Return Journey

So fast. Wu Ming was secretly alarmed.

After all, the inland was unlike the open sea. Land and mountain ranges formed formidable barriers, greatly slowing the RR Virus's advance.

But on second thought, the Jinjiang River in Shushi was part of the Yangtze River System and lay directly along the RR Virus's route. If it traveled upstream by water, covering over a thousand kilometers in five days did make sense.

At that thought, Wu Ming suddenly froze, feeling as though he had overlooked something.

Before he could think it through, Zhao Minghui's voice interrupted him. "But you don't need to worry. With that epidemic prevention handbook, we've greatly reduced the risks brought by RR. According to current data, the mortality rate is even below 10%."

"You may not know this, but according to the Epidemic Prevention Department's initial statistics, the RR Virus's mortality rate was over 40%."

Zhao Minghui spoke with a hint of solemnity. "Thanks to your suggestion, we were able to minimize the losses."

"Is that so?" Wu Ming was slightly surprised. He truly had not known RR's initial fatality rate, and he had not expected it to be even higher than described in the original novel.

Then he relaxed. The current outcome was still grim, but it was far better than the tragedy in the original novel.

Most importantly, his efforts had worked. That filled him with excitement.

"That's the first thing I needed to tell you. There is a second matter as well."

Zhao Minghui continued, "The Huaxia Epidemic Prevention Department has taken the lead in developing a special medicine for RR symptoms. It can temporarily increase cellular activity and stabilize the genes."

"Tests show that it can reduce the mortality rate by around 10 to 20%. Paired with sufficient nutrient solution, the survival rate can even reach over 95%!"

"Unfortunately, production is limited by raw materials. The medicine can currently only be supplied to the military and researchers first, and cannot yet be made available to the public. But since you already have antibodies, this has little to do with you."

At this point, he changed the subject. "What does concern you is that your mother made a major contribution during this research process. She overcame a crucial technical bottleneck, and this active medicine could not have been successfully developed without her."

"To recognize her achievements, the higher-ups have decided to elevate the Shushi Epidemic Prevention Division into the Southwest Epidemic Prevention Office, with Comrade Shen Xinglan appointed as its director."

"Really? That's great!" A flash of delight crossed Wu Ming's eyes. Hearing that his mother had been promoted made him even happier than receiving a reward himself.

"Also, as director of the Epidemic Prevention Office, Comrade Shen Xinglan has been given priority access to a batch of active medicine, around several dozen doses. Aside from using them herself, she can give them to relatives and friends, so she won't have any lingering concerns."

Zhao Minghui said, "I'm telling you this as a reminder. If there are other people you care about, you can ask Comrade Shen Xinglan for a few doses. If she doesn't have enough, you can apply to us as well."

"Given your merits, you should be able to apply for ten or twenty doses. These medicines won't count toward your reward."

At those words, a figure immediately flashed through Wu Ming's mind. He smiled and was just about to say something when his expression stiffened and his pupils contracted.

Jinjiang... Jinjiang Riverside Villa Area!

He finally understood what he had overlooked. Ruan Qingzhu's home... was right near the Jinjiang River!

Since the RR Virus had entered Shushi, the Jinjiang River would inevitably become the largest source of infection. Ruan Qingzhu and her family, living so close to it, were probably in danger!

Wu Ming's heart tightened, and he immediately wanted to call and ask about the situation.

Fortunately, the call was already drawing to a close. Zhao Minghui said, "That's everything I needed to notify you about this time. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer."

"Oh, and those ancient books. Give me the mailing address."

Wu Ming took a deep breath. "Send them to Shushi. The address is..."

He quickly gave him his home address. Zhao Minghui replied, "All right, I've noted it down. I'll arrange express delivery. They should arrive tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao." After replying politely, Wu Ming hung up.

The next second, he immediately dialed another number.

"Beep... beep... Sorry, the subscriber you have dialed is temporarily unavailable."

"Qingzhu isn't answering?" Wu Ming felt anxious. He forcibly suppressed his emotions and dialed another number.

"Sorry, the subscriber you have dialed..."

After hanging up, Wu Ming frowned deeply. "Uncle Ruan isn't answering either. Could they already have..."

No, I have to try again. He dialed another number.

This time, it connected quickly. A gentle woman's voice came from the other end. "Xiaoming? Why are you calling me?"

"Aunt Miao."

On the other end was Ruan Qingzhu's mother, Miao Yueling. Wu Ming asked gravely, "I just called Qingzhu, but she didn't answer. The same goes for Uncle Ruan. Did something happen over there?"

"Something happen? No." Miao Yueling asked in confusion, "I'm resting in the group's laboratory, and your Uncle Ruan is in a meeting. It's normal that he isn't answering, but Qingzhu didn't answer either?"

"No."

"That shouldn't be the case. I spoke to her last night. She should already be awake at this hour... Could she be sleeping in?"

"Aunt Miao." Wu Ming's tone turned serious. "What I'm about to tell you is very important. It's about the RR Virus..."

He quickly told Miao Yueling that RR had spread to Shushi, along with his speculation about the source of contamination.

After hearing him out, Miao Yueling was already growing nervous. "You mean the Jinjiang River has become RR's largest source in Shushi? Then wouldn't Qingzhu..."

"No, I have to hurry home."

She was about to hang up when Wu Ming hurriedly said, "Aunt Miao, neither you nor Uncle Ruan has been infected before, so you don't have antibodies. Wouldn't going back rashly now be walking straight into a trap?"

Miao Yueling's expression froze. That was right. In her current condition, wouldn't going back be the same as courting death?

But Qingzhu's life or death was unknown. If she did nothing, the consequences would be unbearable.

Fortunately, Wu Ming soon revealed some good news. A special medicine for the RR Virus had been developed, and Shen Xinglan should have a batch on hand now.

If they took the medicine back, not only would they be safe, but Qingzhu could be saved as well!

"Understood." Miao Yueling spoke solemnly. "I'll contact Xinglan. Even if I have to swallow my pride, I'll ask her for a dose. I don't care how much it costs."

"Don't worry, Aunt Miao. My mom probably won't be stingy. If she truly doesn't have any to spare, come to me. I have a way to get some medicine elsewhere, though it may take some time."

After hanging up, Wu Ming took a deep breath and immediately bought the earliest flight back to Shushi.

He still could not stop worrying about Ruan Qingzhu and wanted to return as soon as possible to see what had happened.

A few minutes later, he returned to the hotel, quickly checked out, and immediately took a taxi to the airport.

When he arrived at the departure lounge, there was still an hour before the flight took off.

While waiting, Wu Ming called Miao Yueling again to learn the latest developments.

He then learned that she and Ruan Zaixing had obtained three doses of the special medicine from his mother. They had taken the medicine themselves and were rushing home with the last dose.

Hearing this, Wu Ming relaxed slightly. As long as they had the special medicine, Qingzhu should be fine with them looking after her.

He continued following the situation on the other end through the phone. Unfortunately, the Epidemic Prevention Division was too far from Jinjiang Riverside Villa Area. By the time Wu Ming began boarding, Miao Yueling and Ruan Zaixing still had not reached home.

As the plane took off, his phone had to be turned off. Unable to hear any further updates for the time being, he could only close his eyes and wait, using the refinement of the RR Virus to distract himself.

Three hours later, the plane finally landed. Wu Ming immediately turned on his phone and called Miao Yueling.

"Hello, Aunt Miao. How is everything over there?"

"Xiaoming."

Miao Yueling's voice was low on the other end. "We've already given Qingzhu the special medicine, but..."

"Qingzhu still hasn't woken up, and her breathing... is getting weaker and weaker."