The World Had Changed Dramatically (Part 2)

A villa area not far from Wushu Mountain Scenic Area.

After receiving Mr. Liang's orders, Fang Pingfang's investigation team has been "in seclusion" in the villa for some time now.

Although the living conditions and food here are quite good, Ye Chong would have someone deliver food and drinks to restaurants in Tongshi Town or nearby every day, ordering according to their requirements. They could even order from several different restaurants for a single meal because their budget had increased significantly.

But as time went on, they inevitably had to think about what exactly made them have to suspend all investigations, sever all contact with their targets, and remain on standby at the villa.

Suspending the investigation and disengaging from the target is understandable; it's possible that the target they are investigating is extremely dangerous, and suspending or disengaging from it is a way to protect them.

The initial requirement to remain on standby at the villa was understandable, as there might be upcoming tasks for them. However, with so much time having passed and no further tasks being assigned, the continued standby requirement was somewhat perplexing to them.

Fang Pingfang and Mi Qiao had actually contacted Mr. Liang before, but the only response they received was to remain where they were and wait.

So for Fang Pingfang and her investigation team, this was a bit of a torment, especially since their investigation had already made a major discovery, and they felt they were about to dispel the fog and see the truth, when suddenly the lights went out.

In particular, Zhao Feng and Wang De'an were suddenly barred from participating in the investigation halfway through, and they didn't even know what the outcome would be. This made them extremely uncomfortable, and in the past few days they had already extrapolated and imagined a three-digit possibility.

Early in the morning, Zhou Rui got up and went downstairs with a yawn, only to hear Zhao Feng and Wang De'an having a heated discussion in the living room, while Mi Qiao was drinking coffee at the bar, seemingly used to the noise.

Zhou Rui went to the microwave in the open kitchen and grabbed a McDonald's breakfast. He tested the temperature, found it too cold, and put it in the microwave to heat it up. Then he turned to Mi Qiao and said, "Hua Hua, why are you wearing a down jacket? It's only a few months!"

"Wear more when it's cold, wear less when it's hot. What does it have to do with the month?" Mi Qiao glanced at him and said casually.

"Cold..." Zhou Rui suddenly realized that it really was a bit cold today. He was only wearing a long-sleeved shirt that he usually wore to bed. He hunched his shoulders and looked at the open window in the living room. "Damn, it's a bit cold! Has the temperature dropped today?"

Zhou Rui, who had gone upstairs to put on a sweatshirt, still felt a bit cold. He ran over to close the window and looked at Li Shiping stopped him, saying, "It's good to breathe some fresh air. It's too stuffy being cooped up indoors all day. If you're afraid of the cold, don't sit across from the window, move to the side."

Looking at Li Shiping, who was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt, Zhou Rui asked Zhou Rui, "Old Li, aren't you cold?"

Zhao Feng, who was discussing with Wang De'an, turned around and laughed, "Old Li just practiced burpees for a long time and was sweating profusely. He's probably cooling down now, haha."

"Damn it, you beast!" Zhou Rui laughed and cursed as he ran away, dodging the tissue box that Li Shiping threw at him.

Zhou Rui hunched his shoulders and rubbed his back as he returned to the bar. While eating his heated breakfast, he pulled over Mi Qiao's tablet, opened the weather app, and asked, puzzled, "12 degrees? Is it really 12 degrees now? I feel like it's only 5 or 6 degrees."

Although there is a large temperature difference between day and night in Wushu Mountain, and the temperature in the early morning is always relatively low, it has never suddenly dropped this low. Besides, the sun is already high in the sky, so it shouldn't still be this cold.

Zhou Rui then looked for some of their field equipment, including those for measuring ambient humidity and temperature. He checked and found that the indoor temperature was indeed 11.4℃, not much different from 12℃, but it felt much colder than 12℃.

"The temperature is unusual today." Fang Pingfang was coming downstairs, saw Zhou Rui fiddling with the equipment and said, "Check the weather news."

Zhou Rui then went over, picked up Mi Qiao's tablet, and checked CCTV's morning weather forecast. It did indeed mention abnormal temperature changes, affecting the entire Eastern Hemisphere. Moreover, it wasn't a gradual, step-by-step impact from cold air, but a sudden, widespread, and immediate effect. Temperatures dropped simultaneously across the entire region, regardless of whether it was mountainous areas or plains, inland or coastal areas, all experiencing indiscriminate cooling.

Of course, things aren't entirely unaffected in the Western Hemisphere and other regions that haven't experienced a unified cooling trend. Zhou Rui browsed through social media on foreign websites and found that these areas, where the cooling wasn't uniform, have actually caused some more bizarre weather changes. These changes are just beginning, and it's unknown what they will turn out to be.

Some people are even saying that the 2012 doomsday prophecy has been delayed and will arrive in 2020 instead.

Some people are also wondering if Sam has gone too far in developing climate weapons.

After browsing through foreign social media platforms for a while, Zhou Rui couldn't help but get up and go to the window, sticking his head out to look at the blue sky and white clouds above. Apart from the slightly low temperature—which actually felt even colder—there didn't seem to be anything unusual. Why were people abroad starting to discuss the end of the world? Was it really that serious?

Forget it, whatever. We're not studying atmospheric meteorology anyway. If it's cold, I'll just wear another layer.

After he went upstairs again and put on another jacket, he came down to find everyone gathered around the bar, seemingly listening to Zhao Feng say something, so he quickly joined them.

"... I believe Mr. Liang's assessment of the source of danger is Xiang Kun. He is very likely to have some direct connection with the illusion of the Eight-Armed Eight-Eyed Giant. That illusion is either his incarnation or something he created through some means. Furthermore, based on the various pieces of evidence we currently possess, and logical deduction, the 'giant raptor,' 'invisible insect,' 'Ghost-Whisker Ant,' and abnormal thunderstorms that appeared in Wushu Mountain are also very likely to be directly or indirectly related to him. And according to our analysis, the source of all these anomalies should be Chongyun Village!"

"This is why Xiang Kun went to so much trouble and spent so much money to set up that so-called Internet Farming Research Center in Chongyun Village. He had no relevant researchers or research qualifications, and according to our investigation, the equipment he purchased did not seem to be specifically for aquaculture; much of it was even equipment intended for human use."

At this point, Zhao Feng paused, looked at the group, and said, "Mr. Liang not to let us participate in the investigation and to directly contact Xiang Kun at this time is probably because he's worried about being threatened by Xiang Kun. But based on the information we've gathered and Xiang Kun's attitude towards those around him, there's actually no need for confrontational contact with him. We can communicate with him in a skillful and open manner."

As he spoke, Zhao Feng recounted the several plans he had discussed with Wang De'an over the past few days, and then said to Fang Pingfang, "Dr. Fang, what do you think of these plans we've proposed? Let's apply to Mr. Liang again to have us join the investigation. He'll be in the back, and we'll be in the front; that way, we'll have more flexibility. If needed, De'an and I can sign a safety agreement. If any danger arises or anything goes wrong, we'll take full responsibility and won't cause trouble for the company."

Mi Qiao, resting her chin on her hand, glanced at Fang Pingfang, who was deep in thought. She was quite dismissive of Zhao and Wang's suggestion, knowing full well that their understanding of "Blood-feeding Creature" was limited. Mr. Liang was clearly intentionally restricting researchers' and investigators' in-depth knowledge of these Blood-feeding Creature. His reluctance to let them investigate or directly contact Xiang Kun, a potentially formidable human "Blood-feeding Creature," was likely not only out of fear of danger but also to prevent them from learning too much about the Blood-feeding Creature's hidden secrets—after all, while other types of "Blood-feeding Creature" cannot speak, human "Blood-feeding Creature" can communicate.

Therefore, from this perspective, Mi Qiao believed that the two brothers' application was bound to be rejected. But she didn't intend to say anything, not because she wanted to see Zhao Feng and Wang De'an waste their efforts, but because she was also very curious as to why Mr. Liang had them investigate the "Blood-feeding Creature- Blood-feeding Creatures" yet remained silent about many key details. She hoped that members of the team, and even other members of other secret departments of "Shenxing Technology," would raise more related questions, forcing Mr. Liang to respond.

After thinking for a while, Fang Pingfang finally decided to help Zhao and Wang apply to Mr. Liang. She also said that she would join their application and hoped to directly participate in the investigation or communication with Xiang Kun.

They racked their brains trying to come up with a way to persuade Mr. Liang, but Fang Pingfang tried to contact Mr. Liang using a special communicator. However, she was unable to get a response.

Clearly, Mr. Liang is currently unavailable, or he knows what Fang Pingfang wants to say and doesn't want to make contact. It's highly likely that he has already taken a crucial step in his investigation of Xiang Kun, or perhaps he has already wrapped it up.

The initial excitement dissipated, and everyone sat down on the living room sofa to chat. The conversation gradually shifted from topics like Xiang Kun, the Eight-Armed Eight-Eyed Giant illusion, the giant raptor, the Ghost-Whisker Ant, Old Du, to what to eat for lunch, dinner, games, and new shows. After all, they had already discussed these professional topics countless times over the past few days.

During a lull in the conversation, Li Shiping, who had been relatively silent, suddenly spoke up, "Today... did you have any particular feelings?"

"What special feeling?" Zhao Feng asked.

Zhou Rui immediately nodded. "Yes, yes! It was freezing when I first got up!"

Mi Qiao nodded, "Yeah, it's especially cold today."

"That's not what I meant." Li Shiping frowned slightly, seemingly considering how to express himself. After a pause, he continued, "It's about the feeling of the surrounding environment. For example, if you hear a car approaching, you can roughly tell there's a car there. If there's a steady breeze blowing, you know there's an electric fan nearby. If Xiao Zhou is talking to Xiao Chen on her left, Xiao Zhou knows Xiao Chen is on her left. And this morning, I had a feeling, that... a feeling that transcends sight, hearing, smell, and even my original senses. I didn't need to look to know where the new oven was. It wasn't just 'knowing,' but 'feeling.' And the drone outside our villa, I always have a vague feeling, like I just know where it is, without relying on sound or looking out the window."

Zhou Rui nodded thoughtfully. "Old Li, you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage! This is <Cultivation: Starting with Drones and Ovens>."

After saying that, he chuckled a few times, then realized that no one around him was laughing along with him. Old Li was glaring at him, Old Gao seemed not to have understood, and Xiao Yezi, Hua Hua, Dr. Fang, Zhao Feng, and Wang De'an all looked thoughtful, as if they were really pondering what Old Li had said.

"Seriously? You guys really think Old Li can remotely control ovens and drones? He's not the Terminator..." Zhou Rui was speechless.

"No, I feel that when I woke up this morning, I did feel something different about my surroundings. It was like there was a lot more information about things. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the feeling was definitely there. It might be related to the sudden change in temperature," Fang Pingfang said.

Just as Mi Qiao was about to share his thoughts on the topic, the unique beeping sound of the "Shenxing Technology" secret department's exclusive communication device rang out.

Fang Pingfang, Mi Qiao, and Ye Chong subconsciously looked at their own devices, which were the three of them used most often and could directly contact Mr. Liang or other functional teams in the secret departments of "Shenxing Technology".

Strangely, the communication device that issued the notification tone was not theirs, but Zhao Feng's.

Zhao Feng was also somewhat surprised and confused when he answered the call, only to find that the person on the other end of the video call was Old He and He Haomin, whom he hadn't heard from in a long time.

They had previously tried to contact Old He via text message and communicator, hoping he could ask Mr. Liang to allow them to participate in the investigation and contact Xiang Kun. However, he was decisively refused, with the reason being that "all specific investigation matters are arranged by Mr. Liang."

Unexpectedly, they've taken the initiative to contact me now.

"Old He, is there a new mission?" Zhao Feng asked with a hint of excitement. He figured that He Haomin's initiative to contact him at this time, especially via video, meant something important. It was likely that there was a shortage of manpower for another mission, and they needed to be transferred over to help. In that case, although he couldn't participate in the investigation of Xiang Kun, at least he could leave his daily life of pampering himself and get to do something.

"Is Dr. Fang with you?" Old He asked.

Zhao Feng immediately stepped aside to let Fang Pingfang sit down in front of the camera.

"I'm here." Fang Pingfang didn't know He Haomin, but she could roughly guess what was going on from the fact that "Old He" could use "Shenxing Technology's" exclusive communication device.

Old He said, "Dr. Fang, I am He Haomin, director of the National Center for Abnormal Biology Research under the Biotechnology Development Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The relevant research and investigation of the secret department of Shenxing Technology has been carried out under our leadership. Now, the relevant research has made a major breakthrough, and you will also be granted greater investigative authority and a new investigation and research department will be established. Mr. Liang is currently unavailable, so I will issue the instructions. The mission code will be sent to your communication device shortly, and you can confirm it. Now, write down what I say. Before 10:00 AM, go to the intelligent aquaculture research base in Chongyun Village, Tongshi Town, Jianzhou City, Haixi Province. It is still under construction, but it is easy to find. I will send the specific location to your communication device. After you arrive there, go to see a lady named Xia Libing. Follow her arrangements. She will tell you what you want to know. As for our side, everything is up to you. You will lead the team. I should arrive no earlier than tonight and no later than tomorrow morning to meet up with you."

After Old He finished speaking, he simply confirmed once again Fang Pingfang had understood what he meant, but did not give her a chance to ask any other questions before ending the video call.

Old He's sudden contact brought a message that was no less than a bombshell. Everyone naturally put aside Li Shiping's earlier topic of "waking up to find the world different"—including Li Shiping himself.

"Chongyun Village? Xia Libing? Isn't that the companion we're investigating who's so close to Xiang Kun?"

"More than just a close companion, it seems like she's a girlfriend?"

"Holy crap! The Ministry of Science and Technology? A non-human research center? Holy crap! We really are government employees, I knew it..."

"It's the 'Non-Normal Biology Research Center,' not the 'Research Center for Non-Human Organisms'!"

"Not bad, it's good enough that he didn't mishear 'Perverted Research Center,' haha..."

"What's going on now? We've been waiting here for half a month, and the target of our investigation has suddenly become our leader, one of our own?"

"Maybe we were originally both from this 'Abnormality Research Center,' but we were unaware of each other's identities. Now that Mr. Liang has found out about the other side, they've simply merged both of us."

"Then why should we accept leadership in the past?"

"Because the other party is of a higher rank."

"What level is she? I've seen Xia Libing's file, she has a master's degree, but our Dr. Fang has a doctorate!"

"Rank isn't determined by education level... Anyway, I don't understand either. Why didn't you ask Old He just now?"

As soon as the call ended, the entire living room erupted in a flurry of chatter and discussion.

Old He's words were packed with information, much of which was related to their doubts over the past few days. They even dug new pits for them and brought new questions, so naturally, they couldn't hold back their conversation.

Fang Pingfang let them discuss aimlessly for a while, then gathered her thoughts before clapping her hands to quiet everyone down.

"There's no point in talking about this now. Let's go to Chongyun Village first and find out when we meet Ms. Xia," Fang Pingfang said.

"Let's go, finally we can leave this house." Zhou Rui got up and started to walk out, but turned back halfway. "I should put on another layer of clothing... Damn it, this is definitely not 12 degrees Celsius."

However, when they arrived at Chongyun Village, the temperature rose sharply, making him sweat profusely.