After pondering for a few seconds, Jiang Que pushed the unimportant question to the back of his mind.
He had some questions for Shen Tazhi, so he decided to walk with him first.
Sharp’s room was on the twenty-sixth floor, so Jiang Que and Shen Tazhi simply returned to their room on the twenty-seventh floor together.
Officer Wu tried to intercept them, but Jiang Que’s words and his nearly mind-reading performance had caused chaos among the service staff gathered outside Sharp’s room. With Gao Junyan kneeling on the ground and refusing to get up, the situation became difficult to control, and Officer Wu had to stay put with his colleagues to maintain order.
At that moment, the colleague who had gone to check Gao Junyan’s information returned, his face full of disbelief. “What he said is actually true. Gao Junyan indeed has a property under the Shen family’s name.”
Officer Wu’s expression turned serious. “Quick, take people to search Gao Junyan’s room—get up and come with us.”
His last sentence was directed at Gao Junyan, who was still wailing on the ground and was forcefully lifted up.
While Gao Junyan’s behavior had already explained everything, without decisive evidence, the case couldn’t be closed. In order to provide a perfect explanation to the Adonis family within two hours, Officer Wu needed to act quickly.
His colleague marveled, “It’s all true. Who is this kid? At first, I thought he was making it up.”
“I don’t know.” Officer Wu, leading Gao Junyan, replied in a composed manner. “Let’s not meddle in these matters. He helped us with the case, so let’s just focus on that and thank him properly later.”
Supporting order, several police officers dispersed the gathered staff who had been summoned. Officer Wu and his colleague escorted Gao Junyan downstairs, preparing to search his rental property.
As they waited for the elevator, Officer Wu suddenly realized, “Wait, why did Sharp instruct Gao Junyan to take Jiang Que’s backpack? Is there something special in his bag?”
In the meantime, on the twenty-eighth floor in the Presidential Suite.
Jiang Que observed the chaotic scene in the room: the TV had been dismantled, the coffee table moved, every teapot taken away, and the carpets rolled up and set aside.
This is just the living room; the study must be even more of a mess. Jiang Que dared not even contemplate the current state of the bedroom; his anger, which had been somewhat appeased, was starting to rise again.
“Detestable humans,” Jiang Que angrily straightened the sofa with his tentacles, then sat down sullenly. “Didn’t they say they would help us restore everything? Yet they left this huge mess behind and walked away.”
Shen Tazhi sat beside him, consoling him helplessly. “Weren’t they supposed to gather all the service staff for you at that time? Now that they’ve finally identified the culprit, it’s a busy time. They probably haven’t had a chance to attend to this yet.”
Jiang Que looked at Shen Tazhi.
There was no one else around, and his tentacles gradually became visible. When all his tentacles were fully visible, Shen Tazhi realized he had been unknowingly surrounded by the menacing tentacles.
Some of the tentacles had even risen, a posture Jiang Que often assumed in a defensive stance.
Shen Tazhi was startled, meeting Jiang Que’s dangerous gaze, and fell silent.
It seemed like he had angered Jiang Que this time.
Shen Tazhi finally stopped defending the humans. Satisfied with his awareness, Jiang Que’s tentacles, which had initially been in a threatening position, now wrapped around Shen Tazhi’s waist and began to malevolently extend downwards.
One tentacle split off, locking his legs and restraining any futile resistance.
“Gege.” Jiang Que knelt on the sofa, positioning himself to easily reach Shen Tazhi’s cheek, enjoying the sight of Shen Tazhi trembling physiologically from his tentacles. He half-closed his inhuman black eyes.
“Did you want to talk to me alone earlier? I also have something to discuss with you.”
“W-what… is it?” Shen Tazhi asked.
Jiang Que smiled, “You’ve been speaking up for those humans all day. What did you want to talk about when you came to me privately? Let me guess—did you want to ask about Gao Junyan’s mother? Do you want to help her?”
Shen Tazhi hesitantly nodded.
He did want to assist Gao Junyan’s mother, but only to expedite the compensation for her rundown property. There was nothing else he could do or any reason to intervene further.
Jiang Que, with a look of “as expected”, removed his hand from Shen Tazhi’s face and sat back down.
The adrenaline produced from his anger which kept his brain in an excited state had worn off, allowing him to carefully consider things. Jiang Que accurately seized upon a question he had previously overlooked:
“Gege, I was thinking about something.”
“Why do you like me?”
His question caused Shen Tazhi to struggle for a moment. He probably wanted to answer, but at the moment he opened his mouth, Jiang Que was prepared and promptly stuffed it with his tentacle.
“Wait until I finish asking before you explain,” Jiang Que said, meeting Shen Tazhi’s pleading eyes with a smile.
He began to address the thoughts that had occurred to him earlier: “You always think that I don’t understand what it means to like someone, but you’ve never told me why you like me. You only mentioned it was because of reasons from a past life.”
“But what happened in that past life? I don’t know. I only know that the apocalypse arrived as usual in the previous life. You met me after the apocalypse, but in this life, I left early with you, and the world’s end hasn’t come. Can I understand it as—”
“Is your affection for me based on the premise of wanting to prevent the apocalypse?”
Shen Tazhi, who had been quiet and compliant until now, began to struggle again at these words. Jiang Que calmly delivered the final sentence:
“In other words, do you like me because you want to prevent the apocalypse and control me to prevent me from harming humans?”
Today, he had come to understand how terrifying and lethal his abilities were to humans. Combined with Shen Tazhi’s statement that he was “indestructible”, the Anomaly Investigation Department’s supervision, and Shen Tazhi’s possession of his various documents, Jiang Que realized something:
Rather than those documents serving as a legitimate identity, they were more like his shackles.
Shackles named “He is human.”
He wasn’t particularly concerned about whether he was human or not; it was just that this realization left Jiang Que feeling dissatisfied and somewhat sad.
The kind of sadness felt when one feels deceived.
He hadn’t purposely restrained his tentacles, and it seemed he had gone a bit too far, causing Shen Tazhi to retch continuously, his eyes reddening.
Before Shen Tazhi could vomit and shed tears, Jiang Que withdrew his tentacle from his mouth and said, “I’ve said my piece, now it’s your turn to explain.”
He wasn’t unreasonable. Since he chose to express his thoughts directly to Shen Tazhi, he naturally wanted to hear the other’s explanation.
If it turned into a situation like the one in the novel where Gu Mianmian ran for three years because of overhearing a sentence, whether he or Shen Tazhi ran, Jiang Que felt he couldn’t accept it.
What’s the point in running? Clear things up beforehand. If Shen Tazhi truly felt that way, then…
He would first beat Shen Tazhi, then knock him unconscious and lock him directly in a room in their villa. Forget about kissing and romantic steps, it was better to just lock Shen Tazhi away for life if he wanted to control and prevent the apocalypse.
Since Shen Tazhi wanted to control him to prevent the apocalypse, if he wanted to control him, he should pay a price.
Every time the topic of “bearing eggs” came up, Shen Tazhi seemed a bit fearful, so let him be forced to face his fears for the rest of his life.
Shen Tazhi had no idea about the psychological turmoil Jiang Que had gone through in those few seconds. After the tentacles were removed, he retched and coughed a few times, feeling a burning sensation in his throat.
But it wasn’t the time to consider the pain now. Shen Tazhi, with a sore throat, hoarsely began to speak, “I didn’t… listen to me, Que Que.”
“I’m listening, or else I wouldn’t have released my tentacles,” Jiang Que said expressionlessly.
Shen Tazhi paused, realizing that Jiang Que was open to a proper conversation, neither holding a grudge nor refusing to listen to explanations, which made him both relieved and nervous.
Jiang Que was always straightforward – if he liked something, he liked it, and if he didn’t, he didn’t. His current attitude was likely a direct response to the speculations he had just made.
Thinking about it, his own behavior… no matter how you looked at it, seemed like that of a two-faced jerk who claimed to act for the greater good while being inconsistent. It would anger anyone.
With this in mind, Shen Tazhi took the initiative to apologize, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault today. I’ve been speaking up for others, always trying to control you and prevent you from causing trouble for others. I was wrong.”
“Que Que is amazing and won’t cause trouble for others. Today, you even helped solve the case. It was my mistake to think otherwise. I apologize.”
Jiang Que grunted in acknowledgment, indicating that he had heard Shen Tazhi, but still didn’t respond to him.
The real reason for his anger wasn’t this incident.
Shen Tazhi hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Also… liking you isn’t about wanting to prevent the apocalypse or controlling you to prevent harm to others.”
“But that’s how you acted today,” Jiang Que bluntly stated. “Gege, I want to believe you. I’ve been trying to trust you since the Abyss, but you know I’m always skeptical. It’s just hard for me to believe with just those words.”
Since emerging from the Abyss, everything had been as beautiful as a dream. Shen Tazhi’s words in the Abyss were true, he didn’t deceive himself, the Anomaly Investigation Department hadn’t harmed him, and he had everything he once couldn’t have imagined.
Gradually falling in love with Shen Tazhi, who brought all this, seemed natural. But what if all this was built on a larger lie?
Jiang Que lowered his gaze.
He thought, in that case, maybe all this was truly just a dream.
“Que Que.” Shen Tazhi’s voice sounded beside him. “Look up at me. You always say that you can understand people’s emotions by looking into their eyes, right? Look at me.”
At Shen Tazhi’s words, Jiang Que lifted his head and met Shen Tazhi’s light-colored eyes.
Shen Tazhi looked at him directly and earnestly said, “I didn’t deceive you. It’s not as you guessed. My feelings for you have nothing to do with the apocalypse, nor do they have any connection to other humans. I persist in guiding you out of the Abyss simply because I want to give you a normal life. I want to see you happy.”
After a brief pause, Shen Tazhi continued resolutely, “You should have noticed these days that I’m not as good as you think. I am a selfish human being, just like the negative traits you mention about humans. I have selfish desires, greed, and desires, and they are all for you.”
“Before you emerged from the Abyss, I handed over the matter of the apocalypse to the Anomaly Investigation Department. I shared all the information I knew with them, and everything afterward was no longer my concern. I couldn’t possibly be so selfless as to fall in love with you to save the world.”
“I am just a selfish human being. I don’t care about all of humanity; I only care about you.”
It was a selfish statement, but it truly reflected Shen Tazhi’s deepest, darkest thoughts.
He could inform the Anomaly Investigation Department about the apocalypse, provide them with all his resources, and even help people like Gao Junyan’s mother. But these were within his capabilities and were acts of basic human kindness. He didn’t possess the selfless heart of a saint who could save the world at large.
Whether called selfish or anything else, Shen Tazhi introspectively acknowledged that he was just an ordinary person who couldn’t be as selfless as the individuals in the Anomaly Investigation Department.
But Jiang Que always detested the negative traits of humans. Would he hate these words too?
Shen Tazhi thought helplessly.
But now, other than baring his heart and soul to Jiang Que, he had no other choice. After all, Jiang Que could see right through whether his words were genuine or not with just one glance.
Jiang Que was earnestly studying Shen Tazhi’s eyes.
What could be seen in Shen Tazhi’s eyes?
Sincere love, self-examination with some shame and determination, nervousness, and other emotions that even he couldn’t decipher. But not being able to understand Shen Tazhi was normal.
At that moment, Shen Tazhi continued, “I was wrong today. I always position myself as a protector or guardian, took advantage of your trust in me to stop you, just to keep you away from what I perceive as danger. I placed myself too high.”
After a moment of pause, Shen Tazhi continued determinedly, “Can you trust me? If not, it’s okay. I can prove it to you in the future. Please don’t be angry with me, okay?”
To trust or not to trust?
Actually, that question was no longer important, because Shen Tazhi seemed to have never lied to him.
Jiang Que also realized that besides feeling upset due to the speculations earlier, he was also somewhat displeased by Shen Tazhi’s excessive interference in his affairs.
This sense of dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that no matter what he wanted to do or what mood he was in, Shen Tazhi’s few words always managed to block him, leaving him unable to find a reason to be upset. Jiang Que felt like a petulant child in front of Shen Tazhi, weakened.
Although the feeling of being protected wasn’t bad, Jiang Que actually didn’t want such meticulous protection.
He hadn’t noticed this before, but Shen Tazhi had keenly observed it and sincerely apologized even before Jiang Que realized it.
Jiang Que’s previously imposing attitude suddenly softened. Shen Tazhi had been clear in his words, and there was no need for Jiang Que to continue being angry.
Gradually releasing the tentacles that were wrapped around Shen Tazhi, Jiang Que whispered, “It’s okay, I’m not upset anymore. Sometimes I do things wrong, and I need you to remind me.”
Still navigating the human society with some unfamiliarity, such as the recent confrontation with the investigating police officer, if it weren’t for Shen Tazhi’s reminder, he might have unintentionally caused trouble.
Without any anger, Jiang Que was willing to be close to Shen Tazhi. He removed his tentacles and slowly moved closer, embracing Shen Tazhi and rubbing his neck gently.
“I’m not upset anymore. I believe your explanation. Don’t be upset either. Let’s make up,” Jiang Que said.
Shen Tazhi hugged him, then sighed, “How can you be…”
Always so forgiving.
Asking this question would likely be futile, as Jiang Que would probably question why he should hold a grudge when everything was resolved.
This unique way of thinking was characteristic of Jiang Que.
“What’s wrong?” Jiang Que asked in confusion.
Shen Tazhi replied, “Nothing, I just thought your question was timely. I haven’t explained clearly about my relationship with the Anomaly Investigation Department to you, which led to misunderstandings. Also, my previous actions indeed caused some misunderstandings.”
“You told me that from now on, I should talk to you first about anything.” Jiang Que muttered.
He had already asked about tentacles and bearing eggs, so what else couldn’t he ask about?
“Oh right, what did you want to discuss with me earlier? How do you plan to help Gao Junyan’s mother? I can try to find her before the police do.”
With the matter settled, Jiang Que also remembered the initial reason Shen Tazhi sought him out.
Shen Tazhi replied, “There’s no need to find her. I was just planning to send the compensation for that rundown property to her in advance. I can directly transfer it to her account.”
“I wanted to consult you first because you seemed to dislike Gao Junyan and was angry earlier. I was afraid my actions might make you uncomfortable.”
“I see,” Jiang Que pondered for a moment. “Compensate Gao Junyan’s mother. I don’t dislike her; I just dislike Gao Junyan. He reminds me of the humans I met in the Abyss—extreme and unreasonable.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s Shen Liushi’s fault. He shifted the blame onto you; I hate him.”
Jiang Que’s tentacles rose again. “He bullies you, and you still help him. The more I think about it, the more I dislike him. Shen Tazhi, why are you so easily bullied?”
Shen Tazhi, feeling helpless, felt the need to explain, “I’m not easily bullied. Even if Gao Junyan wasn’t exposed just now, those investigating officers wouldn’t dare lay a hand on me.”
“You’re just too easy-going. You might act a bit fierce to scare people, but you never truly retaliate,” Jiang Que insisted.
He didn’t mention seeking revenge like the humans he had encountered did. That kind of retaliation would attract trouble from the investigating officers. At the very least, the person who had bullied him should end up worse than dead for it to be considered true retaliation, right?
Of course, Shen Tazhi understood what Jiang Que meant by “savage retaliation”. He patted Jiang Que’s head. “Que Que, this is modern society. I’d end up in prison if I did that, and then we’d be separated.”
Jiang Que fell silent for a moment. “Wouldn’t I end up in prison even if I didn’t kill?”
Sincerely, Shen Tazhi replied, “Torturing people is also illegal.”
Jiang Que:…
“Fine,” he sighed regretfully. “Human laws are so complicated. In a few days, I’ll ask Du Lulu to teach me your laws. The rules of the outside world seem different from what I saw in the Abyss.”
Speaking of Du Lulu, Jiang Que remembered the figure busy editing emails earlier. “Du Lulu disguised herself as a waitress and entered the hotel. She was outside just now and witnessed the entire process of me solving the case. It seems she has already edited and sent an email to the Anomaly Investigation Department. Will this cause any problems?”
Surprised, Shen Tazhi asked, “Du Lulu was there too?”
“Yeah,” Jiang Que said, puzzled. “Didn’t you see her? She was on the right side of Gao Junyan, third from the end. It was quite obvious.”
Shen Tazhi didn’t have Jiang Que’s ability to recognize people based on emotions. Du Lulu’s disguise skills had passed, and with all the chaos at the time, his thoughts were solely focused on Jiang Que, afraid that Gao Junyan might get angry and lash out at Jiang Que if exposed. Hence, he truly didn’t notice Du Lulu’s presence.
Frowning, he said, “I didn’t see her. If Du Lulu has already reported everything… it might cause some trouble.”
“Some trouble? What kind of trouble specifically?” Jiang Que asked, puzzled.
After a moment of silence, Shen Tazhi asked, “Do you know how most of the researchers at the Anomaly Investigation Department got there?”
At his question, Jiang Que recalled individuals like Xi Jing, who had abilities almost inhuman, such as time manipulation and eagle eyes. Shaking his head, he replied, “I don’t know.”
He was curious about where these individuals came from as well.
“As far as I know, at least one-third of the investigators at the Anomaly Investigation Department can’t be considered entirely human. Among them are descendants of modern cultivation families, descendants of mythical creatures, and even… individuals similar to you, humanoid containment subjects,” Shen Tazhi explained.
“Similar to me… containment subjects?” Jiang Que pointed to himself. “You mean…”
“Exactly. Your abilities are very useful, and since I’ve been assuring them that you pose no threat to humans, they are likely to invite you to join the Anomaly Investigation Department,” Shen Tazhi affirmed.
Jiang Que shuddered.
What? He didn’t want to work for the Anomaly Investigation Department at all; he just wanted to stay with Shen Tazhi.
Seeing Jiang Que on high alert, Shen Tazhi chuckled and patted his shoulder. “It’s okay. If you don’t like it, just refuse. The decision will ultimately depend on the willingness of the recruit. The Anomaly Investigation Department will do their best to offer you generous incentives to persuade you and won’t force you.”
He joked, “So, Que Que, does this mean you’ve passed the recruitment process?”
Jiang Que slumped in his arms, lacking enthusiasm. “I don’t want to be recruited. How about we leave before the Anomaly Investigation Department arrives?”
He didn’t even want to go to the Anomaly Investigation Department.
*Ring Ring*
At that moment, Jiang Que’s phone rang in the bedroom.
Raising an eyebrow, Jiang Que’s contacts on his phone only included Shen Tazhi and Du Lulu. Shen Tazhi was beside him, so the only person who could be sending him a message was Du Lulu.
He used his tentacle to bring the phone from the room and opened it.
Since the message came so quickly, he wanted to see what kind of generous reward the Anomaly Investigation Department could offer.
Regardless, he had no intention of going, no matter how generous the compensation was.
The WeChat message from Du Lulu was straightforward:
[Du Lulu: Jiang Que, the Anomaly Investigation Department wants to invite you back for another physical examination, primarily regarding your tentacles. They recently contained a mature ovulating tentacle specimen and conducted related research. Perhaps the research data can help determine whether your tentacles are in the mature stage and the specific timing of maturity.
If you’re willing to come for the examination, you can also have afternoon tea with our department head. Would you like to come?]
Jiang Que:…
*Hiss1think of this as the sound effect of breathing in through your teeth-*
It’s over, he seems to be moved.
