Chapter 175: Jiang Yao’s Predicament
Jiang Yao’s consciousness lingered in a warm little world made of flesh and blood, filled with curiosity and excitement.
From the moment her body was completely engulfed by the giant brain, Jiang Yao felt as if she had swapped into a brand-new body, brimming with immense power and indescribable sensitivity.
Her consciousness could roam any part of the giant brain, from using its enormous, grotesque eyeballs to pierce through the foggy outside world to playfully guiding one of its ethereal external nerve tendrils, swaying it back and forth or making it perform mischievous knots.
Everything was so amusing; all the previous irritations and anxieties vanished, leaving only the harmony and comfort of merging with the giant brain.
Every external nerve tendril could distinctly capture the subtle movements of the outside world.
When she “opened” her eyes again, the fog was even denser. Unable to resist, she swept one hand to push aside the annoying mist.
Suddenly, the mist in front of her surged, and a familiar young man with a bright smile walked over.
Zhong Jing! Zhong Jing!
Jiang Yao wanted to shout, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t locate any vocal apparatus within this giant brain. She could only watch as he approached with a strange smile, even reaching out to poke at the external nerve tendrils of the brain.
An unprecedented peculiar sensation flowed through the external nerve tendrils into her body; almost every bit of her flesh trembled. It was an indescribable anxiety and yearning, a desire to merge with him and share a lifetime together.
No, I can’t! I’m a monster; I’m too ugly!
Jiang Yao suddenly regained her senses and began directing the tendrils to push him away, even shielding her exposed, hideous, terrifying eyestalks.
She grew increasingly frantic, but once the tendrils touched Zhong Jing’s bare skin, they became entangled. The more contact points there were, the stronger the inexplicable heat and embarrassment inside her heart.
It felt as if the temperature of the giant brain’s flesh was rising, and what Jiang Yao wanted the most was to grow a mouth immediately, to let the pent-up emotions within her be released.
March 24th, the second day of the second month in the lunar calendar, Monday, Dragon Raising its Head.
The sun rose, spring dew fell, and all things sprang to life. At dawn, Longquan Mountain was shrouded in thin mist and rain.
Most of the people at Hyacinth Villa were immersed in Jiang Yao’s peculiar chilly aura from the previous night, unable to distinguish reality from illusion. This was a new aura, similar to chaos yet entirely different, like a living, massive black hole that rendered all probing useless.
The slight emotions of sorrowful fear that Jiang Yao initially exuded gradually calmed as Jiang Yan kept watch overnight, as if she had truly fallen asleep.
Staying right by her side, Jiang Yan even felt a sense of drifting disconnection as time passed, as if something was shedding from itself, and the feeling of congestion within was gradually sinking and solidifying.
Disturbed by a sudden flurry of bird calls, Jiang Yan opened her eyes from her stupor and discovered that the outside world had turned white. A dove was perched on the windowsill, peeking in, while the forest outside was a cacophony of chirping.
Looking at Jiang Yao before her, she reached out to touch her forehead, which felt slightly warm, with rapid breathing and an abnormal flush on her face. The chill was gone, replaced by a faintly restless and ambiguous aura.
Compared to several hours ago, Jiang Yao had subdued most of her aura, as if she were on the verge of awakening.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the sky brightened a bit more.
The door opened, and Wan Yue walked in with Lao Jin following behind. Jiang Yan hurriedly stood up, tidying her disheveled hair, and made room beside the bed.
After a brief examination, Lao Jin nodded slightly: “Heart rate and other basic indicators are normal; brain waves are very active. If nothing unexpected happens, she will wake up today. I must say, this is probably the most marvellous realm upgrade I’ve ever seen. I don’t even dare to use the term promotion.”
“I’ll keep her situation confidential for now, but I can say that once our family members have close contact with her, they will definitely discover it. After all, there will be a second specialized health check, and most likely, Old Ninth will personally oversee it.”
As he spoke, Lao Jin turned to Wan Yue: “Wan Yue, I’m going back now. I’ll leave Xiao Lu here to keep an eye on her for another day. Uncle Wu will convene a meeting to summarize the information on the Black Dragon Society today, and I must attend. If there are any issues, contact me.”
Lao Jin hurried away, a man consumed with busy schedules.
In the room, only Wan Yue and Jiang Yan remained.
Zhong Jing…
On the bed, Jiang Yao shifted her body, her mouth twitching as she murmured two words, her face slightly reddening.
She should be waking up soon, and it seemed like she had a very nice dream, where the one cutting her changed.
Wan Yue sat at the edge of the bed, smiling as she reached out to stroke Jiang Yao’s small face. “Hmm? You seem not surprised at all, which indicates that none of this is important to you anymore.”
After a few seconds, when she saw that Jiang Yan was unresponsive, Wan Yue glanced up at Jiang Yan’s expression, her lips curving slightly upward: “You are quite rational, which is also a bad habit.”
“Sister Wan, is there any way to make the bloodline inside Xiao Yao disappear?”
Jiang Yan cut straight to the point, staring fixedly at Wan Yue’s face, her tone icy.
Wan Yue blinked a few times, lowering her gaze slightly, her smile becoming increasingly enigmatic. After a few seconds, she pointed a finger at Jiang Yao’s lower abdomen: “It’s simple; get pregnant and have a child, and the bloodline will transfer to the fetus, then re-enter the developmental stage.”
However, at that time, this child will become the target of everyone’s pursuit.
Wan Yue’s words fell like a thunderclap, sending a tremor through Jiang Yan’s body, various horrifying images rushing into her mind, including the moment Jiang Yao was dressed in a wedding gown in a certain dream.
“Hehe, doesn’t it seem like Zhong Jing looks a lot more agreeable right now?”
Wan Yue stretched and stood up, looking at Jiang Yan, who had fallen into a daze, leisurely speaking: “So, you should be concerned about which man is qualified to be your brother-in-law.”
You don’t need to worry about whether my words are a joke; at least from the queen of eighty years ago, we can only conclude this.
In addition, we may also expect that this latest grandmother is entirely different from before, including both of you, so many things are still uncertain.
As she spoke, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor outside, growing closer, followed by the sound of the door unlocking.
A familiar figure appeared at the door, Zhong Jing, with He Jianqingya following behind.
Jiang Yan felt that she hadn’t seen him for at least half a month. At this moment, Zhong Jing looked slightly thinner than before; though his spirit seemed fine, there was an underlying weakness that felt hollow.
As for He Jianqingya, this was perhaps their second meeting, indifferent to whether they were friends or foes.
“Are you alright?”
Having likely run all the way from the parking lot, Zhong Jing was sweating profusely, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he sat beside the bed.
Unlike the others who sat around Jiang Yao’s bed, He Jianqingya awkwardly walked to the side, remaining silent, her gaze fixed on the pale golden-haired girl in the bed, her eyes slowly revealing a look of shock.
This was an entirely new aura unlike those of bloodlines above baron, heavy as a black hole, devouring any probing from others.
The bloodline within Jiang Yao had been fully developed—was this the true queen?
He Jianqingya couldn’t help but step forward two paces, her attention fully on Jiang Yao, trying to capture information that she could comprehend, completely disregarding what the others in the room were saying.
“Miss He, if there’s something you want to say to the master, you can do so in private.”
Zhong Jing turned his head, gently beckoning to the captivated He Jianqingya.
“Miss He?”
The other party seemed unresponsive, and Zhong Jing’s brow furrowed slightly, attracting the attention of everyone in the room to the Japanese girl.
“Ah… I’m sorry, Jing-kun…”
He Jianqingya came to her senses, her face slightly flushed, her heart racing. She quickly bowed apologetically to Wan Yue: “Lady Wan, there are some matters that the Wang family might not even know. I want you to understand first, and as for whether to keep it confidential, it’s up to you to decide.”
After glancing at Zhong Jing and Jiang Yan, Wan Yue nodded slowly: “Alright, let’s talk in my room.”
Saying that, Wan Yue led the way into the room.
He Jianqingya bowed slightly to Zhong Jing and Jiang Yan, feeling apologetic, and hurriedly followed.
By the bed, Jiang Yan sat quietly while Zhong Jing walked slowly.
On the bed, Jiang Yao had already turned over, tossing the blanket aside, her murmurs becoming more incoherent, and sweat beads forming on her forehead, as if she would wake up any moment.
“Zhong Jing, can you stay with her always?”
Jiang Yan grabbed a towel from the bedside and wiped Jiang Yao’s sweat, suddenly mumbling under her breath.
“Yeah, I don’t have anything to do these days, I’ll just stay here.” Zhong Jing smiled, glancing at his watch out of habit, “The new company has finally completed the registration process. The office renovation should be done in a week at most, and I can finally relax.”
“I’m not talking about today; I’m talking about a lifetime.”
Jiang Yan turned to face Zhong Jing, her expression unusually serious and calm, without furrowing her brow or showing indifference.
Zhong Jing hesitated slightly, turning his head to look at Jiang Yan, remaining silent, his eyes flickering with a hint of surprise.
“Lady Wan should have told you about Xiao Yao’s situation,” Jiang Yan murmured, looking down as she fidgeted with her coat, her voice light. “I want to help her through this difficult time, but I don’t know how to ensure her future…”
“Did you just think of this, or did the master clarify it for you?” Zhong Jing contemplated, pursing his lips, his tone somewhat cold. “Sorry, I’m not a tool.”
“Zhong Jing, I feel that you are not the kind of person who cares a lot about others’ opinions. I just want to ask you, do you want to be with her continuously?”
Jiang Yan’s expression remained calm, continuing to question: “Perhaps in the eyes of many, your value contribution to Hyacinth is far greater than your actual identity, but it’s not the same in Xiao Yao’s eyes.”
“Jiang Yan, I’m an ambitious person. I’ve always aimed to defeat the great demon in this world and leave a mark in history. For such a ridiculous ideal, I’ve sacrificed almost everything I have. Whether I succeed or fail, I don’t want to share it with another person.”
Zhong Jing shrugged, a bit playful yet also carrying an indescribable sense of helplessness.
Watching the serious yet somewhat frivolous expression on his face, Jiang Yan felt he was lying. In the past, this might have fallen back to jest, but now, Jiang Yan seemed to hear a trace of bitterness breaking through.
“Zhong Jing, I’m seriously discussing Xiao Yao’s matter with you. I’m aware I had some prejudices against you before…”
“Zhong Jing…”
Suddenly, the pale golden-haired girl on the bed let out a faint groan, interrupting Jiang Yan’s speech.
The black hole-like aura instantly evaporated, with intense anxiety and fear surging out, filling the room with passionate and persistent emotions.
Jiang Yao’s eyelids gradually opened, her face slightly flushed, her hands now flailing about, as if trying to grasp something.
Zhong Jing promptly sat down, attempting to pull the blanket back over her.
“Please take care of her; I’m heading out for breakfast…”
Initially thinking that Jiang Yao would call for him as soon as her subconscious awoke, she instead clung to Zhong Jing. Jiang Yan felt a bit disappointed, not even glancing at Zhong Jing, and walked toward the sofa, intending to grab her coat and head out.
“Zhong Jing!”
Jiang Yao fully awakened, and upon seeing who was beside the bed, she unexpectedly hugged him around the waist, her expression a bit flustered: “I dreamed that I swallowed you!”
Zhong Jing’s body tensed up immediately, his face turning awkward as he raised his hands, instinctively glancing back at Jiang Yan for defense.
Jiang Yao practically buried her head in Zhong Jing’s waist, staring at Jiang Yan calmly without any intent to shy away.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became awkward, and the coat in Jiang Yan’s hand crumpled.
“Xiao Yao, what do you want to eat? I’ll bring it to you.” Jiang Yan turned sideways, no longer looking at her face, “If you’re uncomfortable, just keep lying down.”
“Anything, you decide.”
Jiang Yao replied unenthusiastically, and as Zhong Jing tightened his grip around her waist, he continued to intensely stare at Jiang Yan’s side profile, a cold smirk appearing on his lips.
……
In the private suite of Ni Yue, He Jianqingya sat quietly on the sofa while Wan Yue’s gaze remained fixed on the surveillance footage on the computer.
I’m very curious about how disappointed you are with the Fujiwara family… Well, let me hear the secrets over the past hundred years that have left even those within the Wang family baffled.
Wan Yue shut off the computer, turned around, and smiled at the not-so-distant He Jianqingya.
Lady Wan, you should have completely understood the content I conveyed through Zhong Yao last time. The code currently controlled by the Engel family, Yonghe, and the two projects of Beautiful Dream are bait designed to attract global dignitaries to provide funding for the Ancestor Plan, similar to what the Goebbels family initially offered.
However, this research topic, which would astonish the entire world once made public, is merely a Level 3 project of the Ancestor Plan.
Now, the Engel family has inherited the vast majority of the research content of the Ancestor Plan, while the James family provides strategic support, continuing to delve into the development of other more confidential projects of the Ancestor Plan.
He Jianqingya stood up, pulled out a USB drive from her pocket, and gently placed it on the computer desk beside Wan Yue. Some documents from the Tanaka family have also fallen into the hands of the Fujiwara family; this is part of what I have, and I hope it will be useful to you, Lady Wan.
Including that qualification potion from the James family—is it also considered a product of the Ancestor Plan? Wan Yue rubbed the USB drive, suddenly raising her head to ask, why did the Fujiwara family only participate in the Level 3 project investment? Were you not interested in the others?
The qualification potion is merely one of the staged results transferred to the James family from the complete research progress of the Level 2 project by the Engel family. It has many flaws and significant side effects; it could even be termed a secondary product.
The Level 2 projects include Angel and Holy Grail, both high-level bait thrown by the Goebbels family to entice more powerful bloodline families; at least the Tanaka family back then, could not resist such temptations.
Lady Wan, it was truly the Level 1 projects—Vanguard and Frankenstein—that caused the downfall of the Goebbels family, as they created the very weapons to destroy the world while simultaneously obliterating the roots and order of bloodlines worldwide.
At this point, He Jianqingya turned to look out the window to the East: “The Wang family in Huaguo has a hard time resisting the attacks from the two major duke families of the world at the same time. Just the remaining Frankenstein potions from back in the day are enough to deal another blow to their still-recovering vitality.”
Now, the main family is still watching the fight from the sidelines, but as far as I know, my uncle Jiu Shan is currently negotiating privately with the Engel family, intending to transfer the Frankenstein potions obtained from the Tanaka family back in the day in exchange for some collaborative benefits.
As for anything else, a marquis family might have the guts to drink a soup but has yet to have the qualifications to poke their fingers into the Ancestor Plan; with the James family watching, the old elders aren’t keen on becoming the second Tanaka family.
Having said this, He Jianqingya’s face was full of self-deprecation.
Wan Yue stood up, slowly pacing in the living room, a sly smile on her face: “Angel, Holy Grail, Vanguard… the names sound quite pleasant. Boldly theorizing, there might very well be at least one more secret project above the Level 1 projects of the Ancestor Plan.”
He Jianqingya chuckled, shaking her head repeatedly: “Yes, otherwise, merely viewing from these projects still cannot explain why the Ancestor Plan must arrange for the grandmother to hunt blood within Huaguo. It’s likely only the Engel family, inheriting the Goebbels family stain, would know.”
This is also the secret that both the Dark Arrow and the Wang family are investigating… one thing is certain: the queen cannot return to the Ancestor, and this round of the Ancestor Plan will fail once again.
Well then, I won’t disturb you any further with the detailed documentation… the scenery here is beautiful; I want to go out and take a look.
After speaking, He Jianqingya lifted the hem of her skirt, slightly curtsying, as always, elegantly and graciously.
“Wait, He Jianqingya.”
Wan Yue pondered for a moment, calling out to He Jianqingya as she was about to leave, “What is it you wish to gain by revealing the secrets held by the Fujiwara family to me?”
After a brief pause, He Jianqingya turned back and spoke slowly: “To borrow a wife or seek a marriage, help me achieve a revenge, killing someone who has distorted me both physically and mentally in the past and present. Additionally, I want to join Hyacinth.”
Wan Yue smiled: “Alright, when Zhong Jing comes out, I will arrange for you to meet someone.”
“I will go with Jing-kun? Is it related to me?”
He Jianqingya was taken aback, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“Yes, the relation is significant. I hope it helps him accept everything faster. This world is too chaotic for him; he needs a new life goal.”
“For you, he is also the best partner to achieve revenge.”
He Jianqingya fell silent, nodded slightly, and then lifted her skirt as she stepped out.
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly ambiguous; Jiang Yao still clung to Zhong Jing, somewhat unrestrained. Even when breakfast arrived from Jiang Yan, she hadn’t let go, but compared to before, her face was completely flushed.
Are you just taking advantage of me… ladies and gentlemen should keep their distance, Jiang girl.
Zhong Jing felt his upper body ached incessantly, unable to hold back, he finally used both hands, trying to peel Jiang Yao off his body.
“No, I want to wait for He Jianqingya to see… No, your heartbeat is racing. You are just a scumbag! Why pretend to be a gentleman? Just treat me as a brother!”
Jiang Yao pushed back against Zhong Jing’s pulls with all her strength.
How do you know she is at Hyacinth Villa? Zhong Jing raised an eyebrow, and his actions froze momentarily.
Because I sensed it before I opened my eyes, sneaky and silent. Including my sister, Sister Wan, and Grandfather Jin, I actually sensed it all!
As she said this, Jiang Yao laughed, feeling somewhat proud.
But as her laughter faded, her expression grew despondent.
“Zhong Jing, I want to move out…” Still hugging him, Jiang Yao tightened her grip, her face buried into his chest, “I feel like I should live independently, managing my own life.”
“Is it about Yan Ping?” Zhong Jing furrowed his brow, straightening Jiang Yao’s body, “Can’t you accept their point of view?”
Jiang Yao fell silent, merely pressing her ear against his chest, seemingly listening to his heartbeat.
Suddenly, Jiang Yao’s nose twitched twice, slowly pulling away from Zhong Jing’s body, a hint of suspicion crossing her face: “Why do I smell a bloodline scent on you?”
Did you sleep with her!?
For reasons unknown, Jiang Yao erupted in fury, but then suddenly froze again, continuing to twitch her nose, even bringing her face closer to Zhong Jing.
Why do I feel there’s a strange smell inside you? Have you been invaded by blood?
Jiang Yao’s face turned pale, her hands gripping Zhong Jing’s waist trembling.
Zhong Jing’s expression remained tranquil; he slowly peeled Jiang Yao’s hand away, took out a cigarette, lit it, and said nothing.
“It was He Jianqingya, wasn’t it? I’ll kill her!”
The heavy and mysterious aura faded again. The familiar scent, which had once been concealed, erupted on Jiang Yao, exuding aggression and killing intent.
Jiang Yao straightened her body, her face clouding with rage, and kicked off the blanket, about to get out of bed, when she sensed something and quickly withdrew, looking embarrassed.
Nothing, just that Aunt Flo has arrived.
It’s a long story… Ultimately, it still relates to the Fujiwara family; now He Jianqingya is our ally.
Zhong Jing held Jiang Yao’s hand, a bitter smile on his face.
How long have you been hiding this from me? Was it all for the so-called big picture, or are you making excuses for her?
Jiang Yao slapped Zhong Jing’s hand away, her brows furrowing tighter.
You can be free, but someone has to think and do some things… Alright, don’t be stubborn; I’ll find the master. You hurry and have breakfast.
Zhong Jing patted Jiang Yao’s shoulder, turning to leave the room.
With the room now empty, Jiang Yao quickly dug out her “emergency supplies” and a new pair of underwear from the bedside cabinet and dashed into the bathroom in two or three steps.
A few minutes later, Jiang Yao lay back on the bed, suddenly covering her face with her hand, as if she had something extremely embarrassing she couldn’t reveal.
Strange, why did I become a big monster in my dream and feel an urge to have a child with Zhong Jing… Am I a freak?
Pulling up the blanket, covering her face, Jiang Yao trembled slightly all over.
