What a Headache

Wait.

Not just them.

The security personnel could do it too.

They just needed to be ranked.

The Body Tempering fundamentals could be distributed separately.

They could even pursue deeper cooperation with the military...

"That actually seems possible."

As he pondered.

Han Fei ignored the two idiots sparring with each other, turned around, and walked out of the training base.

He began contacting Black Star to discuss the reforms in detail.

Two months later.

On the shopping street.

Han Fei went shopping with Qi Lin.

Quite a few passersby couldn't help but glance their way.

That was only natural.

Ever since practicing Eight Extremes Heaven, Han Fei had acquired a capable, sharp aura. Combined with the bearing he had developed from holding a high position and his above-average looks, he was quite eye-catching.

And Qi Lin was no less impressive.

Although her genes had yet to awaken, the latent power within her still kept her appearance at an exceptional level.

She had always been the flower of the Juxia police force, with no idea how many people watching her.

Delicate and adorable, yet carrying a trace of heroic determination, she made people involuntarily imagine her as decisive and capable outside, yet gentle and sweet at home.

"Qi Lin, what made you want to bring me shopping today?"

Han Fei asked with a smile.

At his words, Qi Lin's expression stiffened almost imperceptibly before she said, "What do you mean? As friends, shouldn't you come shopping with me?"

Over the past two months, the two had indeed grown much closer.

But Han Fei often acted like a complete straight-laced guy, treating her entirely like one of the bros.

It left Qi Lin somewhat annoyed.

Finally, encouraged by a few close friends, Qi Lin asked him out.

Ah, I must have lost my mind. This guy doesn't even see me that way. Doesn't that make me the one chasing after him? Pah, pah! It's not like I like him. What chasing after him?

Qi Lin's expression kept shifting.

Han Fei glanced at her, seeming not to notice. "Qi Lin, Qi Lin!"

"Huh?"

Qi Lin hurriedly turned back to him.

"I'm going to buy some grilled gluten. Wait here for me. I'll be right back."

"Oh, okay."

Han Fei ran off to buy grilled gluten.

Only when he reached the corner did he look back at Qi Lin. She was clearly looking somewhat anxious and distracted.

"Oh my god, what kind of development is this?"

Han Fei spread his hands helplessly.

At first, he had only wanted to let things take their natural course.

So he had not pursued her, and their interactions had been completely ordinary.

Yet somehow, he had made her so anxious and uncertain.

He could tell that Qi Lin probably only had a favorable impression of him. It did not count as liking him, much less loving him.

The reason she was acting this way now was probably related to his attitude.

"Why does this feel a little like I'm PUAing her?"

Han Fei patted his forehead.

To be honest.

It was not as though Han Fei had no interest in Qi Lin.

She was a beauty, after all.

What man wouldn't be interested?

It was merely a matter of degree.

But.

"Dating is still too early."

Han Fei bought two large grilled gluten skewers and headed back.

He decided not to make his stance clear or respond. If things continued like this, she would probably give up after a while.

It would neither hurt her feelings nor embarrass her. The best of both worlds, wasn't it wonderful?

Troublesome

Another month passed.

"Haha, sure, sure. A body-forging technique? Well..."

"I understand. There's no need to talk about favors when we know each other so well. What? Hand it over? Do you think this is the archaeology bureau? Four hundred yuan?"

"Hm? Mr. Du? There's no problem with these things, but I think our cooperation needs a deeper level of understanding."

"Mhm, no problem. I'll go."

He hung up the phone.

Han Fei let out a long breath.

Some things were simply this troublesome. They drained one's energy, and a single misstep could land one in a trap. Yet before one's strength reached a certain level, such occasions were unavoidable; it was only a matter of more or less.

During this period, he had been constantly honing himself, setting aside Black Star's help to train on his own.

He felt he had gained quite a lot.

He checked the time. Apart from several muscle photos Zhao Xin had sent for picking up girls, asking Han Fei to judge them, no one else had messaged him.

Qi Lin had not contacted him much these past few days either.

She had probably given up.

Although he felt reluctant, Han Fei still had no intention of contacting her too much.

Maintaining things at this stage was enough.

"It's almost New Year's."

He looked at the calendar.

Han Fei shook his head, suddenly feeling a little lonely.

"Keep busy. If I keep busy, I won't feel anything."

With that, he changed clothes and went to train.

Time passed slowly like this.

A few more days went by.

Han Fei was sparring with Zhao Xin at the training base.

"Speed! How many times have I told you? The core of this move is speed, but not blind speed. You have to seize the right moment."

Han Fei dodged Zhao Xin's elbow strike in a flash, never stopping his reprimand.

"Too slow."

"Too fast."

"Can't you understand human speech?! Too slow!"

Liu Chuang, who was lifting a barbell nearby, was completely dumbfounded.

"Wh-what is this? Zhao Xin is this strong? I never noticed before. And Boss, he's so skinny..."

Another kick sent Zhao Xin straight to the ground.

"Alright. Your speed is decent, but your timing is still too raw. You need more training."

"Damn, Brother Fei, what's going on with you? How are you this strong? Did you take that drug?"

Zhao Xin lay on the ground, panting heavily.

Han Fei took a towel from someone beside him and wiped his sweat as he said, "Forget it. I didn't take it, and I won't let either of you take it."

"That stuff isn't suitable for us."

"Huh? I actually think it suits us pretty well." Zhao Xin spoke with some envy.

"I think so too." Liu Chuang looked equally wistful.

"Hm?"

The Grim Reaper's stare. jpg

"Actually, it really isn't suitable for us, huh." Zhao Xin abruptly changed his tune and turned to Liu Chuang.

Liu Chuang cursed inwardly, but hurriedly said on the surface, "Yeah, yeah, yeah."

"There'll be something better in the future. Besides, your situations are special. I told you before that enormous potential lies within both of you. I wouldn't lie to you."

After wiping away his sweat, Han Fei said this and ignored the two thoughtful fools behind him.

He left after telling them to add extra training.

"Huh? No way?! More? We're going to die!!"

At the same time.

Han Fei received another message.

"Master, there's progress with the Light Shadow Stone plan, but there's a small problem."

"Hm?"

Han Fei raised his eyebrows and got into the car.

"To Number One."

The driver started the vehicle.

Soon, they set off.

But.

This time, they headed in a different direction than before, not toward the textile factory.

Instead, they headed toward a clock tower.

No one knew that the Number One laboratory he spoke of had two locations.

One was Smith's genetic research lab.