Chapter 91

Tao Shushu searched the game store for a long time but couldn’t find any regeneration grass seeds. She had no choice but to give up.
Although Zhou Yan complained about the hassle, he still allowed the small robot to monitor his vital signs without protest.
Cheng Feimao, valuing his life even more, disinfected himself again after receiving the serum injection.
Tao Shushu found it amusing.
But after laughing, she suddenly realized something. “Nan Yuan, I’ve always thought that the serum was a golden finger the system gave you, the cure for the zombie virus. But this serum requires too much regeneration grass, which is extremely rare. Even if we had the seeds, it would be difficult to cultivate on a large scale. And even if we could produce the serum, how long would it take to administer it through injections?”
The production capacity and efficiency of the serum were completely mismatched with the current number of zombies.
Previously, everyone had focused on gathering the serum ingredients. Only now, after obtaining a “semi-finished” serum, did the issue of production capacity become apparent.
Nan Yuan nodded. “Chu released the zombie virus through large-scale gaseous dispersion.”
Tao Shushu agreed. “Right, so I think there should be an easier way to accomplish all this.”
Whether it’s obtaining the serum ingredients or completing the detoxification process, there should be a matching method for the cure.
As soon as Tao Shushu finished speaking, a task notification popped up on her phone: [Please assist Nan Yuan in defeating Chu. Reward: Regeneration Factor (extracted from the Regeneration Grass), Gold Coins ×100,000. Hint: Influence Value is the key to victory.]
The game system hadn’t issued any tasks for a long time. Tao Shushu noticed that it mentioned both the Regeneration Grass and Influence Value at the same time.
"It seems we must defeat Chu first," Tao Shushu said, sensing that this battle would arrive soon.
Nan Yuan also saw Tao Shushu’s system panel and asked, "So, when Shushu helped me before, was it because of a task?"
Because of the possibility of Zhou Yan being infected, Nan Yuan’s expression had been heavy. At that moment, he sat quietly in a chair, his eyelids slightly lowered, the redness at the corners of his eyes not yet faded, making him look somewhat pitiful.
Tao Shushu paused briefly before quickly replying, "It wasn’t a task, and I don’t just help anyone I meet. It’s because it was you."
"Mm." Nan Yuan smiled.
Sometimes, he felt greedy. He knew very well that the Shushu who would give him fruit to eat, always wanted to see him in new clothes, secretly teased Scarface and Dr. Xie to vent his anger for him, and even cheered enthusiastically for simple fireworks, was definitely not kind to him because of a task.
Yet, he couldn’t help but want to hear Shushu say it.
"Nan Yuan is the best!" Tao Shushu looked at him sincerely. "You’re the very best person I’ve ever met."
After praising Nan Yuan, Tao Shushu discussed their next steps with him.
"When people acknowledge you, your Influence Value increases," Tao Shushu briefly explained the concept of Influence Value.
To raise their Influence Value, they needed to interact with a sufficient number of people.
Near the shipping routes, there were over a dozen planets with human survivors, and Red Ore Planet was one of them.
"Let’s go to Red Ore Planet first," Nan Yuan said firmly, looking at the map.
Tao Shushu nodded. "Nan Yuan, is Red Ore Planet the planet you most want to visit?"
He often studied the map.
Tao Shushu remembered how, during the apocalypse, she had always hoped for it to end. In an environment of constant fighting, where death could come at any moment, many people developed psychological issues from the weariness of the apocalypse.
Nan Yuan had also endured many hardships, but he always had a clear, unwavering goal.
Nan Yuan glanced at Tao Shushu. "Shushu, I know there are weapons left by human scientists on Red Ore Planet that can be used against Chu. I do want to go there."
However, the place he most wanted to visit was at the far edge of the galaxy. Only by going there could he find a way to reach Shushu.
"Then let’s go to Red Ore Planet. And your homeworld, Central Star, no place humans wish to go should be occupied by artificial intelligence."
Tao Shushu also agreed to go to Red Ore Planet, they needed to seize the initiative before the initial analysis revealed the truth.
The starship and battleship were traveling at full speed.
Nan Yuan continued his observations. Based on data provided by the survivors, infection with the zombie virus typically led to mutation within two hours.
Fortunately, after two hours, neither Zhou Yan nor Cheng Feimao showed any abnormal physical signs, and their blood analyses revealed no unusual readings.
Cheng Feimao was thrilled to learn that their chances of infection had significantly decreased.
Zhou Yan laughed heartily, "Maybe the zombie virus has mostly broken down. We've evolved, we're not so easily infected."
Nan Yuan didn’t indulge in the joke. "We still need continuous monitoring. From now on, you need to be more careful."
Zhou Yan’s smile faded. "Nan Yuan, I also hope I’m not infected, it would prove our formula works against zombies." He paused, his voice sounding distant over the video communication system. "We still have many teammates waiting for us."
"Mm." Nan Yuan nodded solemnly. Even if this formula proved ineffective, he was determined to find a working solution.
Interstellar travel was time-consuming, and they frequently encountered AI blockades along the way. Fortunately, the battleship was advanced enough to significantly boost the survivors' combat power, allowing them to resolve each encounter swiftly.
After finishing all her exam papers, Tao Shushu slowly packed her schoolbag.
Seeing this, Nan Yuan smiled and said, "Shushu, it’s still a long way to Red Ore Planet. You should rest."
In front of Nan Yuan, he had produced another batch of robots, sufficient to handle some combat situations.
It was late at night. Tao Shushu nodded and bought some energy balls for Nan Yuan. "Alright, I’ll come see you first thing tomorrow morning."
"Mm, I’ll be waiting," Nan Yuan replied.
After logging out of the game, Tao Shushu packed her suitcase. Starting tomorrow, she would begin a two-week closed training camp.
Tao Shushu was confident in her abilities and felt no stress. Soon, she had packed her clothes and books, everything she needed to grab and go the next day.
Just as she finished packing, her mother returned home.
Her mother pulled her close, concerned. "Shushu, why didn’t you go out and have fun today? This training camp will last half a month, who knows if the food there is any good, and you’ll be boarding there too..."
Her mother chattered on and on.
Tao Shushu patted her mother’s hand. "It’s fine, Mom. I enjoy studying. Besides, the training is on a university campus, the food will be good."
"You’ve really grown up, Shushu. But you still have to finish this chicken soup."
Her mother watched as Tao Shushu drank the soup eagerly and smiled warmly.
Just then, Tao Shushu’s phone rang. Her mother picked it up and handed it to her, exclaiming, "Oh my, Shushu, why is your phone so hot?"
Tao Shushu touched it, it had been running the game all day, so it was indeed warm. She quickly took the phone and accidentally launched the game without noticing.
"Maybe I used it a bit too much today," Tao Shushu said.
Her mother chuckled. "What app were you using? Shushu, I remember you never liked playing on your phone before."
"Just playing some games," Tao Shushu replied.
"But the earpiece is hot too." Her mother smiled meaningfully. "Shushu, you must be in love, right? Can’t bear to be apart from your little boyfriend during the training camp, so you chatted all day?"
"No," Tao Shushu said helplessly. Her parents were always gossipy about this sort of thing and constantly encouraged her to follow her heart when it came to romance.
On the other side, Nan Yuan's straight back suddenly stiffened, and his wildly beating heart gradually calmed down.
He was in the middle of coding when he saw Shushu activate the program again. Just as he was about to ask her something, he overheard Shushu and her mother talking.
Even though he knew others couldn't see him, Nan Yuan instinctively sat up straighter, even smoothing down his hair. Though Shushu's family couldn't perceive him, he was always prepared for inspection.
Unexpectedly, Shushu's mother asked if it was her boyfriend.
Nan Yuan instantly grew tense. He had never confessed his feelings to Shushu, the distance between them spanned two universes, filled with far too many uncertainties.
He didn't want Shushu to be stuck in another universe, waiting for nothing more than a paper-thin existence, so he chose not to burden her with his feelings.
Yet, he couldn't help but harbor selfish hopes.
On the other end, Shushu was playfully whining to her mother.
Nan Yuan smiled wryly to himself, not wanting Shushu to know he had overheard their conversation. The communication channel could only be initiated by Shushu. Nan Yuan widened his eyes, desperately searching the screen in front of him for a way to disconnect.
Mrs. Tao watched with an amused smile as her daughter hid her phone. She patted Shushu gently and said, "Our Shushu has grown up and keeps secrets from her mom now? I'm still young and open-minded, I won't object. Besides, it's not like it'll affect your studies."
Shushu chuckled softly. "It's really not like that."
Amid her mother's teasing laughter, Shushu realized that her relationship with Nan Yuan was indeed a secret. Her ears flushed red, and she buried her face in her mother's embrace. "He's not my boyfriend. Due to some... practical reasons, I can't meet him in person, but he's really handsome and kind."
As she spoke, there was a hint of pride in her voice that she didn't even notice herself. "He's the most amazing person I've ever met."
"Oh~" Mrs. Tao hugged her daughter. "Someone who earns such high praise from our Shushu, Mom is curious too."
On the other side, Nan Yuan's heart began racing again. It seemed... Shushu liked him too.
He covered his suddenly burning face.
In his ear, an electronic voice repeated: "Congratulations on activating System 001. Confirm to disconnect?"
Mrs. Tao started sharing dating tips with her daughter. Shushu covered her face and said, "Mom, I've finished my soup. I need to call Anyu back. You and Dad should rest early too."
Mrs. Tao left the room with a smile.
Before Shushu could pick up her phone, Nan Yuan disconnected the call.
Shushu picked up her phone and let out a puzzled sound. "Huh? Why is my phone still so hot?"
She then dialed Li Anyu's number.
Li Anyu answered the phone in a second. "Shushu, you're leaving for training camp tomorrow. I wanted to help you relax today, but you're ignoring me to play games."
"Relax, I'm not worried about the exam. Why would I need to relax?" Tao Shushu said. "Doing problems is relaxing enough."
Li Anyu, the academic underachiever, choked up.
After the two friends chatted about all sorts of things for a while, Li Anyu brought up serious matters. "By the way, Shushu, you asked me to keep an eye out for anyone suddenly rising in our circle like a novel protagonist, but I haven't found anyone. The Qin family's resource flow is normal too. Aside from the Gu family, no one else is monopolizing major shares."
Qin Rui had faced consequences, but Tao Shushu knew the Academic Genius System wouldn't easily abandon its schemes.
It was highly likely to try manipulating others again.
That's why Tao Shushu had specifically asked Li Anyu to pay close attention.
"Hmm. Among the Qin family's funds, has any been taken over by unknown parties?" Tao Shushu asked. Chu was also a system from another world that had established itself through artificial intelligence with the goal of obtaining energy. The Academic Genius System might follow a similar path.
"None, I checked carefully. But there is one strange thing. Previously, most of the Qin family's funds and connections were in Country F. Back when Qin Rui suddenly wanted to start some laboratory, I noticed some funds were still allocated to the lab and haven't been withdrawn."
"Oh? Anyu, could you keep an eye on that part for me?" Tao Shushu said.
They chatted for a while longer before Li Anyu reluctantly ended the call. "Shushu, I know you'll definitely win the gold medal. Go for it!"
After hanging up, Tao Shushu picked up her phone and sent a message to Gu Lanchun, asking her to keep an eye out as well.
After thinking for a moment, Tao Shushu activated Xun.
"Xun, please monitor if there have been any suddenly emerging, highly advanced artificial intelligences online recently, particularly those focused on high-tech topics."
Xun blinked and set off rows of fireworks on the screen. "Okay, I'll serve you 24/7."
Tao Shushu put on a face mask and went to sleep contentedly.
In the C1 star system, Nan Yuan quickly wrote code. The memories he received were hazy, and there was a significant difference between the programming languages of the C1 star system and those of Aqua Blue Star.
But Nan Yuan seemed naturally proficient in both languages. His fingers danced gracefully, and within just over ten minutes, he had written hundreds of lines of logically rigorous, error-free code.
Nan Yuan spent some resources to feed the code to Xun, instructing it to begin searching within Aqua Blue Star's network.
System 001 spoke in the most primitive mechanical voice, "Congratulations on completing the task. It was a pleasure working with you."
Nan Yuan held his forehead and began processing the additional memories in his mind, the memories of when he was called Lu Nan Yuan and shared the same world as Shushu.