What It's Like Being a Vampire

After experiencing the “Antarctica Crisis” at the end of 2020, with the world’s climate and weather in disarray, and a global panic, 2021 suddenly fell into an eerie calm.

But without a doubt, everyone knew that this was a false peace. After the “Antarctica Crisis”, after countless people around the world had witnessed the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant Illusion”, and after everyone had lived through those months that seemed like the end of the world was imminent, many deep-seated notions, many inherent understandings, had been completely shattered.

What is this world really like? ——this question was raised once again by many people.

On the internet, on various social media platforms, there were many discussions about the “Antarctica Crisis” and the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant Illusion”. There were all sorts of speculations and inferences, hypotheses, but in real life, it seemed that everything remained unchanged. Everyone continued to go to work, to go to school as if life had returned to normal after the world was pulled back from the brink of apocalypse by the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant”.

Yes, even though all the official media, all the countries had not made any formal statements or conclusions, but in the folk, on the internet, it was widely accepted that the “Antarctica Crisis” had been resolved by the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant” and the world was saved by the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant”.

About the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant”

There are also some people who hold different views about this creature, this existence, which seems to be lurking in the deep ice.

Among them, the theory of “Thunder Man” was the most popular, not only because there were eyewitnesses, a popular vlogger made a series of explanation videos, confidently describing the scene of the “Superman” controlling electricity and flying in the sky on the “Day of Salvation” in a coastal city, but also because some “insiders” confirmed through other means that at that time and location, a brief and intense lightning storm did occur, with an unidentified object rising into the sky, and the massive lightning storm that formed in the Pacific Ocean was substantiated by evidence to have originated from this small storm that was born on the eastern coast of China.

It then led to further theories, suggesting that the real identity of the Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant could be a Chinese person, who could transform into the Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant when necessary, and the condition for this transformation was weather changes. When a lightning storm occurred, it could coalesce into a solid form, and the stronger the lightning, the larger the entity.

This reasoning, coupled with numerous phenomena before and after the “Antarctica Crisis”, further affirmed their confidence in this theory.

Moreover, they believed that the reason the Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant didn’t act until December of last year, was because it was accumulating power. This cataclysmic super lightning storm had also turned the Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant into ashes.

Hence, a Chinese superhero’s legend of sacrificing himself to save the world began to spread on the Chinese internet, followed by rising momentum on the English internet.

Those who were saved in the Myitkyina riot last year due to the appearance of the Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant Illusion also thoroughly approved of this theory, adding in many details from the Myitkyina incident.

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There was also a restaurant owner, who claimed that a two-meter-tall Bald Chinese hunk descended from the heavens on that night, picked up the rioters like rag dolls, and rescued him from danger. He suggested that if there really is a Chinese superhero, this Bald brother must be one of them.

However, his description was so exaggerated that most people thought he was talking nonsense, so it didn’t make much of a ripple. Only when Yang Lao San saw it, he was as excited as if he had discovered a new continent and ran to report to Tang Baona.

These sort of melancholic stories always easily attracted people’s attention.

Many people were trying to find the real identity of this superhero, or were trying to create an image of a superhero who sacrificed himself to save the world based on some hypothetical theories.

But there were also some witnesses of the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant Illusion” who sneered at this theory, because in their view, the “Eight-armed, Eight-eyed Giant” could not be associated with ordinary mortals, it was what they considered to be the “True God”.

However, by the end of 2021, some new news began to be gradually released —— China had made breakthrough discoveries in several technical fields.

From the implementation of quantum computing, the development of new superconducting materials, various new expansions in genetic engineering, to the theoretical breakthrough in controlled nuclear fusion, it seemed that human technology had made disruptive progress overnight.

All these advancements, breakthroughs, and applications came from the same Chinese research institution.

China did not intend to keep these solely for itself but initiated international cooperation.

At first, some Western countries were reluctant to join. However, by the beginning of 2022, when controlled nuclear fusion started to materialize and the first nuclear fusion power plant was established in northeast China, no major country wanted to fall behind. This was the critical juncture of the fourth industrial revolution, and missing it would mean being left far behind.

They had noticed early on that these breakthroughs in China had begun after the “Antarctica Crisis” and those aware of the existence of the “mutants” speculated that China might have discovered the secret of the “mutants”.

But when they tried tentatively and nervously to conduct their own research on “mutants,” they discovered various interference and abnormalities. Even the “mutants” they finally caught mysteriously disappeared.

They gradually realized in the Western world that restrictions on “mutant” research were easing, although not completely lifted, and only China had somehow found a way to bypass these restrictions.

Thus, despite their reluctance, the Western world had no choice but to join the research and development system led by China, adhering to the technical specifications and standards set by China.

Under China’s strong control, all disputes in various regions and countries were temporarily set aside, and the world entered a new era of explosive productivity.

The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind began to truly become a global consensus.

…

By 2023, Chongyun Village had greatly changed from three years ago. Although the “Qiankun Research Base” in the village was unknown domestically and internationally, those who were aware of the existence of “mutants” saw it as the absolute center, the source of all new technologies, and the “headquarters” of global “mutant” research.

The original team that followed Xia Libing from “Divine Technology” had all become influential leaders.

Fang Pingfang and Zhou Rui were in charge of several research institutions, Mijoe and Ye Chong were directors of technical applications departments, while Li Shiping, Gao Shu, Wang De’an, and Zhao Feng were mainly responsible for establishing field research departments. They dealt with the supervision and rescue of wild “mutants” and when necessary, they would limit the freedom of “mutants” to provide “mutant samples” for the base’s research.

Of course, during such times, at least one of Tang Baona, Xia Libing, Xiao Pingguo, etc. needed to accompany them.

In October on National Day, Zhou Rui and Mijoe happened to return to Chongyun Village at the same time to report on their work and apply for “mutant” samples on behalf of the institutions and departments they led.

After they separately met with Xia Libing, they agreed to meet at a restaurant by the mountains and water in Chongyun Village, to have a meal and catch up.

“Is this restaurant new? I didn’t see it when I was here last year.” Mijoe was a little curious as he observed the surroundings.

The restaurant was doing great business, but judging by the attire of the clients, almost ninety percent of them were from the research base.

“I heard it was opened by Dr. Xia’s brother, Director Liu, and Mr. Chu.” Zhou Rui said.

Newcomers to the research base now basically called Xia Libing Director Xia. Only the first group that followed Xia Libing would privately refer to her as Dr. Xia, which was sort of their unique way of establishing a tight-knit group.

“Mr. Xia is rumored to have superpowers. Is he a mutant?” Mijoe asked.

“No, he should be similar to Dr. Xia, possessing spirit control ability.” Zhou Rui said.

“Spirit control?” Mijoe looked puzzled.

“Oh, maybe your application department hasn’t been notified yet… Right, what’s your security clearance level?”

Upon confirming that Mijoe has the same confidentiality level as himself, Zhou Rui continued: “Dr. Xia is directing the ‘Spirit Control Theory’ system and will carry out targeted training for some field investigators in the future. The candidates should all receive the corresponding ‘Spirit Givers’ and have corresponding sensing abilities.”

“Can this ability be trained?” Mijoe looked somewhat amazed.

“From what I understand, everyone could potentially learn it. The degree of control, however, will vary depending on individual talent.” Zhou Rui answered, “When the time comes, I think I’m going to apply and try to establish a connection with a ‘Spirit Giver’.”

Upon hearing this, Mijoe pondered for a moment, then took a neatly folded A4-sized paper from his wallet. When unfolded, one could see numerous creases and tight black circle patterns on it.

“Could this be a ‘Spirit Giver’?” Mijoe asked.

Zhou Rui made a surprised sound, picked up the paper, and said: “Where did you get this? I indeed have seen similar patterns in the base. It seems to have something to do with the ‘Spirit Control Theory’.”

“I got it inadvertently three years ago.” Mijoe explained.

With a twinge of envy, Zhou Rui said: “Then you may also have the potential to master ‘Spirit Control’.”

“So… What is Mr. Xiang’s current situation? He didn’t really sacrifice himself to save the world as the internet rumors suggested, did he?” Mijoe carefully put away the black circle sketch.

Shaking his head, Zhou Rui replied: “I don’t think so. I guess he’s probably just recovering from an injury or excessive consumption.”

“Could he be in Antarctica?”

“Probably not. Otherwise, Dr. Xia and Mr. Liang wouldn’t have let the West land on Antarctica right after the crisis ended there.” Zhou Rui analyzed.

In the middle of their conversation, Zhou Rui suddenly lowered his voice, leaned closer to Mijoe, and whispered cryptically: “I think a major change is coming to the world!”

Mijoe blinked in surprise: “A major change?”

“Change as in transformation…”

“I know, but what kind of major change are you talking about?”

“Where did you meet with Dr. Xia this time?”

“In a multimedia conference room.”

“I met her in her office.” Zhou Rui said, “And on Dr. Xia’s desk, there was a globe. While talking to me, she often subconsciously touched the globe.”

“Was there something wrong with the globe?” Mijoe asked immediately. He had been with Xia Libing for over a year, just like Zhou Rui, and was well aware of her way of doing things. He knew that every word and action of hers had meaning.

“Yes!” Zhou Rui answered: “That globe was elliptical. It looked like a coconut!”

Mijoe frowned: “Are you sure it was a globe?”

“Yes, it was certainly a globe, a special custom-made one.” Zhou Rui confirmed, adding: “Dr. Xia kept touching the globe while talking to me.”

Mijoe seemed thoughtful: “Could it be…the Earth is beginning to become elliptical?”

Zhou Rui nodded: “A great change is coming.”

…

Mijoe and Zhou Rui naturally made extravagant assumptions based on their understanding of Xia Libing.

What they didn’t know was that the elliptical sphere in Xia Libing’s office was a custom order by Alice. It was originally half a skull shape, the template obviously being Xiang Kun.

However, after Zhen’er made a few visits and repeatedly voiced her strong objections, plus the occasional visits from Little Fatty Girl and Xiao Pingguo, Alice had to mock up a globe bound for Xia’s fondling needs instead of a skull — even though everyone could tell at a glance that it was Xiang Kun’s head.

While Mijoe and Zhou Rui were dining together, Xia Libing, Tang Baona, Yang Zhen’er, Little Fatty Girl and others were in Xia’s conference room having a meeting, discussing a rather thorny issue.

“What should we do? I can’t go on deflecting Uncle Xiang and Aunt Shen anymore. They insist on finding Xiang Kun…” Tang Baona sounded anxious.

When Xiang Kun had just left for Antarctica, Mr. and Mrs. Xiang had readily accepted the story of him going on a business trip to Europe. Tang Baona and Xia Libing occasionally met with Xiang Kun’s parents to appease them, and Alice often simulated calls and video chats with Xiang Kun to communicate with his elderly parents over the past few years. But now, three years have passed and Xiang Kun has yet to return. Mrs. Xiang was growing increasingly restless and had become suspicious of the video chats simulated by Alice. They decided to go to Europe to see Xiang Kun.

At first, they contacted Xia Libing, and she managed to reassure them. However, a few days later they contacted Tang Baona directly and insisted on tracking down Xiang Kun. With no other option, Tang Baona agreed and went to Xia and the others to discuss a strategy.

“How about… we tell Uncle and Aunt that Xiang Kun had an accident and is now a vegetative patient… and then have Alice make a dummy… Alice can do that, right? Then when Brother Xiang comes back, we can say he’s recovered. It’s a win-win!” Yang Zhen’er suggested.

Tang Baona gave her a slap on the forehead: “Nonsense!”

“Then what else can we do? Shall we just tell the truth that Brother Xiang, in order to save the world, ran off to Antarctica, and now no one knows whether he’s dead or alive, or when he might come back…” Yang Zhen’er said, holding her forehead.

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