After stocking up at the maximum level, all the handsome men in the apocalypse are looking for suppo

Chapter 123 Exposure
The laboratory lights were still on, shining on Lu Zhao's furrowed brows.

His fingers flew across the keyboard, and complex code danced across the screen.

Time passed by minute by minute, and the air was filled with tension.

"How is it, Lu Zhao?" Su Wanqing's voice trembled slightly.

Lu Zhao did not answer immediately. He stared intently at the screen, trying to break through the layers of protection and enter the server of the survivor leader—named Zhao Quan, a man who used tough methods to integrate resources and establish a relatively stable camp in the early days of the apocalypse.

Zhao Quan, a tall and robust man, always wore a stern expression, giving him an intimidating presence.

Since the establishment of the base, Zhao Quan has been in charge of external liaison and material allocation, but Su Wanqing always felt that this man was hiding his true abilities.

"Initial breakthrough in defenses." Lu Zhao's voice broke the silence.

"His server has a very high level of encryption, it seems that Zhao Quan has been keeping some secrets."

Su Wanqing's heart raced. She always felt that Zhao Quan's understanding of the zombie virus far surpassed that of anyone else.

After all, his methods of establishing order in the camp and distributing supplies were imbued with a cold rationality.

Suddenly, a live surveillance video appeared on the screen. The video was blurry at first, but Lu Zhao adjusted it until it gradually became clear.

The screen showed the sample area, but it was completely different from what they had seen before.

The zombies imprisoned there were not ordinary zombies, but mutated zombies that had been modified and whose bodies were covered with black armor.

The zombies were strapped to the experimental table, with various tubes connected to their bodies, seemingly undergoing some kind of experiment.

"This is..." Su Wanqing exclaimed, her face turning pale.

"There's such an experiment in the sample area?"

Lu Zhao continued scrolling through the data, his brows furrowing even more. "This mentions a project called 'Protocol Zero'."

Zhao Quanli used the samples to develop a stimulating gas for studying the behavioral patterns of zombies.

He was trying to find a way to control the zombies by stimulating their nervous system.

"Control zombies?" Su Wanqing asked incredulously. "He wants to control zombies?"

“The data also shows,” Lu Zhao’s voice was low, “that some of the lab technicians have been contaminated with the samples and have entered a state similar to infection, but Zhao Quan has concealed this information from the outside world. Instead of taking isolation measures, he has used them as experimental subjects to further study the virus’s mutations.”

Su Wanqing felt nauseous. Zhao Quan's behavior had crossed the line of morality; he was willing to sacrifice others' lives to obtain the secret to controlling zombies.

"Why did he hide it? What is the condition of these infected lab technicians?" Su Wanqing pressed.

Lu Zhao shook his head. "The data is incomplete, so we can only speculate that their situation is very bad. Zhao Quan seems to be trying to cover up the truth and avoid causing panic."

“This Zhao Quan…” Su Wanqing clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"He's absolutely insane!"

Lu Zhao quickly copied the relevant data to the encrypted hard drive. "I've recorded all the data, but we can't directly confront Zhao Quan right now. He has too many resources and too much power; if we act rashly, we might be wiped out."

"Then what should we do?" Su Wanqing asked.

“We’ll use a stealth strategy,” Lu Zhao said. “We need more time to analyze this data and find the weaknesses in Zhao Quan’s plan. At the same time, we need to closely monitor his movements to prevent him from doing anything more outrageous.”

Just then, the laboratory door was gently pushed open. Lin Che walked in, his body radiating a faint purple light, his face bearing a calm yet profound expression.

"Su Wanqing, Lu Zhao, what are you doing?" Lin Che asked, his voice sounding somewhat ethereal.

“We’re analyzing some data,” Su Wanqing replied, and quickly turned off the screen.

"What data?" Lin Che's gaze fell on Lu Zhao. "It looks very important."

Lu Zhao hesitated for a moment, but still handed the encrypted hard drive containing the copied data to Lin Che.

"This is some information about Zhao Quan's experiments in the sample area. It mentions a project called 'Protocol Zero,' take a look."

Lin Che took the hard drive and quickly scanned its contents. His expression gradually became serious.

“'Protocol Zero'…” Lin Che murmured to himself. “This name… I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere before.”

"Are you familiar with this project?" Su Wanqing asked.

Lin Che nodded. "When I was a child, I studied a special spice in France. The composition of this spice was very similar to a certain irritant gas mentioned in 'Protocol Zero'. At the time, my mentor told me that this gas could disrupt the human nervous system and even control human behavior."

"Your mentor?" Su Wanqing pressed. "What other information do you have about him?"

Lin Che shook his head. "My mentor didn't tell me much at the time, only that this gas is very dangerous and should not be misused."

Su Wanqing noticed that Lin Che's expression became somewhat complicated when he mentioned "protocol zero".

A subtle, enigmatic glint flashed in his eyes, suggesting a deeper understanding of the project.

"Night, how come you are so familiar with this project?" Su Wanqing asked.

Lin Che did not answer immediately. He remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "This is just a remnant of my memory. There is another layer of connection between Protocol Zero and my memory."

Su Wanqing sensed a subtle change in Lin Che's expression and tone, and she realized that Lin Che's identity and past were far more complicated than she had imagined.

But she knew that now was not the time to press for answers.

"No matter what, we must be careful," Su Wanqing said.

"Zhao Quan is in great danger; we cannot let our guard down."

Lin Che nodded and handed the hard drive back to Lu Zhao. "I need more time to study this data. Perhaps I can find a way to crack 'Protocol Zero' by analyzing the composition of the gas."

Lu Zhao took the hard drive, his mind filled with questions. He looked at Lin Che, feeling that he was hiding some secrets.

But now, he doesn't have time to investigate these things; he must analyze the data as soon as possible and find the weaknesses in Zhao Quan's plan.

“Okay,” Lu Zhao said. “I’ll organize the data as soon as possible and provide it to you.”

Su Wanqing looked at Lin Che, her heart filled with worry. She didn't know Lin Che's true identity, nor whether he was trustworthy.

But she knew that in this apocalyptic world, no one could be absolutely trusted.

They must remain vigilant at all times to survive in a world fraught with danger.

"Zhao Quan, what do you want?" Su Wanqing's voice was exceptionally clear in the simple conference room.

She sat at one end of the table, opposite Zhao Quan, the burly leader of the survivors with a perpetually cold expression on his face.

Zhao Quan placed his hands on the table, looking steadily at Su Wanqing.

"I need your help to break the seal on 'Protocol Zero'. I need to know how to reliably control those mutants."

"Break the seal?" Su Wanqing raised an eyebrow. "This isn't just simple help. You hold many secrets; why should we take this risk?"

“Risk?” Zhao Quan sneered. “What do you want? Supplies? Weapons? Or security?” “We want to prove ourselves.” Su Wanqing’s tone was calm, but her eyes were filled with determination.

"We want to publicly demonstrate the effectiveness of the test samples so that we can verify the security and feasibility of 'Protocol Zero'."

Zhao Quan's facial muscles twitched; he clearly hadn't expected Su Wanqing to make such a request.

He paused for a moment before slowly saying, "Public testing? Are you crazy? Do you know how much panic this will cause?"

"Panic is better than the disaster caused by ignorance." Su Wanqing looked directly at Zhao Quan.

"Only openness and transparency can win trust. Moreover, we must ensure that 'Protocol Zero' does not pose a greater threat to humanity."

Zhao Quan's eyes sharpened as he squinted at Su Wanqing, as if trying to see through her heart.

"What exactly do you want to do?"

“I want to protect more people,” Su Wanqing replied. “And that requires us to have enough information and the ability to control the situation.”

Su Wanqing could sense Zhao Quan's wariness of her suggestion, but she knew it was the only way.

Only through public testing can they obtain enough data to understand the true risks of 'Protocol Zero' and break free from Zhao Quan's control.

After leaving the conference room, Su Wanqing immediately found Lu Zhao. "Prepare for the test."

She said to Lu Zhao, "We need to establish a complete testing process as soon as possible."

Lu Zhao nodded. "What kind of venue do you need?"

"A temporary isolation testing device will be set up near the sample area."

Su Wanqing said, "The testing site will be divided into three areas: a sample observation area to observe the characteristics of the samples; a zombie reaction area to test the effects of the samples on the zombies; and a sample evacuation area, in case of any unexpected events."

Lu Zhao quickly drew a schematic diagram of the isolation device on the computer.

What supplies are needed?

"A full set of protective clothing, ventilation equipment, data loggers, and a large number of samples."

Su Wanqing said, "Also, contact Xiao Ran. I want him to bring back some coordinate information."

"What coordinate information?" Lu Zhao asked.

“Those places where mutants are frequently active,” Su Wanqing explained.

"I want to include some special environment samples in the test to directly observe the experimental stability of 'protocol zero'."

Soon, Xiao Ran brought back some coordinate information. These locations were scattered in various corners of the city, places that had been abandoned for many years and had harsh environments.

At the same time, Su Wanqing also began to use the resources generated by her ancestral jade bracelet to set up testing equipment in advance.

The jade bracelet had more storage space than she had imagined; it could even hold some large equipment.

She carefully assembled the equipment and experimented with the spatial arrangement of the jade bracelet, wanting to understand as many of its functions as possible.

Meanwhile, Lin Che sat alone in a corner, his brow furrowed. He had expressed his disagreement with Su Wanqing's public testing plan.

“Su Wanqing,” he said softly as he walked to Su Wanqing’s side.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to test directly in public.”

"Why?" Su Wanqing asked.

“We will expose our location to attract Zhao Quan’s attention.”

Lin Che said, "Especially when faced with his unknown behavior, we must be even more cautious."

“I know your concerns,” Su Wanqing said. “But I think it’s necessary. Only in this way can we obtain enough information and take control of the situation.”

Lin Che shook his head. "I think we should adopt a more covert strategy, investigate secretly, and infiltrate gradually, rather than confronting Zhao Quan directly."

“Time is of the essence, we don’t have enough time to wait,” Su Wanqing said.

"Moreover, I always felt that Zhao Quan was hiding something. Only through a public test can his secret be exposed."

Lin Che was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Okay, I understand your decision. But I'm worried that the test might pose a danger to the team."

“We will do our best to prepare,” Su Wanqing said. “I need your help, Lin Che.”

"I'll do my best." Lin Che nodded.

The voice of the night echoed in Lin Che's mind. "A foolish decision. Do you really trust her? She's just using you as a tool."

Lin Che covered his head tightly, trying to suppress the sound of the night. The night's interference grew stronger and stronger, and he felt his consciousness being gradually swallowed up.

He endured the excruciating pain and walked to Lu Zhao's side. "I want to take some precautions for the team members."

"What preventative measures?" Lu Zhao asked.

“Some therapeutic aids,” Lin Che said. “They can reduce the potential side effects they might experience from the samples.”

Lu Zhao nodded. "Alright, just do your best."

Lin Che began to activate his superpower, attempting to strengthen the physical defenses of his team members, but the night made it difficult for him to concentrate.

Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his face turned pale.

"Night, what exactly do you want to do?" Lin Che roared in his mind.

"I want you to submit, to give up the fight." Night's voice was cold and ruthless.

"You belong to me, your power belongs to me."

Lin Che gritted his teeth and fought desperately against Ye. He knew that if he were controlled by Ye, the entire team would be in great danger.

He must hold fast to his will and protect everything he cherishes.

Lu Zhao's fingers flew across the keyboard, and the data on the screen poured down like a waterfall.

He stared at the monitoring interface of the isolation testing device, his brow furrowed.

"Su Wanqing, I've discovered some anomalies in the signal source of the device's power supply system. It's highly likely that it's being remotely controlled."

Su Wanqing put down the protective suit she was holding and walked to Lu Zhao's side. "Remote control? Who?"

"It cannot be confirmed at the moment, but the characteristics of the signal source are somewhat similar to the communication protocol used by Zhao Quan."

Lu Zhao's voice carried a hint of seriousness. "I'm trying to trace the source of the signal while simultaneously strengthening the device's firewall to prevent further intrusion."

"Be careful." Su Wanqing's eyes sharpened. "If it really was Zhao Quan who did it, then he definitely has ill intentions. Thoroughly check the security of all equipment and don't leave any loopholes."