthirsty gene no less potent than other zombies.
Recently, he had received news about other survivors from Cheng'e's laboratory. If he found them, he might be able to confirm if it was indeed his junior fellow disciple.
If it was, the fragmented notes he had left behind years ago might also prove useful.
After a few days of recuperation, Xia Zhiyue eagerly headed to the newly established facility in the base specifically for ability testing.
As she reached the entrance, she encountered Fang Heyu and Si Nawan, who were coming to submit a mission. After enduring hardships together for a period, the two had gotten together.
Before the apocalypse, they might have had no connection, but because of this sudden disaster, fate had brought them together.
Fang Heyu initially thought he was mistaken, as he had never seen Xia Zhiyue's face before.
Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land was a cause for joy. Xia Zhiyue enthusiastically went over to greet them and inquired about how they had arrived and what had happened to the others.
Fang Heyu recounted his experiences. They were fortunate enough to hear about the establishment of the Kyoto Base and came directly with some other people.
A few people had died along the way, but most had arrived here without incident and had been staying for some time.
"You!" Fang Heyu's eyes widened in shock upon seeing Xing Yuan.
Since he had opened that supermarket, many people had come and gone, but none had left as deep an impression on him as Xing Yuan.
She didn't visit often, and she was never alone when she did, as if someone were monitoring her.
Fang Heyu had secretly tried to pass her messages, but Xing Yuan had merely shaken her head, seemingly not wanting him to meddle.
Fang Heyu, being naturally kind-hearted, had secretly found out where she worked and then reported it to the police. If it was a misunderstanding, so be it; if not, it was most appropriate for government departments to intervene.
At most, he would only be reprimanded for wasting resources out of excessive concern.
"You know her?" Xia Zhiyue asked, somewhat surprised, looking at Xing Yuan's expression and finding it equally bewildered, as if she didn't remember this person.
"We've met a few times by chance." Fang Heyu didn't want to dwell on past events.
He then asked, "By the way, are you here to test your abilities or to pick up a mission?"
"I'm here to test my abilities. I awakened them a few days ago." Xia Zhiyue didn't find Fang Heyu's encounter with Xing Yuan unusual, as he was a businessman.
"Once your abilities are stronger, you'll need to take on missions to exchange for items. Would you like to join my team then?" Fang Heyu invited enthusiastically.
"No, thank you. I've already promised to go with others," Xia Zhiyue politely declined.
"Alright! Then we'll be going back now." Fang Heyu didn't insist, merely handing the items in his hand to Xia Zhiyue.
"A small gift, as a token of my gratitude for your previous care. I live in the West District. If you encounter any trouble in the future, come find me, and I'll help if I can."
Si Nawan also smiled and urged Xia Zhiyue to accept.
Unable to refuse, Xia Zhiyue accepted and reciprocated with a small gift.
"I left in a hurry and didn't bring much with me. Please accept this amulet as a gift." The amulet contained a drop of Xing Yuan's blood. Although its effect was minor, it might save their lives in a critical moment.
Si Nawan accepted it with a smile. Fang Heyu now had a girlfriend, and she certainly didn't want him to accept gifts from other women, especially a celebrity.
She had awakened earth-element abilities, and she and Fang Heyu cooperated quite well during their missions. Fang Heyu was also a responsible person and maintained a tacit understanding.
"Then we'll be going back now. After the apocalypse ends, we'll play together again."
"Okay!" Xia Zhiyue nodded, sincerely hoping that day would come sooner.