Chapter 15: The Highest-Level Security Incident!

“Who? How could this have been cultivated?” Song Jinghong immediately demanded.

“It was me, Professor Song,” He Xingzhou stepped forward voluntarily.

Song Jinghong sized him up and said, “You look very familiar.”

Zhang Boyan reminded him, “This is my student, He Xingzhou—the one who previously built the miniature nuclear fission reactor.”

“Oh, it’s you!” Song Jinghong recalled the matter.

He inquired, “How did you cultivate it?”

He Xingzhou replied, “Professor Song, you can understand by looking at our experimental records.”

He showed Song Jinghong the records he had previously shared with Dong Chen and Zhang Boyan. The more Song Jinghong examined them, the more alarmed he became.

“Mutated organisms accelerate mutation when exposed to nuclear radiation?”

“Its original form is just a black sea bream? Not a large marine creature?”

“In a short period, its genetic modules have completely changed; mutated genes dominate this organism!”

“And it’s still not in its final form—it can continue to evolve!”

Upon reviewing the records, Song Jinghong’s entire worldview was overturned. “How is this possible? How could such a creature exist on Earth?”

“I thought it was just an undiscovered species or a mildly mutated organism. But this isn’t mutation—it’s an entirely different species!”

He Xingzhou said, “Professor Song, I call this mutated gene the ‘Zerg gene.’ I’ve written an evolutionary hypothesis about it. According to my theory, this Zerg gene is a completely foreign gene, possibly a biological weapon from an alien species!”

“It parasitizes organisms on this planet and, once developed to a certain stage, mutates like Black Sea Bream No. 2.”

“They may possess advanced intelligence, powerful biological forms, and could even threaten humanity worldwide!”

“Not just Black Sea Bream No. 2—I sampled various marine creatures at the seafood market. Even unmutated organisms carry hidden Zerg genes! This means genetic contamination has spread throughout the oceans! If all these organisms mutate, the consequences would be unimaginable!”

At this, everyone present grew pale. “Is it really that serious?”

“A single mutated organism could trigger a global biochemical disaster?”

He Xingzhou affirmed, “Yes, and it might be even worse than I’ve said! If mishandled, humanity could face extinction!”

“Professor Song, I recommend you report this immediately to the National Security Bureau! The authorities must take this seriously and act quickly!”

Though surprised by this mutated fish, Song Jinghong remained cautious about the claim of a global disaster.

Mutated organisms appear every year; recently there have been more, but not enough to threaten humanity—we have airplanes and artillery, after all!

“Show me your reasoning model,” Song Jinghong said.

“All right.” He Xingzhou displayed it on the laboratory computer.

Others couldn’t comprehend it, only watching Song Jinghong’s expression. Initially shocked, Song Jinghong’s face turned pale and sweat formed on his forehead when he saw the Zerg gene model. The usually composed academician looked deeply unsettled.

“Old Song, what do you think?” Principal Liu Yuan asked, puzzled.

Song Jinghong abruptly stood, his expression grave. “Principal, this is absolutely a matter of national security and classified information! I dare not speak recklessly now. This student is right—this is no longer just a matter of mutated organisms. I must immediately report to the National Security Bureau!”

“Officers, secure this building at once. No one except our researchers is allowed inside!”

“This mutated creature must remain here. Do not act rashly!”

“And He Xingzhou, you will stay on campus these days and not leave. Investigators will arrive soon!”

Hearing this, everyone was stunned.

He Xingzhou had warned them, but they hadn’t fully realized the gravity of the situation.

Now, hearing it from Song Jinghong—the world-renowned biological expert and academician—their doubts vanished.

So He Xingzhou hadn’t deceived them?

Realizing this, no one could remain calm.

Liu Yuan immediately said, “Good. I will contact the higher authorities right away!”

Captain Lei Yiming of the police quickly instructed his team, “Contact headquarters and request additional personnel. Guard this building 24/7. No unauthorized personnel allowed! Await further instructions!”

“Yes, sir!” The officers sprang into action.

The Forestry Bureau also arranged 24-hour surveillance to prevent any unexpected incidents involving the creature.

Lei Yiming addressed He Xingzhou, Wu Rui, and Jiang Chan: “Students, please cooperate with us for a simple record. Until further notice, it’s best you remain on campus.”

“Understood.” He Xingzhou was calm, having anticipated this.

Wu Rui and Jiang Chan, facing such a situation for the first time, felt anxious, fearing they might have caused some catastrophe.

He Xingzhou reassured them, “Don’t worry. You won’t be in trouble. They’ll likely question me.”

The biological research building was completely sealed off. Meanwhile, Song Jinghong was on the phone contacting his superiors.

“Director Cui, this is Song Jinghong,” he said, calling the National Security Bureau’s head of biosafety.

On the other end, Cui Weimin responded respectfully, “Academician Song, it’s unexpected to receive your call.”

“Director Cui, I need to report a biosafety incident,” Song Jinghong said gravely.

Cui was immediately alert. “What kind of incident requires your personal report? What level of biosafety emergency?”

He knew that if Song Jinghong was personally reporting, it couldn’t be minor.

Song Jinghong’s next words made Cui’s hair stand on end and his heart race: “An SSS-level biosafety incident!”

“SSS-level!” Cui had worked at the bureau for decades and usually handled routine incidents. Even nationwide acute infectious diseases were classified only as S-level biosafety incidents.

SSS-level was the highest emergency designation. He had thought he would never encounter such a case in his lifetime.

Because when such an event occurs, it threatens the very survival of the nation.

“Professor Song, are you certain? Where? What happened?” Cui asked urgently.

“At Beijing University of Technology!” Song Jinghong replied. “The site is under control. Please send National Security Bureau personnel immediately to take over, contain, and investigate!”

“For details, please coordinate with Principal Liu Yuan. Meanwhile, I must urgently contact the National Academy of Sciences’ Biological Research Institute for further study of this matter!”