The gaze of the White Robed Experimenter flickered in the cold light, a complex smile curling at the corners of his mouth, as if engaged in a silent contest.
"Leng Fengyang, you are indeed clever, using what we care about most as leverage. Do you really think that mere empty words will make me release them? You are overestimating yourself."
The White Robed Experimenter glanced at the name on Leng Fengyang's identification card, and his tone suddenly shifted. He pushed up the frames of his glasses, a deep glint passing through his eyes before he continued, "I understand that in this unpredictable apocalypse, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. If you are willing, we can discuss terms—an agreement that both sides can accept."
Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Leng Fengyang's lips. His sharp eyes seemed to see through to the heart of the matter as he slowly spoke, "Terms? Let's hear them. Be clear: any actions detrimental to my friends will result in an immediate termination of our cooperation, with no room for negotiation."
The White Robed Experimenter nodded slightly, a glimmer of assessment and consideration in his eyes as he replied, "In that case, I promise that once you provide the formula, I will ensure your friends return safely and confirm their safety to you personally."
It sounded like a trap; he relished the challenge.
A faint smile crossed Leng Fengyang's face, his eyes sparkling with a desire for the unknown challenge. Then he shifted his tone decisively: "However, after the exchange is completed, we must completely sever ties."
The White Robed Experimenter removed his medical gloves and extended his right hand toward Leng Fengyang. Luo Shanhe quickly stepped forward to block him, fully aware that Leng Fengyang intended to shoulder the risks alone.
He turned away and whispered urgently in Leng Fengyang's ear, "A-Feng, are you crazy to cooperate with these people? Besides, once the formula is out, not only will we be doomed; you won't survive either."
A flash of determination crossed Leng Fengyang's eyes. He gently patted Luo Shanhe's shoulder and spoke with unwavering conviction: "It's precisely because I understand the stakes involved that I've decided to do this. Lao Luo, take A Yan and leave first. Your safety is my greatest concern. As long as you can break free from their grasp, I have my own way to escape."
These words were Leng Fengyang's heartfelt promise to his brother in a moment of crisis. Even when faced with uncertainty between life and death, he was determined to pave a way for their safety.
At this critical juncture of life-and-death choices, there was no trace of fear or retreat in Leng Fengyang's gaze; instead, it shone brighter as if fueled by an unyielding flame.
He knew he was the leader of the team. In this apocalypse, he bore the weight of responsibility and the meaning of sacrifice. This resolve was not just for personal survival but also to protect those closest to him and uphold an unspoken sense of justice and belief.
"Lao Luo, we both know that this formula is not merely about profit; it could also unleash unforeseen disasters. If we can use it as bait to draw out the true mastermind behind it all and even dismantle that insidious plot threatening everyone, then what does personal survival matter?"
Though Leng Fengyang's voice was soft, each word resonated with undeniable strength.
Luo Shanhe's eyes reddened at these words. He grasped Leng Fengyang's hand tightly, his voice trembling: "A-Feng, you always do this—taking on danger yourself while leaving us safe. This time, I won't let you face everything alone. We are brothers; we share life and death together. Either we leave together or stay together—no one gets left behind!"
"You two big guys are at it again; it's not like we're facing separation by death," A Yan interjected wisely. "We need to get out of here quickly and not hold back A-Feng."
Leng Fengyang had two purposes for doing this.
First, he wanted to use this formula as a key for exchange to ensure that Luo Shanhe and he could escape safely before looking for opportunities from outside to lend assistance.
Second, he aimed to delve into danger alone without any ties or worries behind him so he could showcase his abilities and uncover the truth.
The method of exchange was simple: they would leave together and reach the Safe Zone before calling him to confirm their safety; then he would naturally provide the formula for the Zombie Toxin Vaccine.
Leng Fengyang watched as A Yan and Luo Shanhe left, making a corresponding promise to the White-Robed Experimenter.
"Wait!"
The White-Robed Experimenter seemed to have thought of something, ordering the soldiers to block Luo Shanhe and the others' path. Leng Fengyang's heart sank; could it be that this guy had discovered some flaw?
"Leng Fengyang, how do I know that the formula you provided is genuine?"
"I'm here as your hostage. As for whether the formula is real or not, you're the scientist; you should be the expert. Can't you verify it and find out?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the White-Robed Experimenter's doubts seemed to be blown away by a gust of wind. He nodded slightly and then waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to escort A Yan and Luo Shanhe safely away.
Seeing this, Leng Fengyang felt a weight lift off his chest. He slowly exhaled a long breath, then leisurely found a chair to sit down, closing his eyes in contemplation. However, his mind was already meticulously calculating the possible variables he might encounter next and how to respond cleverly to ensure everything remained under his control.
Leng Fengyang knew that even if the formula was accepted as genuine at this moment, the bubble of lies would eventually burst, especially in this era of advanced technology and endless verification methods. He had to prepare for any potential reversals well in advance.
He opened his eyes and scanned the surroundings with a deep gaze, quickly sketching out a bold plan in his mind.
A few minutes later, the laboratory phone rang; it was A Yan calling, confirming that they were safe.
Leng Fengyang immediately wrote a list containing the ratios needed for the Zombie Toxin Vaccine. This was not the same ratio as that detected during the System Notification of Abnormal Human Transformation, meaning that following this ratio would not produce a vaccine capable of resisting Corpse Poison.
The White-Robed Experimenter took the list, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation for the results. A group of people hurried into the laboratory and quickly engaged in tense yet orderly work.
However, Leng Fengyang had already planned ahead. He feigned pain, clutching his abdomen, and reported to the White-Robed Experimenter: "Sir, I’m very sorry; I suddenly have severe abdominal pain and urgently need to use the restroom."
After receiving understanding and approval from the White-Robed Experimenter, two fully armed soldiers roughly escorted him to the most secluded corner of the laboratory—the restroom located deep inside.
As soon as he stepped into the restroom, Leng Fengyang immediately drained the toilet's water and lit a cigarette. He looked around until his gaze finally landed on an inconspicuous vent system entrance on the ceiling.
It seemed like fate was smiling upon him; this detail that had been overlooked during the day was now key to his escape.
A surge of joy filled Leng Fengyang as he quickly assessed the feasibility of using this vent as an escape route and silently determined his next course of action. He knew time was of the essence; he had to act swiftly. After confirming that no one was watching, Leng Fengyang cautiously approached the vent opening.
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