Chapter 104 Betrayal and Protection: Greenery and Amusement Park
The torrent of data flows endlessly, like an eternal galaxy formed by billions of points of light.
The core database of the main system is like the most turbulent section of this river, where every data stream follows a predetermined trajectory, allowing no room for error.
Xinglin was a unique presence that quietly slipped through this strict order.
His goal was clear: he wanted to find "Zhulong".
This codename belongs to a former ace mission specialist.
There are many legends about Zhulong.
There are many people who have heard of Xinglin alone.
It is said that he has completed more missions than anyone else, and his methods are decisive; he is the sharpest blade in the main system.
But this very knife suddenly fell silent and disappeared at its peak.
Official records indicate that he "failed his mission and lost consciousness."
But during an extremely dangerous data mining mission, Xinglin captured a faint yet persistent unidentified signal, which, when translated, turned out to be a broken warning symbol.
At the time, he didn't know what to be wary of, but he subconsciously increased his observation of everything around him, and only then did he vaguely realize that something was wrong with the main system.
So he began to investigate discreetly, avoiding countless scans, and finally pinpointed the source of the signal.
That was an area marked as a discarded cache by the main system, but in reality it was a data cage used to imprison something.
Zhulong was imprisoned there.
When Xinglin first "saw" Zhulong, what he saw was not the powerful mission taker of legend, but a fragment of data.
Having lost itself and its memories, it is merely a meaningless piece of data.
Xinglin began to gently nourish that data day after day with his own conscious energy, repairing those shocking cracks little by little.
He wanted to know the answer; he absolutely refused to die in ignorance.
Although it was an extremely long and costly process, he never lacked patience.
Until one day, the dormant core of Zhulong's consciousness finally emitted a faint fluctuation that belonged to him.
"Who are you...why...save me?"
Xinglin's response remained calm: "I'm just an ordinary mission taker. I saved you because I didn't want to be formatted without knowing anything, like other mission takers."
Zhulong remained silent.
At this moment, Xinglin once again quietly arrived at the edge of this data cage.
The light here is dim, and the data stream is like solidified ink, carrying a sense of despair and death.
He skillfully evaded several traps disguised as system errors, as if walking through a thicket of thorns, and then infused them with a gentle stream of energy.
Deep within the cage, Zhulong's data remained fragmented, and he seemed somewhat surprised to sense Xinglin's arrival.
"...You've come." Zhulong's voice rang directly in Xinglin's perception, hoarse and dry, with the stiffness of someone who hadn't "spoken" in a long time, but the initial death aura was gone. "It's been so long, I thought you were dead."
"Almost, but I did find something," Xinglin's stream of consciousness was steady and clear. "Perhaps it's about the essence of us taskers that the main system needs. It seems to need human emotions, those most intense and purest life feelings—joy, sorrow, love, hatred…"
He sent over the chilling images he pieced together from snippets of the main system's encrypted logs, along with his own speculations.
"It's deceiving all of us," Xinglin's voice was filled with barely suppressed anger. "We're not protectors, we're accomplices. It keeps killing for its own selfish desires."
Zhulong remained silent, recalling the task details that had been obscured by the main system.
The terrified, distorted faces of those "plot deviationists" he "corrected" before their deaths; the desperate screams of those "world viruses" he "eliminated"...
That wasn't just the price of the mission; it was... the struggle of the ingredients being processed.
"It can sense..." Zhulong's voice trembled, filled with self-loathing. "It has no feelings, like an empty shell, but it found a way to briefly experience 'living' by consuming our emotions, like savoring fine wine. For this momentary intoxication, it created countless tragedies... It and I, we are both deeply sinful..."
Xinglin quietly endured the impact of this emotion, slowly using the large amount of energy he had accumulated to stabilize the fragments of Zhulong's consciousness that were on the verge of collapse.
"Sin must be stopped," Xinglin's voice was as firm and steady as a rock. "And I need your help. You are experienced and understand the main system's past operating patterns and vulnerabilities. Moreover, I believe that you are not the only mission taker who has realized the truth but is powerless to resist. We must unite."
Zhulong's emotions gradually stabilized, eventually settling into a cold, resolute calm.
He responded after a long silence, his voice carrying a clarity born of despair.
"You're right, this sin must end. I know a few mission participants who might be trapped like us, but Starfall, you need to think carefully. Once you take this step, there's no turning back. It won't let any traitor go unpunished."
Xing Lin smiled slightly, gentle yet firm, "From the moment I learned the truth, I was already on my way."
Meanwhile, in the real world, filled with the fragrance of earth, Shi Wan's farm is bathed in the golden-red glow of the sunset.
"Meow~"
Tangyuan, our esteemed Meow King, is sprawled on the softest cushion on the windowsill of the main house in an almost liquid-like posture.
He spread out his fluffy white fur, his belly rising and falling slightly with his breathing, and the tip of his tail patted the mat lightly, looking like a giant milk pudding about to melt.
He squinted, watching with a restless glint in his eyes as Shi Wan struggled with a pile of cardboard boxes in the yard.
Shi Wan was facing the suddenly rising "express delivery mountain" in front of her, and she was caught in a happy dilemma.
This incredible wealth has finally come my way!
But whether you can catch it or not is a skill in itself!
As she carefully sliced open the tape with a box cutter, she was mentally scrolling through a barrage of comments.
What was visible inside the box were various flower seedlings and seeds, all meticulously packaged, as well as some small ornamental saplings with soil clumps still attached.
These are the "new forces" she carefully selected and ordered for the greening of the second district.
I'm definitely happy; that somewhat barren land in Zone 2 can finally start to be covered in greenery.
But the headache was real. The operation of Zone 1 itself and the explosive orders brought by Isabella's expansion had kept her so busy that she wished she could learn the Shadow Clone Technique on the spot, or borrow a transformation talisman from the film set of a cultivation novel next door.
“Wanwan, look at this,” Isabella walked over with a tablet computer, her face beaming with excitement. “We’ve been getting inquiries from large international supermarket chains, asking if you’re interested in joining their stores. They can’t reach you, so they think I’m your agent and they’re sending all their emails to me.”
"That's wonderful, Isabella! Without you, I would feel like a lost traveler in the wilderness, unable to find my way!" Shi Wan put down the flower seedling in her hand and exclaimed sincerely.
Isabella was like a godsend to her, bringing with her a wealth of connections and charisma, and helping her a great deal.
Isabella smiled and waved her hand, then remembered the important matter and asked, "By the way, many of our regular customers have been asking me repeatedly about the very popular 'Weekend Pet Activity Day' before, asking when it can be held again. They all look forward to bringing their furry friends to relax and play, and they especially miss your pet biscuits."
Shi Wan tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and began to think seriously.
That event was indeed very effective. The scene of all the furry creatures gathering together was incredibly heartwarming and also helped the farm gain a group of loyal, wealthy fans.
but……
I really can't do it!
The little voice inside Shi Wan's head had already started tapping on the electronic wooden fish while reciting the "Don't panic" mantra.
The daily management of Zone 1, the processing of a flurry of orders, the operational quality of the stores...
Despite the help of Su Qing and her assistant, she still felt like she was pushing the limits of human energy.
If she continues to hold large-scale events regularly, she fears she will eventually be on the list of those who die from overwork.
“The event…I really want to continue,” Shi Wan said carefully, her tone sincere. “Everyone enjoys it, and that makes me happy too. But Isabella, as you can see, the farm is spinning like a top right now, and I just…”
She made a helpless yet slightly funny expression, which, combined with her dark circles, was incredibly effective.
Isabella nodded in empathy. "Indeed, you're already overworked. Your health is the foundation of everything."
“So, I plan to continue, but the frequency must be reduced. Maybe we can start by doing it once a quarter? And,” Shi Wan’s gaze passed over the lush crops in Zone 1 and turned to Zone 2, “but I plan to find a suitable location in Zone 2 to plan and build a larger and more professional activity room and a matching pet-friendly play area.”
“That’s a fantastic idea!” Isabella’s eyes lit up; her business acumen immediately revealed its potential. “Do you need my help to connect you with a reliable designer or construction team? Just let me know if you need anything.”
"Don't worry, I'll definitely come to you, my 'strongest outside help,' first when I need it." Shi Wan agreed with a smile, feeling much more at ease.
Having such a reliable friend supporting me makes me feel like the road ahead is brighter.
After seeing Isabella off, Shi Wan looked at the mountain of greening supplies still piled up in the yard, patted her cheeks, and cheered herself up.
"Go for it, working people! For the happiness of the furry kids! Let's go!"
Then she decisively picked up her phone and contacted the gardening team she had worked with before.
Pay more!
Add more people!
The second zone will be gradually supplemented and newly constructed with greenery by dividing the area into zones and plots.
I don't aim to become rich overnight, but rather to plant a patch, let it thrive, and make it beautiful.
As a result, in the days that followed, the land in the second district presented a well-organized and busy scene.
The experienced gardeners dug holes, filled soil, planted, and watered the plants according to Shi Wan's simple plan.
Whenever Shi Wan had a spare moment, she would put on gloves, grab a small shovel, and go in to plant some of her favorite flowers and plants, or those with beautiful symbolic meanings, such as resilient sage and hydrangea bushes that represent hope.
The process was undoubtedly arduous. Every day at the end, I felt as if my body had been reassembled. But seeing rows of straight saplings rising from the originally sparse land, and seedlings spreading out to nurture colorful growth, the sense of creation and satisfaction from nothing to something was enough to dispel all fatigue.
Tangyuan occasionally visits the construction site in Zone 2 for inspection.
He would take a keen interest in the saplings swaying in the wind, stretching out his furry paws to try to "friendly pat" them, only to be quickly picked up by Shi Wan, who would add a nagging, "This is our family property, we can't damage it."
He would carefully leave a few delicate plum blossom prints on the freshly watered, slightly muddy ground, then look up at Shi Wan, his big eyes filled with pride and mischief.
Help! This is unbearable!
Every time Shi Wan was struck by Tangyuan's adorable yet self-righteous appearance, she felt her aches and pains instantly healed.
Indeed, kittens are the ultimate remedy for a weary soul and one of the greatest inventions in the world!
The second district is destined to be unable to replicate the warm and cozy atmosphere of the first district, where time has settled and every blade of grass and tree is imbued with the essence of life.
But this place is more open and the layout is more planned, making it a different kind of beauty.
Shi Wan still hopes that it can grow into a vibrant place through its own efforts.
She stood at the edge of the newly green area, watching the afterglow of the setting sun outline each new leaf with a warm golden edge, while the evening breeze carried the heavy scent of earth and the sweet fragrance of plants.
Tangyuan also quietly squatted down at her feet.
Betrayal and redemption in the data world, Xinglin's solitary adventures and his alliance with the rebels, all seem to be separated from this gradually awakening land by an invisible barrier.
But perhaps in some wondrous dimension, the bond between these two worlds is slowly becoming stronger.
However, at this moment, the most important thing for Shi Wan was to finish planting the last batch of rose seedlings with her masters before dark.
"Let's go eat tangyuan, time to call it a day and head home! I'll treat you to a special dinner tonight, your favorite canned cod!"
Meow~!
A person and a cat walked towards a small house in the deepening twilight, where smoke curled from the chimneys and lights shone warmly.
Behind them, Zone Two quietly gathers strength under the starry sky, awaiting an even more prosperous future.
What Xinglin most wants to protect is this ordinary yet precious warmth and vitality.
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