The first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, and Nora Su was already awake. She hadn't slept all night, her mind replaying Adrian Fu's words and the blood test data over and over.
A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened, but it wasn't Adrian or any medical staff. A small girl, around ten, stood timidly in the doorway, holding a tray of breakfast.
"Mr. Fu said you should eat," the girl said quietly, her eyes curiously scanning Nora.
Nora sat up straight. "Thank you. What's your name?"
"Xiaoyu." The girl set down the tray but didn't move to leave. "Are you really the doctor who can cure the monsters?"
Nora's heart tightened. "Who told you that?"
"Everyone says so," Xiaoyu said, her eyes sparkling. "They say your blood is a magical medicine, it can make those monsters normal again."
Nora didn't know how to answer. Just then, Adrian's voice came from the doorway:
"Xiaoyu, don't bother Dr. Su."
The girl darted away like a frightened fawn. Adrian entered the room, unusually dressed in a simple black turtleneck and pants, looking far more casual than his usual sharp suits.
"Have you made a decision?" he asked directly.
Nora didn't answer immediately. Instead, she asked, "That girl… what about her parents?"
Adrian's expression softened. "They were killed during the first outbreak. She hid in a wardrobe for three days until our rescue team found her."
Nora's chest tightened. "How many children like her are on the island?"
"Thirty-five," Adrian said, walking to the window, his back to her. "The oldest is fourteen, the youngest only eight months."
The sunlight highlighted the lines of his broad shoulders. Nora noticed the tension there—he carried an invisible weight.
"You didn't create this place just for research, did you?" she asked softly.
Adrian was silent for a moment. "People need a reason, something to prove they deserve to survive." He turned, his gaze unexpectedly candid. "Now, tell me your decision."
Nora took a deep breath. "I'll cooperate—but with conditions."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"First, complete transparency. No more secrets or deception." She held up one finger, then another. "Second, the research must be used to heal, not to weaponize. Third…" She hesitated. "I want to participate in all decisions, not as a test subject, but as an equal partner."
She waited for him to reject or mock her. Instead, Adrian regarded her thoughtfully, a faint, almost imperceptible curve forming on his lips.
"Interesting conditions." He stepped closer, gently lifting her chin so she met his gaze. "But do you know what trust really is, Nora?"
His fingers were warm and dry; the touch made her pulse race. She forced herself to stay calm. "Mutual honesty, respect for each other's…"
"No," Adrian interrupted, his voice deep. "Trust is a gamble. You stake everything, yet you never know if the other will let you lose it all."
He released her, producing a small data chip from his pocket and placing it on her bedside. "This contains all Blood Moon Project files, including your father's contributions. Review it. If you still trust me, come to the lab at two this afternoon."
With that, he turned and left, leaving Nora sitting on the bed, her fingers unconsciously tracing where he had touched—still slightly warm.
The contents of the chip were more shocking than she'd imagined. Hours of study revealed the broad picture:
Twenty years ago, the military launched the Prometheus Project to develop genetically enhanced soldiers. Her father, Su Mingyuan, was the chief scientist, and Adrian Fu later joined as a genius researcher. The project initially used a rare natural antibody as a foundation—Nora now realized it likely came from her or her mother.
Fifteen years ago, ethical concerns halted the project, but a secret military faction continued research for weaponization. Three years ago, her father and Adrian discovered the faction's plans, stole the data, and launched the "Fire Seed Project" to develop a cure.
The Blood Moon virus outbreak was deliberately triggered by an extremist military faction to "purify" the population and establish a new order.
Most shocking was a video log dated a week before her father's death. Su Mingyuan appeared gaunt but resolute:
"If you are watching this, my fears have come true. Nora, forgive my secrecy. Your blood is the key, but Adrian is the only one who can use it correctly. Trust him, as I trust him. He cares more than you realize…"
The video cut off abruptly, leaving Nora with endless questions. What did her father mean? Why did Adrian care? What connection existed between them that she didn't know?
At precisely two o'clock, Nora stood before the lab door, took a deep breath, and entered. Adrian and Lin Xiu awaited her, the table laid with equipment and a vial of her drawn blood—clearly for her participation.
"Decision made?" Adrian asked, his gaze unreadable.
Nora walked straight to the table and rolled up her sleeves. "Let's begin. But remember our agreement."
Adrian nodded, personally taking the syringe. "Today is just basic testing. We need to determine the optimal method and dosage for antibody extraction."
As the needle pierced her skin, Nora frowned. "You and my father… it wasn't just a professional relationship, was it?"
Adrian's hand paused subtly. "Why do you ask?"
"Intuition," she said, studying his profile. "And what he said in the video."
Adrian didn't answer immediately, focusing on the blood draw. When he spoke, his voice was unusually calm: "Your father saved my life… in my darkest moment."
It was an incomplete answer, but Nora knew now wasn't the time to press. She turned her attention to the experiment, soon captivated by Lin Xiu's displayed data.
"These antibody activities… incredible!" Lin Xiu exclaimed, pushing up his glasses. "If we can replicate this on a large scale—"
"That will take time," Adrian interrupted. "First, focus on producing the initial batch for potential infections on the island."
Then, an alarm sounded—different from previous alerts.
"Biological contamination alarm!" Lin Xiu's face went pale. "Laboratory breach?"
Adrian pressed his communicator. "Report!"
"Not here!" Chen Mo's voice came. "The east coast! Patrols found abnormal seawater samples—virus concentration spiking!"
Adrian and Nora exchanged a wary glance—Wang Zhiguo's mutant contamination had reached the waters.
"Initiate isolation protocol. Close all water intakes," Adrian ordered, then turned to her. "Our time is tighter than we thought."
Looking at her freshly drawn blood, Nora had a bold thought. If her antibodies were this strong, perhaps complex extraction wasn't necessary. Direct dilution and injection might work.
Adrian frowned. "Too risky. Untreated blood could trigger an immune storm."
"But in an emergency…" Nora pressed.
"No," Adrian cut her off sharply. "I won't risk you."
The protective declaration stunned her. Adrian seemed to notice his lapse, quickly resuming a professional demeanor. "Lin Xiu, start antibody isolation. Nora, rest. You've given enough blood today."
Nora tried to protest but was overcome by sudden dizziness, needing to steady herself on the table. Adrian immediately supported her, brow furrowed. "I said, rest."
This time, she didn't argue. She let Adrian half-carry her to the adjoining lounge. When he gently laid her on the sofa, she noticed the unusual gentleness in his actions—a stark contrast to his usual cold exterior.
"Will you honor our agreement?" she asked as he turned to leave, "About being equal partners."
Adrian paused without looking back. "I never break my word." He added quietly, "For your father… and for you."
The door closed softly. Nora sank into the sofa, exhaustion washing over her like a tide. Before sleep claimed her, one thought lingered—Adrian Fu held many mysteries, yet somehow, she was beginning to trust him. Perhaps, as her father had said, he cared more than she realized.