Chapter 61: Betrayal

“God-Making Plan?” she asked, puzzled.
“Exactly.” At the name Mu’s eyes burned rare and hot. “I proposed it for humanity’s future.”
Mu laid out the plan: raise outstanding human ability users from childhood—add experimental modification—push human ceiling until they could stand against immortals.
Experiments cost dearly—not every child qualified—so Mu used the orphanage as the plan’s petri dish to pick subjects.
Take gifted orphans—throw them into harsh environment—allow bullies—encourage strong preying on weak—survival of the fittest—to filter real strength.
All of Wangshu Orphanage—Mu’s carefully built worm jar.
“That’s sophistry!” Yang Yufei’s chest heaved—voice sharp. “What did those children do wrong? Deserve to be used? They lost parents—we should care for them—not wear orphanage skin to exploit!”
Only after joining did she learn ability users existed.
Ability genes woke at a certain age—so many at the orphanage she’d thought coincidence—never dreamed someone engineered it.
Mu had expected opposition.
Since the plan started she’d seen countless objectors—even the bureau chief—sighed helpless: “Vice-Director Yang—you’re too kind. That kindness makes you soft—weak everywhere.”
“Nonsense!”
“Before ability users ordinary humans are ants.” Mu lifted a hand—pinned her effortless—couldn’t move. “Above humans are greater immortals—gods. Countless civilizations fell—some human fault—more heaven’s wrath.”
When time was right Mu dropped her hand—suffocation gone at once.
She gulped air—watched the woman wary. Mu could kill her anytime.
Mu was right—before ability users she was an ant.
She looked up: “What do you want to say?”
“Rather than put all hope in gods—make humans strong.” Mu patted her shoulder—earnest. “Great work for humanity needs sacrifice. Small self for large self—these children would agree if they knew truth.”
“What will you do to those chosen?”
Mu promised herself: “I’ll bring them to the bureau—best education—top talent.”
She hesitated—swayed.
First time torn—conscience on one side—greater good on the other.
Mu’s action taught her—under absolute power the weak were ants. Ability users to ordinary people—immortals to ability users—the same.
Mu was the bureau’s lord—surely promise kept. High experiment cost—no choice for the cause.
So she convinced herself—joined the God-Making Plan willingly.
Ordinary ability showed around twelve or thirteen—Mu wouldn’t wait—older bodies worse for experiment—made drugs to trigger ability.
She fed the children—watched reactions.
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Whoever Mu picked—she took to the lab—hands-on—very devoted.
In time—as an ordinary person—she envied ability—one day couldn’t hold back: “Director Mu—you’re so capable—is there a way for ordinary people to become ability users?”
“Of course.” Mu’s brows curved—agreed at once. “You’re thorough—I see it all. When I find the right subject I’ll recommend you to the chief—give you a post—keep you at my side.”
With that promise she nearly went mad with joy—worked harder still.
One night on duty—the head director’s office still lit.
Thought they forgot the light—this once she heard Mu and the head director:
“Kill their parents—gifted children become orphans—naturally enter the orphanage. Director—brilliant plan.”
“Not at all—you thought it through.” The director flattered. “Only Yang Yufei’s fool enough to believe—does the job well—actually loves lab rats. Curious—when she knows the children she sent weren’t trained at the bureau but died—what face she’ll make?”
“You old thing—my kind of clever.” Mu laughed loud—mocking. “She still dreams of becoming ability user—forever ordinary hits harder than your joke.”
The door kicked open—Yang Yufei slammed the desk—shaking with rage: “This is murder! They’re so young—how could you!”
The two startled—then unconcerned even caught red-handed.
Mu said flat: “Vice-Director Yang—survival of the fittest—eternal law.”
So many innocent lives dead through her hands—she couldn’t stop shaking: “Police—I’ll call police—catch you all!”
“Police?” The director sneered. “Bureau sits above the police—Director Mu’s rank—who’d believe a madwoman?”
A point in empty air—the phone in the director’s hand. “Recording? I underestimated you.”
The recording phone smashed to pieces.
“So you betrayed Mu and joined Qixie? How did you meet Jade Dust?” Yi Ke asked between sunflower seeds.
Her foster mother lacked virtue—used others’ kindness for goals.
“Not your business.” Yang Yufei’s throat dry—drained the tea. “Done, Team Leader Yi—your turn.”
Yang Yufei hated Mu to the bone—hated the bureau too—story credible enough.
Truth known—later parts less curious—no need to play Yang Yufei—laid cards on table.
“Actually pleasing Jade Dust is easy—sweet talk—care—shopping—flowers—confession—she might fall for you.”
Yang Yufei looked struck by lightning—face red: “What do you mean? Seduce Lord Jade Dust? Two women tangled—disgusting!”
Toxic solo stan—and homophobic too.
“Fastest way—I did exactly that.” She’d guessed the reaction—truth anyway. “You asked—I said—you don’t believe—what’s the point?”
“You’re playing me!”
“I’m not. Your lord is my girlfriend—that’s why she favors me—ask her yourself.”
“You—don’t slander Lord Jade Dust!” Yang Yufei green and white—couldn’t touch her.
Without Bai Yanci’s order—Yang Yufei’s temper would’ve slapped her already.
“Yang Yufei—why are you here?” Cold voice behind. “I said her room is off limits.”
Yang Yufei shook all over—turned—Bai Yanci in red—silver mask in hand—at the door sometime—half smile at them both.
“L-Lord Jade Dust!” Legs gave—knelt. “I didn’t mean—”
“I asked her in—to talk.” Yi Ke cut in. “Sister, I’m so bored—besides Vice-Director Yang I know nobody—had to call her.”
Yang Yufei came on her own—but if she didn’t claim it—punishment would follow.
Small favor—repay Vice-Director Yang’s protection at the orphanage years ago.
“Is that so?” Bai Yanci looked at her—asked Yang Yufei.
“What temper gets you leadership? Ever hear win by virtue?” She seized the thread—stepped forward—linked Bai Yanci’s arm in front of Yang Yufei. “Weren’t you busy—why come now?”
Yang Yufei saw everything—pupils shrank—secret so huge—barely dared breathe.
Bai Yanci didn’t mind—mood lifted—waved—Yang Yufei fled—construction barrier closed—only the two left.
Breakfast still warm—every dish Bai Yanci’s hand—taste and look flawless.
Tone softened—pulled Bai Yanci to a chair: “Sister, since you’re free—sit and eat.”
“I’m an immortal—I don’t need food.”
“Keep me company—please?” She pitched voice sweet—wheedled to her face. “Without you I’ve no appetite.”