Chapter 130: Something Is Wrong!

"Heh, Mr. Cao, your appetite is quite large. But there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world; who would ever offer anything up on a silver platter?" Ruan Luoluo retorted, locking eyes with Cao Fusheng. Whether it was because his words had struck a nerve or for some other reason, her tone grew increasingly frigid.

"That’s not necessarily true. Besides, there’s one more thing I haven’t mentioned: even if something were handed over, it depends on whether I have a need for it. Not just anyone is fit to be a bedfellow."

"Hmph!"

Ruan Luoluo’s lingering anger flared; she felt deeply insulted as a woman. This man was even more insufferable than Xun Xin, though Xun Xin had already been disciplined into not daring to provoke her. This man, however, dared to be so flippant. Even if not for herself, she would have to show him the true power of Ruan Luoluo for the sake of all women!

"We’re here. You’ve only used the transport device a few times, so you might feel a bit dizzy, nauseated, or queasy." Ruan Luoluo had resumed her charming expression, though the irritation in her voice was still palpable.

Even without the Minister's reminder, the group braced themselves and took a deep breath. Last time, they had nearly lost their breath using this so-called transport device, their heads had roared for a long time afterward, and their stomachs had churned violently.

Cao Fusheng had originally assumed that the massive Skypillar was equipped with elevators, but upon entering, he realized he had been mistaken. They used something far more advanced. This transport device was unheard of in the outside world; one simply had to stand inside for a few seconds, wait for a flash of intense light to engulf them, and then wait a bit longer depending on the floor. When you opened your eyes, you were at your destination. However, it seemed ordinary people lacked the authorization to operate it; even coming from the lower levels, they had to rely on Lu Yuan to scan his credentials.

"Zzz..."

A flash of intense light erupted, and they all squeezed their eyes shut. The transit across fifty floors took about ten seconds.

"Ugh..."

Perhaps due to his height, Gao Yi felt the pressure more acutely. He staggered out of the transport chamber and had to lean against the wall, unable to walk. He managed to hold back his urge to vomit through sheer willpower.

"Good thing you didn't throw up; otherwise, there would be a fine for violating the Skypillar public hygiene regulations..." Ruan Luoluo chuckled with a hint of schadenfreude, though she quickly suppressed it when she caught Cao Fusheng staring at her. "Let’s go. This is the floor. Floors 401 through 580 are designated as residential areas for the Upper Citizens. Since your bloodline test results aren't out yet, we’ll make temporary arrangements. You can go in, take a shower, and wait for notice. Once the notice comes down, someone will take you to the Service Department’s information office to register and receive your nameplates. If you have any questions, go to the administrative office—we have a service window on every floor."

Ruan Luoluo instructed the three of them before speaking into her communication device, "Sophie, bring the dog over; arrange for them to stay together for now."

"Also, I’ve arranged two temporary rooms for you. The disposable supplies and clothes are all prepared; this is a complimentary supply this time. As for how you arrange your sleeping quarters, that’s up to you—consider it a special favor." With that, Ruan Luoluo gave a sly, wicked grin at Cao Fusheng and Han Shuqing; the implication could not have been more obvious.

Once they reached the door and the instructions were finished, Ruan Luoluo prepared to leave. Cao Fusheng stepped forward, his expression indifferent. "Should I take this to mean that once the bloodline results are out, we will be separated? According to the so-called Survival Laws of the Skypillar, we’ll be sent to different places to live, or even randomly assigned partners?"

"That’s right. Everyone, without exception, must strictly adhere to the Skypillar Survival Laws. Ordinary citizens have no right to refuse pairings. I suggest you read the Survival Laws provided in your rooms after you rest; you’ll understand everything then."

Seeing Cao Fusheng remain silent for a long moment, Ruan Luoluo assumed he was feeling dejected, and her tone softened. "Actually, there might be a turning point for you, given your significant contributions to the Skypillar. I haven’t received official word on your specific arrangements yet, and the Boss might want to see you later, as I’ve heard you possess a piece of vital intelligence."

Cao Fusheng looked at her with suspicion. He had indeed been thinking about this, but he was weighing his options: fight, negotiate, escape, or coerce. If they were truly to be separated, it would be far from what he had envisioned.

"It’s nothing... just some unpleasant memories. Honestly, I’m a little envious of you; your situation is much better than most newcomers. I’d give your start a perfect score! If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. Good luck." Ruan Luoluo hurried away. Only when she reached a secluded corner did she allow a bitter smile and a look of melancholy to cross her face. Hearing someone passing by, she quickly straightened herself, regaining the dignity befitting a Minister.

"Woof! Woof!"

Xiao Ye ran over excitedly and lunged into Cao Fusheng’s arms. He spun the dog around. They had left Xiao Ye behind earlier when they ascended to the energy supply sector; after all, in a high-security energy zone, a person might be understandable, but a dog would be wildly out of place.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I will handle everything; you don't need to worry. After such a long time, it’s time to get ourselves organized."

Gao Yi nodded heavily and consciously moved toward his own separate room. At that moment, a familiar voice came from behind: "Shen Dong left a lot of his favorite things with me. Let’s find a time to burn them for him; we can't let our brother leave this world so lonely."

Gao Yi turned back abruptly, his voice choked with emotion. "Right!"

***

Scientific Research Department.

Researchers submitted the blood analysis of Cao Fusheng and his companions to the office of Minister Bai Qingchu. Bai Qingchu was currently studying a photograph on his desk—a picture of three people together. His mind was filled with memories. Their bond had once been so pure and genuine—a simple younger brother, a sincere teacher—but now, they were gone forever.

"Sigh..."

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Come in."

A middle-aged man in a white lab coat entered, his face pale with shock. "Minister... the blood analysis results are in..."

"Fine, you have the results. You don't need to report such things to me; just coordinate directly with the Service Department."

"No... Minister... there is something wrong with this blood!"