Chapter 40: Secret Reconnaissance

Zhong Hao recorded this vital information and turned his attention to the financial status of Bao Tianxi’s company. He discovered that in recent months, the company had received several large sums of money from accounts based in remote regions, which seemed highly suspicious.

At a biological research base in the suburbs of Kunming, Chen Houyan was fully immersed in the establishment of the Atavistic Gene Laboratory. To repay Yao Kui for his patronage, he not only engaged in genetic engineering research but also produced illicit drugs to help the Fukuai Group reap exorbitant profits. However, he remained completely oblivious to the fact that the police had begun investigating a series of suspicious events, and that he and the forces behind him were gradually being targeted.

Under Yao Kui’s instructions, Xiao Biao and Duan Jinhu were busy contacting various factions, attempting to clear obstacles for the upcoming genetic modification project. Their increasingly arrogant behavior caused quite a stir in the underworld of the Southwest, drawing the ire of local gangs and quietly brewing a potential conflict.

Zheng Hongwei rubbed his bloodshot eyes. He knew this would be a difficult and complex battle; every clue could be the key to unraveling the mystery, and he had to race against time to bring the dark forces to justice before they could cause further harm.

Yao Kui, chairman of the Fukuai Group, felt a hatred burning within him like a raging inferno, especially toward the two men who had sabotaged his plans. His expression was grim, his brows tightly furrowed, as he snapped at Duan Jinhu and Xiao Biao, "Find Meng Yang and Gu Dajun for me immediately!" His voice was filled with unquestionable authority and resolve.

"Those two bastards are despicable! I trusted them so much, yet they repaid my kindness with betrayal and used such vicious methods to ruin my life. I will make them wish they were dead!" Yao Kui clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, his eyes flashing with a ferocious light.

Xiao Biao hurried forward and said respectfully, "Chairman, please rest assured! I have already tracked their whereabouts; they seem to be hiding at the Jubaopan Future Co., Ltd..."

"Then what are you waiting for? Go and capture them!" Yao Kui slammed the table, his eyes wide with rage.

Xiao Biao had intended to provide a detailed report to demonstrate his competence, but he had not expected Yao Kui to be so impatient. He hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Chairman, the situation is dire. The police are searching for Chen Houyan and us everywhere. Furthermore, they are currently on an expedition on the snow-capped mountains. The moment they surface, I guarantee I will capture them and bring them to you."

Yao Kui pondered for a moment, then turned to Duan Jinhu, "You arrange for Chen Houyan to go to Country W to avoid police scrutiny, and ensure all preparations for my stem cell transplant are made. There must be no errors!"

In downtown Kunming, there was a well-known climbers' club. Inside its spacious training room stood a towering, imposing simulated cliff face. While not as authentic as a natural precipice, it was intricately designed with various protrusions and indentations, full of hidden challenges and unknowns, attracting many rock climbing enthusiasts to test their skills.

At that moment, a nimble trainee with a fit physique was struggling to scale the ten-meter-high wall. Dressed in tight-fitting athletic gear that highlighted her toned, healthy figure, she radiated youth and vitality. However, as she climbed, she encountered a steep section with a twenty-degree overhang. She took a deep breath, gathered her strength, and prepared to pull herself up. But just as she exerted force, a slight misadjustment caused her to lose her balance, and she plummeted from the height.

Bao Xiaotong, standing nearby, saw this and felt a jolt of alarm. She rushed over without hesitation. Fortunately, the girl was wearing a safety harness, and with the rope's protection, she landed safely on the ground.

As Bao Xiaotong moved to correct the trainee’s technique, she took a closer look and was both surprised and delighted to see that it was Gao Xinxin, a Bai ethnic tour guide from the Kunming Tourism Group. "Xinxin, why are you here?" she exclaimed excitedly.

Gao Xinxin was equally delighted and hurried forward, "Sister Xiaotong, I came here specifically to find you!"

Xinxin explained that she had always had a passion for rock climbing. After hearing that Bao Xiaotong had used an ancient grappling hook to defeat all competitors and win the "National Gecko Rock Climbing Championship," becoming the lead instructor at the Kunming Climbers' Club, she had decided to join, signing up for a VIP membership. This was her first time training.

Bao Xiaotong was overjoyed, "Xinxin, that’s great! Are you still working at the travel agency? Where have you been taking tour groups lately?"

"I’m on a break recently, which is why I have time to learn," Xinxin replied with a smile.

Bao Xiaotong nodded, "Don't overwork yourself. Come by often; perhaps one day I'll need to hire you as a tour guide."

"It's a deal, Sister Xiaotong! Definitely let me know if any good opportunities arise. I heard your brother likes adventure travel; if there's a chance, I'd love to join," Xinxin said expectantly.

"Of course! If we go on an expedition, we'll definitely have you as our guide," Bao Xiaotong promised readily.

Xinxin jumped with excitement, clapping her hands, "That's wonderful! But you must teach me how to climb!"

Bao Xiaotong replied, "No problem! It’s not difficult once you master the essentials." She walked to the wall, straightened her arms, and demonstrated, "First, your arms need strength. Use your hands to pull your body upward, staying as close to the wall as possible. When gripping a hold, keep your arms straight. This puts the load on your bones rather than your muscles, saving your strength. Avoid unnecessary bent-arm positions. If the route is long, look for easier sections where you can alternate hands to rest."

Xinxin watched intently, amazed to see Xiaotong moving gracefully on the complex wall, as light as a swallow, as if she were one with the rock. Every movement was fluid and effortless.

"Sister Xiaotong, how do you do that? You must teach me!" she cried out.

Bao Xiaotong descended, breathing steadily, and continued patiently, "Finger strength is also crucial. You should practice finger-hang pull-ups and gripping weighted objects to build that strength."

She flexed her arm, explaining further, "Avoid keeping your arms bent while climbing, as that causes muscle contraction and consumes energy. If your forearms feel tight, let your arms hang, shake your hands, and let the blood flow back to relax the muscles."

Xinxin suggested enthusiastically, "Sister Xiaotong, let’s stop talking about climbing for now. I’m determined to learn from you! It’s nearly noon; let me treat you to some rice noodles, and we can chat while we eat. How about it?"

Xiaotong agreed readily, "Sure, let's treat it as the first time a student treats their coach to a meal."

The two shared a smile, changed their clothes, and walked out of the club toward the noodle shop, their laughter filling the air with youthful energy and warmth.

In the early spring of 2050, fresh leaves shimmered under the bright sun and deep blue sky, each one full of vibrant life.

By late morning, a lake in Country W looked like a giant mirror, its clear waters reflecting the fluffy white clouds above. Along the shore, the gentle ripples lapped at the embankment, creating an elegant and peaceful atmosphere that was instantly refreshing.

On one side of the lake was a sports field where a football team was training intensely; the shouts and whistles added a touch of vitality to the serene environment.

On the other side, across the open water, stood a heavily guarded two-story building. This was the secret surreal stem cell treatment center of Country W. To ensure absolute security and prevent outside interference, high-definition cameras were installed everywhere—on eaves, in passages, and along corridors. In the shadows, men in black wearing headsets patrolled like ghosts, keeping a vigilant watch on everything.

At that moment, a groundbreaking, unconventional life-reconstruction surgery was being prepared.

In the cold storage of the Life Reconstruction Laboratory, a technician focused intently and pressed a red button. Instantly, an automated transport platform emerged from the wall. A robotic arm extended silently, lifted a yellow storage canister, and placed it securely on the platform. The door opened, and the platform carried the canister along a specific corridor, moving steadily toward the operating room.

Ladana and Marisa were busy with pre-operative preparations at the nurses' station. Marisa blinked her charming eyes and asked with a hint of concern, "I heard this is the first-ever cross-species stem cell transplant. Do you think anything could go wrong?"