The Octopus Freak
"Hey, aren't you that uncle who sells breakfast? What are you doing in Russia?"
Si Ming was deeply impressed by the person who had saved Hongdou at the Mohist Knight Guard base. He was not only kind-hearted but also chivalrous. Despite his extraordinary abilities, he was content with an ordinary life, like an unsung hero. Even this semester, many students still miss the breakfast he made.
Qingyan was shocked to run into an acquaintance here, but he concealed it very well. Instead of pretending to be calm, he showed a slight surprise, just like a normal person would react when meeting a friend in a foreign country.
He nodded slightly and said, "I came here to find a distant relative to discuss a debt, but when I got here, I found the place deserted and I couldn't find any trace of him. I don't know where he's hiding. The money is a small matter; what's important is his safety. I want to confirm if he's still alive."
Si Ming had no doubts and sighed, "The security situation in Russia is terrible. Many people die every day. I hope your relative is safe and sound... By the way, give me your relative's information; perhaps I can ask Black Earth Gang you find him."
Qingyan was about to refuse, but then he remembered Si Ming's identity as Mohist Knight Guard, which must have given him some influence in the Black Earth Gang. This was a perfect opportunity to infiltrate the gang. It was like a pillow coming to his door when he was sleepy.
After a brief hesitation, he nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your trouble." He then quickly fabricated information about a person.
"I've got it. I'll let you know as soon as I find the person."
"Could you introduce me to the members in charge of this matter? It would be only polite to treat them to a meal to express my gratitude."
"That makes sense. Come with me."
The other party will only work hard to find someone if you treat them to a meal, just like doctors will only work hard if you give them a red envelope. Maybe the doctor doesn't need the red envelope, but the family will feel at ease after giving it to him. Si Ming understands this kind of social etiquette.
He led Qingyan toward the Black Earth Gang's branch, casually asking along the way, "Uncle, do you know where the most famous human research institution is around here?" He had just been trying to gather information about Rust Disease, but unfortunately, he hadn't found anything.
Qingyan, who had always intended to deepen their connection, thought carefully for a moment and said, "Naturally, it's the Physician Review Board. Whether it's their technical level or the number of members, they are the best."
He had just received his certification there, so the memory was still fresh in his mind.
Si Ming paused for a moment, then suddenly realized. "That's right! How come I didn't think of that? If we're talking about which research institution is the most powerful, it's definitely the official one. Besides, doctors are the most professional in human body research. That's a blind spot!"
He had previously assumed that anyone who dared to develop a virus as inhuman as Rust Disease must be some kind of villainous organization hiding in the shadows, so he had always focused his attention on the underworld and inquired about illegal private organizations. Now, reminded of this, he immediately remembered that there was also such an obvious target as an official agency.
Although they are doing villainous things, the other party does not necessarily have to abide by the principles of the villainous organization or put themselves in the villain's position.
The saying goes, "The darkest place is under the lamp." Even when such a large target is right in front of us, we subconsciously ignore it because it's so bright, assuming that the other person couldn't possibly be standing in the sunlight. But in reality, even a streetlamp casts a long shadow.
"Thank you for the reminder, sir. I'll take care of the dinner and finding the person. You just need to be patient and I guarantee I'll give you a definite answer within five days!"
After saying that, without waiting for Qingyan's response, Si Ming hurriedly walked towards the location of the Physician Review Board.
"Wait a minute, I..."
"Thanks, uncle, you're such a kind person!"
Chapter 227 Octopus Monster
"I am a special executor from the Black Earth Gang's Adjudication Hall. I am currently investigating a major case and hope that your Physician Review Board can cooperate."
Si Ming took out his identification from the Black Earth Gang's Adjudication Hall and, just like the police officers in many crime dramas who use their power to intimidate others, showed the identification to the reception staff of the Review Committee.
The other party didn't even look closely, glancing at it casually before saying somewhat flusteredly, "Could you please wait a moment? We need to consult the chairman about this matter."
"Can."
Si Ming watched as the other party hurriedly went to contact the leader, while the one who stayed behind brewed hot tea and treated them with great hospitality, which made him feel quite Anomalies.
For a gang member to be able to get a government agency to cooperate so actively in an investigation is simply unbelievable. It's like officials treating gangsters like superiors. In my previous life, this would have been unthinkable. One can only sigh and say that Russia truly lives up to its reputation as a country "ruled by gangsters."
Of course, not all gangs receive such treatment. The other party's attitude has nothing to do with your status in the gang; it all depends on the gang's strength. In fact, even government agencies need to find a gang to back them up and accept protection.
The other party did not ask Si Ming to provide more proof of identity and easily believed his words, because the consequences of impersonating a member of a major gang were much more serious than impersonating a government official. This was something that could cost one's life, especially since the Adjudication Hall was a very powerful branch of the Black Earth Gang.
Impersonating government officials, as long as no property damage or personal injury is caused, will at most result in a few days in jail according to the law. However, impersonating gang members will not be subject to the law. In order to maintain their own reputation, gangs will inevitably make an example of someone and hang the imposter from a street lamp in no time.
A moment later, a portly middle-aged man, wiping his sweat, strode over. "Sir, our Physician Review Board a legitimate organization. We never do anything illegal or disorderly, nor do we participate in gang disputes. Any reports you make are slanders by malicious individuals. Please investigate thoroughly."
Si Ming just wanted to laugh. If we're talking about illegality, gangs are the biggest illegal organizations.
Just as he was about to offer some words of comfort, a sudden explosion came from inside the building, causing the entire building to shake violently. And the explosion was just the beginning; a series of loud crashing sounds followed, shaking the various items in the room to their sides.
"What... what happened?"
"Monster! A monster has broken in! Help—"
Accompanied by piercing screams, many people ran outside with terrified expressions, and the entire institution descended into chaos.
Si Ming immediately realized what was happening. Ignoring the president who was trembling and hiding under the table, he strode forward and rushed against the flow of people.
After passing through several rooms, he soon came across the instigator of the commotion: a creature with an octopus-like lower body and eight mechanical tentacles, each gleaming with a metallic sheen and about thirty centimeters in diameter. It was now wildly swinging its arms, destroying everything in the room with ferocious force, capable of destroying an entire wall and creating a large hole in it with a single blow.
"What the hell is this, Doctor Octopus?"
Several martial artists in white coats tried to stop the monster, but they couldn't get close at all. The mechanical tentacles were five meters long. With a single swing, anyone wielding a sword, knife, or gun was sent flying, along with their weapon. The casualties ranged from broken bones and vomiting blood to internal injuries and unconsciousness.
In this confined space, it is already difficult to dodge and move around, and the opponent has as many as eight tentacles with exceptionally fierce strength. No matter how exquisite your moves are, you will be no match for such unreasonable violence.
"Oh, looks like it's another one that's going head-to-head. Is this also a prosthetic limb replacement?"
Upon examining the damaged room, Si Ming discovered it was actually a research lab, and the equipment was of a fairly high standard. He then noticed a petite female nurse hiding behind a research instrument with a glass tray.
"Help, help me..."
The moment their eyes met, the female nurse couldn't help but whisper a plea for help.
Her voice immediately attracted the attention of the octopus monster, which promptly extended a mechanical tentacle, wrapped it around her, and used it as a hammer to smash her against the wall, her brains about to splatter.
"Put him down!"
Si Ming lowered his stance, exhaled a heavy breath from his nostrils, and made a "moo" sound. He pushed off with both feet, cracking the floor, and shot out like a cannonball. In mid-air, he swung his right arm, causing the air to explode, and his Bullet Fist blasted away a mechanical tentacle blocking his way. In the blink of an eye, he rushed in front of the octopus monster and clenched his left fist to smash forward.