death of hope

Chapter 969 "Psionic Storm" (45) High-Risk Work

Now that he had made up his mind to take sides, he had to go all out. Li Ang knew that this was a crucial test and he could not afford to be the slightest bit lax.
If the work is completed neatly and beautifully, it will earn the director's trust, allowing one to join the research institute's management team and truly integrate into the circle.

The psionic science clique, led by Dr. Joseph H.D. Dane,

This force has gained the favor of the head of the Matsushita family, Lady Matsushita, president of Sakura Corporation, and many major shareholders.

The rise of a formidable new force inevitably arouses jealousy and vigilance. The psychic faction, the newly rich within the company, and the old aristocratic forces are engaged in open and covert struggles, creating a situation of rivalry.

Loyalty is a must, no question about it. Nobody likes a traitor.
Having chosen a side and committed to the leader, the next step is to prove one's worth; capital doesn't support idlers.

If one gains Dr. Joseph's trust, one can control a large amount of company resources and connections, thus embarking on a smooth path to officialdom.

Before going to bed that night, he drank a few glasses to celebrate his success. Feeling dizzy, he recalled the words of a drunken old sailor:

(Young Master Li Ang, times have changed, and people's hearts are no longer what they used to be. These days, anyone who says they want to be a hero will be considered a fool by everyone.)
In his youth, Li Ang was hot-blooded and dismissive of the old sailor's drunken ramblings. Ten years passed in the blink of an eye.

Having endured the harsh blows of fate, one will always lose some things and gain others.
Unrealistic childhood dreams gradually fade away, replaced by a desire for wealth and power.

·
Hope is a powerful booster; once the future becomes bright, one's entire state changes. The hangover didn't affect Li Ang's sleep; in fact, he slept better.
The next day, he arrived at the research institute two hours early, full of energy. When he clocked in, the security guard, rubbing his sleepy eyes, said:

"What time is it? You're really good at currying favor, no wonder you're getting promoted so fast."

"There's nothing I can do. I'd like to sleep a little longer, but our director has high standards and a bad temper."

"Indeed, that old Joseph is a real handful," the security guard grumbled, chuckling as he handed the access card back.

"This young man is impressive. He's only been here a short time and has already infiltrated area B14. Don't forget your brothers when you make some money!"

"Absolutely, I'll treat everyone to drinks!"

I strode across the hall. I came early today not to please anyone, but because the strong sedative was taking effect soon, and I had to be prepared.

The workflow in area B14 is complex and lengthy, but thankfully he's gotten used to it; changing clothes and shoes, removing static electricity, disinfecting, scanning, turning on equipment, recording video work logs…

Li Ang's status was significantly elevated, and he was assigned a larger and more spacious workstation, right next to the office of project leader Ryan Elsson.
He had an expensive 'Spatch' brand ergonomic chair, a top-of-the-line microcomputer, and even his printer and shredder were name brands. His colleagues had a good impression of him and left small gifts on his desk: cookies and a rubber duck ceramic mug.
Sit down, lean back, and the ergonomic chair's built-in AI program scans your spine's curve, automatically adjusting the backrest height and seat cushion softness for an indescribably comfortable and pleasant experience.
(Working can be this comfortable... Is this what it feels like to be a successful person...?)
Scan the iris, turn on the computer, and connect to the B14 area server. Although old man Joseph has many flaws, he has one good point: he keeps his word and never goes back on his word.

On the screen, Li Ang was pleasantly surprised to find that the small padlock icon in the upper right corner of the folder icon had disappeared. This meant that the old man had unlocked his access, allowing him to view all the top-secret information about Project Zero. There was too much data to handle right now; the work at hand was more important.

"Good morning, Xiao Li~" After a friendly greeting, two colleagues working the night shift opened the curtain for him.

Humming a little tune, he skillfully started the equipment, checked vital signs, and rolled up his size zero sleeve, revealing his fair arm covered with marks from needle pricks and scalpels.

Take out the medicine labeled [NL2] from the freezer. (Note: This is a neurosurgical medicine from a fictional world in this work, often used to awaken vegetative patients and repair neuronal synaptic bioelectrical disorders.)
"Vital signs are good. Check the restraints and administer 5 ml of NL2 intravenously."

The azure medicine was slowly injected into the veins. Zero seemed to feel no pain. His eyes were tightly closed, his long golden eyelashes drooped, and his forehead and nose were covered with beads of sweat, as if he were trapped in an eternal nightmare.

(Sorry, miss... this is just for work...)
Li Ang capped the syringe and threw the remaining NL2 reagent into a trash can marked with a biochemical contaminant symbol. The ubiquitous cameras recorded his work process; he was used to being monitored and didn't care.

·
Area B14 was bustling with activity as the morning and evening shifts began to change. A chubby female researcher, seeing Li Ang working inside the curtain wall, made a harmless, teasing remark:
"You're here early, King Juan!"

Li Ang patted his chest and joked in a provocative tone, "Of course, I'll have to get to the position of director and then I'll work my ass off to you guys."

"You brat, you're really something!"

My colleagues on the early shift, sipping their hot coffees, burst into laughter: "Let's go tell the teacher! Little Li's trying to usurp the position!"

These researchers in white coats were all Joseph's students. They knew their place and were aware of how strict their mentor was. Once the joke was over, they went about their own business.

As the chief assistant, Li Ang's main job is psionic security management.
The Zero Talent possesses an unprecedentedly powerful psychic ability. If this psychic energy were to go out of control and cause a catastrophic explosion, it would result in equipment damage and casualties, making it even more dangerous than the core of a giant nuclear reactor.
For every autopsy, implantation surgery, or other research project, the researchers would write their wills before entering the curtain wall area to work.
The research institute has purchased accident insurance for everyone in area B14, including movers and cleaners.
Every research project was a tense and exciting ordeal, like passing through the gates of hell. Every now and then, several flatbeds covered with white sheets would be pushed out. As for the cause of death, the guards at the entrance of B14 never asked. The less they knew, the safer they were.

Psionics truly lives up to its reputation as the most dangerous discipline in the university. Researchers have to take risks once or twice a month, and Li Ang has to be in close contact with Zero every day. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he's dancing with death.

If he hadn't possessed considerable anti-psychic talent, extensive experience fighting Eldar pirates, and been physically strong and quick-witted, he would have been long gone.