Chapter 13: The Irrefutable Evidence

After the two had finished their conversation, the woman approached slowly, her gaze sweeping over the young man before her like a wildcat appraising its prey, her eyes half-narrowed as she looked him up and down. Then she spoke, “Old Zhu, is this the newcomer you found? Although we do have the technology to erase memories, you know as well as I do that getting approval is a huge hassle. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

Zhu Daqing, however, seemed unconcerned. “If I’m not worried, why are you so anxious? Trust my intuition, Sister Huan. After all, I am at least the field operations director.”

“I’m just reminding you, that’s all. Haven’t I trusted you all these years? This little guy is certainly interesting; I can sense something different about him. Hehe, I’ve read your report—if you really have discovered something new, dinner’s on me!”

The woman had been staring intently at Zijin for a while, then led him into the laboratory. “Come along, little one, let your big sister give you a full examination. Hehe—oh, and Old Zhu—”

Before the lab door closed, the woman turned to tease Zhu Daqing. “You’re still just a deputy. Try to make it to department head like me someday! Hahaha, see you around!”

Zhu Daqing watched as the laboratory door closed slowly, veins bulging on his forehead. Under his breath he muttered, “Just wait... Sooner or later, I’ll be the head director.”

Inside the laboratory, Zijin examined the array of sophisticated instruments. Although he’d always been poor, he’d spared no expense when Wang Jinjun was ill, always choosing the very best treatments. He remembered seeing some expensive hospital machines before, but the equipment here was completely beyond anything he’d ever known. Right now, Zijin felt like a country bumpkin wandering in a grand palace, eyes darting about in awe.

The woman noticed his wonder without surprise and remarked, “The instruments here are nothing like what you’d find in a hospital.” Zijin was startled. “How did you know what I was thinking?” She smiled mysteriously, offering no explanation, and continued, “Our Rebirth Organization is a titan, gathering the wisdom and technological achievements of all humanity. To put it simply, if we’re using military-grade shovels to dig, the civilian tech is like using an ear pick. Let me introduce myself—I'm Jiang Huan, director of Laboratory Division A, Shudu Branch. Old Zhu must have told you; you’re here for some tests.”

Zijin nodded. “He said you’re checking whether I’m fit to become a Sequent.”

“Then let’s not delay.” “Alright.”

Guided by lab staff, Zijin underwent a series of examinations with various devices. Jiang Huan stood in her office, observing him through a large pane of glass while monitoring real-time data on her tablet. “All physical functions normal... but his readings are three to four times higher than his previous hospital records... muscle mass up by thirty percent... and the brain? Noticeably more active neurons... Hello, it’s me. Arrange for genetic sequencing at once. I need the results as soon as possible.”

Seventeenth floor, Rebirth Tower.

Gao Yi, head of the Shudu Branch, was dealing with the increasing number of Sequent incidents when a mysterious call came through to his phone. His expression darkened as he answered, “Sir, do you have important business? Is that so? Understood, I’ll inform the laboratory immediately. Rest assured.” After hanging up, Gao Yi dialed Jiang Huan’s office.

Jiang Huan was reviewing the test data when the call came in. She picked up, “Deputy Director, what’s the matter?”

“There’s an urgent issue. That boy, Zijin—he’s still undergoing tests with you, isn’t he?”

“Yes, he’s just about finished. Is something wrong?”

Gao Yi’s voice came low and serious: “When the tests are done, cancel the final data upload. It’s as if this examination never happened, but retain all data. This is an order from above. From now on, Zhu Daqing will be notified to monitor all of Zijin’s activities related to the Sequence. Understood?”

“Yes, understood. Our mission is to be reborn in fire.” Having served in Rebirth for many years, Jiang Huan placed organizational orders above all else. She neither questioned nor sought to discover the reasons behind commands from above. She hung up and continued examining Zijin’s data.

“What a remarkable physique... Tsk. Oh? The genetic analysis is in? Let’s see... Ah... No wonder they want this information sealed. Hehe, things are about to get interesting.”

Four hours passed before Zijin finally completed all the tests and arrived at Jiang Huan’s office, looking exhausted. “Director Jiang, is there something wrong with my body?”

Jiang Huan was tying her ponytail, a trace of annoyance in her tone. “Can’t you say something pleasant, like Old Zhu? Really, ‘Director Jiang’—how awful that sounds.” Zijin caught her meaning and, with a slight smile, tried again. “Sister Huan, just tell me—am I healthy or not?”

“Now that’s better, you sweet-talking little one.” Jiang Huan’s smile softened, but her expression soon turned serious. “According to your report, your potential to become a Sequent is nearly one hundred percent!”