"You went to great lengths to save me and involve me in this so-called experiment, aren't you? You want to get something out of me, don't you?"
"Although I don't know what's so special about me that makes you go to such lengths, since you've made this choice, you must hope that I'll cooperate well, right?"
Gong Yao let out a soft sigh: "What exactly are you...?"
"I said I need an explanation," Lin Zhenzhen said through gritted teeth. "This matter concerns me personally; am I not allowed to know the truth?"
Gong Yao finally raised his head, and the light shining down from above made the darkness in his pupils appear even deeper.
“None of those.” Gong Yao’s voice was calm, yet cruel. “Gong Yao is not human, not a soul, and not an existence like us.”
"He is the past that has vanished."
"He was my past."
-------------------------------------
The First Research Institute's underground secret base.
Two arched screens are embedded next to the huge metal gate.
The man walked to the door and placed his right palm on one of the larger screens.
Palmprint reading happens in an instant.
The next second, a soft female voice rang out in the air, informing him that the iris information verification was about to begin and asking him to turn his head to look at the small screen.
The man did as instructed.
But before he could get close, he heard a muffled "click" and the door slowly opened by itself.
The research minister and the head of research group three exchanged a glance before quickly walking through the door.
They saw a person standing against the light in the distance, his dark uniform blending into the darkness, except for the gleaming silver epaulets.
"Minister Yao, you're too kind. You could have just waited inside. Why did you make a special trip out of your way?"
Gong Yao turned around, his jawline cold and hard as ice.
"The last joint meeting passed a resolution to remove all personnel in the research department from their access to the First Research Institute."
"Since you can't come in, I have to come out to greet you myself."
The previously lively atmosphere instantly froze.
The research director's smile froze completely, while the group leader next to him let out a cold laugh.
"That's right, as expected of Minister Yao of the Inspection Department, it seems that he has indeed memorized all the regulations promulgated by the Empire, without any ambiguity."
Gong Yao tilted his head slightly and gave the masked man a cold look.
Researchers are intellectually advanced, but generally lack mental fortitude.
Even though it was just a single, indifferent glance, it was enough to make his hair stand on end and his whole body tremble uncontrollably.
This is also why the research department is unwilling to deal with Gong Yao.
His abilities were too domineering, and more importantly, he never seemed to have any good feelings towards researchers.
"Alright, Minister Yao, we know you're busy with official duties, so we won't waste your time with unnecessary chatter."
"We're here today to retrieve that lost experimental subject."
"Is that so?" Gong Yao said expressionlessly. "I thought you came for those two researchers who died unjustly."
"Their matter can be properly resolved within our research department."
"However, we cannot recover the lost experimental subjects on our own. We can only seek help from the security department."
Gong Yao's expression remained unchanged: "So, since you've already figured out a solution, why did you come here to me?"
"There are several reasons for this. First, according to regulations, the use of security forces must be approved by the disciplinary department. We are here today to ask you for your permission."
Gong Yao's eyebrows were indifferent, and when he lowered his eyes, his eyelids looked as if they were covered with a thin layer of snow: "Requesting instructions requires following the normal procedures."
"Yes, of course, we will definitely follow the proper procedures, but we just felt we needed to inform you first."
"As for the second reason, it's something we can only say in private."
"We hope that the subsequent matters can be fully handed over to the Security Department, and the Inspection Department can no longer get involved."
Gong Yao looked at him, his fingertips lightly tracing the golden scepter that the other had handed him, the smile on his lips unreadable.
"What does this mean? A warning? Or a bribe?"
The research minister nudged the man next to him and urged, "Explain your own stupidity."
The man reluctantly stepped forward: "Minister Yao, the loss of this experimental subject was entirely my fault."
"This involves some irregularities, and if the higher-ups find out, it will definitely implicate the entire research department."
"Therefore, please be lenient and pretend you don't know anything about this."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
