Chapter 125: Zero and One Hundred Percent, Brother Sun’s Choice

"Brother Sun, do you have any face masks here? Since this counts as a biochemical laboratory, you should have these basic configurations, right?"

As Sun Miao drew closer, Ren Zhong began to regret having stripped off his equipment so thoroughly upstairs. If he had known, he would have kept his helmet on; at the very least, it would have blocked some of the stench.

Sun Miao let out a sound of surprise, grabbed a pitch-black, grimy mask from the side, and handed it to Ren Zhong. "I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable. A standard biochemical lab isn't like this, of course, but I’m a bit strapped for cash, aren't I? I have to cut corners where I can on these standardized measures. This is just a little non-standard; just bear with it."

*You call this "a little non-standard"? This is the aftermath of a rock band’s disaster scene!*

Ren Zhong didn't dare reach for the dark, sticky object, which looked and felt completely wrong. "It’s fine, I don't need the mask. I’ll manage."

What he truly cared about was Sun Miao’s quality control. The importance of the Star Source Injection was self-evident; it held all of Ren Zhong’s hopes for the present, and there could absolutely be no mistakes. To be honest, this working environment filled him with genuine concern.

"Brother Sun, I heard you say before that the refining process for the Star Source Injection isn't complicated. Could you tell me a little about it? I’m just purely curious."

Sun Miao waved a hand dismissively. "When I said it wasn't complicated, I only meant it relative to our other work. It’s not something just any layman can understand."

Ren Zhong gave a light cough. "Just tell me. I’m not asking for your specific formula ratios or the types of reagents you use. Just tell me about the process control."

Sun Miao cast a suspicious glance at Ren Zhong. "Fine. If you want to waste time, I don't care. Anyway, I just checked..."

Ren Zhong interrupted, "You were using the microscope to determine the growth status of the synthetic bacterial strain, right?"

Sun Miao was stunned. "How did you know?"

"You have better electronic microscopes and optical imaging equipment, but you aren't using them, opting for a regular optical microscope instead. If not to observe the microbial growth morphology, then what else would it be for?"

"Hey, you really do know your stuff."

Ren Zhong smiled. "I know a thing or two. My previous work... well, it was arguably in the same field as yours, Brother Sun."

Sun Miao: "Stop bragging! I don't believe it. Then look at this."

Ren Zhong found himself back in the feeling of entering his mentor’s lab to guide undergraduate students with their graduation projects. At first, the scene was an eyesore, but sometimes he felt that the experimental conditions the students set up were actually salvageable.

"You didn't even wash the outside of this bottle; there’s filth on it. I didn't expect you to have created sterile conditions inside, though. Brother Sun, you're impressive!"

"Oh, this dropper machine looks quite crude, but the precision is actually high. The medium made this way must have very accurate concentration!"

"37.2 degrees Celsius—human low-grade fever temperature. Interesting. Whoa! There are five decimal places! Did you calibrate this on purpose, Brother Sun? I see the tail-end oscillation amplitude is consistently less than 3. You're amazing, Brother Sun! This piece of junk temperature controller is actually hiding its true capabilities. Is it using the processing power provided by a Ruins Beast chip inside?"

"Wait, the centrifuge speed is this high? And it's this stable? Oh, you used Ruins Beast parts again. Where did you get them? Custom-made? How much did it cost... forget it, forget it."

...

About half an hour later, Sun Miao felt as if he were being quietly hollowed out. Ren Zhong kept praising him for being brilliant, but he felt he wasn't brilliant at all—in fact, he felt increasingly awkward. He gradually realized that Ren Zhong actually knew the trade.

The deception had failed. *Damn it!*

Although the synthesis process for the Star Source Injection was mature and considered a low-end, repetitive task at the Mengdu Group's R&D center, this experimental environment was indeed embarrassing. If it had been the old Sun Miao, he would have had someone smash such a lab immediately upon seeing it. Now that he had fallen to this point, he felt helpless. Having someone who actually understood the trade spew flowery lies at him felt incredibly distorted.

Sun Miao looked at Ren Zhong, filled with gloom, and thought, *I bragged to him about my rank at Mengdu Group, and yet the lab ended up like this.*

The feeling was much like a sophisticated white-collar woman, who played the goddess in public, having the man of her dreams walk into her bedroom before she had a chance to clean up. The man discovers the room is a disaster area, yet instead of saying anything, he lies through his teeth and praises the woman for decorating the room in a "Picasso-esque" style. The feeling is about the same—it makes one want to crawl into a hole.

*Sigh. I thought I could bully Ren Zhong, a layman, and muddle through. Damn it, he actually knows everything. How annoying. Ugh, how shameful. This guy keeps praising me, but he must be laughing at me like crazy on the inside, right?*

Meanwhile, Ren Zhong was thinking nothing of the sort. After hearing Sun Miao’s explanation, he felt relieved. Brother Sun was indeed hiding his true talent; like this laboratory, it looked like a trash heap—and it was a trash heap—but it had gold hidden within the dross. The essential parameters were being controlled perfectly.

Ren Zhong finally concluded, "Brother Sun, you really are impressive. The conditions are a bit harsh, but that’s not your fault. We are a black-market workshop, after all. I truly didn't expect you to have controlled all the parameters so well. Incredible, truly incredible!"

Ren Zhong gave a thumbs up, sighing with genuine admiration. His praise was sincere.

Sun Miao could finally bear it no longer, his face flushed deep red. "Stop the flattery, please. I beg you."

"What's wrong, Brother Sun?"

"Nothing... nothing at all. Let's talk about your medicine. It should be ready in about five days. How many doses do you plan to dilute it into? For how many people? My personal suggestion is at least five."

Ren Zhong: "One dose. I’m taking it all myself."

Sun Miao: "Holy crap! You really are a piece of work! Do you want to die?"

Ren Zhong was also startled by Sun Miao’s reaction. Fearing there might be some new, unplanned element, he asked with some trepidation, "Is this the same as a ten-fold dose of mental stimulant? Is it also a one-hundred-percent fatality rate?"

...

Sun Miao: "Not exactly. It’s just that it uses an entire large-sized Grade 1 Source Ore, which significantly increases the intensity of the pharmacological reaction. Your survival probability is probably only about 10%."

Ren Zhong spread his hands. "So that’s it?"

"Huh?"

"Why are you so calm?"

"Brother Sun, this is a field you don't understand. For a true 'European Emperor' (a lucky person), there are only two numbers: zero and one hundred percent. As long as it’s not zero, it’s one hundred percent."

"What? What is a 'European Emperor'?"

"Let's not talk about that. Brother Sun, tell me briefly about the drug’s principles; the last time I heard it, it was too general."

Ren Zhong already knew that the Star Source Injection could activate human cell re-division and accelerate the body's basic metabolism. After listening to Sun Miao’s deeper explanation, he used his own logic to understand the underlying mechanics.

In the process where newly proliferated cells constantly replace old ones, a special substance secreted by the bacterial strain—as it absorbs and digests the Source Ore—is absorbed by the new cells, becoming part of the cellular matrix. The characteristics of the new cells are altered. Subsequently, the human body establishes new electrical conduction pathways around these new cells; synchronously, the body's bio-electric load capacity and comprehensive physical fitness index both see significant improvements.

Simply put, different cells in the human body have different iteration cycles. In about seven years, the human body completes a full iteration involving almost all its cells. From a physical and philosophical perspective, whether a person after seven years is still the same person is debatable.

The terrifying aspect of the Star Source Injection lies in its ability to compress that seven-year iteration cycle into seven to fifteen days, allowing a person to undergo a metamorphosis, all without consuming the telomere length of human DNA or shortening their lifespan. For the average Source Star inhabitant, this is the entire core function. It is inevitably a process of gene unlocking and body transformation, further tapping into the underlying potential of carbon-based structures.

However, there is no instruction manual, and the Mengdu Group never discusses the principles. No one knows exactly what the substance integrated into human cells is.

But for Ren Zhong himself, beyond the conventional efficacy of cell replacement, the function of accelerating cellular turnover has another effect. On Source Star, all atoms possess a regular icosahedral structure in their electron clouds. But Ren Zhong's body comes from 21st-century Earth. When he was in the Morning Glow mining area, he had indeed taken samples and tested himself. Inside his body, some atoms had the icosahedral structure, and some did not.

This proved that since he woke up, through breathing, eating, and drinking, his body had been exchanging matter with the outside world every moment, and the atoms in his body were being gradually replaced. This was unavoidable. The Star Source Injection would surely accelerate this process.

Therefore, as long as he took the drug and didn't die, the metamorphosis brought about by the Star Source Injection would inevitably be greater and more violent than for an ordinary person. Moreover, this specific injection was far from ordinary. Ren Zhong’s expectations for the Star Source Injection rose even higher. It would also allow him to shed his "outsider suspicion" as quickly as possible and become a true native of Source Star.

Of course, there were risks. But how could he know the outcome without trying? Practice yields truth. He needed to become strong quickly, and he needed to integrate; he had no other choice. Regardless, even if he didn't inject it, this process was destined to happen.

Ren Zhong took a deep breath. "This is almost a process of species sublimation, yet the Mengdu Group doesn't explore the underlying principles at all, just knowing that it works. It’s pathetic. You just said, Brother Sun, that if any link in the biological synthesis process goes wrong, the core components in the pharmacokinetics turn into deadly toxins, and the user dies on the spot. How did you test the drug in the first place? And how did you find the correct synthesis method?"

Sun Miao sighed. "As long as there are enough 'white mouse' Wildlings, this level of development actually has no difficulty at all."

As he spoke, Sun Miao subconsciously looked down at his hands, his gaze unfocused and drifting. He seemed to see bright red blood gushing out like a fountain from his palms.

Ren Zhong didn't offer any comfort. It was meaningless.

Sun Miao snapped back to reality. "Ren Zhong, let me give you a piece of advice: you haven't seen what those white-mouse Wildlings looked like when they died miserably. The purity of this drug is really too high; I hope you’ll reconsider."

Ren Zhong asked in return, "Are you reluctant to see me die, Brother Sun?"

Sun Miao: "I’m being serious, don't joke around."

Ren Zhong nodded. "I’m being serious, too. Those who wish to achieve great things must have the courage to put life and death aside. Isn't that the same for you, Brother Sun?"

Sun Miao’s lips trembled, as if his motives had been seen through. He was silent for a long time before saying slowly, "How did you know I wanted to go back?"

Ren Zhong: "You’ve already turned off your wrist-comm, haven't you?"

Sun Miao: "I never wear a wrist-comm."

Ren Zhong: "Before, you were always avoiding the Mengdu Group. But when I pretended that a friend was interested in the Star Source Injection, you didn't shy away much; you told me directly that you could do it, just that it would cost more."

"With your intelligence, Brother Sun, you couldn't have failed to realize the consequences if you actually refined this drug, given how closely Mengdu Group monitors you. Just 'asking for more money' isn't enough to explain your actions. I suspect your research has reached a certain stage, and you *must* return to the place you don't want to go back to. You have to find yourself... well, a reason for being captured that isn't quite so fatal."

"Recently, while we’ve been chatting, you’ve often shown this sorrowful and pained expression. It means you keep recalling memories you don't want to revisit. Brother Sun, one of the organs in your own body is probably at the late stages of cancer, isn't it? You’ve turned yourself into a container for samples. Although I don't know how you transplanted my cancer cells into your body, my intuition tells me that must be the case. Am I right? You are ready to face it; you are pursuing... death without regrets. Actually, I am the same as you."

Sun Miao’s eyes widened, his face full of shock. "Ren Zhong, you... you..."

For a long time, he turned his face away, gritting his teeth. "Why the hell didn't I meet you a few years earlier! I have so many regrets!"

...

In this life, having one soulmate is enough. To find such a kindred spirit before gallantly marching toward death for one's ideals is both a stroke of luck and a source of great regret.

"Ren Zhong..."

"Yes?"

"You must survive."

"You too, Brother Sun. You must promise me one thing."

"What?"

"After you go back, no matter how strict the monitoring is, you must find a way to report that you're safe to me at least once a month."

"Why? On what grounds? You still want to mess with me? Please, just let me go. Report safety, my foot—I’m not your lover."

Ren Zhong: "Brother Sun, I’m not joking. We’ve known each other for a while; you should know I never speak in jest. Anyway, regardless of whether you report to me or not, if I don't receive news from you for a month, then no matter where you are or what you’re doing, I will definitely come to find you."

Sun Miao was furious: "Are you really trying to get yourself killed?"

Ren Zhong shrugged. "So, just do it for my sake, okay?"

Sun Miao gritted his teeth tightly. "Fine... fine. Damn it, why does this feel so awkward? Disgusting."

"Hahahaha! Alright, I have other things to do later. Give me the anti-aging serum; I’m picking it up for someone else."

Sun Miao: "Thirty thousand!"

"I already transferred it to you just now. I also transferred an additional one hundred thousand. Forty thousand of that is for your stock investment returns. Sixty thousand is the second-phase investment for refining the Star Source Injection. Including the forty thousand starting capital I gave you the other day, you have enough money to spend now, right?"

Sun Miao calculated for a moment. "Just about enough. I don't need any more; after I go back... I don't really have anywhere to spend money anyway."

"Alright, I’m heading out!"

After leaving the "Magic Hand Rejuvenates" shop, Ren Zhong went to the arms mall. With the injection imminent, he wanted to get an accurate measurement of himself to have a clear idea of where he stood.

As Ju Qingmeng helped Ren Zhong remove the patches, she nodded with satisfaction. "The brain-machine synchronization rate is still 29.99%. Bio-electric load capacity is 217.49 kilowatts. Brain reaction index is 377.61. Comprehensive physical index is 217.49. Your parameters are all growing steadily; you’re only half a month away from reaching standard Tier 3 parameters."

Ren Zhong sat up straight and shook his head. "Not enough. It's far from enough. Right now, I couldn't even handle Lin Wang. Plus, there are only 45 days left until the census, and I still can't see any hope."

Ju Qingmeng looked at him with a hint of heartache and squeezed his hand slightly. "I know you sympathize with the Wildlings, but there are some things that simply cannot be helped."

Ren Zhong suddenly grinned. "How would we know if we don't try?"

Ju Qingmeng smiled, too. "That's true. After all, there have always been many impossibilities in our lives. Alright, Wang Zhaofu’s order is almost done; he’ll have the items packed and delivered in the next day or two. We still need to carefully plan the details of your equipment upgrade. No time to be sentimental here."

"Yes. Thank you for your hard work."

"It’s no trouble at all."

...

At 10:30 PM, after delivering the anti-aging serum to Ma Xiaoling, who had come to collect it, Ren Zhong immediately lay back down on the sofa in Ju Qingmeng’s living room. Ju Qingmeng had already gone to sleep in the bedroom, and Ma Xiaoling was due to enter virtual reality training in ten minutes.

Ren Zhong had only five minutes to tally his current wealth. Sometimes, having too much money and too many incoming and outgoing transactions is a happy kind of trouble; just counting the zeros takes several seconds.

Around noon today, Ren Zhong had completed his final exit from the stock market. He had built his initial position with 45 points, and after a series of operations like rebalancing and trading, he had expanded it to 2.07 million points in 16 days. After a small windfall in the Morning Glow mining area, he had built a second position with 580,000 points, which had expanded to 1.23 million points in over six days—slightly lower than expected.

But right now, he had "only" 200,000 points left in his pocket. Through half a month of grueling training and with the guidance of Ma Xiaoling’s tactical thinking, Ren Zhong had continuously refined the equipment upgrade plan with Ju Qingmeng, adding to his budget. He had paid Wang Zhaofu a total of 2.705 million. Additionally, to cope with the requirements of Tier 4 equipment, he had spent 300,000 to upgrade the supporting equipment in Ju Qingmeng’s small laboratory.

Ren Zhong had previously estimated Lin Wang’s income status. It was roughly 6 to 7 million in gross annual income; after deducting equipment maintenance costs and various expenses, the net annual income should be around 3 million. Lin Wang had been a Tier 4 squad leader and had been using his Tier 4 exoskeleton for three years. The custom modification cost for a Tier 4 exoskeleton was high, but feasible; after all these years, Lin Wang would have found ways to find experts outside to handle it.

Based on estimates collected while Ju Qingmeng was providing some standardized parts, the material cost for Lin Wang’s equipment should be around 6 million. Thus, the material cost for Ren Zhong’s equipment set had already reached half of Lin Wang’s. The actual value had to be two-thirds of Lin Wang’s, considering Ju Qingmeng’s time-consuming and laborious labor costs.

Ren Zhong felt that, in terms of equipment alone, he now had the strength for a battle.