Chapter 90: Four Methods of Gene Optimization

“I’ll go out for a bit?”

Zhao Jiayi asked cautiously from beside her.

She had recently learned—not to eavesdrop on matters that didn’t concern her—though she was also very curious, she added.

“Jiayi, you’re such a good girl, it’s fine.”

Chen Yanan smiled, unable to resist pinching her cheek, and said with a warm grin: “You’ll be family soon anyway—you should’ve known sooner.”

She had met Zhao Jiayi during her hospital stay, and during her return to duty, she often chatted with Zhao Jiayi, genuinely fond of this simple, beautiful girl—especially since Lin Qing clearly treated Zhao Jiayi differently, and she naturally extended her affection to her.

“Really?” Zhao Jiayi’s eyes lit up, and she turned to look at Lin Qing.

“If my sister says you can listen, then you can.” Lin Qing shook his head slightly.

Chen Yanan paused, then said: “I made this decision after careful thought. Miss Anna from Dawn Group also offered excellent terms last night.”

“Can you tell me?” Lin Qing asked.

He knew many contracts required confidentiality, especially regarding compensation—details couldn’t be casually disclosed.

Chen Yanan thought for a moment and said: “Three clauses in the contract concern you—I can reveal those, but nothing else.”

“Concern me?” Lin Qing frowned.

“First, a family assistance fund—fifty million.” Chen Yanan said.

“Fifty million?” Lin Qing exclaimed.

The total value of all the benefits he, as a combat strategy genius, had received probably didn’t reach fifty million—though some benefits were priceless.

But this was only the first clause.

So, his cousin was valued highly by Dawn Group too?

“Fifty million is little.”

Chen Yanan shook her head: “To Dawn Group, fifty million outside the Urban Zone means nothing—they only gave this amount to avoid excessive interference beyond the Urban Zone.”

Lin Qing understood.

Indeed, the Dawn Group was a joint venture between Earth and an extraterrestrial civilization; although inferior to the Wisdom Star Group, it was still a major power within the Urban Zone, nearly on par with Chaoyang Wu Guan.

Even the Patrol Headquarters owed its current status and strength to Dawn Group’s favor.

To Dawn Group, fifty million was trivial. “Second—though I know what your answer will be, I still want to ask you…”

Chen Yanan looked at Lin Qing and said: “Dawn Group granted me the right to reside in the Urban Zone. Would you be willing to live there with me?”

“Live in the Urban Zone?” Lin Qing paused, then asked: “Did Dawn Group grant extra residency slots?”

This benefit was astonishing.

Even many elite talents working in the Urban Zone held only work visas—either living in dormitories or forced to leave after work ended.

Even genius students admitted to Urban Zone universities were the same: they could live in dorms during studies but couldn’t leave freely.

If they failed to secure a high-paying job after graduation, they could only work in the Urban Zone—but still couldn’t reside there; only those with residency permits could rent housing.

Chen Yanan not only received a residency permit herself, but could also grant one to family members? This was like ascending to heaven in one step! “My case is unusual. After deliberation, Dawn Group’s senior leadership believes my exceptional adaptability to mechanical neural interfaces holds significant potential.”

Chen Yanan shook her head slightly: “I’m grateful you applied for the Hongjun-series mechanical prosthetics for me—without them, Dawn Group would never have noticed me.”

Lin Qing pondered for a long moment, then asked: “How many residency slots? One? Or two?”

He knew it couldn’t be three.

Otherwise, Chen Yanan wouldn’t have asked so carefully—she only cared about her uncle, aunt, and him.

“Two,” Chen Yanan sighed helplessly. “Dawn Group says it’s policy—only direct relatives, and they must live with me.”

“I see.”

Lin Qing smiled, teasing: “Good—I heard the Urban Zone isn’t suitable for someone like me anyway. I’m not particularly eager to go. Why don’t you split the family assistance fund with me? I’m short on cash lately.”

Chen Yanan fell silent, then walked over and hugged him.

She spoke with regret: “I’m sorry, Xiao Qing. I begged them multiple times, but I really can’t take you with me…”

“I really don’t want to go,” Lin Qing patted her back. “Besides, I’ve risen to Patrol Chief here—I wouldn’t quit just to move to the Urban Zone.”

Hearing this, Chen Yanan sighed and held him tighter.

She knew Lin Qing was saying this only to ease her guilt.

After all—it was the Urban Zone.

There, advanced technology, knowledge, resources, and opportunities far surpassed those on Earth—even cultivation and evolution offered far greater prospects than outside the Urban Zone.

This made her feel even more guilty and ashamed.

Lin Qing had just helped her immensely—risking his life to avenge her by killing the escaped prisoner Chu Tianyao from Qinghu Island.

And yet, she couldn’t take him with her to the Urban Zone…

“Sis, I really don’t want to go.”

Lin Qing sighed helplessly, patting her back, and whispered: “The Patrol Chief who came from headquarters told me too—for me, opportunities here might be greater than in the Urban Zone. I’m not lying.”

Chen Yanan froze slightly, then loosened her grip and asked: “Really?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Lin Qing smiled: “Besides, it should be Aunt and Cousin who go with you. I’ve already drawn the ire of the Primitive Research Institute—I’m worried you’ll be dragged into trouble because of me.”

He spoke the truth.

Though he was curious about the legendary Urban Zone, he had no reason to take up Cousin’s or Aunt’s slots.

“Um…”

Zhao Jiayi spoke up cautiously: “My uncle, who used to be a patrol officer, said the Urban Zone invites elite personnel from the Patrol Headquarters every year—they grant residency permits and offer high compensation. I think Lin Qing could get the same opportunity someday…”

Lin Qing glanced at her.

He suddenly remembered—when they first met, Zhao Jiayi had mentioned she had an uncle who was once a patrol officer.

An uncle who had been a patrol officer? Even he, as Patrol Chief, didn’t know this kind of information—how could Zhao Jiayi’s uncle, who was just a former patrol officer, know this? But Lin Qing was still comforting Chen Yanan, so he didn’t press her—he only said to her: “Did you hear that, Sis? Go first—I’ll join you someday.”

Chen Yanan paused, then said: “I’m leaving you the entire fifty million family assistance fund.”

“All of it?” Lin Qing blinked.

“Currency from Earth has little value in the Urban Zone,” Chen Yanan shook her head. “Just take it.”

Lin Qing didn’t refuse—he nodded slightly and accepted: “Alright. I’ve been short on cash lately—this is perfectly timed.”

“And the third benefit—it’s for you too,” Chen Yanan said.

“Another benefit for me?” Lin Qing was surprised.

“You’ve already mastered the original Chaoyang Training Method. Your next step is gene awakening, right?”

Chen Yanan looked at him: “This benefit concerns gene optimization. When Dawn Group comes to take us away, their specialists will present you with several gene optimization options—you can choose the one that suits you best.”

“Gene optimization options?” Lin Qing was even more astonished. “Several?”

He had recently used his Patrol Chief’s authority to review many methods and types of gene optimization—he had some understanding.

Even within the Patrol Headquarters, this was an extremely valuable opportunity.

Clearly, Chen Yanan’s value in Dawn Group’s eyes was even higher than he’d imagined. But…

From what Anna of Dawn Group had said that day, Chen Yanan’s adaptability to mechanical prosthetics was unprecedented—unmatched even within Dawn Group. Perhaps, to them, her value far surpassed his own as Patrol Chief.

“I don’t understand gene optimization details—you know more. You should discuss directly with Dawn Group’s specialists.”

Chen Yanan sighed: “I knew you’d choose to stay, so I negotiated with Dawn Group in advance. This is their compensation to me—use it without hesitation.”

Lin Qing fell silent, then nodded.

“Work hard. The company’s situation is unusual—after I reach the Urban Zone, I won’t be able to return to see you for two years.”

Chen Yanan patted his shoulder gently: “I’ll wait for you to come visit me in the Urban Zone.”

“Don’t worry, Sis—I’ll definitely come to the Urban Zone to see you,” Lin Qing said seriously.

“Mm, our Xiao Qing is the best,” Chen Yanan smiled.

Lin Qing sighed inwardly.

He knew.

He still owed his cousin deeply—and he wouldn’t be able to repay her for a long time.

“When are you leaving?” Lin Qing asked.

“The contract is signed—we leave the day after tomorrow,” Chen Yanan sighed.

“No problem—the sooner you go, the sooner we meet again,” Lin Qing smiled.

…

On April 3rd, at 3 p.m.

Outside his cousin’s housing complex stood a silver-white armored transport vehicle, its body marked with the Urban Zone emblem and the Dawn Group logo.

“Sis, don’t worry about me.”

Lin Qing stood beside the transport, smiling at Chen Yanan, who hadn’t boarded yet: “Aunt and Cousin seemed guilty just now—please reassure them. It’s really nothing.”

“They’re just worried about you,” Chen Yanan shook her head slightly.

“Miss Chen.”

The blonde woman, Anna, whom he’d met before, walked over smiling. Today she wore a gray business suit, her figure elegant, her demeanor intellectual, and she wore gold-rimmed glasses that seemed purely decorative.

“Since Mr. Lin Qing is here too, shall we finalize the gene optimization terms in the contract now?” Anna smiled.

“Alright,” Lin Qing nodded slightly.

“Let’s discuss inside—the vehicle offers better privacy,” Anna said.

Lin Qing nodded and followed Anna and Chen Yanan into the front seats of the transport.

The front cabin was spacious, with two rows of four seats.

After closing the door, Anna pulled up her sleeve, revealing a silver-gray wristwatch. After tapping it a few times, a three-dimensional holographic document floated into the air and drifted to rest before Lin Qing.

The paper looked so lifelike that it was impossible to tell it was a 3D projection.

“Mr. Lin, please take a look,” Anna reminded him. “To turn the page, just flip it like a real contract.”

A portable 3D projection?

And so realistic? Lin Qing couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

This Miss Anna certainly wasn’t a high-ranking official at Dawn Group, yet she could produce such advanced technology so casually.

It made him even more aware of how vast the gap was between his own circle and Dawn Group’s urban elite.

“Of these four options on the contract, Mr. Lin may choose any one. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime,” Anna said patiently.

Lin Qing nodded slightly and examined them closely.

The four options were as follows—

One: Class A High-Energy Evolutionary Radiation.

It can stably increase your Gene Optimization Index by 10% and grant you a Level-3 Gene Ability: “Enhancement.” Once activated, this ability doubles all physical attributes.

Two: Class B Supermutation Radiation.

Gene mutation: 21% chance to increase Gene Optimization Index by 20% and randomly gain a Level-4 Gene Ability; 42% chance to increase Gene Optimization Index by 10% and randomly gain a Level-3 Gene Ability; 28% chance of failure; 9% chance of gene degeneration.

Three: Primitive-Level Bloodline Evolution Serum {Small Amount}.

After injection, it adds one Primitive-Level bloodline factor and comes with a corresponding Bloodline Evolution Scripture, allowing you to independently excavate genetic information within your genome.

Four: Star-Level Bloodline Evolution Serum {Trace Amount}.

After injection, it adds one Star-Level bloodline factor and comes with a corresponding Bloodline Evolution Scripture, allowing you to independently excavate genetic information within your genome.

—These are the four options for gene optimization.

Lin Qing pondered briefly, then looked up at Anna and said: “I know about the Class A Evolutionary Radiation in option one. What do you mean by ‘Level-3 Gene Ability’? Are gene abilities classified by energy level?”

The Patrol Headquarters had used this so-called Class A Evolutionary Radiation to conceal his talent.

“Yes.”

Anna smiled. “Mystical energy is the foundation of evolution. For example, gene awakening requires Level-3 ‘Awakening Energy,’ and all gene abilities derive from some form of Level-3 energy. This Class A Evolutionary Radiation allows you to stably obtain the most common gene ability: ‘Enhancement.’”

Lin Qing nodded in understanding. “So it’s stable, but with low potential—is that right?”

“Exactly. Low risk naturally means modest returns.”

Anna smiled. “After all, Mr. Lin, you’re currently using only Level-2 energy in your cultivation. And… being able to stably use a Level-3 ability is already something many gene-awakened individuals aspire to.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly.

He skipped over the second option, Class B Supermutation Radiation, and asked: “I’ve heard of bloodline evolution serum. What do the {Small Amount} and {Trace Amount} notations mean?”

Gene mutation can be good or bad—it might lead to evolution or degeneration.

Although there’s a chance to gain a Level-4 gene ability, it’s only 21%. There’s also a 28% chance of failure and a 9% chance of gene degeneration.

Better to choose Class A Evolutionary Radiation than this.

“Bloodline evolution serum,” Anna explained. “You’ve probably heard that Earth humans have extremely weak ancestral bloodlines. Bloodline evolution serum enriches your genetic material by introducing genes from powerful creatures, raising your upper limit after gene awakening—but you must excavate it yourself.”

“And that requires you to use the corresponding ‘Bloodline Evolution Scripture’ to dig deep into your bloodline for powerful genes.”

She paused. “As for {Trace Amount} and {Small Amount}, you can think of them as bloodline concentration—or purity.”

“Like how the direct offspring of a powerful individual are more likely to become powerful themselves, but after several generations, as bloodline concentration declines, descendants become less likely to achieve greatness.”

“The higher the bloodline concentration, the easier it is to cultivate the corresponding Bloodline Evolution Scripture.”

Anna explained: “Although Primitive-Level bloodline is weaker than Star-Level, and offers a lower ceiling for gene evolution, with {Small Amount} concentration, cultivating the Bloodline Evolution Scripture is far easier than with {Trace Amount}.”

Anna explained, “Although Primitive-tier bloodlines are not as powerful as Stellar-tier bloodlines and have a lower upper limit for genetic evolution, when the blood concentration is [slight], practicing Bloodline Evolution Art is certainly much easier than with [trace] levels.”

Primitive-Level bloodline had lower potential, but higher concentration, making it easier to excavate with the Bloodline Evolution Scripture.

Star-Level bloodline was powerful and offered greater potential, but the term {Trace Amount} revealed how diluted it was—cultivating the Bloodline Evolution Scripture would make excavation extremely difficult.

“Overall, the value of these four options increases with each one.”

Anna looked at Lin Qing and smiled. “But so does the risk. This is our company’s investment—how you choose ultimately depends on you.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly, gazing at the four gene optimization options before him, sinking into deep thought.

How should he choose?

How should one choose? Add an extra chapter, please vote for monthly tickets~ (End of chapter)