Chapter 93: The Watcher? (Combined Long Chapter)

In the evening, it rained across the island.

Chen Xiao was settled into accommodations at the headquarters, his room resembling a train carriage. This space truly showcased the advanced technology of the Service Society’s headquarters. Although the room was modest in size, nearly everything was automated.

It was clearly situated on a mountain; from the window, one could see directly toward the sea.

As the storm approached, the distant sky darkened with rolling clouds. Looking far out, a curtain of rain descended between heaven and earth. Though the downpour had yet to reach the island, from afar it appeared like a veil of jade beads drawing near.

The window could not be opened, but the ventilation system was sophisticated, and Chen Xiao soon caught the fresh, damp scent of rain.

He sighed and stepped into the bathroom for a shower. Warm water cascaded over his body, gradually calming the restless heart within him.

Lost in thought, his fingers flicked lightly through the water curtain. A string of droplets shot outward. Chen Xiao fixed his gaze on them; with a slight movement of his will, the droplets split into countless finer particles, which then slowly floated according to his intent.

Since the incident at Hundred Islands Lake, Chen Xiao had acquired a new supernatural ability: telekinesis.

This power came from Monica—the twisted woman. After investigations led by Lao Tian and others, the preliminary conclusion was that she was a psychic-type ability user.

Telekinesis was a very unique power. Chen Xiao’s current ability allowed him to move objects remotely, hurl them forcefully, or hold them steady. Tests rated his telekinesis as grade C, just slightly below grade B.

Staring at the dense line of droplets in the air, Chen Xiao suddenly clenched his fist, a strange gleam flashing in his eyes.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

The droplets shot swiftly toward the bathroom mirror like bullets. Upon impact, the mirror shattered with a loud crash.

Even the smallest objects, when propelled by telekinesis at high speed, possessed formidable destructive power.

From this, Chen Xiao realized that back at the resort, if Monica had truly intended to kill a few of his companions, it would have been very easy—her telekinesis was a grade higher than his.

Suppressing matter... purification agents... devouring... replication...

These words echoed repeatedly in Chen Xiao’s mind.

Father, mother... was this really your doing? Was it all for me?

Wrapping a towel loosely around his waist, Chen Xiao stepped out of the bathroom barefoot and returned to the window. Outside, the rain poured heavily. The world was shrouded in mist, everything blurred by moisture.

He couldn’t help but recall the scene before returning to his room that evening:

After the wheelchair-bound man, Skofie, informed him of the test results, Chen Xiao was taken to a sealed, circular meeting room.

The room was spacious, with only a single chair in the center. Surrounding the walls were shimmering metallic panels.

Once Chen Xiao sat in the chair, the walls emitted a glow, displaying several images.

They resembled a dozen windows, each with a person behind it. Chen Xiao sat in the middle, seemingly observed by all through these “windows,” though he could not see them.

The only images Chen Xiao could see were on the metallic screens.

Out of the dozen “windows,” only eight showed images.

The images were humanoid figures—not portraits, but the familiar depictions from playing cards:

The suits: clubs, spades, hearts, diamonds—four kings, four queens, four jacks, totaling twelve windows.

However, not all twelve cards were present: two kings, one queen, and one jack were missing.

“We know all about you. So we must ask you some questions,” came a voice synthesized and blended, masking gender and tone.

“This is the Service Society’s Committee,” a man’s voice slowly spoke. “According to our rules, a vote is valid when more than two-thirds of the committee members are present. We have eight members here, so our decision carries weight.”

Chen Xiao asked, “What do you want to say?”

“About you.”

Chen Xiao noticed the voice came from behind the Queen of Hearts window—a woman’s voice.

“Me?” he raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, you.” The Queen of Hearts’ tone was calm. “Since your identity as an ability user has been confirmed, and after a period of observation plus comprehensive testing, our committee wishes to recruit you as an official member of the Service Society.”

Chen Xiao sighed inwardly: what was meant to come, would come.

Lao Tian had already warned him: with his current level of abilities—not to mention that he possessed multiple powers himself—he was an outstanding figure. Even if his strength wasn’t at its peak, the “purification” and “devouring” abilities he carried were highly valued by the Service Society. From any perspective, they would want to bring someone like him under their wing.

Otherwise... Chen Xiao’s very existence posed an uncertain blessing or curse to the world’s ability users.

“What obligations come with official membership? And what rights?”

Chen Xiao didn’t answer immediately, instead asking back.

The card windows fell silent.

Finally, the Club Jack spoke: “Official members receive member treatment across the Service Society worldwide, including recognition, protection, fixed income, equipment, and many... privileges.”

“Privileges?” Chen Xiao smiled wryly at the word.

“Yes, privileges.” The Club Jack explained plainly: “We are ability users. Though we don’t intend to meddle too much in the world, our innate powers allow us to easily obtain things ordinary people cannot—status, wealth, power, and more. While we do not indulge in these, to maintain organizational operations, we acknowledge the Service Society’s influence in the secular world. I believe you understand what I mean.”

Chen Xiao certainly did.

For example, Skofie’s “holographic virtual” equipment could be sold to NASA, so one could imagine...

And this “Homeland Island”...

“And the obligations?” Chen Xiao shook his head. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. What must I give in return?”

“That depends.” Club Jack responded casually. “Official members fall into two categories. Field agents carry heavier workloads, completing missions worldwide. I’m sure Lei Hu, the Spade Jack, has explained this to you. Also, as a field agent, you bear responsibility for your local area—stepping up when anomalies arise.”

“Like city heroes?” Chen Xiao couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve read comics—Spider-Man guarding New York, Batman protecting Gotham... is it like that?”

“Though the comparison isn’t exact, in some ways yes.” Club Jack smiled faintly. “We are watchers. To guard and observe is our duty and obligation as ability users. We don’t see ourselves as a privileged class or gods... but as humans who took the evolutionary path first, we bear inescapable responsibility.”

“Sounds noble.” Chen Xiao was noncommittal, only smiling. “Next you'll tell me, ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ right?”

The Queen of Hearts’ voice replied: “We’re not empty idealists. Living in this world means being influenced by it. This isn’t about nobility... I believe you understand us. Theoretically, you could join any ability group, but we believe we are your best choice.”

“Because of my value?” Chen Xiao directly broached the topic.

They did not deny it. “Yes. Your body holds great research value. We believe your mutations could influence the future evolution of our kind.” After a pause, the Queen of Hearts added: “And considering your background, you can no longer join the Club, right? Structurally, other mid or small ability groups cannot effectively utilize you.”

“You mean... use me?”

“Exactly, use you.” The Queen of Hearts spoke bluntly. “Your value is high—your changing abilities, your devouring and replication powers. Mr. Skofie places great hope in retaining you, and we believe his hope is justified. But aside from us, no other organization has the means to fully utilize you.”

“But ‘use’ sounds so cold.”

“It is use.” The Queen’s tone was serious. “We don’t want to lie or deceive. If I spoke of ideals or nobility to persuade you, would you believe me?”

“No... I’d think you hypocritical,” Chen Xiao sighed.

“So, you’re willing to accept?”

Chen Xiao was silent. “One last question: if I refuse, will I be immediately imprisoned, dissected, sliced for experiments, or turned into a test subject? Or do you see my devouring and replication abilities as a threat to other ability users and plan to eliminate me? Skofie said... he thinks I’m like a virus!”

After a moment, all eight voices replied together:

“No. We are watchers, not controllers or interveners.”

Chen Xiao stood up abruptly, brushed off his clothes, and feigned relief. “Then I’m relieved. Nothing to worry about... Ladies and gentlemen, my answer remains the same: I refuse.”

“May we have a reason?”

As Chen Xiao left the meeting room, he opened the door to find Skofie sitting in his wheelchair, blocking the way, his expression dark.

“A reason?”

“Yes, a reason!” Skofie’s eyes burned with frustration. “Kid, if you stay, I can fully research you. These studies could yield major results, possibly affecting our future—evolution! Do you understand? Evolution!”

“But you said I’m a virus.” Chen Xiao touched his nose.

“Damn it! That’s just a metaphor!” Skofie growled. “Do you realize your value? I might even develop an anti-suppressant. I’m researching an inducing agent based on our theory: abilities exist in every human body! Human evolution continues, DNA changes! I want to unlock the shackles within humans! Using your data for reverse research might lead to a new drug to evolve all humanity!”

“So, any ordinary person injected with this agent instantly becomes an ability user?” Chen Xiao half-smiled. “Everyone in the world turning into a superhuman?”

“Not exactly!” Skofie was excited. “And your replication ability! Many abilities are known, but after years of research, we only understand some principles. Others are mysterious—‘knowing what but not why,’ as you say. But you can help me find a breakthrough!”

Chen Xiao gazed earnestly at Skofie, seeing excitement and sincerity.

“I believe you,” he said calmly, “but you alone don’t represent the Service Society or the world.”

Standing there, Chen Xiao looked out at the heavy rain, recalling the evening’s events.

Noble? High-minded? Watching over the world?

It wasn’t that Chen Xiao was petty or cynical...

But...

Did such pure, noble ideals truly exist in this world?

America invaded Iraq, claiming to liberate oppressed people under Saddam, but really for oil.

Spanish colonists massacred the Maya, claiming to spread civilization, but truly for plunder.

The Crusades marched under God’s banner, but really to...

Simply be the world’s “watchers”?

Chen Xiao always doubted such notions.

The next morning, the “attendant” under Skofie knocked on Chen Xiao’s door, politely asking him to dress and come out.

She then informed him he would be leaving.

Returning to Skofie’s place, the wheelchair-bound man performed one last check on Chen Xiao’s body, then greedily collected numerous samples—if not for his reason, he might have drained every drop of his blood.

“Let’s make a private agreement,” Skofie said before departure, gripping Chen Xiao’s hand.

He pressed a button on the wheelchair’s armrest.

Instantly, a transparent shield enveloped them both.

“This is my own shield,” Skofie explained. “No one will hear or spy on us—Service Society included.”

Chen Xiao looked at Skofie’s grasping fingers. “What do you want to say?”

“I need your help. My research will greatly impact the world,” Skofie said coldly. “So even if you refuse to join the Service Society, I still want your help. Don’t be quick to refuse; hear my terms first.”

“...Speak.”

“I will send people regularly to collect blood samples to monitor your body’s changes—especially when you gain new abilities! Each time, your DNA changes in ways I can’t explain. These changes are vital; I need to find patterns. I’ll send attendants to find you irregularly.”

“I don’t seem obligated to do this,” Chen Xiao frowned.

“You won’t cooperate for nothing.” Skofie smiled slyly. “You probably don’t know who I am. I control all technology here—the equipment, detectors, electromagnetic devices, even all the drugs. Everything is under my command!”

“...You mean?”

“I’ll give you benefits!” Skofie’s smile was devilishly tempting. “What do you want? The latest detectors? Fully advanced, not cheap knockoffs! New electromagnetic weapons? Flight suits? Stealth camouflage skin? Everything! I can provide it! You’re with Lao Tian and the others now, right? They set up a commission. You’ll take missions. With my gear, how much help will you get? Think about it.”

He shoved something into Chen Xiao’s palm, closed his hand around it, and winked. “Consider this a gift. I’ll send someone again.”

After passing through the strange elevator, Chen Xiao left the Service Society headquarters, returning to the mid-mountain platform where he had arrived the day before.

Lao Tian stood at the doorway beside a steam-powered car. This time, the driver was not Hei Qi—now called Suo Suo—as the code name Hei Qi belonged to someone else.

Instead, the driver was a young boy, about Chen Xiao’s age.

Lao Tian saw Chen Xiao, said nothing, only patted his shoulder. “Everything done? Then get in. We’re leaving for home.”

A genuine smile appeared on Chen Xiao’s lips.

He faintly sensed that Lao Tian had agreed with his decision not to join the Service Society—though he didn’t know why. Lao Tian, a veteran, should have wanted him inside.

The steam car did not return to Champagne Inn but headed directly to the dock.

Their yacht was already fueled. Chen Xiao saw workers loading strange metal barrels aboard.

“These are my purchases...” Lao Tian sighed. “Cell repair fluid. Prices have soared recently—each barrel costs nine hundred eighty. I only have five thousand five hundred on hand, so I can’t buy much. Besides the repair fluid, I need other consumables. A set of cheap anti-magnetic skin armor costs two hundred! Damn... prices are rising. Next time, I’ll bring more money.”

Lao Tian waved goodbye to the workers. “Thanks, guys! Bring some of Old Billy’s beer next time.”

Watching Lao Tian casually start the yacht, Chen Xiao noticed it slowly leaving the dock.

“Don’t you have anything to ask me?” Chen Xiao stood beside Lao Tian.

Lao Tian removed a cigarette from his ear, sniffed, then lit it. “Ask what? You’ve made your choice. Asking won’t change it.”

Watching the yacht leave, the Homeland Town faint in the distance...

A strange feeling stirred in Chen Xiao.

In fact, until recently, he had prepared for the worst—that the Service Society might suddenly send a team to forcefully capture him before he left.

Yet, the yacht sailed farther away without interference.

They really just let me leave? No attempt to stop me?

Could it be... they truly are noble idealists?

Chen Xiao relaxed inwardly. Though appearing at ease, his nerves had been taut. Now, suddenly relaxing, he felt weak and collapsed into a nearby chair.

“Lao Tian... can you tell me if my decision is right?” Chen Xiao looked puzzled.

“I can’t say right or wrong.” Lao Tian kept driving, not looking back. “I only know one thing: you control your own fate. Every life... deserves respect. And respect begins with independence and freedom. Doesn’t it?”

“But you’re part of the Service Society. Shouldn’t you...?”

“Don’t forget—I retired.” Lao Tian finally glanced back, smiling. “Now I’m a free man.”

The yacht soon left the island, heading east, passing through a white misty zone again.

Two hours later, they were on the vast South Pacific.

Sunlight glittered on golden waves, and the sky was crystal blue.

Chen Xiao’s previously heavy mood lifted with the open sea. He leaned on the deck, gazing up, letting the sea breeze tousle his hair.

Suddenly, a rumble came from the cabin beside him—something had fallen.

Probably the rocking of the boat caused a bucket of cell repair fluid to tip.

“Go check, Chen Xiao.” Lao Tian calmly steered. “Those things are expensive. Don’t spill.”

Chen Xiao entered the cabin, but froze at the sight.

A girl was struggling to climb out of an open bucket of cell repair fluid, half her body already out, hands gripping the rim as she tried to free her legs.

She looked at Chen Xiao, startled, their eyes locking in silent surprise.

Finally, the girl smiled sheepishly, eyes guilty.

“Hi! Can you help me? I think I’m stuck.”

Chen Xiao swallowed.

“Are you okay? The repair fluid?” Lao Tian’s voice came, footsteps following.

When Lao Tian entered and saw the girl standing in the bucket, his usually kind face instantly turned as if seeing a ghost.

He raised a finger, pointing at her.

The girl sighed, looking at Lao Tian with pity, speaking softly and kindly, “You can call if you want... don’t hold it in, it’s bad for your health.”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

Lao Tian’s startled scream filled the air. The girl covered her ears, looking pitiful and innocent.

After Lao Tian finished yelling, he rushed over, lifted the girl from the bucket, then flipped it over to pour out its contents.

“Stop! There’s not a drop inside.” The girl stood nearby, careful, smiling. “If there were, how could I hide inside?”

“My cell repair fluid!” Lao Tian glared. “Champagne, what are you doing? Where’s my cell repair fluid?”

Champagne pouted, unconcerned. “I naturally poured it out.”

“What are you doing here?” Lao Tian glared at the inn’s owner.

Champagne looked disdainful. “Is that even a question? I ran away from home.”

Lao Tian glared at Champagne for a moment, then stormed out. “Turn the boat around! I’m taking you back! And you’ll pay for my loss!”

Champagne followed leisurely, watching Lao Tian’s furious attempt to turn the yacht.

“You sure about this, dear Uncle Tian?”

“Of course!” Lao Tian fumed.

“Well.” Champagne sighed, sitting down and smiling slowly. “You can take me back. I’ll get scolded by my mother, then go back to running the inn. But you’ll be the one in trouble, Lao Tian.”

“In trouble? How?”

Champagne feigned surprise. “Don’t you get it? Because of me! If you send me back, I’ll hate you! Next time you come to the island, don’t expect to stay at my inn. I’ll tell everyone on the island not to sell you anything! Not cell repair fluid, not even a secondhand electromagnetic helmet. You know my influence here, right?”

She swung her legs, smiling brightly at Lao Tian.

Lao Tian swallowed hard, speechless.

He knew well how many young men on the island fancied the beautiful girl. With her influence, just a few words could block him from buying anything.

“Also, I’m the only inn on the island. Next time you come, sleep on the beach,” Champagne threatened.

Lao Tian paused, gripping the helm.

“If you take me away, I won’t leave empty-handed,” Champagne smiled. “Two barrels of repair fluid, plus fifty thousand service coins. That’s all my savings.”

Lao Tian thought a moment, then barely managed to say:

“Deal!”

“Oh yeah!” Champagne jumped up, ran to the bow, arms wide, cheering: “Milan! Paris! Fashion! Designer brands! Perfume! Handbags! LV! Gucci! Versace! I’m coming! I want designer brands!”

Afterward, she sat on the deck, counting on her fingers rapidly: “I want a set of designer clothes! And perfume! Let’s start with a dozen Chanel! Jewelry—Bulgari! And a Ferrari! A Maybach too... Oh, and I want to see Milan’s summer fashion show...”

Lao Tian coldly teased, “All that costs a fortune outside. Do you have outside money? Island currency won’t work there!”

“No worries.” Champagne smiled sweetly. “I don’t, but you do.”

Lao Tian: “...”