Chapter 14: Decision

Beneath the Shudu Embassy, inside the laboratory of the Rebirth Building, Zi Jin paced anxiously back and forth in Jiang Huan’s office, nervously biting his fingers, his expression restless. Jiang Huan simply watched him from the side. After a few moments, Zi Jin turned to Jiang Huan and spoke slowly, “Sister Huan, is this data reliable?”

Jiang Huan replied, “All our testing equipment represents the pinnacle of current global technology. The margin for error is less than one in a trillion. We can safely conclude that you are a Sequence User. Unfortunately, our present technology can’t determine which generation you belong to. Your physical qualities far exceed the data we have on first and second generation Sequence Users.”

She took a sip of coffee from her desk and continued, “I’ve also tried to analyze the information Old Zhu learned from you. It seems you’re quite gifted, kid. To analyze and reassemble the tardigrade’s genes on your first awakening—impressive. It’s been a long time since Rebirth encountered a Sequence User like you.”

Zi Jin still struggled to accept his new identity. After signing the confidentiality agreement, he was escorted home by Jiang Huan’s people. By the time he arrived, it was already late at night. The living room light was still on. The Rebirth agent beside him bowed slightly and said respectfully, “Well then, Mr. Zi, if you make up your mind, please contact the person on this card. Farewell.” With that, he handed over a gray business card.

Zi Jin didn’t look at it closely, simply shoved it into his pocket and didn’t spare the agent another glance. He took out his key and entered the apartment.

In the living room, Wang Jinjun was asleep on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, but the pain that occasionally furrowed her brow made Zi Jin’s heart ache. Grasping her hand, all the excitement he’d felt upon discovering his Sequence User abilities faded away. It felt as if he’d been swept into a bizarre and surreal world, and the thought of living a peaceful, happy life with Wang Jinjun now seemed so distant, leaving Zi Jin in the midst of an intense inner struggle.

“I truly don’t want Jinjun to be dragged into this. Even though Zhu Daqing promised the best protection for us, I still can’t feel at ease.” He sighed softly, gently lifting Wang Jinjun and carrying her back to her room as he pondered.

Returning to his own room, Zi Jin continued to think, “If I really am a Sequence User, where did this ability come from? Mutation? Or… could it be connected to my parents?

And if it’s because of my parents, why can’t I remember anything?” Zi Jin frowned, the truth too shrouded in mystery for him to guess. Still, Zhu Daqing had said he’d arrange a checkup for his girlfriend as well, but whether because he’d forgotten or because Zi Jin had been too eager and glossed it over, nothing more had been said. Yet Zi Jin knew that the days ahead would be far from tranquil. Although his parents had abandoned him, what mattered now was to protect those he loved and those who cared for him with all his heart. Even if not for himself, he could not let them down.

Ding dong!

His phone chimed. It was a message from an unknown number:

This is Zhu Daqing. If you make up your mind in the next couple of days, call the number on that card—it’s for the leader of one of our Rebirth Scout teams. I can’t tell you the details yet, only that it’s another major case. We look forward to your joining us. By the way, you don’t need to worry about your case for now; I’ll lead the investigation myself and make sure you get a satisfactory answer. That’s all.

Zi Jin stared at the message, falling into deep thought. Lying in bed, his face had already hardened with resolve.

Night sank deep. The living room was cloaked in darkness. Suddenly, Wang Jinjun’s door opened a crack, and a quiet sigh drifted into the silence…