Chapter 175: Chapter 131: Just Remember the Promise with the Mysterious Team

Wei Jin nodded. "Duan was in excellent health. He came back from Ice City and then suddenly died of an acute illness. I rushed to the hospital the moment I was notified, but I never even got to see his body. I thought it was very strange.

Duan had no family and no relatives. I was his emergency contact, but somehow, someone claimed his body before I could. All I got was an official death report.

It said Duan had contracted a highly contagious acute illness. After his death was confirmed, the hospital unilaterally activated an emergency containment system and incinerated his body. But I don’t believe he died just like that."

"Wei told me about this a while ago. We also used our connections to investigate, but it was like Duan had vanished without a trace—no sign of him, dead or alive," Shu Chao Yu added in a deep voice. "Back then... we never thought to connect it to the battle in Ice City."

Wei Jin said, "So, when I saw the Austin family demonstrating their Mimicry Mecha Technology at the presentation today, I immediately thought of Duan. They started developing that technology three years ago, which is around the same time something happened to him."

Shu Yao said thoughtfully, "So what you’re saying is, this comrade of yours was secretly recruited by the Austin family?"

"Unlikely." Wei Jin’s brow furrowed tightly as he gave a slight shake of his head. "Duan had no relatives, no family. I was the one he was closest to. If he’d been recruited, he wouldn’t have hidden it from me, and he certainly wouldn’t have gone more than two years without sending me any word.

I suspect he’s being controlled by the Austin family!"

His tone was full of conviction as he finished.

Shu Yao gave him a preemptive warning, "In that case, I’d advise you not to be too optimistic about whether he’s dead or alive."

Wei Jin’s expression darkened, and his tone turned cold. "I didn’t expect you to have this kind of attitude!"

"I can more or less understand the revolutionary bond between you comrades. But if you’re going to ask me too much about the battle in Ice City and the mysterious team, then I’m afraid I have no comment!" Shu Yao’s stance was firm. "I don’t want to bring trouble to my family!"

Seeing that she didn’t seem to care about his comrade’s fate, Wei Jin grew angry. But on second thought, he realized she was also just thinking of her family’s safety, and his heart softened.

"In that case," Wei Jin said, his eyes strange, "you shouldn’t have stood out at the presentation today!"

"I have my own reasons for that. You two..." Her gaze swept over Shu Chao Yu and Wei Jin, her expression darkening slightly. "Just need to abide by our original agreement."

Seeing that she was unwilling to reveal more, Shu Chao Yu shot a look at the anxious Wei Jin, signaling him not to press her further.

After seeing Wei Jin off, he returned with a solemn expression. He looked intently at Shu Yao and asked with heartfelt sincerity, "Yaoyao, be honest with your uncle. You had a reason for coming out of Zone 9, didn’t you?"

Shu Yao lowered her gaze and said in a soft voice, "A year ago, I had someone investigate the identity of Xiao Juzi’s biological father, but instead, I ended up finding out about my own origins."

"So, you knew a year ago that you were..." Shu Chao Yu struggled to calm himself after learning the truth. He was furious. "Then you—"

Not wanting to watch him explode, Shu Yao simply looked away.

However, Shu Chao Yu’s emotions suddenly plummeted from their peak to rock bottom.

He sat there, defeated.

Shu Yao said slowly in a low voice, "I know you’re all very good people. I feel at ease entrusting Xiao Juzi to you..."

Shu Chao Yu was taken aback. "So, you came out of Zone 9 just to bring Xiao Juzi to the Shu Family. That whole fight between the abandoned people and Scavengers in the Lower Star District... that was just an act you put on?"

"Yes," Shu Yao admitted.

Shu Chao Yu’s voice was heavy. "Then... are you going back?"

"Once I registered Xiao Juzi’s residency and got him settled, I was going to return to Zone 9 without any lingering worries. That was my original plan, but now..." Shu Yao paused, her tone becoming stern. "Things have changed."

Shu Chao Yu was silent for a moment. "...Because big brother proposed the immigration plan for Zone 9 to His Majesty?"

"That’s not the main reason either." Shu Yao let out a long breath. Saying these hidden things out loud had eased some of the burden on her heart. "As for the specifics, I can’t tell you. If I’m to be completely honest, it will probably have to wait until... the day the battle in Ice City is well and truly over."

Shu Chao Yu’s eyes suddenly widened, filled with disbelief. "You..."

Shu Yao stopped him in time. "That’s right. Some things are exactly as you’re thinking right now. Uncle, don’t feel burdened. Just remember the agreement with that team."

Shu Chao Yu’s eyes suddenly reddened.

He buried his face, full of heartache, in his hands. "Just what in the world have you been through all these years..."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.