Eating Melons Until I Saw News of My Own Death Chapter 107

After finishing their meal and charging the phone, the two went to their accommodation.

The address was in the upwind area of the civilian district, an ordinary residential complex.

After providing identification and paying one month's rent, they received the keys and returned to their room.

The room had two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The decor was quite nice, with all sorts of facilities complete. Apart from daily necessities, they basically didn't need to buy anything new.

"Big sister, this place is so beautiful," Miaomiao exclaimed in wonder.

Having grown up in the slums, she had never seen such a nice-looking house.

Tong Yang said, "If you like it, let's find a way to earn money and buy it."

The security guard had told them that since it was a house allocated by the Joint Government, they had priority to purchase it, and the price was very favorable.

"Great! Big sister, let's earn money together and buy this place!" Miaomiao said enthusiastically.

She ran to the window and pushed it open. The room was on the ninth floor. Looking down, she could see the surrounding environment. A cool breeze gently brushed her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she could feel the faint fragrance floating in the air. Everything was so wonderful, completely different from the chaotic environment of the slums.

The upwind area wasn't a particularly bustling location, but there were plenty of shopping malls and streets nearby. Living here was indeed quite nice.

Tong Yang put down her backpack, looked at the excited Miaomiao, and fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Miaomiao, I think I've told you before."

Miaomiao turned around, her face overflowing with joy. "Big sister, what is it?"

Tong Yang said, "For certain reasons, we are only living together temporarily."

The delight on Miaomiao's face gradually faded. She lowered her head and, after a long moment, mumbled, "Anyway, you'll leave the money for me when you leave, right? What's wrong with us earning money together?"

Tong Yang nodded. "It's good that you understand that."

Tong Yang walked to the doors of the two bedrooms and looked in. They were roughly the same size. Carrying her backpack, she entered one of them and said to Miaomiao, "I have some things to take care of. You can look around the apartment and see what's missing. I'll take you out to buy things later."

Miaomiao replied sullenly, "I know."

Immediately after, Tong Yang closed the door.

Walking to the desk, she put her things down. Tong Yang raised her hand and knocked on the wall. The echo was significant; the room's soundproofing was quite good.

Sitting at the desk, Tong Yang took out her phone. Tong Le had called and messaged her many times these past few days. Because Tong Yang had warned him in advance that he might not be able to reach her, he wasn't too anxious, just asking her to call him back to let him know she was safe once she saw the messages.

Besides him, Chu Shiyu, Xu Junyue, and others had also called her a few times.

Ye Huai, on the other hand, didn't call. Like clockwork, he sent messages every day asking about her situation.

Tong Yang didn't reply to their messages immediately. Instead, she called Wu Pingxue.

The phone rang a few times before the other party answered.

"Hello." Wu Pingxue's calm and collected voice came through. It even sounded like she took a sip of water while speaking. "You've finally left the slums."

Hearing this made Tong Yang's teeth itch. "You knew I was in the slums?"

Wu Pingxue said, "Of course. I can see your coordinates, though the range is a bit smaller than in the First World."

Tong Yang said, "Damn old woman."

Wu Pingxue wasn't angry but laughed instead. "Alright, let's get down to business. What did you find?"

Tong Yang's voice grew a few degrees heavier.

She said, "They forced me to enter the First World early, with the goal of using me as a pretext to bomb the slums."

Tong Yang gave Wu Pingxue a rough overview of what had happened.

Finally, Tong Yang said, "I don't understand. What reason does the First World have to do this? It's not like the Parallel World, which needs to massacre and plunder existing resources. The First World's technology is so advanced, resources are produced continuously. Why would they expend more effort to eliminate fifty percent of the world's population?"

After hearing Tong Yang's words, Wu Pingxue fell silent.

"What's wrong?" Tong Yang asked.

After a long while, Wu Pingxue sighed and said, "Tong Yang, we have to find a way to stop this, to protect the lives of the people in the slums as much as possible."

Tong Yang didn't understand. "Why?"

Wu Pingxue said, "Haven't you noticed? People in the First World don't rely on gene medicine, not even the defective or inferior versions."

Tong Yang narrowed her eyes. "The slums indeed have no access to those things."

Wu Pingxue said, "It's more than that."

"How so?"

Wu Pingxue said, "Inferior gene medicine did initially spread from the First World into the Parallel World. However, the development of high-quality gene medicine without side effects was all conducted within the Parallel World."

Tong Yang pondered. "With the First World's advanced technology, it should be easier for them to manufacture high-quality gene medicine."

"Correct. Think about it. The technological gap between the First World and the Parallel World is so vast. Why couldn't the First World completely wipe out the people of the Parallel World back then? Instead, they had to cease fire and coexist peacefully."

Tong Yang said, "Because only the Parallel World can manufacture high-quality gene medicine?"

"Exactly." Wu Pingxue sighed. "But it's not just that."

"What do you mean?"

Wu Pingxue said, "The First World used magnetic field energy to raise their technological level. Apart from that, their development of magnetic field energy only extended to creating defective and inferior gene medicine."

Tong Yang's breathing grew slightly heavier. "So you're saying that the Cycle, brain development, the creation of high-quality gene medicine, using magnetic field energy to control the entire planet and even influence human brains... all of that is the Parallel World's development of magnetic field energy?"

No wonder Tong Yang felt that First World humans were closer to ordinary people in the real world. It was because their brains hadn't been affected by magnetic field energy yet.

The Parallel World had developed magnetic field energy too well, to the point of being almost omnipotent. Not only could they possibly create various gene medicines and command programs, but they could also control all existing humans on Earth.

"What the Parallel World developed, the First World isn't incapable of developing, but rather lacks the conditions to develop."

Tong Yang was stunned. Lacks the conditions to develop? What conditions?

What conditions does the First World lack compared to the Parallel World?

Whether it's technology or Earth's resources, the First World surpasses the Parallel World by more than just a little. What condition is the First World missing?

Initially, Wu Pingxue's goal was to kill seventy percent of the real world's population to obtain its resources.

The Parallel World's goal, however, is to kill everyone in the real world and seize their resources.

But if it's just about obtaining resources, why not follow the First World's example and divide humans into three different classes?

Slums, civilian district, affluent district...

Although the classes are distinct, it at least ensures resource regeneration, without the need to go through the great trouble of plundering resources from another world.

Moreover, the Parallel World wants her dead immediately, while the First World does the opposite. Why?

If we don't know what the First World lacks, then how about looking at it from another angle?

What's different between the Parallel World and the First World?

In the First World, the affluent district and the Joint Government control the entire planet. In the Parallel World, the middle and lower classes have either already died or had their brain neurons extracted to become Order Maintainers.

What is the difference between them?

It's...

Thinking of this, Tong Yang almost gasped.

"The fewer people alive, the more effectively the magnetic field energy can be utilized?" Tong Yang asked.

Wu Pingxue chuckled wryly. "Exactly. Magnetic field energy is not an inexhaustible resource after all. It's just that the way it manifests is different. Almost everyone can consciously control its power. Only when there are fewer living people, fewer conscious individuals, can the energy be concentrated and exert its maximum effect."

A chill crept up Tong Yang's spine. Perhaps until now, she had been trapped in a misconception.

She had always thought that the humans in the parallel world engaged in mutual slaughter and self-destructive games because they had abandoned all resources requiring human development, leading to the collapse of the social system and creating the current state of affairs.

However, in reality, from the very beginning, the resource they were fighting over and developing was the magnetic field energy?

They didn't care at all what happened to the social system.

Everything done up to this point was for the sole purpose of fully harnessing the magnetic field energy?

Wu Pingxue said, "Precisely because of this. Otherwise, why would we choose self-destruction?"

Tong Yang's eyes darkened. "What's the First World's reason for doing this? Haven't the two worlds long since become indistinguishable?"

This way, even if the First World couldn't fully develop the magnetic field energy, they could still benefit from the parallel world's achievements in developing it.

Wu Pingxue sighed. "How can the initiative be left in someone else's hands forever?"

"The First World not only wants to develop the magnetic field energy, but also desires stable resources." Wu Pingxue's voice was flat. "Over a decade ago, they began working on creating androids. Once the androids are successfully developed and mass-produced, and the value created by other humans can be replaced, there will be no need for them to stay alive."

Tong Yang pressed her lips together, her expression grim.

"Are you saying the bombing of the slums is just the beginning? In the future, they'll extend their reach to the civilian zones as well?"

Wu Pingxue said, "Originally, I wasn't sure about this point. But now it seems that is indeed the First World's plan. Once their purpose is exposed, or if they bomb the slums on a large scale without reason, it would inevitably provoke resistance and discontent, even making everyone in the civilian zones fear for their own safety. However, using you as a pretext is just perfect, logical, and wouldn't raise anyone's suspicions."

Tong Yang frowned tightly. "Just as insane as the parallel world."

Wu Pingxue did not deny this, saying, "The reason the First World is keeping you alive, besides using you as an excuse, another layer is probably to prevent the parallel world from immediately invading the real world. Otherwise, the initiative would forever remain in the hands of the parallel world."

Hearing this, Tong Yang narrowed her eyes. "So, forcing me into the First World actually protects me?"

Wu Pingxue said, "Possibly. However, the greater reason is likely to control your life and death, and to catch up to the parallel world's development of magnetic field energy before you die."

Wu Pingxue smiled slightly and continued, "By then, androids will be created on a large scale to generate resources and maintain the social system. The First World will be in a position to advance or retreat as needed. Whether the parallel world successfully invades the real world or not, the First World has a perfect future ahead."

Tong Yang sneered, "It seems the First World's Joint Government has some brains after all."

"Yes, but the parallel world may not be inferior to the First World. It's just that after experiencing an unparalleled war, if we couldn't use magnetic field energy to suppress the First World, we would have lost long ago."

Tong Yang offered no comment on this and instead said, "Regardless, I'm actually safer in the First World. As long as their development of magnetic field energy hasn't reached the parallel world's level, I'm not in mortal danger."

Dr. Wu said, "Mm, but we can't let them proceed unchecked. Otherwise, given the First World's technological level, it won't take long for them to catch up to the parallel world."

Tong Yang said coldly, "You overestimate me."

Wu Pingxue's tone was helpless. "Of course, it's impossible for you to achieve this alone, and I don't intend for you to completely stop the bombings of the slums. The First World conducts a bombing every ten days. You just need to try to ensure more people survive. With fifty percent of Earth's population, it's impossible to kill everyone within a year or so."

Tong Yang said, "Then I'll do my best, but don't expect much."

"I know. There should be quite a few people in the First World willing to help you."

"Such as?"

Tong Yang knew this old fox often lied and spoke in half-truths; he might not really be unaware of who in the First World could help her.

Sure enough, after she asked, he didn't choose to keep her in suspense any longer.

"For example, Maynard."

Tong Yang was taken aback. "Maynard? He's in the First World?"

After the Maynard family was annihilated by the "Forerunners," Maynard and some key family members disappeared.

"He was originally from the First World."

"He's from the First World?" Tong Yang showed a trace of disbelief, having never imagined that Ye Tianlin, as "Maynard," was actually from the First World.

"Yes. The First World won't hold his actions against him."

Then, which world did the Ye Tianlin who died at Hailin International School last year belong to?

And which world did Ye Huai belong to?

Wait, Ye Huai should be from the real world. He was able to regain his memories during Tong Yang's loops; only someone from the real world could do that.

But then, why was he so good to Ye Huai? Making him the second Maynard, even preparing so many clean assets for him in the real world.

Wu Pingxue cautioned, "When you can't do anything, stay put and don't arouse suspicion. They can't kill you, but they can control you."

Tong Yang said, "You don't need to tell me that."

Wu Pingxue was long accustomed to her attitude. "Alright then, let's keep in touch."

"Mm."

After hanging up, Tong Yang immediately called Tong Le.

The phone rang for over ten seconds. Finally, just before it disconnected automatically, it was answered.

"Hello, Sis!"

Before Tong Yang could speak, Tong Le's breathless voice came through.

Listening carefully, there was also the sound of reading in the background.

"Mm, where are you?" Tong Yang asked.

Tong Le said, "I'm outside the classroom."

"During class?"

Tong Yang checked the time. It was indeed still class hours. She had been careless; she should have picked another time to call him.

"Mm..." Tong Le's voice sounded a bit muffled. "But I got the teacher's permission."

Since the call was already connected, Tong Yang didn't dwell on it.

"It's nothing urgent. My phone died, had no signal, just charged it."

Tong Le breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. Sis, you're not hurt, are you?"

"No."

"Have you been eating properly?"

Tong Yang said, "I will eat properly from now on."

Tong Le's voice paused. "You weren't eating properly before?"

Tong Yang relaxed her body, leaning back in the chair. "I wanted to, but didn't have the chance."

After all, there wasn't much edible food in the slums.

"The best thing I ate was a five-dollar bowl of vegetable noodles."

"Sis!" Tong Le's tone became upset. "Use my money! Go buy something nutritious."

Tong Yang laughed, "It's not that I don't want to buy things, it's that I can't buy anything."

Tong Le grumbled, "Where did you go? It's not a war zone, is it? How could you not be able to buy anything?"

Tong Yang said, "I'm in a very faraway place, a rather poor one."

"Give me your address, I'll mail you some things," Tong Le said.

Tong Yang chuckled, "It's fine now, I can buy things already."

Tong Le said, "Then you absolutely must eat properly, don't skimp. Teacher said the little robot we developed has been sold, for a huge amount of money, all transferred to the card I gave you. Don't worry about not having money, I'll earn more!"

Tong Yang said, "I know."

"How have Dad Yang and Mom Yang been lately?"

Tong Le said, "Dad Yang, Mom Yang, and Grandma are all very worried about you, but you don't need to worry. I, along with Yang Lin and Sister Shiyu, will help explain things to them. Sister, you just take care of yourself out there."

"Okay, please relay to them that I'm fine."

"I know!"

"Mhm."

Sensing Tong Yang's intention to hang up, Tong Le asked cautiously, "Sister, can I call you in the future?"

Tong Yang said, "Don't call unless it's important. I'll contact you occasionally myself."

"Oh..."

"Hanging up now. Take care of yourself."

"Okay! Sister, you take care of yourself too!"

"Mhm."

Tong Yang hung up the phone and switched to a social media app.

Chu Shiyu and Xu Junyue had both sent her some messages. Xu Junyue told her their final exams were over, and their academic advisor wanted her to get in touch when she had time to arrange a make-up exam online.

Tong Yang replied with a few sentences to each, planning to contact the advisor about the make-up exam in a couple of days.

Besides these two, several other acquaintances had also sent messages. However, she never had the habit of replying promptly, often going ten days or half a month without checking messages, so everyone was already used to it.

Entering the "Netizen Gossip 007" group chat, it was as lively as ever. It wasn't the first time she'd disappeared like this, so everyone took it in stride, discussing gossip in the group, occasionally @-ing her to see if she was around. If she wasn't, they'd just continue gossiping.

[So bored...]

[What exactly has Sister Tong been up to?]

[Things have been so calm lately it's killing me, nothing's happening.]

[Ahhhhhh Sister Tong what are you doing!]

[Ahhhhhh has the parallel world situation been resolved?!]

[@Learning is for Making Money @Learning is for Making Money @Learning is for Making Money]

[Ahhhhhhhhh sister please come out!!!]

Taking pity on them, Tong Yang walked to the window, opened her phone camera, zoomed in, focused the frame, took a photo, and sent it.

[Whoa???]

[What is that floating thing?]

[Holy crap?? Why are there spaceships?]

[Huh?? What are those futuristic-looking buildings?]

[Wait, Sister Tong, where are you? Filming a movie?]

[Goodness, there are lasers on that building too. I can't even imagine how spectacular it must look at night.]

Learning is for Making Money: [The First World]

[???]

[?????]

[Huh????]

[What world???]

[No, I, you...]

Learning is for Making Money: [.]

[Video!]

[Please, we beg you, video call!]

[(On knees) Please video chat with us!]

[Just go under that floating thing, let me see what it actually is.]

[Strongly request to board a spaceship for a look.]

[Let me see the people of the First World, that's fine too.]

[I want to see what kind of three-headed, six-armed monsters they are, turning the parallel world into that ghostly state.]

[Sister Tong, kill! Massacre these culprits!]

Learning is for Making Money: [Can't kill them.]

[Wuwu the First World looks so technologically advanced.]

[I want to go play there too.]

[Wonder if there are robots.]

Learning is for Making Money: [There are androids.]

[Sister, show us.]

...

Learning is for Making Money: [...No conditions. I'll take photos if I get the chance, one hundred per photo.]

[(Pointing fingers) So rich already, and still thinking about making money.]

[That's right, that's right.]

Learning is for Making Money: [One hundred total, for all of you combined.]

[(Well-behaved) Sister, you're practically a philanthropist.]

[That's right, that's right.]

[I want to see a photo of sister.]

Just then, someone with the nickname Little Pink Flower spoke in the group.

[???]

[?????]

[Huh????]

[Wait, who are you?]

[@Little Pink Flower You stop right there!]

[@Little Pink Flower Don't you run!]

[What's going on with this group! Was it you who did this?!]

[Damn it! What's your connection to the parallel world?]

...

Learning is for Making Money: [picture.jpg]

[lick]

[lick lick]

[Soaking up that beauty.]

[Sister is so gorgeous! Sister, I love you!]

Little Pink Flower: [Sister, can I get an advance of 100?]

Learning is for Making Money: [Okay]

[???]

[What does that mean?]

[Sister Tong, you two know each other?]

[You've already met?]

[@Learning is for Making Money You know who he is?]

Little Pink Flower: [Good afternoon, brothers and sisters.]

[?]

[Who are you calling brother?]

[Who are you calling sister?]

[You, a big brother/sister from 2036...]

Learning is for Making Money: [He is Tong Le.]

[???]

[Who?]

[Who is who?]

[Huh? Who is he?]

[Huh????]

Little Pink Flower: [Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. I am sister's younger brother, Tong Le.]

[No, wait...]

[Don't argue, I'm thinking.]

[Don't argue, I'm taking the college entrance exam.]

[Don't argue...]

[Let me sort this out... You're Tong Le from 2036, who created this group in 2026, and pulled us into the group in 2036?]

Little Pink Flower: [That's correct.]

[Why?]

[How did you manage to do that?]

[Is technology that advanced in 2036? Any photos? Does 2036 have floating structures like the First World?]

Little Pink Flower: [2036 doesn't have floating structures like that.]

[...You wouldn't be the Tong Le who grew up in the timeline after Sister Tong died, and in 2036 pulled us into this group chat to save your sister, would you?]

Little Pink Flower: [More or less. Because I missed my sister very much.]

[Wuwu...]

[My eyes are crying. It must have been so hard growing up alone.]

[Studying hard to save your sister wuwu my good baby.]

[Lele is such a cute, hardworking, sister-loving baby.]

The group members had only seen the nine-year-old Tong Le, unaware that the 2036 Tong Le had already grown taller than Tong Yang.

Little Pink Flower: [It was a bit hard, but it was all worth it.]

[It's okay, my treasure, you can be with your sister forever from now on!]

[Right! Sister Tong will definitely resolve the parallel world and First World situation!]

Little Pink Flower: [I believe my sister can definitely do it.]

[We believe in Sister Tong too!]

[Parallel world, go die! Don't you dare separate our Lele and his sister!]