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

Chapter 179 Laboratory Construction

The basement door slowly closed, and when the security lock went down, only Su Wanqing and Han Xue remained inside.

A tarpaulin lay unused on the table. Su Wanqing pulled up her sleeves and placed the jade bracelet flat in her palm.

She said in a low voice, "Come with me."

Han Xue carried the medicine box on her back, her footsteps landing silently. The two walked towards a deeper underground compartment.

The room was damp and cold. She stopped and noticed that the end of the wall had been cleaned beforehand.

Su Wanqing took out a spare battery and summoned the menu from her jade bracelet. She lowered her head and entered a series of commands. A flash of blue light appeared on her wrist, and a large storage box suddenly appeared on the floor.

Silence reigned all around. Han Xue instinctively moved closer, squinting as she examined the box. Su Wanqing gripped the edge of the box: "This batch of equipment is only for the most urgent situations; I originally didn't plan to open it."

As she spoke, she opened the lid, revealing three small analyzers, two miniature gene modification devices, and a complete automated reagent pathway.

Han Xue reached over the analysis table, and a metal "thumb" reader immediately lit up, unlocking the device after successful identification.

She glanced at the model label on the side of the equipment and paused for a moment: "This batch of machines doesn't exist domestically. Where did you get them?"

Su Wanqing did not answer directly, but said in a low voice, "These are all parts and prototypes that we collected from our previous supply channels. As long as they work, that's fine."

She carefully moved the analyzer to the workbench.

Han Xue was not satisfied, and her tone was forceful: "You can handle the whole set of this kind of molecular sequencing system? Before the pandemic, it was just a concept."

Su Wanqing didn't even look up as she plugged the cable into the energy interface on the side wall: "Do you have a better way? I can only guarantee that the equipment isn't exposed. Whether we can save people or not depends on your skills."

After saying that, she picked up the test kit and handed it to Han Xue.

The main light in the depths of the basement was turned on, and the clutter in the corners was cleared away one by one.

Su Wanqing then summoned two more sets of precision instruments and placed them on the designated table.

Han Xue checked the operating status of each piece of equipment, tapping the control panel lightly to confirm that nothing was missed.

Soon, Lu Zhao and Xiao Ran entered. Lu Zhao's eyelids twitched when he saw the equipment.

His brother gripped the main unit's casing and muttered, "This one alone is worth several research institutes in the country. You're really willing to go to such lengths?"

Su Wanqing simply handed over the spare battery, then squatted down on the ground with the tool bag at her feet.

Lu Zhao leaned closer to the gene-editing device, his brows furrowing slightly. "This thing looks strange, but its functions are far more powerful than anything we know. Su Wanqing, where did you get it?" He turned to ask further.

Su Wanqing simply said, "The fewer people who know, the safer it is." She didn't say much more and gestured for Lu Zhao to connect to the terminal first.

After placing the large instruments in their designated locations, Xiao Ran put on gloves and securely assembled the air supply duct and the new exhaust vent.

The airflow diversion test was repeated three times to ensure that every part of the filtration system was unobstructed.

He disassembled the filter core for inspection and found that all the parts fit together seamlessly.

After untangling the messy wires, he installed two sets of escape oxygen cylinders.

Lin Che brought the power distribution module and drew power from the main control box to ensure the energy load of the new instrument.

After the wiring was completed, he discussed the dashboard interface with Lu Zhao while checking for interference signals from the backup battery.

The girl with the childlike voice was resting in the next room, where an electronic monitor was placed next to her small bed.

Several people took turns adjusting the instrument, while Han Xue focused on watching it. The data was uploaded to the host and quickly formed a preliminary sample library.

She asked Su Wanqing with a hint of wariness, "If these systems have remote access, we'll need to set up a separate isolation zone. How can you guarantee that the data won't be stolen?"

Su Wanqing shook her head slightly: "All devices are physically disconnected from the network, and data backups are only on the local disk. Only I have the authority to access them." Her tone was calm, but she remained vigilant.

Lu Zhao retrieved the algorithm script and wrote the data preprocessing module according to the technical solution.

He had two stacks of code notes next to him and was using two handheld terminals to switch host permissions.

He reminded Han Xue, "Once you detect any distorted data, do not keep it privately; back it up directly to the image drive. The entire process must be traceable."

Han Xue didn't object, but she glanced at Lu Zhao. She reached out and tapped the computer, sighing, "Are you guys treating me like a counter-spy?"

Lu Zhao didn't respond, but handed her a set of new bridge wiring diagrams.

After the first day of continuous high-intensity work, the most secluded area underground in the resort has been transformed into an independent space, with the main unit, instruments, sample storage, and cold storage all in place.

Xiao Ran installed three layers of insulation boards in the direction of the passageway, and also dragged a heavy steel door from the equipment room to install it on the outermost side. Each door lock was set up in layers, with only one set of mechanical keys kept by Su Wanqing.

The next morning, Lin Che installed two sets of super batteries for the backup power system, and sweat streamed down his neck as he debugged the power supply.

He posted the electronic shunt diagram on the wall, sometimes whispering to Lu Zhao to confirm whether a certain port label was correct, and sometimes turning back to check on the girl with the childlike voice.

Xiao Ran reinforced all the ventilation ducts with special sealant, fearing that even a small gas leak could cause an infection risk.

He created a shift schedule for the filter replacements and had a few trusted survivors help move the parts into the warehouse.

Once all the infrastructure was properly debugged, Su Wanqing began assigning daily tasks: Lu Zhao and Han Xue were responsible for analyzing the overall operation of the instrument and optimizing the gene modification module; Lin Che maintained the main control power supply and external energy interface; minor process failures were shared by the three of them.

She oversees the processes and security mechanisms, and all critical passwords are authorized by her personally.

Just as the lab installation was completed, Han Xue walked over and directly asked Su Wanqing, "Before starting, we need to collect blood samples from Lin Che and the girl for sequence comparison."

These two sets of data must be used to establish a standard curve immediately. Her gaze fell on Lin Che and the girl with the childlike voice.

The room fell silent. Lin Che stopped, his sleeves clenched into a tight knot. Xiao Ran squatted down to tie his shoelaces, his movements a little slow.

Lu Zhao threw the sample collector back on the table without saying a word.

Su Wanqing said softly, "Collecting is allowed, but it must be done under the supervision of the entire team, the amount collected must be kept to a minimum, and no individual storage is permitted."

She looked at Lu Zhao and said, "Keep an eye on the system. All experimental records must be backed up in real time."

Han Xue nodded, as if it were a matter of course. She picked up the blood collection tube and operated the temperature control of the refrigeration device.

Lu Zhao frowned and turned the monitoring settings to full to ensure that every sample appeared in the main mirror data chain.

Lin Che stood by the operating table and drew two tubes of blood from his arm. Han Xue then flipped the samples and sealed them, following the standard procedures step by step.

The girl with the childlike voice tried to avoid having her blood drawn, but Su Wanqing, standing nearby, spoke to her in a slightly distracted tone, which distracted the girl, and she reluctantly extended her hand.

The samples were successfully obtained. Han Xue reconfirmed the labels and placed them into an encrypted storage container.

Half an hour later, everyone spread out today's progress schedule in the center of the laboratory.

Su Wanqing assigned each person the next stage of goals: Lu Zhao was to accelerate the preliminary modeling of sample data, Lin Che was to inspect all energy interfaces, Xiao Ran was to inspect the safety doors at any time, and Han Xue was to be responsible for the initial inspection of samples and the synchronization of the process flow.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ran pretended to be casually inspecting the laboratory, checking every door lock, camera, and spare gate.

Han Xue walked behind him, unaware that above the filing cabinets in each cold section, two extremely tiny cameras had been connected to form a hidden circuit.

The backup power cut-off switch for the access control system was controlled by Xiao Ran and Su Wanqing.

Before dark, Xiao Ran took his entrenching tool and moved a pile of iron plates from the debris pile on the east side.

He surveyed the perimeter of the base several times and, taking advantage of the terrain, dug three small evacuation tunnels leading in different directions on the south wall.

There is a simple alarm every ten meters in the passage, and only an exit is left at the end.

At night, several trusted survivors took turns patrolling and observing the "Scavenger" team's movements. While everyone appeared focused on setting up the experimental facilities, their vigilance and planning remained constant.

On the morning of the third day, all systems in the underground laboratory underwent comprehensive acceptance testing.

Ventilation, electricity, data security, and emergency medicines were all checked.

When the last test ended, Lu Zhao slumped into the collection chair, a faint blue ring appearing under his eyes.

Su Wanqing straightened the back of her chair and said to Han Xue, "It's your turn."

Han Xue gently flipped the instrument switch, and the first set of sample data slowly flowed out on the screen.

After adjusting the last set of instrument parameters, Han Xue raised her hand and tapped the accelerator.

Su Wanqing glanced at their respective posts and saw that Lu Zhao and Xiao Ran were both ready.

The atmosphere in the laboratory became tense again.

Lin Che stood beside the control panel with his sleeves rolled up, skillfully twisting the blood extraction tourniquet himself.

Han Xue handed over the disinfectant cotton and syringe, glancing at Lin Che's expression: "Are you ready?"

Lin Che nodded, his voice lowering slightly: "Come on, pick as much as you need."

He frowned slightly after speaking, then lowered his head and swallowed.

Han Xue checked the sample label and inserted the needle into his forearm. "We'll collect three tubes of blood. We'll also need to do a spinal cord puncture later, so we'll need your cooperation."

Su Wanqing had been watching closely. Seeing that Lin Che seemed a little nervous, she asked calmly, "How are you feeling? If you feel there's a problem, feel free to stop."

Lin Che smiled and said, "It's okay, it's much safer than the previous experiments."

He spoke for a moment, and his hand visibly trembled. But when the needle was withdrawn, he only twitched his finger.

Han Xue quickly handed the collected blood to Lu Zhao for sealing, then glanced at Lin Che, "Next, prepare the spinal fluid. It might hurt, so lie down."

Lin Che gripped the edge of the bed and lay down on the lab bed. Xiao Ran helped him adjust his position and handed him a rubber ball to hold.

Lin Che held it in his hand and closed his eyes.

Han Xue operated the needles swiftly. Lin Che gritted his teeth and endured the pain.

Just as the puncture was finished, he suddenly opened his eyes, his voice abruptly becoming calm: "Draw blood again, now."

Han Xue paused, frowned, and asked, "What's the point of taking two injections?"

Lin Che's expression changed, a change that startled Lu Zhao. He opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling: "I am Ye. Now you need two sets of samples in different states." His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth.

Su Wanqing was a beat slower, and squatted down to look at him: "You can control yourself to switch?"

Lin Che shook his head, but still spoke in Ye's tone: "Not entirely, but we can distinguish them now. Since we are going to fight the virus, we have to use the most extreme measures."

Han Xue didn't speak again, and the blood collection resumed. This time, Lin Che, in his night state, was expressionless, gritting his teeth and not uttering a sound.

He remained motionless as the needle was inserted and withdrawn.

Both sets of blood and spinal fluid samples were numbered and placed in the sample cabinet. Han Xue entered the encrypted labels at the counter.

Lu Zhao looked at the sample size and then copied the data table down.

Han Xue fed all the test tubes into the automatic analyzer one by one, and the instrument screen began to flicker.

She put on gloves and accessed the comparison plan through the interface. Soon, Han Xue stared at the scan results, her breathing slowing down slightly.

A set of dynamic curves appeared on the computer screen, and the instrument's sound system beeped.

She glanced at the results and pursed her lips: "This group of serum proteins has very high activity and does not belong to any known class of immunoglobulins."

Lu Zhao stared at the screen from the side: "Are you sure there's no contamination?"

Han Xue gently pressed the verification button and sent another sample into the second instrument.

After a moment, she leaned to look at Su Wanqing and said, "This is not contamination. The active protein can directly bind to the surface structure of the virus. There are several peaks, which shows that it can bind to the virus at the molecular level and even inactivate it."

Xiao Ran leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Have you seen similar situations before?"

Han Xue shook her head. "Never. We must get to the bottom of this."

She quickly switched the analysis interface and pulled up the comparison curves of the two sets of samples: the Night Personality and Lin Che's normal state.

Han Xue's brows remained furrowed. "In the night state, the protein activity in blood and spinal fluid is much higher, but it is completely degraded after three minutes, and its stability is very poor."

Although the activity of *Lithocarpus spp.* is low in its normal state, it may remain active for nearly two hours without rapid degradation.

Lu Zhao imported the data into the encrypted image disk, asking, "How do I use it?"

Han Xue bit her upper lip, paused, and then said, "If there were a way to combine the high activity of the night personality with the stability of the main personality, theoretically, it would be possible to create a serum specifically for the initial infection."

Intercepting the virus is sufficient for the early stages of infection—but not for later stages.

Xiao Ran tapped the table. "How do you combine them? Can you really extract the advantages of both states?"

Han Xue tried the instrument's high-pass filter, then stopped: "Theoretically feasible, but I need more samples, and further purification and structural decomposition are required."

She tugged at her sleeve. "If we only have one or two sets of samples, we can't mass-produce serum. You'd better consider a plan in advance."

Su Wanqing didn't say anything, but took out a notebook and wrote down the key experimental points.

Lu Zhao closed the terminal and subconsciously looked at Han Xue, whose data page was lingering on a gene sequence.

Lu Zhao pondered for a while. He leaned closer to Su Wanqing and lowered his voice: "Did you notice? The gene segment that Han Xue saw in Lin Che's blood sample is exactly the same as the special gene in the girl with the child voice."

Su Wanqing flipped through the experimental records, her voice very soft: "What do you suspect?"

Lu Zhao slid his arm up to a page of data, "I don't think Han Xue is just after the ordinary serum."

She focuses primarily on that specific segment of the gene structure, which differs from typical virus-fighting strategies.

Su Wanqing gripped her pen tightly and asked in a low voice, "Are you worried that she has other plans?"

Lu Zhao nodded. "She's looking for the key to activate the other test subjects in Project Eden. Normal serum is enough; she wouldn't spend so much time disassembling the sequences. You see, when she was sampling just now, she picked out only that range."

Su Wanqing didn't reply, but frowned for a moment, staring at the data stream in the laboratory.

Han Xue continued her testing process, but Lu Zhao kept a close eye on her every query.

Han Xue stared at the terminal in deep thought, occasionally marking symbols next to the data.

She occasionally jotted down some notes, but never let anyone else see them. Next door, Xiao Ran was organizing samples in the cold zone. He didn't say anything, only glancing at the lab bench.

Lin Che lay back in his chair, wearing a sterile mask. "Is there anything else you want to continue? Just say so." His voice was hoarse, but no longer so cold and hard.

Han Xue quickly closed the port. "That's enough for today. We'll do a second data collection tomorrow. You'd better get plenty of rest."

Su Wanqing scanned everyone and quickly backed up the entire sampling process for today, storing the permissions into her own storage chip.

Xiao Ran was about to switch hands and ring the doorbell at the door to remind everyone that the medication records for the night hadn't been updated yet.

The air in the laboratory fell silent again. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts, and no one uttered a single unnecessary word.