Chapter 90: Four Methods of Genetic Optimization

"I'm going out for a bit?"

Zhao Jiayi, standing nearby, asked cautiously.

Recently she had also learned—not to eavesdrop on matters that didn't concern her—even though she was indeed very curious.

"Jiayi is so good. It's fine."

Chen Yanan smiled, couldn't help but reach out and pinch her cheek, and said with a beaming expression: "You'll be family sooner or later; you should know this anyway."

She had met Zhao Jiayi during her hospitalization; since returning to duty, she had naturally often chatted with Zhao Jiayi, quite fond of this simple and pretty young girl. The key was that Lin Qing was obviously rather special toward Zhao Jiayi, so she loved her out of affection for him.

"Really?" Zhao Jiayi's eyes couldn't help but brighten, and she turned her head to look at Lin Qing.

"If my sister tells you to listen, then just listen." Lin Qing shook his head slightly.

Chen Yanan pondered for a moment and said: "I made this decision only after careful consideration. Last night, Miss Anna from the Dawn Group also offered very good conditions."

"Can I hear it?" Lin Qing asked.

He knew many contracts required confidentiality, especially regarding compensation, which could not be disclosed casually.

Chen Yanan thought for a moment and said: "There are three clauses in the contract related to you; saying those won't cause any issue. The rest cannot be disclosed."

"Related to me?" Lin Qing asked in confusion.

"First is a family subsidy fund, totaling fifty million." Chen Yanan said.

"Fifty million?" Lin Qing exclaimed in surprise.

The total value of benefits received by a combat genius like him probably didn't reach fifty million either; of course, some benefits were things money simply couldn't buy.

But this was only the first clause.

So it seemed his cousin was also highly valued in the eyes of the Dawn Group?

"Fifty million is very little."

Chen Yanan shook her head and said: "For the Dawn Group, fifty million outside the Urban Circle holds no real significance. They simply do not wish to interfere excessively beyond the Urban Circle, so they only offered fifty million."

Lin Qing understood.

Indeed, the Dawn Group was a joint venture created by Earth and a certain extraterrestrial civilization. Although not comparable to the Wisdom Star Group, it was still a major Urban Circle power close to the Chaoyang Martial Hall.

One could say the Patrol Headquarters owed its current status and strength to the Dawn Group's favor.

For the Dawn Group, what was a mere fifty million? "Second, although I know how you will choose, I still want to ask you..."

Chen Yanan looked at Lin Qing and said: "The Dawn Group has granted me qualification to reside in the Urban Circle. Are you willing to go live in the Urban Circle with me?"

"Go live in the Urban Circle?" Lin Qing was slightly stunned and couldn't help asking: "Did the Dawn Group also grant an extra residence quota?"

Such treatment was simply astonishing.

It must be known that even many elite talents working in the Urban Circle held only work visas; either they stayed in dormitories or had to leave the Urban Circle once their work ended.

The same applied to genius students admitted to Urban Circle universities; while studying they could stay in dormitories, but could not go out freely.

If after graduation they failed to secure a high-paying job, they could at most work in the Urban Circle, still unable to reside there. Only those who obtained a residence permit could rent housing in the Urban Circle.

Yet Chen Yanan not only obtained a residence permit for herself but could also provide residence quotas for family members? This was practically leaping straight to heaven! "My situation is very special. After discussion, the Dawn Group's senior management felt my extremely high adaptability to mechanical nerves holds considerable potential."

Chen Yanan shook her head slightly and said: "Fortunately, you applied for the Chu Hongjun series of mechanical prosthetics for me; otherwise, the Dawn Group would never have discovered this."

Lin Qing pondered for a long while and asked: "How many residence quotas are there? One? Or two?"

He knew it certainly wasn't three quotas.

Otherwise, Chen Yanan would have had no need to ask so much; after all, the people she cared about were only her cousin, her aunt, and him, her younger brother.

"Two." Chen Yanan sighed helplessly. "The Dawn Group said this is the rule; they can only grant residence quotas to direct relatives, and they must live together with me."

"I see."

Lin Qing smiled and deliberately said: "Coincidentally, I heard the Urban Circle isn't very suitable for someone like me either; I don't really want to go. Sister, just share some of the family subsidy with me; I'm a bit short on money recently."

Chen Yanan fell silent for a moment, then suddenly walked over and embraced him.

Then, only hearing her say somewhat guiltily: "I'm sorry, Xiao Qing. Sister begged them several times, but I truly cannot take you along..."

"I really don't want to go." Lin Qing patted Chen Yanan's back and said: "Besides, I've already risen to Patrol Chief in the Patrol Department. Asking me to resign and go to the Urban Circle, I wouldn't be willing either."

Hearing this, Chen Yanan sighed again and hugged him even tighter.

She knew Lin Qing was only saying this deliberately so she wouldn't blame herself.

After all, that was the Urban Circle.

There, advanced technology, knowledge, resources, and opportunities far surpassing Earth existed... even for cultivation and evolution, the chances were surely far greater than outside the Urban Circle.

This made her feel even more guilty and self-reproachful.

Lin Qing had just helped her so greatly, risking his life to avenge her by killing the Qinghu Island fugitive Chu Tianyao.

Yet she could not take him along to the Urban Circle...

"Sister, I really don't want to go."

Lin Qing sighed helplessly, patted Chen Yanan's back, and said in a low voice: "Last time, the Patrol Envoy who came from Headquarters also told me that for me, the opportunities at the Patrol Headquarters might be greater than those in the Urban Circle. I'm not lying to you."

Chen Yanan was slightly stunned, then finally released him and asked: "Really?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

Lin Qing smiled and said: "Besides, it should be Aunt and Cousin who go with you anyway. I've provoked the Primitive Research Institute; I'm still worried you might get implicated because of me."

He spoke the truth.

Although he too quite wanted to see the legendary Urban Circle, there was no need to occupy Cousin and Aunt's quotas.

"Um..."

Zhao Jiayi nearby suddenly spoke cautiously: "I have an uncle who once served as a Patrol Officer. He said the Urban Circle invites some elite talents from the Patrol Headquarters every year, granting not only residence permits but also very high treatment. I think Lin Qing could achieve that in the future too..."

Lin Qing couldn't help but glance at her.

He suddenly remembered Zhao Jiayi had mentioned upon their first meeting that she had an uncle who once served as a Patrol Officer.

An uncle who once served as a Patrol Officer? Even he, the Patrol Chief, didn't know such news, yet Zhao Jiayi's uncle, who merely once served as a Patrol Officer, knew this? However, Lin Qing was still comforting Chen Yanan, so it wasn't appropriate to ask her about these matters. He simply looked at Chen Yanan and said: "Sister, did you hear? You go first; one day I will go too."

Chen Yanan was silent for a moment, then said, "This fifty-million family subsidy is all left for you."

"All for me?" Lin Qing was slightly taken aback.

"Earth's currency is basically useless in the Metropolitan Circle anyway." Chen Yanan shook her head. "Just take it."

Lin Qing did not decline either, and immediately nodded slightly, agreeing: "Alright, it happens that I've been a bit short on money lately, so this is a timely help."

"Then there's the third benefit, also for you." Chen Yanan said.

"There's still a benefit for me?" Lin Qing said in surprise.

"You've already mastered the original Chaoyang practice method, so the next step is gene awakening, right?"

Chen Yanan looked at him and said, "This benefit is about gene optimization. When the Liming Group comes to pick us up, the person in charge will give you several gene optimization options. Pick whichever suits you at that time."

"Gene optimization options?" Lin Qing was even more astonished. "And several of them?"

He had recently used the Inspector's authority to look into quite a few methods and types of gene optimization, so he had some understanding of it.

Even at the Inspector General Headquarters, this was an extremely precious opportunity.

It seemed that Cousin Chen Yanan's value in the eyes of the Liming Group was even more astonishing than he had imagined? But…

Judging from what that Anna from the Liming Group had said that day, Chen Yanan's exceptionally high adaptability to mechanical prosthetics was an unprecedented first case even within the Liming Group. Perhaps, in the Liming Group's view, a situation like his cousin's was worth far more than him, an Inspector.

"I don't understand the specifics of gene optimization either. You should know more, so just discuss it with the relevant person in charge from the Liming Group."

Chen Yanan sighed and said, "I know you'll definitely choose to stay, so I discussed it with the Liming Group in advance. This counts as the Liming Group compensating me, so feel free to use it."

Lin Qing was silent for a moment, then hummed an acknowledgment.

"Work hard. The company's situation is rather special. After going to the Metropolitan Circle, I won't be able to come back to see you for these two years."

Chen Yanan patted his shoulder and said softly, "Your sister will just wait for you to come to the Metropolitan Circle to see me."

"Don't worry, sis. I will definitely go to the Metropolitan Circle to see you." Lin Qing said seriously.

"Mm, our family's little Qing is the best." Chen Yanan smiled.

Lin Qing, however, sighed inwardly.

He knew.

In the end, he still owed his cousin, and for a very long time he would not be able to repay her this favor.

"When are you leaving?" Lin Qing asked.

"The contract is already signed. We're leaving the day after tomorrow." Chen Yanan said helplessly, shaking her head.

"It's fine. The sooner you go, the sooner we'll meet." Lin Qing smiled.

……

April 3rd, this day, three in the afternoon.

At the gate of his cousin's residential compound, a silver-white armored transport vehicle was parked. The Metropolitan Circle's insignia and the Liming Group's logo could still be seen on the cargo compartment.

"Cousin, don't worry about me."

Lin Qing stood beside the transport vehicle, smiled at Chen Yanan who had not yet boarded, and said, "Aunt and Cousin seemed to feel quite guilty toward me just now. Help me talk some sense into them. It's really nothing."

"They just feel sorry for you too." Chen Yanan shook her head slightly.

"Miss Chen."

The blonde beauty 'Anna' they had met last time walked over smiling. Today she had changed into a gray business outfit, with a slender figure, an intellectual air, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that seemed to be for decoration.

"Since Mr. Lin Qing happens to be here too, why don't we confirm the gene optimization clauses in the contract now?" Anna said with a smile.

"Alright." Lin Qing nodded slightly.

"Then let's talk in the vehicle. The privacy inside is better." Anna said.

Lin Qing hummed an acknowledgment and immediately followed Anna and Chen Yanan up to the front seats of the transport vehicle's cab.

The cab was quite spacious, with two rows of four seats.

After closing the car door, Anna pulled back her sleeve, revealing a silver-gray wristwatch. After tapping it a few times, a three-dimensional holographic paper sheet materialized in the air and floated on its own to Lin Qing's front.

This paper sheet was so lifelike that one couldn't tell at all it was a holographic projection.

"Mr. Lin, please have a look." Anna reminded him. "If you want to turn the page, just turn it directly, just like a real contract."

A portable holographic projection?

And this realistic? Lin Qing could not help but raise his brows slightly.

This Miss Anna was certainly not high-ranking in the Liming Group, yet she could casually produce a gadget at this level of technology.

It also made him increasingly understand just how vast the gap was between the circle he lived in and the Liming Group of the Metropolitan Circle.

"Of these four options on the contract, Mr. Lin may choose any one. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me at any time." Anna said patiently.

Lin Qing nodded slightly and looked carefully.

The four options were as follows—

One, Type-A High-Energy Evolutionary Radiation.

Can stably increase the gene optimization index by 10%, and grant the Tier-3 gene ability 'Reinforcement'. Once activated, the gene ability can double all aspects of physical fitness.

Two, Type-B Super-Energy Mutagenic Radiation.

Gene mutation: a 21% chance to increase the gene optimization index by 20%, randomly granting one Tier-4 gene ability; a 42% chance to increase the gene optimization index by 10%, randomly granting one Tier-3 gene ability; a 28% chance of failure; a 9% chance of gene degradation.

Three, Primal-Grade Bloodline Evolution Serum 【Small Quantity】.

After injection, can add one Primal-grade bloodline factor, and comes with a corresponding bloodline evolution method, allowing one to independently excavate the genetic information within the genome.

Four, Stellar-Grade Bloodline Evolution Serum 【Trace Quantity】.

After injection, can add one Stellar-grade bloodline factor, and comes with a corresponding bloodline evolution method, allowing one to independently excavate the genetic information within the genome.

—These were the four gene optimization options.

Lin Qing pondered briefly, looked up at Anna, and said, "I know the first option, Type-A Evolutionary Radiation. But this Tier-3 gene ability? Are gene abilities classified by tier?"

The reason the Inspector General Headquarters helped him conceal his talent was precisely this so-called Type-A Evolutionary Radiation.

"Correct."

Anna smiled and said, "Mysterious energy is the foundation of evolution. For instance, Gene Awakening requires the 'Awakening Energy' of the Third Tier, and all Gene Abilities originate from some form of Third-Tier energy. This A-Class Evolution Radiation can allow you to stably obtain the most common Gene Ability: 'Enhancement'."

Lin Qing nodded in realization and said, "Stable, but with a low ceiling—is that the meaning?"

"Indeed so. Low risk naturally means the return will not be too high."

Anna chuckled and said, "After all, Mr. Lin should currently be cultivating using only Second-Tier energy. Moreover... being able to stably utilize Third-Tier abilities is already something many Gene Awakened ones aspire to."

Lin Qing nodded slightly.

He directly skipped the second option, B-Class Superpower Mutation Radiation, and asked, "I have heard of the Bloodline Evolution Serum. What do the annotations '【Small Amount】' and '【Trace Amount】' mean?"

Gene mutations can be good or bad; they may lead to evolution or degeneration.

Although there is a possibility of obtaining a Fourth-Tier Gene Ability, the probability is only 21%. There is even a 28% chance of failure and a 9% chance of gene degeneration.

Rather than choosing this, it is better to choose A-Class Evolution Radiation.

"The Bloodline Evolution Serum, huh."

Anna explained, "Mr. Lin should have heard of it. Our Earthlings' original bloodlines are too weak. The Bloodline Evolution Serum enriches the genetic material within your body, introducing genes from other powerful creatures, raising your ceiling after Gene Awakening, but this also requires you to excavate it yourself."

"And this requires Mr. Lin to excavate the powerful genes deep within the bloodline through the corresponding 'Bloodline Evolution Method'."

She paused and said, "As for '【Trace Amount】' and '【Small Amount】', Mr. Lin can understand them as the concentration or purity of the bloodline."

"Just as the direct children of the strong are more likely to become strong, but after several generations, as the bloodline concentration declines, the descendants become less likely to become strong."

"The higher the bloodline concentration, the easier it will be to cultivate this matching Bloodline Evolution Method."

Anna explained, "Although the Primal Bloodline is not as powerful as the Star Bloodline, and the ceiling for gene evolution is not that high, under the condition of '【Small Amount】' bloodline concentration, cultivating the Bloodline Evolution Method is definitely much simpler than under '【Trace Amount】'."

Lin Qing understood.

The Primal Bloodline has less potential, but the bloodline concentration is higher, so it is easier to excavate using the Bloodline Evolution Method.

The Star Bloodline is powerful with high potential, but the word '【Trace Amount】' also reveals how thin the bloodline is; after cultivating the Bloodline Evolution Method, excavating it will definitely be very difficult.

"Overall, the value of these four choices is actually higher one by one."

Anna looked at Lin Qing, smiled, and said, "But the risk is also greater one by one. This is a small investment from our company. How to choose specifically still depends on Mr. Lin himself."

Lin Qing nodded slightly, looking at these four options for gene optimization before him, and could not help but fall into deep thought.

How to choose? Adding one extra chapter, requesting monthly tickets~ (End of this chapter)