Chapter 102: Reasons—Are They Necessary? Or Not? (Third Update, Bonus for Two Hundred Monthly Tickets!)

Xia Yan stared at Chen Feng in a daze, unable to utter a single word for a moment. She didn’t even know what she ought to say. If she were in his place, what would she do? For a while, Xia Yan could only remain silent. Chen Feng stood up and spoke calmly, “Sister Xia, I’ve said everything I needed to say. I’ll be leaving now.”

With that, Chen Feng turned and left the restaurant. Xia Yan sighed softly, uncertain how to describe her feelings. Chen Feng had ignored her—though this busty policewoman had crossed paths with him, they were destined to belong to two different worlds.

When Chen Feng returned to the hospital, he found that his parents had already awakened. Their bodies were recovering rapidly, astonishing the hospital doctors. The injuries that had once seemed so severe now healed at an extraordinary speed.

The hospital staff conducted thorough examinations on Chen Feng’s parents, but ultimately found nothing unusual. Chen Feng, anxious that the doctors might discover abnormalities in their blood, was relieved when nothing was detected. It reminded him of the movie “Captain America,” where a group tried to draw blood from the Captain, but even after all those years and technological advancements, they never managed to recreate the original super-soldier serum.

Soon after, Chen Feng arranged for his parents to be discharged. He knew well that once their weakness faded, their bodies would recover quickly. After returning home today, tomorrow they would be as if nothing had happened.

Yet in reality, Chen Feng was overthinking it. His parents still needed about five days to fully recover. During these five days, their bodies underwent remarkable changes: their hair, once graying, turned jet black; their appearance grew increasingly youthful.

His father, Chen Ze, began to develop a muscular build. His mother, Xiao Sufen, didn’t acquire muscles like Chen Ze, but her looks grew younger and more beautiful.

Chen Feng understood perfectly that these were effects of the super-soldier serum. He dared not reveal the truth, only feigning surprise at their rejuvenation. Chen Ze and Xiao Sufen had no explanation for these changes and ultimately accepted them with equanimity.

After all, becoming younger and healthier was a blessing.

During those five days, Luo Yongjiang was placed under investigation. The prevailing opinion was that Luo Yongjiang had committed suicide out of guilt. The day after his death, newspapers reported on the misdeeds he had committed over the years: forced demolitions, illegal sales, organizing thugs.

The news painted Luo Yongjiang as a monstrous villain. When the police turned their attention to him, he realized his days were numbered and chose to end his life, taking his son with him.

This explanation satisfied many. The dead cannot defend themselves; what others say is of little consequence.

What surprised Chen Feng most was that he actually gained a substantial number of achievement points because of this.

As for the Black Skull mercenaries, it was as though they had never appeared in Jiangzhou. No one knew they had ever been there.

Xiao Yu’s grand, luxurious office.

Chen Feng stretched his limbs. Over these five days, he finally overcame the discomfort that had plagued him after the killings.

This time, Xiao Yu had summoned Chen Feng to discuss upcoming arrangements. Jiangzhou Television had already begun advertising the event, and Xiao Yu was spending money like water—another five million was offered as prize money for the competition.

“That’s it. We’ve confirmed twenty-eight participants!” Xiao Yu sat elegantly across from Chen Feng, handing him a file. “Here is the information on the other twenty-seven contestants. Take a look.”

Chen Feng examined the file carefully. Every person’s strengths, their signature dishes, and ratings were detailed thoroughly.

He dared not underestimate anyone. After reviewing the information, he felt much more confident.

After an hour, Chen Feng put down the file and nodded. “I understand now. I don’t think I’ll have much trouble; it shouldn’t be too difficult to surpass them.”

Xiao Yu smiled, asking, “How are you feeling? Still unsettled?”

“No, I’m fine now,” Chen Feng replied, smiling at Xiao Yu. “I’m much better. But I’m still worried about the Black Skull mercenaries. If they send people after us again, what should I do?”

Xiao Yu looked at Chen Feng seriously. “Silly brother, don’t worry about that. Remember, our nation is a peaceful and sovereign country. The Black Skull mercenaries may have numbers, but they could never stand against our state apparatus. If they come, they’ll never all arrive at once—they’d have to come in small groups. If there are more than a hundred, they’ll be noticed. They just lost nearly forty men in one go; they won’t dare to scatter themselves and come.”

“I see. Still, we shouldn’t underestimate them.” Xiao Yu nodded. “Rest assured, I’ll arrange for some bodyguards to watch over your parents. They won’t have to follow them closely, just keep an eye on their surroundings.”

“That’s best.” Chen Feng nodded. Honestly, his relationship with Xiao Yu was quite close, even more so than with Fang Yue. There were things he could say freely to Xiao Yu, but not to Fang Yue.

While they were talking, Chen Feng’s phone suddenly rang. He took it out, surprised to see that the call was from Fang Yue.

“Sorry, I have to step out for a moment,” Chen Feng said, smiling at Xiao Yu.

“Alright,” Xiao Yu nodded, not stopping him. Chen Feng took his phone outside, pressed the answer button, and spoke gently, “Hello, Fang Yue? Where are you?”

“Chen Feng!” Fang Yue’s voice was soft, tinged with sadness.

“What’s wrong?” Chen Feng asked gently. “Are you upset about something?”

Fang Yue spoke quietly, “Can we meet? There are things I want to say to you.”

“Of course,” Chen Feng nodded. “How about we meet at Manli Café?”

“Okay.” Fang Yue’s voice carried a single note.

Chen Feng exhaled softly. He sensed that Fang Yue’s kidnapping had left a psychological shadow. Seeing her current dejected mood, Chen Feng wasn’t sure what he should do. After saying goodbye to Xiao Yu, he went straight to the café near the school.

This Manli Café was the very place where Chen Feng first clashed with Luo Wenhao.

When he entered, Fang Yue was waiting by the window.

“Fang Yue,” Chen Feng smiled, approaching her. “Are your exams over? How did you do?”

“I managed,” Fang Yue replied quietly. She looked at Chen Feng, and after a long silence, finally spoke hesitantly, “We... we should break up.”

“Why?” Chen Feng’s fingers clenched slightly, his gaze intense.

Fang Yue turned her head, avoiding his eyes, and whispered, “You’re a good person.”

“Look at me. Don’t lie. Tell me—why?” Chen Feng demanded. “I don’t want excuses. Just answer me. Why?”

“I... I,” Fang Yue stammered, looking at Chen Feng. “I’m not good enough for you. Because of me, you were shot. Because of me... I... I don’t know. I feel like I’m just a burden to you, I can’t help you, I’m not worthy of you. Every time I think of how you took a bullet for me, I feel like I’m dreaming. I’m so sorry!”

Chen Feng sighed softly, suddenly reaching out to embrace Fang Yue. Feeling her trembling body, he spoke gently, “No, I’m the one who dragged you into this. If not for me, you wouldn’t have been kidnapped. I’m the one who should apologize.”

Fang Yue froze, and Chen Feng continued, “I don’t agree to breaking up. Absolutely not. You’re not my burden, never.”

Hearing Chen Feng’s words, Fang Yue couldn’t hold back her tears, leaning into his arms, unable to say anything.

Suddenly, Chen Feng realized something. He’d been obsessing over how to explain the use of the super-soldier serum to others, but did he really need to? The system would directly apply the effects of the serum to the intended recipient—who would know it was Chen Feng who had given them the super-soldier serum?

His parents’ bodies had become robust, and they chose to keep the secret. Just as he had the Extraction System, and wouldn’t let anyone else know, there was no need for explanations to Fang Yue; he could simply let the super-soldier serum’s effects be bestowed upon her.

Is a reason necessary? Or not?

(The third update is done. Tonight I have to catch a flight, so tomorrow’s update might be delayed a bit. I’ll see if there’s time to write at the airport. Speaking of which, seeing how hard Wind is working to write, shouldn’t everyone give Wind some strong support? To be continued…)