Chapter 6
“You need to snap out of it!” Mina exclaimed dramatically. “You don’t actually like him, do you?”
Zhang Yang couldn’t even worry about feeling embarrassed. “I just want to see him one more time. I promised him that I would go find him, and I want to properly say goodbye.”
The words “Fei Yang, I’ll wait for you to come find me” kept her tossing and turning at night.
“What are you going to do if you see him?” Mina asked hesitantly.
Zhang Yang remained silent.
“Is he your first love?” Mina asked.
Zhang Yang still didn’t answer.
“I’ve told you before, don’t treat them like people. If you spend more time with them, you’ll understand that they’re more like… pets. They’re not worth your feelings like this.”
Zhang Yang took a deep breath, and each word that came out of her mouth was trembling. “Is it me who’s not normal, or is it you? Treating living, breathing people as if they’re not human. Pets? Does that mean we’ve slept with dogs?”
“You…” Mina started.
“I like Ke Yu, what’s wrong with that? He’s better than all the guys in real life. Why can’t I like him?” Zhang Yang gritted her teeth. “Do you really not have any feelings for him at all? Not even because he looks so much liKe Yaor brother?”
This time, it was Mina who fell silent. After a long pause, she smiled lightly. “Trust me, he’s nothing like my brother. Never mind, you wouldn’t understand. Fei Yang Jie, everything I’ve said has been for your own good. Even if you go see him, he might not even remember you. If you see him, can you let go?”
“What’s the point of letting go? I don’t have the money to rent him, I just want to fulfill a wish, my last wish about him.” Zhang Yang’s words convinced both Mina and herself.
Mina sighed heavily. “Do you remember the deposit I talked about?”
“I do, I’ll borrow from someone and add it to my own savings. I can gather one million, no problem.”
Mina helplessly said, “You’re already this prepared. If I don’t let you see him, it looks liKe Yao really won’t let go. Alright then, go see him. I’ll make the appointment as your guarantor, just prepare the money and wait for their notification.”
“I can go see him without spending money? When will the deposit be refunded?”
“It’s like buying something. You can look, but you don’t have to buy it. They’ll teach you how to handle the deposit, and they’ll refund it to you when you leave.”
“Okay.” Zhang Yang hesitated for a moment. “Thank you, Mina.”
“Sister Feiyang, I hope you won’t regret this.” Mina’s tone was unusually deep. “First of all, I can’t guarantee that you’ll definitely see him. If you do see him, after this last meeting, don’t think about him anymore. He’s not real. Don’t get too caught up in what’s real and what’s fake.”
In a clear but hazy state of mind, Zhang Yang transferred the money from her savings account to her usual card, and then transferred 500,000 from her fundraising account to reach 1 million.
The next day, after waking up with a feverish brain, she felt a little regret, or rather, fear.
Should she really trust everything Mina said and hand over 1 million to a stranger or organization? What if she was scammed, or if she couldn’t get the money back?
But these doubts and worries couldn’t outweigh her desire to see Ke Yu again, so she waited in that uneasy state.
At noon, she went to the convenience store downstairs to buy a boxed lunch and was suddenly stopped by a strange man on her way.
The man looked ordinary and politely said to Zhang Yang, “Hello, are you Miss Zhang Yang?”
“Yes, who are you?” Zhang Yang hesitated.
“I’m Wang Wei, a business specialist at Talon Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.” He handed Zhang Yang a business card.
Zhang Yang hesitated to take the card and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Was he trying to sell medical equipment to her?
“Your friend, Miss Mina, recommended you as a potential customer for our company. I heard that you are interested in our custom products,” Wang Wei said.
Zhang Yang immediately became alert, “Yes.” How did he find her, just with a phone number? Were they really as omnipotent as Mina said?
Wang Wei said expressionlessly, “Our custom product service is only available to members. Has Miss Mina told you the conditions for becoming a member?”
“Yes.”
“Are you ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“Please follow me.”
“But I still have to go to work this afternoon,” Zhang Yang dared not take any more leave as she had already been criticized by her supervisor for taking too much time off recently.
“Don’t worry, we just need you to go to the bank with me to set up a joint account and deposit the membership deposit. You can decide the time when you want to consult our related services later.”
Upon hearing the term “joint account,” Zhang Yang felt somewhat reassured that her money wouldn’t be scammed away.
The two completed the procedures during their lunch break, and Wang Wei inquired about the consultation time.
Zhang Yang was eager, “How about tomorrow, Saturday?”
“Please give me a time and place, and I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow.”
“Right here then, tomorrow at 2pm.”
“Okay, see you tomorrow.”
Watching Wang Wei leave, Zhang Yang clenched the bank documents in her hand and felt a bit dizzy. Everything around her felt surreal, just like everything she had experienced recently. But at the thought of possibly seeing Ke Yu tomorrow, she felt her chest swell with anticipation and her blood rushing.
Ke Yu, Ke Yu, Zhang Yang called out his name in her heart. Sadness and joy coexisted, turning into trembling and tingling sensations that flowed through every nerve ending.
That evening, Zhang Yang discussed the details of the Sheng Shi birthday charity fundraiser in the group chat as usual.
Selecting the recipients of the donations, planning the funds properly, ensuring that the funds were properly allocated and the accounts were clear, and doing a good job of publicizing it all. There were a lot of tedious details involved, and last year when they did it for the first time, they made some minor mistakes due to their lack of experience. Fortunately, there were no major mistakes, and this year they had gained experience, making the process much more efficient.
Jing Yi Yi asked excitedly, “Tell me, how much money have we raised?”
Er Guan Ye replied, “I guess it must be over seven figures.”
Jing Yi Yi said, “Breaking seven figures is a sure thing.”
Zhang Yang felt a little guilty and said, “It’s probably close to 2 million, I haven’t checked yet.”
Jing Yi Yi said, “I heard the information station raised over 6 million, they’re amazing.”
Er Guan Ye said, “Damn.”
Jing Yi Yi said, “Last year we raised over 30 million, I hope we can break the record this year.”
Zhang Yang said, “Breaking the record doesn’t matter, as long as we can slap those bitches in the face.”
“要完” is a term used by fans of Yue Chen Guang to mock him. They call themselves “Vitamin C,” taking the homophonic sound of Chen Guang’s nickname “Micro Sunlight,” which is “Wei Xi” in Chinese. “Wei Xi” is extended to “medicine pill” (Yao Wan), which then becomes “要完” (Yao Wan), which means “to ruin completely.”
Sheng Shi’s fans are called “victory” or “iSheng,” and are constantly insulted as “cancer patients.”
Er Guan sent a Sheng Shi pen emoji: “We must beat them up. We did it last year, we’ll do it this year, and every year after.”
Zhang Yang looked at the balance in her bank account on her computer, including the 500,000 she had temporarily borrowed. They had raised nearly 2 million yuan so far, and she felt a bit uneasy and scared.
It’s okay, she comforted herself. After seeing Ke Yu tomorrow, she would transfer the money back, and no one would know. It wouldn’t delay anything.
On Saturday afternoon, Zhang Yang dressed up carefully and waited outside the bank where they had opened a joint account yesterday.
At exactly 2pm, a black Mercedes-Benz pulled up in front of her, and Wang Wei got out of the passenger seat, holding a device that looked like a detector. “I’m sorry, Miss Zhang, please give me your phone and purse.”
“What?”
“Please cooperate.”
Zhang Yang handed over the things.
Wang Wei scanned her from head to toe with a detector, then opened the car door: “Please get in the car.”
As soon as the car started, Wang Wei handed Zhang Yang an eye mask and earplugs: “Please put them on.”
Zhang Yang put them on as instructed. Since they had already reached this point, she couldn’t back out now. Being worried and afraid was useless. She relaxed and leaned back in the seat, as she had almost not slept at all last night and could use the rest.
She actually fell asleep and was awakened by Wang Wei.
Zhang Yang took off the eye mask and earplugs, her eyes adjusting to the light. Looking around, she realized they were in a garage. The car’s display showed they had been driving for almost two hours.
“Are we there?” Zhang Yang was still a bit groggy.
“Please get out of the car.” Wang Wei opened the car door for her.
Zhang Yang got out of the car and followed Wang Wei into the elevator.
“Miss Zhang, please do not act alone after entering the company. Follow our company’s rules, thank you for your cooperation.”
“Okay.” As the elevator climbed, Zhang Yang’s heart beat faster. She was just as excited about exploring this place and the custom product services as she was about meeting Ke Yu. What she might touch here could be the most cutting-edge technology in the world, but one that was kept in the dark. She would explore a secret that she had never heard of before and take part in a shocking crime.
“Ding” – the elevator doors opened. Zhang Yang had already imagined many scenes from movies, such as a huge, football-field-sized hollow dome, countless sleeping compartments stacked up as inner walls, large machinery and countless screens operating at the same time, and white-coated researchers shuttling back and forth. The bright white light reflected off the high-gloss floor tiles, making the entire space cold, mysterious, and full of futuristic technology.
However, all of these illusions were shattered in an instant.
In front of her was an ordinary elevator corridor. As they stepped out of the elevator, they were met with an ordinary lobby facing the reception desk. The background wall had the words “Tailong Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.” The interior of the building looked a bit old, and nothing at all could be associated with high technology and crime, at least not with high-tech crime.
Zhang Yang felt like she had been deceived again.
Wang Wei took out a card and handed it to the receptionist.
The receptionist checked and said, “The guest has reserved consultation room 3.”
“Okay.” Wang Wei said, “Miss Zhang, please follow me.”
Zhang Yang hesitated, “Is this…the place?”
“Yes.”
As she was hesitating, the semi-transparent glass door suddenly opened. A couple holding hands walked out, followed by a bespectacled man, who sent them off respectfully.
Zhang Yang was startled. The man was unremarkable in appearance, overweight, balding, wearing a black Polo shirt and a 600,000 yuan Vacheron Constantin watch. She recognized it because Sheng Shi had a watch that looked exactly the same.
The person holding his arm was not Ke Yu, but…
Zhang Yang stared at her intently but couldn’t be certain. Women can look completely different with different makeup, hairstyles, and clothing, and Zhang Yang had only seen her from afar during a set visit. Face to face, even if it was really her, he didn’t dare to confirm.
Was she seeing the real person, or a custom-made product?
Zhang Yang took a step forward and asked, “Miss Meng, I’m your fan. Can I have an autograph?”
The person addressed as Miss Meng looked confused, with a naive and puzzled expression that made Zhang Yang almost instantly certain that she was like Ke Yu.
The man’s expression changed, and he said in a rough voice, “What’s going on here?”
The bespectacled man stepped in front of them and glared at Zhang Yang, “Who are you?”
Wang Wei hurried over and looked sternly at Zhang Yang, “I told you not to act on your own!”
“Didn’t you say that this place is absolutely safe and that there would be no outsiders? Where did this person come from?” The man glared at Zhang Yang, and his wealthy appearance contrasted sharply with Zhang Yang’s shabby dress. “Does she even know where she is? You let people in here casually, how can you protect clients’ privacy?”
Wang Wei apologized repeatedly, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, sir.”
The bespectacled man said sternly, “Is this the person you brought back? Is she a member?”
“She’s a member, with a guarantor and a security deposit.” Wang Wei explained quickly, “She might have been confused for a moment…”
“Nonsense, does she look like a member in this state? Do you know who comes in and out of here? You let people in here casually, can you afford the responsibility if something goes wrong?”
The bespectacled man said anxiously, “I’m sorry, we will handle this matter properly, and our business representatives would never bring non-members here. Please believe me. I’ll taKe Yao downstairs first and give you a satisfactory explanation. At the same time, I assure you that your privacy will not be leaked in the slightest.”
The man pulled Miss Meng away in anger.
Before Wang Wei could speak, Zhang Yang quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, I was just too excited when I saw her. It wasn’t intentional.”
Wang Wei suppressed his anger and said, “Zhang, as a rule, we do not refuse entry to members who are guaranteed by a guarantor, but if you have any inappropriate behavior again, I will have to send you back.”
“I understand, I’m sorry,” Zhang Yang said.
Zhang Yang appeared calm on the surface, but she was actually extremely shocked. Hearing what Mina had said about the many custom-made clone people, and seeing it in person, were completely different experiences. If that was the case, could it be that more than Ke Yu was cloned based on her brother’s genes?
Zhang Yang was taken to consultation room No. 3, and Wang Wei left after escorting her. A very savvy-looking woman introduced herself as her consultant and her name was Xu Jing.
“Miss Zhang, Mina told me that you have seen a custom-made product and had a brief interaction with it.”
“Yes.” Mina instructed Zhang Yang not to mention that she had borrowed for ten days, only to say that they had a brief interaction. If the other party continues to inquire, just say it was just a gathering.
“How much do you know about customized products?”
“Not much.” Zhang Yang thought for a moment. “But I really like it. I’m also a fan of Sheng Shi like Mina, and I want to rent one.”
“Before we provide customized consulting services, let me briefly introduce our project.” Xu Jing said slowly, “Our company is dedicated to high-end research in the field of gene replication, and can provide customers with customized products with a similarity of one hundred percent to meet the needs of medical, scientific research, care, entertainment, and other aspects. Customized products are completely artificial goods that can be genetically modified on multiple levels according to the needs of customers. Customized products will fully obey the instructions of customers and are safe, healthy, and private. As long as customers comply with the rules, whether it is short-term companionship or long-term use, they will feel that they are getting their money’s worth.”
“In fact, I still have some doubts until now because it sounds too advanced, like science fiction. I want to see something that can prove what you are saying.”
Xu Jing smiled slightly. “Of course, after I give a brief introduction, you need to sign a confidentiality agreement, and then I will taKe Yao to visit part of our laboratory and assist you in customizing the product you want. This is the preliminary process of the customized service.”
“Okay.”
Xu Jing took out a contract that was already prepared. “Please read it carefully.”
Zhang Yang quickly scanned it and signed her name. As long as she didn’t leak any information, this agreement would not violate her rights, so she didn’t pay too much attention to it and just wanted to save time.
After signing, Xu Jing led Zhang Yang through the office area and towards an internal elevator.
“In fact, the customized service can be skipped. I know what I want.” Zhang Yang really wanted to see Ke Yu right away.
Xu Jing glanced at her. “We provide four customized products based on the genes of male star Sheng Shi. One with 50% similarity, two with 70% similarity, and one with 85% similarity.”
Zhang Yang was a little surprised. There were so many options. She said, “I want the 85% one. I want Ke Yu.”
Xu Jing smiled without a smile. “Let me show you around first.”
