茶杯狐 -CUPFOX

Through some memory fragments of the mutated spider and its altered form and certain special “branching” abilities, Xiang Kun had learned that the spider had once devoured a mutant plant.

If even plants could mutate, it was not surprising that there were other types of mutant organisms.

However, the scenes displayed in the “Vampire Patient’s” dream, and the process of her being “parasitized”, it made Xiang Kun feel a bit awe-inspired––this parasitic technique was quite direct and excessively brutal.

Even though there are organisms, like parasitic wasps, that forcefully lay eggs in their host’s body, most parasitic organisms quietly infiltrate their host, usually through the gastrointestinal tract or skin. The way the “mutant organism” directly tore open the skin and burrowed in, creating a gory sight, was indeed…too straightforward and savage.

But it obviously had the ability to make the host hallucinate, beautifying the parasitic process, obscuring true perceptions and memories, and even making the host think it was a good thing to be parasitized.

And it probably could also help accelerate the host’s blood clotting and wound healing, otherwise the people who had rushed to the creek side after hearing what happened would have found her wound too.

From the images in the dream, the “mutant organism” initially entered by tearing open the skin on the back of the foot. But later on the van, the “Vampire Patient” used a knife to cut open her own calf, letting the “mutant organism” out.

Looking at its size after it had been parasitizing for some time, the “mutant organism” seemed to have shrunk a bit. It appeared that its mutation and evolution were still towards the direction of exerting control and influence over the host.

Xiang Kun did not think this “mutant parasite” was capable of controlling the host’s every action or being able to precisely master the specific details of the hallucinations seen by the host. It was probably manipulating human body hormones or directly affecting nerve signals to generate ideas in the host’s mind, leading them to fill in the specific hallucinations and details on their own.

Just like Guo Tianxiang’s ability to “Directly Eye Project Self-Fear”, he could only decide that the person having the hallucination would feel fear, and that they would see something they feared. However, he could not control what exactly they saw.

Xiang Kun, being able to create a variety of illusions and even precisely control what others see, and also possessing Xia’s developed “Illusion Reality” ability, naturally knew how complex and difficult this was. It was highly unlikely a bug could do this inside a host’s body, let alone create such complex hallucinations.

Yet, as soon as it entered the “Vampire Patient’s” body, it immediately induced effective hallucinations in her and guided her behavior. This led Xiang Kun to determine that there was a high probability this “mutant parasite” was not parasitizing a human for the first time. It could have had previous experience––one or even several––of parasitizing humans before, mutating or evolving to develop the ability to guide human behavior.

However, the fact that it did not parasitize near the human brain but existed in the calf muscle made Xiang Kun feel slightly puzzled. Either it could freely move around in the human body or, it was not as simple as it seemed, and it may have other means of transmitting influence and disturbance through the nerves that spread throughout the human body.

Just as Xiang Kun was thinking about this, his phone vibrated. It was a call from Xia, who was obviously awake now.

After picking up, Xia directly articulated her judgement, “It seems like she’s been parasitized by a ‘mutant organism’.”

“If the images we saw in the dream are indeed a reflection of reality, then we’re right. This ‘mutated parasite’ not only can parasitize humans but also has some mobility after leaving the human body. It might have already switched multiple hosts and is no longer in Citong City,” Xiang Kun stated.

Old Xia: “Based on her medical records, this ‘mutated parasite’ seems capable of exerting some influence on her body, making her stronger, more energetic and more emotional. It should also have a healing effect on wounds. When she was admitted to the hospital, we examined her. The wound on her calf had already healed, leaving barely a scar, even though the ‘parasite’ must have already left her body. The wound on the dorsum of her foot — I will try to inspect it tomorrow, to see if there’s any sign of a scar. From what we can see now, some effects the ‘parasite’ has on the host may be permanent, including hallucinations and certain physiological responses.”

“Can you tell from what type of insect the ‘mutated parasite’ has evolved?” asked Xiang Kun.

“I don’t know,” Old Xia replied, “this ‘mutated creature’ has some level of intelligence, it could assess the environment and make decisions based on the sensory information or emotions acquired from the host. Its evolution probably follows this direction.”

Xiang Kun agreed with Old Xia’s assessment. After a moment of thought, he said, “Leave this matter alone for now. Focus on preparing the laboratory. I’ll investigate slowly once I return to Citong City. It can’t hide from me within my vision and smell coverage. I may still find its whereabouts, and then I will hand it over to you for research.”

Old Xia said, “It shouldn’t be able to affect me.”

Upon hearing Xiang Kun’s words, she knew he thought the ‘mutated parasite,’ if still in Citong City, might come back looking for the ‘Vampire Patient’ and pose a threat to her.

Xiang Kun knew that Old Xia made a valid point. If the ‘mutated parasite’ wanted to find its previous host, it should have done so long ago and would not have waited this long. Therefore, if Old Xia only focusses on the ‘Vampire Patient,’ it should not be dangerous.

“Except for the third hospital, do not investigate anywhere else. If you find any information, inform me first. I have more experience and means dealing with these mutated creatures than you,” Xiang Kun warned.

Old Xia was very simple: “Okay.”

After hanging up, Xiang Kun couldn’t help but feel regretful. If Old Xia had Little Fatty Girl’s control over ‘Super-connected Objects’ and electromagnetic manipulation capabilities, there would be no need to worry about her encountering ‘mutated parasites’ or other ‘mutated creatures’.

It could even be said that if spotted by her, those “mutated creatures” wouldn’t stand a chance of escaping. Or if her ‘Illusion Reality’ ability could co-manifest some lethal weapons, unlike Old Xia who could only co-manifest food, which is merely a scare tactic without practical use in dangerous situations.

Xiang Kun uses voice input to ask Alice to help him look for ‘parasites’ matching the image in his dream. Of course, according to his previous speculation, this “mutated parasite” has likely undergone multiple rounds of evolution, and its original form might not be the same, it’s possible it wasn’t originally a “parasite”. Even if he looked for it based on its current form, he may not find useful information.

Xiang Kun further assigned “tasks” to Alice based on previous assumptions.

From the scenery of the creek and forest in the ‘Vampire Patient’s’ dream, Xiang Kun has ascertained that it was set at Zi Huan Mountain on the outskirts of Citong City. The ‘mutated parasite’ being there must be related to its previous host.

Xiang Kun asked Alice to search for any accidents, disappearances, or aggressive animal attacks involving humans that occurred in Zi Huan Mountain before the ‘Vampire Patient’ was parasitized in the mountains.

Based on his previous assumption that “it’s not the first time the ‘mutated parasite’ has infected a human”, it’s highly likely that its previous host was also a human, perhaps one who had died on Zi Huan Mountain. He didn’t think that the “vampire patient” could survive after detaching from the parasite. It was the “mutated parasite’s” mercy. As for other hosts, they would probably be drained of their remaining value after its regular parasitization cycle ended.

After having lunch at her parents’ house, Yang Zhen Er changed her clothes, packed some things, and prepared to return to the house where she and Tang Baona lived.

“I bought a lot of vegetables today, and there are seafood sent by your uncle. It’s rare and can’t be bought even with money. Why not invite Nana over, and we can have dinner together at home. I haven’t seen Nana for a long time.” Mrs. Yang stood at her daughter’s bedroom door, speaking to Yang Zhen Er who was packing.

“Nana and I are going to her grandfather’s house for dinner tonight. Hehe, next time, Mom. Or how about tomorrow, I’ll bring Nana over tomorrow.” Yang Zhen Er said with a big grin.

At this time, Yang Zhen Er’s father, Yang Kuoyan also walked to her doorway, frowning at his daughter, “When you quit your job, didn’t you tell me you were going to find a new job? It’s been quite a while, have you found it?”

Mrs. Yang gave her husband a pat on the shoulder, “Oh dear, we’re still in the new year period, what’s the rush?”

Yang Kuoyan’s frown deepened, “If she straight-up said she wants to be a parasite at home, I wouldn’t say anything. But when she quit her job, she told me that she could make a career without relying on my connections.”

Yang Zhen Er quickly replied, “I didn’t say that. I said, ‘Even if I’m not working in your company, I can still make a career’. Hehe, I did find a job. Didn’t I tell you before? Brother Xiang is working on a game, starting a company. Nana and I will help him…”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Yang’s brow furrowed even more, she wondered, “Brother Xiang? The programmer you said who cooks particularly well? The one who had a blind date with Nana? Hey, didn’t you say when you went to Haixi Province for a trip at the beginning of the year that Brother Xiang had opened a restaurant in some town together with others? How could he start working on games now? It hasn’t been that long. Is this man reliable? When he was a programmer, was he restless and fired by his company?”

“Oh, dear, it wasn’t like that, his company went bankrupt!” Yang Zhen Er quickly explained.

“Ah? He led his company to bankruptcy?” Mrs. Yang became even more worried, “Is he a conman? Is he asking you and Nana to invest?”

Yang Zhen Er helplessly said, “Mom! Brother Xiang would never scam us! Once you’ve met him, you’d know, he’s just too awesome…”

Mrs. Yang glared at her and raised her hand as if to smack her, “Watch what you say! Young ladies should speak elegantly. If he’s good, just say he’s good or awesome. Don’t use those two words.”

“Oh, come on, that term isn’t vulgar these days!” Yang Zhen Er argued, “Anyway, Brother Xiang isn’t a fraud, Nana and I invested a little pocket money, not much, we mainly like the game he’s developing. Once the game is launched, you just try playing it and you’ll see how dope…how awesome it is! The real big money is from Princess Chang of the Zhang Corporation, starting with at least ten million. There is also Brother Xiang’s classmate whose family runs a chain supermarket; they are also going to invest! And Nana’s older sister and brother-in-law, Sister Han, and so many other people!”

As a result, Mrs. Yang seemed even more worried, “So many people, so much money? What if he collects all the money and just runs away? Be careful, many people are like this nowadays, they first blow up a big balloon, paint a big and delicious pie, then as the money comes in, they go abroad to enjoy their life. Some people not only cheat money, but some would even…even cheat on sentiment. Don’t be tricked into counting money for the scammer one day.”

Yang Zhen Er was both amused and annoyed, “Mom! Brother Xiang isn’t like that! Oh, how come you don’t believe me? Old Xia is planning to quit her job and help Brother Xiang build a lab. You know how smart Old Xia is, she’s a psychiatrist, also studies psychology, she’s very good at reading people. She’s going all in, are you still worried about me being scammed?”

Mrs. Yang was stunned, “Is that so? Old Xia also trusts Brother Xiang that much? In that case… it seems reliable.”

Seeing her mother finally nod approvingly and relaxing a bit, Yang Zhen Er was dumbstruck, “Mom! Who is your daughter exactly!”

“Your cousin is much smarter than you; she has a very accurate judgment of people. Following her, you should be fine.” Mrs. Yang laughed.

At this time, Yang Kuoyan who had been lost in thought suddenly spoke, “What do you mean by the Zhang Corporation? The same Zhang Corporation of the child you guys saved before? Xiang Kun took advantage of the previous favor to connect with the people in Zhang Corporation for investment?”

“No! It’s Zhang Qian from the Zhang Corporation who had a project with Brother Xiang before. Then she realized Xiang Kun was the savior of her two nephews, and they started doing business together. However, I can guarantee that her investment in Xiang Kun’s project is not due to personal relations. His game is really awesome… Oh, I can’t explain it clearly to you; anyway, I’m only investing a trivial amount! Even if I lose it all, I won’t feel bad…plus, it’s almost impossible to lose! At first, I even promised Xiang Kun that if he lacked funds, I would mobilize my acquaintances, friends and family, including your Majesty Dad, to invest together. But now, he really doesn’t lack money at all. Without Xiang Kun retaining shares for others, Zhang Qian alone could sufficed.”

Yang Kuoyan asked, “The game Xiang Kun developed, does it really have that much potential? Did he do it alone? Or does he have a team?”

“I don’t really know the details, anyhow, I just know it’s fun, it’s awesome.” Yang Zhen Er firmly replied, “Dad, how about you lend me 5 million, and I will pay you back 5.05 million in three years?”

Mrs. Yang couldn’t help laughing, “Oh, you girl, the interest rate is even lower than a bank deposit.”

Yang Kuoyan also laughed, “Didn’t you say Zhang Qian has already covered it all?”

Yang Zhen Er said, “She would love to, but Xiang Kun wouldn’t allow it. Nana and I are putting some money together to get more shares! Hehe!”

Yang Kuoyan said, “If it’s really that good, we could negotiate, if Zhang Corporation can talk, why can’t we? Let’s talk about it. My impression of Xiang Kun was quite good when I met him in the police station last time.”

“Well, I will mention it to him, but if he isn’t willing to come, I can’t do anything about it.” Yang Zhen Er said.