Chapter 146

“In the year 3031, global green coverage has decreased by 82% compared to 2931, and landmass has shrunk by 17%…”

“Due to the global tsunami, countries such as Suker, Rola, and Ukla have applied for international asylum…”

…

For the next two days, all the news on TV was about the global tsunami.

“It’s just devastating.” On the afternoon of March 27, Zheng Yunjie sighed as he watched the news.

“What are you watching?” The flower shop owner came over for a chat.

“The tsunami updates.” Zheng Yunjie repeated what the news had just reported.

“I saw it too. Suker’s situation is even worse than Kaman’s,” the flower shop owner clicked his tongue. Kaman had declared national bankruptcy last year, and while Suker and Rola hadn’t officially done so, they were practically in the same state.

“We’re still the lucky ones,” Zheng Yunjie said. Online, topics like [Grateful to Be Alive] and [Thank You, Longxia] were trending, all pushed up by the public themselves. People hadn’t felt it before, but ever since the Food Crisis, there was a strong sense of security in Longxia.

After chatting for a while, the flower shop owner brought up business. “Are you planning to switch to flowers or take the compensation?”

The Kunshan government had issued a notice yesterday, announcing plans to convert farmland to flower cultivation and was currently collecting feedback from previous land converters.

“Switch to flowers,” Zheng Yunjie replied without hesitation. With sweet potato prices dropping, switching to flowers was better in terms of both profit and sentiment.

The flower shop owner nodded. “Same here.”

They chatted until five in the afternoon. Just as the flower shop owner was about to leave, he suddenly stumbled.

“You okay?” Zheng Yunjie was startled.

The flower shop owner clutched his chest, his breathing growing increasingly labored.

Zheng Yunjie quickly dialed 120. Ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived, and he accompanied the flower shop owner to Kunshan Hospital.

After a series of tests, the doctor said, “It appears to be acute hypoxia.”

“Lack of oxygen?”

“Yes. The air quality has been poor lately. It’s a common condition during this period.”

The flower shop owner, fifty-two years old, finally regained consciousness after being put on a ventilator.

Lying on the hospital bed with an oxygen mask on, he chuckled at himself. “I thought it was just the change of seasons…” His mind had gone blank earlier, and he felt like he’d brushed past death’s door.

By 7 p.m., the shop owner’s family arrived at the hospital room.

After reading the medical report, they thanked Zheng Yunjie profusely. “Sorry to have taken up half your day.”

“It’s nothing,” Zheng Yunjie replied, exchanged a few polite words, and tactfully took his leave.

It was now 8:20. The hospital corridors were crowded with patients waiting. Standing at the entrance, Zheng Yunjie took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure if it was just in his head, but the air felt harder to breathe than before.

Three minutes later, a taxi pulled up in front of him.

“Need a ride?”

“Yes.” Zheng Yunjie opened the door and got in.

The taxi driver was wearing a Hugua Mask and a Thermostatic Isolation Suit, more heavily equipped than the hospital nurses.

Zheng Yunjie laughed. “You’re really geared up.”

The driver grinned. “Gives me peace of mind, and makes passengers feel safer too.”

Back in August last year, Kunshan had gone into a two-week lockdown due to the Hugua Virus. During the lockdown, taxis were banned from operating. They feared the virus, but driving passengers was unavoidable.

“Visiting someone in the hospital?” the driver asked.

“Yeah.”

“What’s the illness?”

“Hypoxia.”

“There’s been a lot of that lately. I picked someone up with it just two days ago.” The driver started chatting away.

…

“This is the hypoxia increase chart for the month. Any thoughts?”

At the same time, over at Fengshan Farm, Song Yueshan was presiding over a meeting. As the head of the Agricultural Group, major meetings like this were usually led by Liu Wensheng. But two days ago, Liu Wensheng was hospitalized with Acid Rain Sickness, so Song Yueshan had stepped in at short notice.

“The Shuilan Alliance has sent over monitoring data. Algae in both Weir Sea and Wulan Sea have essentially gone extinct.”

“Large amounts of Hugua Virus have been detected in both water sources.”

…

Researchers analyzed the data. Oceans have a robust self-purification system. From 3028 to 3030, global algae had deteriorated to some extent, but it was still within manageable levels. However, starting last October, algae degradation had accelerated drastically. Tests indicated that this wave of degradation was linked to Acid Rain and the Hugua Virus.

If the harmfulness of Acid Rain is rated as 1, and Hugua Virus as 1, then their combined effect on marine algae is equivalent to 100.

At the current rate of algae decline, if left unchecked, all global flora and fauna could face extinction by 3035.

“There’s currently no way to stop it,” the Biology Group said with a sigh.

To resolve the oxygen crisis, two key issues must be addressed: 1) Extracting a suppressive agent for Hugua H1, and 2) Increasing global algae production. The Biology Group was researching the Grouper Substance and Algal Tree, but progress on both fronts was unsatisfactory.

“Is there any way to boost oxygen supply?” Song Yueshan turned to the Technology Group.

“The Technology Group is working on the Oxygen Laboratory. We might have a breakthrough by the end of the month,” Sun Yiping said with a complicated expression.

Humans can purify oxygen using industrial techniques like heating potassium permanganate or electrolyzing water, but these methods have limitations. With hypoxia cases on the rise, producing lightweight, portable, and long-lasting low-cost oxygen remains a major challenge.

Lately, the Technology Group had been working overtime on the Oxygen Laboratory.

The Oxygen Laboratory was a reward from the Dual-Machine Task. At first, the farm had wondered why the lab had such low specs. But as the algae crisis unfolded, the lab now seemed more like a prophecy.

After some discussion, Song Yueshan instructed, “Let’s review the mission progress.”

A staff member opened the meeting screen.

Qin Yun sat in the front row, zoning out.

Everyone waited three minutes, but the screen remained unchanged.

“Secretary Qin?” Song Yueshan called out.

“Sorry.”

Qin Yun snapped out of it and quickly opened the System Interface.

The System Interface was projected onto the meeting screen—

Host Name: Qin Yun

Current Mission: Plant 1 billion mu of Off-site Seeds (97%); restore national green coverage to 10% of pre-disaster levels; restore national soil to normal condition (85%)

…

According to the plan, the 1 billion mu of Off-site Seeds would be completed by mid-month. However, with the global tsunami, some coastal countries were currently unable to plant. Longxia had already signed an Off-site Seeds import agreement with Canpesheng. Barring any surprises, the mission was expected to be completed by mid-April. As for soil restoration, only some mountainous forest areas in Longnan and Zhongnan remained untreated. That phase was projected to finish by early May.

At 10 p.m., Liu Wensheng wrapped up the meeting. “Everyone, get some rest. Try to strike a balance between work and rest.”

The researchers packed up their notes and left. Qin Yun also stood up and began tidying his things.

Song Yueshan walked over to him. “You seemed distracted just now?”

“A little,” Qin Yun replied.

During the meeting, his thoughts had drifted to Liu Wensheng. He had collapsed right in front of him—

It was midnight at the time. Liu Wensheng had been reviewing a hypoxia data report when his hand suddenly trembled, and he slumped forward onto the desk.

Qin Yun had been organizing documents nearby. The moment he saw Liu Wensheng collapse, he rushed to alert the security guards outside. Chaos ensued. By the time he regained his bearings, the medical team was already performing CPR on Liu Wensheng, who was then rushed to Jinghe Hospital.

Two days had passed since then, and there was still no news from Jinghe.

“He’ll be okay,” Song Yueshan said, trying to reassure him.

Qin Yun gave a small, apologetic smile.

Half an hour later, Qin Yun left the conference room. Fengshan Farm was still brightly lit, with large machines operating back and forth. After walking for a bit, he arrived at the Farm Laboratory.

“Anabaena and Prochlorococcus can’t break down Acid Rain.”

“If we combine the DNA of Anabaena and Fragilariopsis, there’s a chance it could break down Acid Rain…”

Inside the Agricultural Lab, Zhou Yuanheng was deep in discussion with the researchers about the Algae Tree. The Algae Tree was the first Hope Fruit reward from the Farm Laboratory. It could yield thirty thousand types of deep-sea algae and was considered an encyclopedia of the algae phylum.

“Secretary Qin?” Zhou Yuanheng called out when he saw him.

“Academician Zhou,” Qin Yun greeted with deep respect. If Zhou Yuanheng hadn’t patiently listened to his explanations back then, Fengshan Farm wouldn’t exist today. Whether four years ago or now, Qin Yun had always held deep admiration and respect for him.

Qin Yun lingered in the Agricultural Group like an ornament for a while. Just as he was about to leave, Zhou Yuanheng patted him on the shoulder. “Old Liu is out of danger. You’ll be notified as soon as he wakes up.”

“He’s out of danger?” Qin Yun’s face lit up with joy.

“Jinghe just sent word,” Zhou Yuanheng said.

Qin Yun let out a breath of relief. For the past two days, the news of Liu Wensheng’s hospitalization had weighed heavily on him. Now that he was out of danger, it meant he could regain consciousness at any moment.

Over the next two days, Qin Yun focused intently on organizing the Farm’s data.

On the afternoon of April 2, just after finishing his work, the system updated: “Congratulations to Host for completing the mission [Plant One Billion Mu of Off-site Seeds]. Mission Reward: Random Gift Pack. 【Advanced】.”

Qin Yun reported the news to the team, then opened the System Interface.

Host Name: Qin Yun

Completed Mission: Plant One Billion Mu of Off-site Seeds

Mission Reward: 【Random Gift Pack】 (Advanced)

…

“It updated?”

“A random gift pack?”

…

At that moment, Song Yueshan, Sun Yiping, and several others came over after hearing the news.

Once everyone had calmed down, Qin Yun opened the 【Random Gift Pack】.

The Random Gift Pack used a Nine-Palace Grid lottery system. Previously, the grid had been silver, but now it gleamed with a luxurious golden hue. Qin Yun clicked directly. The buttons on the Nine-Palace Grid began to spin. After three seconds, they stopped—

“Congratulations to Host for receiving a personal reward: 【Golden Hand】 (Daily limit: 3 uses).”

…

“What’s this?” The moment 【Golden Hand】 appeared, not only Qin Yun but everyone else was stunned.

Qin Yun clicked for details. 【Golden Hand】: Allows the user to view the properties and directional data of any material. (Daily limit: 3 uses)

“Bind now?” the system prompted.

“Yes.”

Three seconds later, the binding was successful. Qin Yun didn’t feel any different.

After a round of analysis, Sun Yiping placed a phone in front of him. “Try it.”

Qin Yun placed his right hand over the phone and silently thought: Golden Hand.

Brand: Longxing Phone

Model: LX2002

Version: 5.2.3.226 (LXASLSA395229)

Processor: LX335

RAM: 12.0GB

…

The moment he activated it, all the phone’s data—from manufacturing date to product specs—appeared before him.

After reading through it, Qin Yun selected directional data: Dietary Function.

Dietary Function: 0%

He then switched to: Call Function.

Call Function: 100%

…

“【Golden Hand】 seems to be a kind of scanning device. Due to dimensional parameters, it can only be activated by the Host,” someone concluded.

The group continued analyzing the structure and principles behind 【Golden Hand】.

After some discussion, Qin Yun switched to a sample of algae DNA for another test.

Name: Chlorella

Phylum: Chlorophyta

Nutritional Content: Dietary fiber, vitamins A, B, C, D…

…

Qin Yun selected directional data: Growth in Acid Rain with pH below 4.5.

Growth Probability: 0%

…

“Amazing!”

The researchers were thrilled with the results. They were reminded of Qin Yun’s Plantation Buff: the ability to view growth data of trees.

The Plantation Buff was a regional effect. But now, Qin Yun could view data from any object, regardless of time or location. This would significantly boost research efficiency across all labs.

“It’s been a year,” someone said, recalling the timeline of the Off-site Seeds mission.

This was the only mission since the Farm’s binding that had taken over a year. Because the reward hadn’t been disclosed, everyone had been worried they might end up with something useless like an irrigation machine or a harvester.

After a year of anxious waiting, the reward had far exceeded expectations.

“I’ll make a report,” Song Yueshan said, reaching for her phone to call Liu Wensheng. But remembering he was still unconscious, she held back the urge.

After another round of discussion, Qin Yun tried using 【Golden Hand】 again.

System prompt: “Daily limit reached. Please wait for reset.”

“Used up already?”

“Wasn’t it three times?”

…

Everyone was puzzled for a moment, then realized: checking directional data also counted as a use.

At 7 p.m., the group left in high spirits.

Qin Yun closed the System Interface and was just about to leave when he noticed Zhou Yuanheng watching him with a complicated expression.

“Academician Zhou?” Qin Yun asked, puzzled.

Zhou Yuanheng hesitated before asking, “This reward is that important… and you just handed it over like that?”

Given the unique nature of the system’s rules, Qin Yun could have easily checked the reward first, then gone to the system shop to buy a similar item to swap it out. Even if he did that, no one in Farm would have noticed a thing.

“Golden Hand is different from the other rewards.”

Zhou Yuanheng’s tone was layered with meaning. Golden Hand was a special type of reward—its true value lay in the fact that Qin Yun could use it anytime, anywhere. It was a razor-sharp blade, always within reach.

Afraid he hadn’t made himself clear, Zhou Yuanheng added four more words: “Possessing a treasure makes one a target.”

The function of 【Golden Hand】was too valuable—so valuable, in fact, that it could rival an entire Farm System.

Qin Yun thought for a moment, then asked, “Inside Longxia’s borders, would anyone dare harm me?”

“Farm and Longxia are your strongest backers,” Zhou Yuanheng said solemnly.

Qin Yun had never met Longxia’s top brass in person, but they had reviewed his file. Over the past five years, the leadership had repeatedly ordered that Longxia must protect Qin Yun at all costs. This wasn’t about the Farm System’s interests—it was about Qin Yun’s decision to hand over the Farm System in the face of crisis, without hesitation.

That act came from the heart, a pure and selfless gesture. And with Farm’s support, Longxia had weathered one crisis after another.

Longxia was a nation built on virtue. Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust were the backbone of its character. Qin Yun had chosen Longxia, and Longxia would protect him no matter what. It would never betray its promises, nor would it let a hero be left out in the cold.

“You can always trust the nation,” Zhou Yuanheng said with solemn conviction.

Qin Yun smiled. “I always have.”

He trusted Longxia. He trusted the nation. That trust was why he handed over the Farm System five years ago. And it was that same trust that led him to surrender 【Golden Hand】without hesitation this time.

From the moment he handed it over, he had prepared himself for every possible outcome. And he was deeply grateful for Longxia’s unwavering trust in return.

The two chatted for a while until the phone in the conference room rang.

Zhou Yuanheng picked up the call, then turned to Qin Yun with a joyful expression. “Commander Liu is awake!”

…

On the afternoon of April 5, Liu Wensheng returned to Farm in a wheelchair. He wore a hospital isolation gown and a Hugua Mask. He looked noticeably thinner than he had a week ago.

“Now that you’re back, take it easy for a while.”

“There are plenty of people at Farm. It’ll keep running without you.”

…

Song Yueshan and Zhou Yuanheng, emboldened by their familiarity with him, chattered away at Liu Wensheng.

“I just caught a cold. Don’t even need a wheelchair,” Liu Wensheng tried to stand up.

“That’s hypoxia complications from Acid Rain Sickness,” Song Yueshan said, pushing him back down.

Liu Wensheng’s legs were fine, but he had just undergone emergency heart and lung surgery. He needed to remain in the wheelchair for observation for a month. Though he found it inconvenient, he knew now wasn’t the time to act tough.

After a round of teasing, Liu Wensheng looked at Qin Yun. “Got even darker?”

“Been out in the sun the past couple days,” Qin Yun replied with a grin. His skin was indeed darker, but it was a healthy, sun-kissed tan. Compared to five years ago, he was three shades darker, but his physique, presence, and spirit had all improved significantly.

“Try to stay out of the sun from now on.” Perhaps because he had just brushed past death, Liu Wensheng seemed calmer than before.

Since he had just returned, there wasn’t time for too much small talk. An hour later, Liu Wensheng was back in his office, with only Qin Yun there with him.

“You unlocked the reward?” Liu Wensheng asked.

“Yeah,” Qin Yun replied, then explained the full functionality of 【Golden Hand】.

When he finished, Liu Wensheng didn’t focus on the reward itself. Instead, he looked at Qin Yun and gave him a solemn salute. “Thank you.”

“Serving the people,” Qin Yun replied quickly, returning the salute.

Though Liu Wensheng was usually serious, moments like this were rare. He looked a little embarrassed afterward.

He smiled, then asked, “How’s Farm been these past couple of days?”

Qin Yun gave a detailed report of everything that had happened.

Liu Wensheng listened carefully. In truth, he had already reviewed Farm’s data after regaining consciousness. He had also read the details of the 【Golden Hand】reward three times. Though it seemed simple on the surface, both Longxia and the team understood its true significance.

“Though the cold stars may not see my intent, I offer my blood to the Yellow Emperor.”

The line from a self-inscribed portrait came to mind, and Liu Wensheng felt a deep admiration for Qin Yun.

Over the next two days, Liu Wensheng gradually adjusted to life in a wheelchair.

On April 10, the country was hit by another wave of extreme heat. The combination of high temperatures, Hugua H1, Acid Rain Sickness, and Global Hypoxia was a deadly cocktail. Since the beginning of April, many residents had been hospitalized due to heat-induced hypoxia, and oxygen masks were selling out nationwide.

Hugua H1 could be handled with a Hugua Mask, and the heat with a Constant Temperature Series suit. But breathing was a constant need. When oxygen ran low, it became a matter of life and death.

During this time, Liu Wensheng was fuming over the Global Hypoxia crisis.

Global Hypoxia was a worldwide climate issue with no current solution. Amid the urgency, on April 13, the Technology Group burst into the office, visibly excited. “We’ve got something!”

Qin Yun and Liu Wensheng immediately rushed to the Technology Laboratory.

Just ten minutes earlier, the Technology Group, working with the Oxygen Laboratory, had developed a new indoor oxygen production device: the Indoor Comprehensive Oxygen Generator.

The Indoor Comprehensive Oxygen Generator had two main functions:

1. Provide low-cost oxygen supply for residents within a fixed area.

2. Allow residents to store oxygen using a dedicated device. One canister could last for up to 72 hours of continuous use.