Chapter 71 – Worship the Boss
Lin Jiu and Lin Han returned to the shop. Lunch was still on the table, and Sister Wen, Weng Cheng, and Fu Zhu had already finished eating.
The two of them quickly finished their delayed lunch and tidied up the table.
Lin Jiu grabbed a bucket and headed to the second floor. He opened the smart kitchen and took out several creek fish from the refrigerator, loading them into multiple buckets.
He made several trips up and down the stairs, storing the fish in the kitchen’s cold storage.
Lin Jiu asked Lin Han to take a bucket to start handing out fish.
There were already people waiting at the door, there to claim their fish.
The list of those affected by the soundwave had already been compiled. Weng Cheng and Fu Zhu had returned earlier and printed out the list. Those affected could receive a fish by showing their ID, which was checked to prevent fraud.
The people waiting stretched their necks to get a look when they saw a round-faced young man carrying out a large bucket. When they saw the fish inside, they were all delighted.
They had assumed that the free fish would either be too small or not very fresh. But the fish in the bucket were quite large, each about 20-30 centimeters long. Judging by their color, they looked very fresh, and the bucket was even covered with a layer of crushed ice.
Weng Cheng instructed, “Form a line, one at a time. Show your ID, sign, and then collect your fish.”
An elderly woman in the line asked, “My daughter-in-law is at work, and she asked me to come and get the fish. I have her ID; can I still collect it?”
Weng Cheng replied, “Yes.”
He checked the names on the IDs one by one, had each person sign, and then directed them to Lin Han to collect their fish, one per person.
Everyone who received a fish was thrilled. Someone asked how to cook the fish.
Lin Han, following what the boss had taught him, replied, “Marinate it first, then grill it. The fish has small bones, so be careful when eating.”
Someone curiously asked, “How much would a fish like this sell for at Demon Fish Shop?”
Lin Han smiled and said, “To be honest, Demon Fish Shop has clear prices—998 yuan per fish.”
The people receiving the fish were even more excited. Wasn’t this like getting a fish worth 998 yuan for free? No, even with money, you couldn’t normally buy mutated seafood like this!
The elderly lady, who was collecting the fish for her daughter-in-law, asked, “If we eat this fish, will it prevent us from getting radiation sickness?”
As soon as she asked, everyone looked toward Weng Cheng and Lin Han. It was clear that this was the question on everyone’s mind.
Lin Han scratched his head. “It depends, Grandma. If one person eats the whole fish, they’ll probably be able to prevent radiation sickness. But if a whole family shares one fish, it won’t work. The fish is only so big, and it only contains so much of the element that blocks radiation sickness. If there’s not enough of it, the effect won’t be as strong. Don’t you think that’s right?”
The elderly woman nodded repeatedly, having understood. “Then, can I buy a few more? My daughter-in-law is preparing to have a baby, and for her to be healthy, the baby needs to be healthy too. She needs to eat more.”
Lin Han smiled, “Demon Fish Shop never sells ingredients to the public. This is a special situation where the boss decided to give away the fish, but the quantity is limited. We definitely can’t sell them. If we sell it to you, everyone else will want to buy it too, and then there won’t be enough for the others who come to collect their fish.”
The people in line behind her all agreed, and someone suggested that the elderly lady have her daughter-in-law download the Demon Fish Shop app and make a reservation. That way, she could visit Mo Yu for a meal, which would definitely prevent radiation sickness.
The elderly lady didn’t use the internet and had no idea what the Demon Fish Shopapp was. She immediately pulled out her phone and asked a younger person to help her download it so she could make a reservation for her daughter-in-law.
A long line formed outside Demon Fish Shop, with each person holding a fish as they left. Passersby and local residents soon heard about the event and began asking how to collect the fish and whether they could get one too.
Those in line shared the story of what happened on Green Avenue earlier in the day. It was a real life-or-death situation. Three people collapsed on the spot, and a large number of police officers arrived. Apparently, a helicopter was even deployed to chase the criminals, though no one knew if they had been caught.
The listeners were shocked, realizing that getting this fish wasn’t easy—one wrong move, and you might not have made it out alive.
Online discussions about the incident on Green Avenue were already blowing up. From the moment the traffic lights malfunctioned, people had started recording videos. Initially, they just wanted to complain about how unreliable the traffic lights on Green Avenue were, but no one could have predicted how bizarre things would get.
First, a car in the traffic flow swerved into the right lane. Then, a driver went mad and rammed the car in front, setting off a chain reaction that pushed several cars into each other.
After that, things became incomprehensible… A strange fog appeared, covering only that area. From within the fog came the sounds of fighting, cries for help, and the screams of unknown creatures. The noise pierced through eardrums and brains, and car windows, nearby shop windows, and even the traffic lights all shattered.
A young man wearing a black hat and mask emerged from the thick fog, carrying a woman in his arms, pursued by criminals wearing black hoods, intent on killing him. They were really out for blood—knives glinting, aiming for necks and heads. The criminals were clearly trying to kill!
The young man somehow pulled out a weapon that looked like either a pitchfork or a fishing spear and fought the criminals to the death. He was skilled, but unfortunately, the criminals outnumbered him. One of the attackers jumped to an unnatural height, almost like a monkey, while another bystander joined in, using a bicycle like a basketball and throwing it at the attackers. Later, someone else came to help the young man, sending one of the thugs spinning through the air with a single punch.
Just when it seemed the criminals were about to be defeated, they suddenly went berserk, becoming hideous and terrifying, their fighting power skyrocketing. The young man and his group were on the verge of losing when a tall hero appeared out of nowhere. He wore a mask and single-handedly KO’d three of the berserk criminals!
This masked hero was even more unbelievable! After he appeared, it seemed like the earth’s gravity no longer applied to the berserk criminals. They were floating in mid-air, being thrown around and experiencing strange backward slides as if some supernatural force was at play.
Everyone online thought the world had gone mad—or maybe they were the ones going mad from watching these videos. Either the world or their perception of it was wrong.
If only a few people had posted these videos, they might have dismissed them as creative works of fiction. But when a whole group of people from different angles all claimed they had been there and saw it with their own eyes, it was clear that this was no joke.
The online community tagged the authorities, demanding to know the truth. They believed they had a right to know what was really going on!
While chaos raged online, things were no calmer offline. A high-level emergency meeting was held to discuss whether to publicly reveal the existence of supernatural abilities. The incident had far-reaching implications, affecting not just one country. If the truth were to be disclosed, it would require a coordinated global response, involving discussions with other nations. This wasn’t something that could be decided quickly.
*
Lin Jiu wasn’t online, but he knew that the internet was probably in an uproar by now.
After preparing dinner, he handed over the management of Demon Fish Shop to Sister Wen, Weng Cheng, and Lin Han, and took three portions of dinner to the hospital.
When Lin Jiu arrived, he saw two bodyguards standing outside the hospital room. Both had visible injuries, while two others had been more seriously hurt and were sent for medical treatment after the fight ended.
These bodyguards were responsible for protecting Song Mozhi and knew Lin Jiu. If it weren’t for Lin Jiu, Madam Si might have been in serious danger.
Failing to protect Madam Si was their fault, and no matter Lin Jiu’s reason for stepping in, they owed him a debt of gratitude.
“Thank you for your help this time, Mr. Lin.”
The bodyguards seemed very professional and were clearly skilled fighters. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to hold off the attackers until Lin Jiu arrived.
But no matter how skilled they were, ordinary people stood no chance against enhanced humans—let alone when the enemies outnumbered them and included both enhanced and berserk individuals. It was understandable that the bodyguards couldn’t handle it.
“There’s no need to thank me. Madam Si’s safety is what’s most important.”
One of the bodyguards opened the door, allowing Lin Jiu to enter.
Inside the hospital room, Si Xu was the only person present. Song Mozhi still hadn’t woken up.
Si Xu stood up and took the insulated container from Lin Jiu’s hand.
“Is everything finished at the shop?”
“Yes, it’s done. With sister Wen and the others there, I don’t need to stay.”
Lin Jiu glanced at the person lying in bed. Song Mozhi was sleeping peacefully, her previously furrowed brows had relaxed.
“The medicine has been taken, right?” It was more of a statement than a question.
If she hadn’t taken it, Song Mozhi wouldn’t be sleeping so soundly.
“Yes, she’s sleeping well now.”
Si Xu handed the empty medicine bottle to Lin Jiu, who took it and put it in his pocket, secretly handing it over to the system for recycling.
Lin Jiu scanned the hospital room.
Si Xu asked, “There are no cameras here, what do you want to say?”
Lin Jiu’s intentions were clear, making it impossible to ignore.
Lin Jiu cleared his throat. “There is something I want to discuss with you. Let’s talk while we eat.”
Si Xu led Lin Jiu to the sofa, pulling out two meal sets, leaving the third one in the thermal box for when Song Mozhi woke up.
Lin Jiu said, “Your special bloodline comes from Mrs. Si’s side. Did you know that?”
“I know.”
Even if Si Qinian hadn’t told him, Si Xu had already suspected it.
His symptoms were identical to those his grandmother had when she passed away. His grandmother had died, but he was lucky to have survived because of Lin Jiu.
“Your bloodline is very powerful, but your special bloodline is more concentrated. Mrs. Si’s bloodline, on the other hand, is quite diluted. Your current strength only represents about ten percent of your bloodline’s true potential. You will become even stronger.”
Lin Jiu glanced up at Si Xu, who had already stopped eating and was focused on listening.
Lin Jiu continued, “I don’t know why those people are targeting Mrs. Si. Purely protecting her is too passive. Have you thought about making Mrs. Si stronger herself? Even though her diluted bloodline limits her strength, she could still be more powerful than a typical enhanced person.”
Si Xu hesitated, “My mom’s health… and her legs…”
If his mother were healthy, Si Xu wouldn’t hesitate. But the situation was complicated—his mother still hadn’t woken up, and it was unclear what her condition would be when she did.
Lin Jiu wasn’t sure if the basic healing serum could restore Mrs. Si’s legs.
He said, “Let’s talk about it later.”
They both fell silent, and the room was filled only with the sound of eating.
Lin Jiu ate absentmindedly, frequently sneaking glances at Si Xu.
What he really wanted to discuss was exchanging the formula for magic crystals, but he wasn’t sure if it was the right time.
Si Xu reminded him, “Focus on eating. Whatever it is, we’ll talk after we’re done.”
Si Xu was worried Lin Jiu would choke if he kept being so distracted.
Obediently, Lin Jiu focused on his meal.
Afterward, once Si Xu had cleaned up the food containers, he said, “Now you can talk.”
Lin Jiu wasn’t used to having such serious conversations with Si Xu.
He subconsciously fidgeted with his fingers.
Si Xu grasped his hand. “What’s wrong?”
Lin Jiu frowned. “I don’t know how to say it.”
Si Xu’s expression softened. “Just say whatever’s on your mind. You don’t have to think too much when you’re with me.”
Lin Jiu thought for a moment and then found a way to start. “Have you ever thought that we have too few enhanced individuals?”
Si Xu nodded. “We do. Cultivating enhanced individuals takes time. We can’t rush it.”
“What if there was a medicine that could bypass the cultivation process and turn people directly into enhanced individuals? Do you think that would be a good thing?” Lin Jiu asked, watching Si Xu closely to gauge his reaction.
Si Xu was silent for a few seconds, staring at Lin Jiu before responding, “The kind of medicine I used?”
Lin Jiu: “…”
Not exactly.
Si Xu continued, “That kind of medicine is probably very rare, right? It’s a good medicine, but you can’t produce enough of it for an entire country. Your ingredients and Demon Fish Shop already draw enough attention. If you introduce this kind of medicine… it’s unlikely, but we can’t ignore the possibility. People can be greedy, and if something goes wrong, neither I nor the entire Si family could protect you.”
With Si Xu’s words, Lin Jiu felt reassured.
Lin Jiu said, “I’ve obtained a formula for gene enhancement. It’s similar to the medicine you used, though not as effective. But the abilities it enhances are comparable to the enhanced individuals in the ‘Special Security Department.'”
Lin Jiu reached into his pocket, and a small scroll appeared in his hand. Its material was unknown but seemed sturdy.
He handed the scroll to Si Xu.
Si Xu didn’t take it, instead gripping Lin Jiu’s hand and letting Lin Jiu hold onto it.
Si Xu was still processing the information. Seeing how Lin Jiu handed over the formula without any defense made his heart tremble.
—Lin Jiu trusted him deeply.
Si Xu tightened his grip on Lin Jiu’s hand and, after a long pause, said, “What are your plans?”
Lin Jiu lowered his eyes, then raised them again, looking straight into Si Xu’s. “I want to use this formula to exchange for the ‘Special Security Department’s’ unknown energy crystals. Do you think that’s possible?”
Si Xu hadn’t expected Lin Jiu to want the unknown energy crystals.
He didn’t ask for an explanation. Lin Jiu had too many secrets. If Lin Jiu wanted something, he would do everything he could to get it for him.
“If this formula can truly produce a safe and reliable enhancement medicine, I think the bargaining power will be enough to negotiate. The most important thing now is to see if the formula can actually be used to create the enhancement medicine.”
If it worked, the formula would certainly be more valuable and safer than the unknown energy crystals, which carried high risks. The Special Security Department was extremely cautious when using them.
Lin Jiu placed the scroll in Si Xu’s hand. “I don’t understand the formula or know if it will work, so I want to leave it with you. I heard your grandfather’s company works with pharmaceuticals—would you want to try it out?”
Si Xu shook his head. “We can’t do it that way. The formula is too important. The more people who know about it, the less valuable it becomes.”
“We can’t gamble on human nature.”
“If the person making the enhancement medicine learns the formula without having to pay much, then why would the higher-ups need to pay the price of unknown energy crystals to get it? They could learn it from someone else.”
As long as the power is great enough and the benefits tempting enough, confidentiality agreements can become meaningless.
Lin Jiu: “…”
That actually makes sense?
Si Xu said, “If you want to try, I can make the medicine. I’ll ensure the formula stays with me. How does that sound?”
Lin Jiu: “…”
Lin Jiu was doubtful. “It could work… but do you even know how to make medicine?”
Si Xu chuckled. “I’ve had a good memory since I was a child, and after using the medicine you gave me, I’ve developed a photographic memory. After years of studying, I already have a solid foundation in biology, and now that we have the formula, I just need to study it in depth for a few days. That should be enough.”
Lin Jiu: “!!!”
Lin Jiu: “!!!!!”
Lin Jiu: “!!!!!!!”
At this moment, Lin Jiu could only think: *Worship the genius!*
[Ahhhhhh!!!! This is the demon spirit clan!!! So smart and powerful!!!!]
Lin Jiu was dazed. They were both from the Demonic Sea race, so why did Si Xu’s brain function like a supercomputer while his own felt like a retired old machine?
Si Xu laughed at Lin Jiu’s expression. “What’s on your mind?”
Lin Jiu shook his head mechanically. “No thoughts, just worshipping a genius.”
Lin Jiu solemnly grasped Si Xu’s hand, his expression serious. “I’ll leave this important task to you. Good luck!”
Si Xu stifled his laughter. “Mission accepted!”
—
