The Only Option

Actually, this isn't a huge deal, but it's not insignificant either. After all, even if all of humanity were infected, it would just be a cold, and wouldn't cause any serious symptoms. However, this means that Ye Wanqing might be plagued by the Flu for the rest of her life. She might just sneeze occasionally normally, but if she's overly fatigued like she was today, she'll have a fever all night long.

This Flu, once contracted, is incurable; sooner or later everyone will get infected with this Flu. If it were just a common cold, that would be one thing, but...

If this Flu is indeed a "Mutant," then judging from its current performance, its Superpower should be the ability to control its own evolutionary path in a targeted manner to fight against the human immune system.

So, what if one day the whole world is infected with this Flu, and this AME Influenza then autonomously evolves to be deadly...?

Cui Man sighed, rubbing her forehead, and said with distress, "Our medical experts have already begun researching this new type of Flu, 'AME,' but to be honest, theoretically, we have no way to defeat this virus. It's constantly mutating; whenever the human immune system tries to overcome it, it changes into a completely new structure, evading the immune system's detection."

"It can never be cured..." Xiao He muttered to himself, then looked at Cui Man, "What about the Miracle Factor? Can it be treated?"

Cui Man shrugged and said, "We've done experiments. There's no doubt that the Miracle Factor will attack it, but if the concentration isn't high enough, it can't defeat it. Even the Miracle Factor will eventually be consumed by this Flu..."

"So, I can't heal Wanqing with my blood..." Xiao He frowned and asked seriously, "So, I'm the only one who can defeat it? No matter how you look at it, this is the only way."

"Actually, I don't want to do this..." Cui Man said anxiously, biting her thumb. "I'm worried that this enemy will be stronger than ever before, much stronger than any 'Lin Tiannan' you've encountered before. I'm afraid..."

Although Cui Man didn't finish her sentence, her meaning was clear: she was afraid that he would be the one defeated this time.

Xiao He initially dismissed the "Flu," seeing it as nothing more than a cold, something he believed should be easily overcome given his abilities, having effortlessly survived so many deadly viruses.

"Don't underestimate the Flu; it's probably the most perfect virus in the world," Cui Man said seriously. "And under normal circumstances, you have the Miracle Factor in your body, so you're probably the only creature that won't be infected by it unless you actively accept it. But that means you can only choose passive defense and endure its attacks, putting you at a disadvantage from the very beginning of this battle."

(How to "accept" cannot be described in too much detail here, otherwise it will be censored. Just use your imagination.)

After Cui Man's explanation, Xiao He understood the severity of the Flu. Moreover, this particular Flu was a "Mutant," making it even more potent...

An unprecedented sense of threat washed over me.

"Old Xiao!" Ye Wanqing waved to him from the doorway.

"What about Wanqing? Are you going to let her quarantine here?" Xiao He asked Cui Man.

Cui Man closed her eyes, looking troubled, but then she sighed and said, "Have her wear a mask and not have contact with anyone before she goes home. After she gets home, she shouldn't go out unnecessarily; jogging and walking should be stopped for a few days. I'll contact you as soon as possible and tell you how to proceed."

Xiao He frowned. "I think we should tell her about this."

"Let's tell her when we get home," Cui Man comforted her. "Don't be too pessimistic. It's not that serious; it's just a cold. We've already issued a warning to the public, urging everyone to wear masks, exercise, and take precautions against the Flu."

Xiao He frowned and pondered, but after much thought, there was only one solution left: he would take care of this "Lin Tiannan" Flu.

"Anyway, you guys go back and rest first. I'll let you know as soon as I have any updates." Cui Man patted his shoulder and said, "You must be exhausted after staying up all night. Let's go back and rest before we talk about the rest."

After thinking about it, Xiao He felt that it made sense. He needed to recover his strength and be in full condition to overcome this "Flu". So he nodded, took a mask from Cui Man, and then met up with Ye Wanqing.

"Here, put this on." Xiao He handed the mask to Ye Wanqing.

"What? Are you afraid I'll infect you?" Ye Wanqing asked, her beautiful eyes wide with displeasure.

"I have the Miracle Factor in my body, what am I afraid of?" Xiao He chuckled. "If you don't care about infecting others, then don't wear it. Come on."

But Ye Wanqing glared at him and still put on her mask.

Even this bickering couldn't dampen Ye Wanqing's good mood. She was all smiles on the way home, while Xiao He looked preoccupied.

He must be hungry, and probably very sleepy, Ye Wanqing thought to herself. After all, he stayed with me all night... I'll make him something delicious when I get back.

Back home, Ye Wanqing immediately started making breakfast, but Xiao He had already lost his appetite.

He was weighing how to handle the situation.

In a moment of impulse, he really wanted to immediately challenge this "AME Influenza," but reason told him that it was too dangerous. So what if all these people got the Flu? It's just an occasional sneeze, nothing serious. If he himself lost this contest with "Lin Tiannan," then the Miracle Factor would disappear forever.

"It's ready," Ye Wanqing said cheerfully. "Old Xiao, come and eat!"

"Hmm," Xiao He responded, and the moment he sat down at the table, his appetite returned.

The aroma of congee with preserved egg and lean pork wafts through the air, and the golden egg pancake is filled with shredded potatoes, ham, and scallions, topped with a plump, white steamed bun with braised pork. No one could sit in front of such a breakfast and not have an appetite.

"Alright, eat up," Ye Wanqing said with a smile, taking a sip of porridge.

"How are you feeling?" Xiao He asked, taking a sip of porridge first, then taking a big bite of an egg pancake.

"I'm fine, it seems I've fully recovered," Ye Wanqing said casually, sipping her porridge. "Why don't you go take a nap after you finish breakfast? You didn't sleep at all last night."

"Yeah, I need to get some sleep," Xiao He replied, then glanced at her furtively and tentatively said, "Rest at home for the next few days, get well before going back to class. I'll have Sister Man help you ask for leave."

"No need, I think it's fine." Ye Wanqing gestured to her slender arms, "Full of energy."

"Your cold might not be better yet, don't go and infect others, stay home and rest," Xiao He replied.

"Hmm..." Ye Wanqing thought for a moment, clearly also feeling that infecting others might not be a good idea, "Then... I'll just rest at home for a day. Actually, I feel quite energetic, and I don't feel uncomfortable at all."

Xiao He paused for a moment, then replied, "Let's eat first, and talk about it after we finish."

"?" Ye Wanqing seemed a little puzzled. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stared at him for a while before continuing to drink her porridge.