Chapter 121: Oversharing the Scoop

Level D? Intrinsic Value 375?

Youya doubted her own hearing.

A moment ago, she had still been the proud and aloof queen, her expression cold and haughty.

The next moment, that facade was forcibly stripped away.

An exaggerated look of shock froze on her face.

Her red lips parted slightly, and the beautiful eyes behind her black-rimmed glasses shimmered brightly, fixed intently on Ye Chen.

She sat up straight, slowly lowering her crossed legs, her fair hands resting on her knees, sitting with impeccable posture.

Her chest heaved violently, each breath drawn with great effort.

Youya did not question the authenticity of the data. From what she knew of Ye Chen, he was not the type to utter falsehoods.

This was not the first time he had performed a miracle, and every instance drove her curiosity to the brink of frenzy.

So much so that, unconsciously, she and her brother sometimes felt as if they were on equal footing with him in discussion.

With a weak E-level constitution, he withstood the A-level test agent—this enigma remained unsolved.

Moreover, he had ingeniously developed an external emission mode for intrinsic aura, capable of detecting the interior of intrinsic ore stones, even the inside of autonomously awakened artifacts.

Such a feat was nothing short of miraculous.

She pored over all her notes but found no record of such an application for intrinsic aura.

It was unprecedented.

And now, somehow, he had miraculously raised his intrinsic value from 58 points to a staggering 375 points—an increase of 317 points.

This was no simple matter of injecting intrinsic ore extracts; in monetary terms, it would cost at least 317 million.

But it was not just about money—the collection of so many intrinsic ore stones was no easy feat and certainly not achievable within a few days.

Could that be the reason he refused the injection that day?

Had he already discovered a way to increase his level?

Youya’s mind was in turmoil as she searched through a sea of knowledge.

How had he done it? There was absolutely no method in the existing archives of the Extraordinary Residence that could enable such a leap.

If he truly mastered such a method, then...

She could no longer imagine what would follow.

Wealth and power would become secondary; the key was that he would possess an unrivaled status among Awakeners.

Likewise, the research at the Extraordinary Residence would truly enter an entirely new realm.

Poor Ye Chen had no idea that the small firecracker he had tossed out had ignited a nuclear explosion in Youya’s heart.

He had underestimated the despair and longing Awakeners felt toward level advancement.

He had also underestimated the impact of his words due to his unfamiliarity with the current research underway at the Extraordinary Residence.

Had he understood Youya’s unspoken thoughts just now, he would never have dropped such a bombshell that caused such upheaval.

Instead, he might have changed the subject, perhaps mentioning the other autonomously awakened artifact he had obtained at the exposition.

Alas, words once spoken are like water poured out—they cannot be retrieved.

...

Youya stood up, intending to pour herself another cup of coffee. Only coffee could calm her racing mind.

But before she could straighten, her legs weakened, and she slumped back down. Startled, Ye Chen quickly rose to support her arm.

So soft, so delicate... The flush of delight on someone’s face deepened.

Watching the diligent student preparing coffee, the teacher forced a calm tone and said:

“Seeing you this time, compared to before, I feel there’s something different about you. So that’s it.”

Turning away, Ye Chen replied, “My changes will be even greater. If surprise could be food, I’d feed you until you burst...” He busied himself, back turned.

A magnetic, gentle voice came from behind: “I guess you won’t tell me how you did it, will you?”

“But you’ve successfully lured me in…”

The hand pouring coffee trembled, nearly spilling. Youya, what are you doing? Have some decency!

Realizing her words had a double meaning, Youya’s face flushed with embarrassment, thankful he hadn’t noticed, and hastily clarified:

“I mean, you can now sit down and exchange information with me as equals.”

“Hmm, that sounds better. You scared me just now—I thought I’d never leave the Extraordinary Residence alive, that you’d dissect me...” Ye Chen returned with the coffee, silently observing.

He took a sip, licking the corner of his lips to steady his nerves.

Their goddess Youya regained her composure and asked with genuine concern:

“First, tell me—who else knows about your promotion?”

Without hesitation, Ye Chen answered, “Only you.”

“Good, very good, excellent!” Youya nodded in satisfaction and spoke earnestly:

“Listen carefully. Regarding your promotion, I’ll tell my brother. The information will be limited to the three of us.

“If someone else notices your changes next time, remember: the official story is that you’re trying out a new research project from the Extraordinary Residence.

“And the research is still in the experimental testing phase. Understand?”

Ye Chen was initially puzzled but then a gleam of understanding crossed his face: “Could it be because…”

Youya interrupted rapidly:

“No need to guess. I’ll tell you directly: with your current strength, you simply can’t withstand the overwhelming desires of all Awakeners.

“The only way to protect you is to pass this hot potato to the Extraordinary Residence.”

“To them, it’s just an immature research project, not ready for public disclosure. With their resources, they can handle it.

“And in exchange…”

Without hesitation, Ye Chen cut in:

“No need to talk about conditions. I agree to cooperate with you in all kinds of novel experiments, but you can’t put me back into that testing chamber.”

“Why not?”

“Guess!” Ye Chen retorted cheekily.

Youya’s face darkened; she bared her teeth inwardly, nearly spilling the coffee in her hand.

“As for your earlier question, come with me!”

Youya was the first to rise and walked out, unwilling to see that rogue’s lecherous expression.

...

Outside a black door within the Extraordinary Residence.

Ye Chen, Youya, and Youzhi stood side by side.

This was the archive room of the Extraordinary Residence. Ye Chen had been curious but had never entered.

Youya was reviewing her brother’s latest test report, while he rummaged through his pocket for an ID card.

Youzhi did not have the habit of carrying an ID card; to him, the breast pocket was only good for stashing cigarettes and showing off.

After reading the report, Youya summarized for Ye Chen:

This edible medicine created by Awakeners indeed has different effects on various age groups.

Children under ten are most affected—the medicine can induce temporary hypnotic control.

This is because children’s minds are pure and fragile, making them more susceptible to influence.

Preliminary judgment suggests one pill can maintain control for two to three days.

As age increases, especially in adults, thoughts become more complex, emotions entangled.

Their mental defenses strengthen with growing cognition.

The pill stimulates frequent negative emotions in adults, amplifying them.

Whether extreme anger or profound sorrow, leading to loss of self.

However, the drug’s effect lasts a shorter time, usually dissipating after five to six hours.

Ye Chen thought to himself:

If that’s the case, Niu Niu’s mother just happened to sleep long enough to outlast the drug’s effect — fortunately, my timely chop saved her.