[Target]: Li Jiayu (Symbiote)
[Vitality]: 15
[Body Length]: 172cm
[Status]: Unstable
"As expected! Just like Zheng Yueling—she's a 'Symbiote'!"
"Was she also parasitized by the Anomalous purple glow?"
"Wait, this Vitality... why is it fluctuating?!"
In Bai Jie's eyes, Li Jiayu's Vitality dropped to 2 at one moment, then jumped to 15, then 17.
At one instant, it even shot up to 20!
At the same time, dot-like pink-purple patches of light surfaced on Li Jiayu's fair skin, slowly swimming across its surface like schools of goldfish—eerily strange and mysterious.
A wicked yet sacred aura also crept into Bai Jie's perception.
Li Jiayu's beautiful willow-leaf brows were tightly furrowed. Her vermilion lips parted as she panted heavily. Her full thighs trembled slightly. Large patches of sweat appeared on her powdered skin, then evaporated, then reappeared, then evaporated—cycling endlessly without pause.
Her Vitality rose and fell unpredictably.
Bai Jie watched silently with great interest.
This state persisted for over ten seconds before the pink-purple patches gradually disappeared, and her Vitality returned to the normal human baseline of 1.1.
Loss of control had not occurred.
"Rather interesting."
"Professor Li, I never imagined you were hiding such a secret..."
"Though I would very much like to test your depths right now, this is, after all, the school grounds. I cannot make a move rashly."
Having obtained the answer he wanted, the spider transformed into a trail of blue-violet light and vanished beyond the window.
...
Ten minutes later, at the spider nest on Xingchuan University's rear mountain.
Bai Jie communicated with the little spider through mental connection and established contact with Lin Binbin.
"Human boy."
"Do you want revenge?"
The bewitching yet noble voice penetrated Lin Binbin's mind and spirit, making him space out for two seconds.
What surprised him even more was the content of those words!
"Lord Bai Zhi... you're saying I can make a move against Li Jiayu?" Lin Binbin was somewhat uncertain.
He even suspected this might be a test from Lord Bai Zhi.
If he said he wanted revenge, it might make him seem hotheaded and lacking composure in Lord Bai Zhi's eyes.
But he still decided to follow his true heart.
"That's right. Haven't you always wanted revenge?" Bai Jie transmitted.
"Yes, my Lord. I have never forgotten the suffering that woman inflicted upon me. I do very much want to retaliate against her. However, the current situation in Yongan City is complicated with tight surveillance and control. I fear disrupting Lord Bai Zhi's plans," Lin Binbin replied cautiously.
Plans? What plans do I have?
My plan is to advance toward the sixth evolution as quickly as possible.
Ahem... the demon spider said flatly: "Mm. However, the time is now ripe. Considering your consistent dedication, I can even resolve any extra complications that arise for you."
"But you need to lure her out—take action without drawing anyone's attention, with no bystanders present."
"Additionally, have you thought about how to take revenge on her?" This was what Bai Jie was most curious about.
"I..."
"Actually, I once thought about personally executing her. But now, I'm not sure about what I truly feel anymore..."
"Oh? Is that so?" Bai Jie was slightly surprised by Lin Binbin's answer.
"Whatever you wish to do, first you must face her directly. Only then can you understand your own heart."
Lin Binbin transmitted again: "I understand, Lord Bai Zhi. However, with my current abilities, I could completely infiltrate her home and confront her directly. But why must she be lured out..."
Before he could finish, Bai Jie directly interrupted: "She is no ordinary person. The danger she harbors exceeds your imagination. Once you engage her, Enforcers will certainly be drawn in."
"Everything should proceed with stability in mind."
Lin Binbin clearly hadn't expected Li Jiayu to harbor some secret as well. He assented in shock: "Understood. This subordinate will immediately devise a plan."
Bai Jie guided patiently: "Here's a hint—the recent Anomalous incidents on campus are connected to her..."
Under Lord Bai Zhi's hints, shock grew larger and larger in Lin Binbin's eyes.
...
Xingchuan University, faculty dormitory on campus.
Ever since the campus lockdown, many teachers had been staying here, and Li Jiayu was no exception.
Because she held a professorial rank, she enjoyed the privilege of a private single room.
Knock, knock-knock.
A crisp knocking sound rang out.
Li Jiayu furrowed her brows and sighed silently in her heart.
To come disturb her this late—it could only be that one person.
She rose and opened the door. Without the slightest surprise in her eyes, her tone carried indifferent aloofness: "Inspector You, what business do you have at this late hour?"
Standing outside the door was a man in his early thirties—broad-shouldered and trim-waisted, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt even in the heat, with tousled hair and a handsome face. His name was You Rui.
He was an Inspector of the Yongan City Criminal Investigation Department, managing a squad of agents. To have become a Criminal Investigation Department Inspector in a third-tier city at this age marked him as a successful, talented young man.
Though slightly younger than Li Jiayu, he had once been with her—they had broken up not long ago. This certainly left many who had rooted for this well-matched pair of quality singles feeling regretful.
Seemingly accustomed to Li Jiayu's distance, Inspector You showed a helpless expression: "This afternoon, three students and one teacher mutated. People were injured because of it."
"Things have been very unsettled at the school lately. For your safety, I've brought you this."
Inspector You produced an object from behind his back, opening his palm to reveal a metallic item.
"This is... a gun?"
Li Jiayu's jade countenance shifted. She cried out in alarm—then, because her voice was too loud, quickly covered her own mouth.
You Rui placed the handgun before Li Jiayu and instructed in a low voice:
"Take it."
"Seven rounds total, lightweight and easy to carry. In the years you've been with me, you've also learned to use firearms."
"This way, if someone around you undergoes mutation, even if I'm not at your side or Enforcers can't arrive in time, you can at least temporarily defend yourself while awaiting rescue."
After hesitating for several seconds, Li Jiayu accepted the handgun with a complicated expression. She said glumly:
"You're the one who should be careful. Don't turn into one of those monsters."
You Rui smiled helplessly, about to say that he wasn't a member of the school community and mutations shouldn't affect him—
when he heard a bang as the door was shut, and that full, mature figure disappeared from sight.
"..."
"Ah."
He sighed and spoke to himself in feigned disappointment: "Didn't even get a thank-you..."
He stood still before the door for two more seconds before hearing a somewhat muffled female voice come through: "Thank you."
Only then did You Rui's lips curl into a satisfied arc. He straightened his collar, squared his shoulders, and walked off whistling.