Chapter 146 People Are All Cheap

"Minister Bai, tell me honestly, what is the exact situation with his bloodline? What is the probability that he possesses an S-class bloodline?" The virtual projection asked somewhat anxiously only after confirming that Cao Fusheng had descended.

It was evident how deeply invested she was in this matter.

Bai Qingchu replied, "In truth, it is already infinitely close to an S-class bloodline. No matter what methods I use for further testing, he can never be an A-class bloodline; his very particularity dictates that he cannot be. Yet, he doesn't quite fit the profile of an S-class bloodline either. I cannot say for certain, because we only have your data as a reference, which introduces uncertainty."

"S-class... Is it really that difficult to find..." murmured the virtual projection, a nameless sorrow lacing her voice.

Bai Qingchu comforted her, saying, "Actually, there's no need for you to feel so grieved, nor do you have to bear all the burdens on your own shoulders. The other ministers are all very capable; you can allow yourself to relax both body and mind appropriately. When you first told me about the theory of bloodlines back then, I was particularly astonished. After all, most people only knew about blood types—where had the concept of bloodlines ever come from?"

The virtual projection—manifested as a bald man—actually broke into a smile, appearing lost in distant memories. He softly murmured, "It was all because of him... He taught me so much, yet why did he have to die like that..."

"There is something I wonder whether I should say or not."

"Go ahead."

"Does the person you speak of truly exist? During the Old Era, your status was nothing short of prestigious, yet even you were unable to unearth any records of this person's life..." Bai Qingchu gritted his teeth and finally voiced the question.

The virtual projection fell silent. After a long while, a myriad of thoughts condensed into a lingering sigh. "Perhaps... I almost wish he were a ghost... Eleven years have passed... The world has undergone drastic changes. If it is truly as he said, that an S-class bloodline holds the power to save humanity, then he was one too. Why did he have to die!"

With a sense of profound loss, Bai Qingchu said, "Isn't that very reality the case? You truly became a sole exception; only you can control the core of the Heavenly Pillar. Aside from you, an S-class bloodline holder, no one else could accomplish this. In a sense, you indeed possess the power to save humanity, providing the rest of us with a stable and beautiful home..."

"All these years... life has been hard on you... Old Bian and I have both seen it. You have found your own conviction and responsibility; you are no longer the person you once were..."

Unable to restrain her emotions any longer, the virtual projection choked out, "Uncle Bai, please say no more..."

"Alright, alright, Uncle Bai won't say anymore... Let's look on the bright side of things. Look at this, another S-class bloodline holder has arrived at the Heavenly Pillar. Perhaps in the near future, he can become your assistant, sparing you from being so exhausted." Bai Qingchu wanted to offer a gesture of comfort to the projection, but catching himself as he remembered he was merely addressing a string of data, he halted the impulse.

The virtual projection quickly composed her disordered emotions and said calmly, "But can I even live to see that day? The core operates by extracting my life essence; I do not have much time left."

"Does he carry any objects related to spatial manipulation? Otherwise, it is simply impossible to comprehend how he managed it." Skipping over the sorrowful topic, the virtual projection asked once more.

This time, Bai Qingchu did not hesitate. He nodded decisively and replied, "That is certain. However, this undoubtedly involves a deeply guarded secret of his. If we were to resort to coercive measures, it would undoubtedly backfire completely with someone like him. Not only would we fail to extract any useful information, but we would also drive him onto an entirely different path, which contradicts our principles and interests."

"Therefore?"

"Therefore, moving forward, I will consider engaging in further communication with him. Naturally, it would be best if we can get him to speak of it willingly. If he is unwilling to share, there is no need to press him, because judging by current appearances, he and we are kindred spirits, and he poses no threat to us. I have confidence in my own abilities; sooner or later, I will uncover these mysteries. Do you consider this arrangement appropriate?" Bai Qingchu asked.

"Then let's proceed according to your plan for now. Try your best to befriend him; it would be ideal if you can get him to talk. That might bring some breakthroughs to your research." The virtual projection sighed softly and slowly dissipated.

-------------------------------------

"Captain Cao, you cannot simply focus on thanking the Boss this time; you mustn't forget the favor I did you either," Ruan Luoluo said, casting an alluring smile toward Cao Fusheng.

Earlier, she had made it a point to wait for Cao Fusheng near the transit elevator.

Her intentions were ambiguous.

However, Cao Fusheng suspected that this woman might be plotting against his physical form.

"Oh? What favor do I owe Minister Ruan?" Cao Fusheng asked with a cryptic smile.

"Hmph! Men are all cut from the same cloth! You fail to appreciate my kindness. I committed a severe violation of the Heavenly Pillar's regulations by delaying the allocation time—all to buy time for you. If an investigation is launched later on, you'll certainly have to take the fall for me. But judging by how things stand now, you probably won't face any repercussions, favored by divine grace as you are." Ruan Luoluo first put on a feigned look of vexation, then looped her arm through Cao Fusheng's and flashed a gentle smile.

Unwilling to argue with her over such matters—especially since what she said was true—Cao Fusheng gave a perfunctory reply. "Fine, just name it whenever you need me in the future. I'll find a way to repay this favor as soon as possible."

"No rush, no rush. Favors like this don't need to be repaid in a hurry," Ruan Luoluo hastily waved her hand, then muttered under her breath in an extremely low voice, "It's better to keep owing the favor..."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, I didn't say anything."

"Oh."

Having endured another grueling journey on the transit elevator, Cao Fusheng had finally grown slightly accustomed to it, managing not to emerge clutching his stomach in nausea.

"Right, the Boss contacted me just now, saying that you and your people will be assigned to Floor 401—no need to move elsewhere. There are five standalone units in a row right there, which can fully meet your current needs. Tell me, do you happen to know our Boss? Why is he treating you so well? Floor 401 is extremely convenient; the public open zone is right below it, and transfers between the internal residential areas of the upper tier require no special permissions—ordinary citizens can travel freely." Ruan Luoluo stared straight at Cao Fusheng with a bizarre look in her eyes, attempting to fish for some gossip.

At that moment, Cao Fusheng only had his mind set on returning as quickly as possible, so he casually replied, "Perhaps I'm just blessed with a trustworthy face and get along well with people."

Sensing his urgency, Ruan Luoluo chuckled softly. "Alright, alright, Captain Cao, hurry on back. You look utterly impatient, unable to rest easy after being away for so long."

"Yeah, I appreciate your understanding. I had no choice; I just lost one brother, and I must take full responsibility for the remaining three. People only truly value things more after losing them—human beings are such wretched creatures indeed." Cao Fusheng walked further and further away, his voice trailing slowly behind him.

Stirred by some nameless emotion after Cao Fusheng's departure, Ruan Luoluo murmured softly to herself, "Indeed, humans are all quite wretched..."