pertwk Page 98
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Chapter 227 Xiao Hao, you.........
"Xiao Hao... what did you just say? I... I don't think I heard you clearly."
Ella, standing to the side, looked at Zhang Hao with surprise. She hadn't expected to hear Zoya's name from him. Could it be that Zoya was currently...?
“Zoya told me that if I want to go back, I will tell you her name. She also said that you owe her something and told me to take some valuable things back with me.”
Now, Rometheus could only glance at Ella with a constipated expression. This was bad; it seemed he couldn't send the child to Demulan's good son-in-law. It turned out the child was Zoya's precious treasure.
"Um... hiss, Xiao Hao, do you have any thoughts about going back?"
Rometheus put down the bowl in his hand, rubbed his hands together, and looked at Zhang Hao with anticipation.
"Hmm... I'll stay a few more days and then go back. Everyone's still quite worried about me. Hmm? Uncle Rometheus, what's wrong with your expression?"
Rometheus: Waaaaah, I was planning to extort a fortune from Demulan, but my get-rich-quick scheme failed before it even began. Speaking of which, Xiao Hao's current state is... something to think about for Zoya.
As Zoya's old partner, Rometheus naturally knew what type of girl Zoya liked. Seeing Xiaohao like this, Rometheus believed that Xiaohao was about to suffer at Zoya's hands.
"Zoya...she didn't do anything inappropriate to you, did she?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao was stunned, while Ella looked over with a puzzled expression. The question was so vague and confusing that she couldn't understand it at all.
"Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing. I was just asking casually. Xiao Hao, don't take it to heart. It's just... um, you've worked hard."
With his sharp eyes, Rometheus immediately noticed the intense sadness that burst forth in Zhang Hao's eyes. Recalling Zoya's relatively conservative actions back then, Rometheus understood Zhang Hao's "pain."
Rometheus said that it seems he can't use the Barbie doll [Zero] he prepared for Zoya now. Compared with Xiao Hao, his own [Zero] is indeed just so-so. It's just a pity that such an obedient and sensible child as Zhang Hao has already suffered from Zoya's vicious claws at such a young age.
Rometheus can never forget the look in Zoya's eyes when she wanted him to wear a ballet tutu. He had always thought she was just joking with him as a friend, but after seeing Zoya's eyes, Rometheus was scared.
Especially after Rometheus saw Zhang Hao, who was so cute that it was almost impossible to tell if he was male or female, and combined with the previous conversation, he figured that Xiao Hao would probably be forced to wear a skirt or something.
Zoya: You're talking nonsense. I would never force Xiaohao to wear a skirt or anything. I just saw that Xiaohao was struggling to make a decision, so as his good older sister, I helped him out.
Ella seemed to have a new understanding of Zoya, and began to curiously ask Zhang Hao about Zoya's little secrets.
Rometheus thought about how Zhang Hao would be released in a few days, and he would once again become a pitiful, lonely old man. (Ella: What, am I not human anymore?)
"Sigh, Xiao Hao, what will I do when you leave? 〒▽〒 By the way, have you seen [Zero] in Asara? You know, the one who looks a lot like you, but he's... a bit mischievous and rebellious. As his father, sigh!"
Meanwhile, Zhang Hao began to ask Zero in his mind whether he should reveal him to Rometheus. After all, after these few days of contact, Zhang Hao found that Rometheus seemed to be a pretty good person and would not pose any threat to Zero.
"If you want to tell others, that's fine too. Anyway, I only have two more days until I get my body. But if you want to go back, I'll go back with you."
Upon hearing Zero's request, Zhang Hao was also in a dilemma. If he brought back someone who looked exactly like his former self, even though everyone knew of Zero's existence, it would still feel strange. Besides, Zero was, after all, the young master of Babel, so there was absolutely no need for him to come to the Special Operations Department with him.
Zhang Hao: It seems it's time to start using the charm of my language to persuade [Zero]. Before that, let me give Uncle Rometheus a little surprise.
"I think I've seen him before."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Rometheus moved closer to Zhang Hao, his eyes fixed intently on him.
"Xiao Hao, your Uncle Rometheus has hardly ever asked anyone for help in his life. But this time, I'm begging you, where did you see any trace of him before?"
Zhang Hao was also taken aback by Rometheus's actions, and then said:
"I saw it by chance when I went out on patrol with everyone. I don't remember exactly where it is, but don't worry, Uncle Rometheus, I'll go look for it for you when I go for a walk tomorrow, and I'll bring it to you as soon as I find it."
Seeing that there was no specific location, Rometheus could only sigh and helplessly lean back in his chair, looking as if life was not worth living. If Xiao Hao had left him a kid to play with, his peaceful days might have been a little more fun!
"It's alright, Uncle Rometheus. Trust me, I've always been very lucky. Maybe I'll run into him when I go somewhere to play in a few days."
Seeing Rometheus's state, Zhang Hao quickly stepped forward to comfort him, saying, "How could a boss from the Tower of Babel turn into this in front of me?! Put the filter I specially added for you back, you bastard!"
Rometheus gave Zhang Hao a wry smile, taking it as a consolation for Xiao Hao. This child is so sensible; it's a pity he's not his own son.
"Don't worry, Xiao Hao, I'm not that fragile. I'm just a little melancholy. My little one has been away for so long. Doesn't he miss home? Although the injections he received earlier were painful, it was for his own good. By the way, Xiao Hao, do you want to try it? Although the injections hurt, they can turn you into a superhero. No, no, if I give you the injection, Zoya might come over and twist my head off."
Zhang Hao: Thank you. Your son has already told me how much pain it is. I'd better not worry about it; I can't bear it.
After hearing Rometheus's "melancholy" remarks, Zero fell silent.
Chapter 228
In the afternoon, as soon as the information station at Babel was repaired, Mai Xiaowen, who was far away at the Special Operations Department, successfully restored the department's communication system.
"Yes, it's all done. Quickly call Xiaohao."
But just as Mai Xiaowen was about to have a sweet phone call with Xiao Hao while the other two were unaware that the message had been restored, she discovered that Zhang Hao had already started making phone calls with other people.
Mai Xiaowen: No... wait, shouldn't I be the first to know the communication system has been restored? How could someone be faster than me? No, I have to go and see who can be faster than me!
However, after Mai Xiaowen checked everyone in the Special Operations Department, she found that no one was making a phone call. Unconvinced, Mai Xiaowen called again, but the other party was still on another call.
Mai Xiaowen: Who is it?! Can't you have any manners?!
And the culprit... naturally, is Lao Sai, who has been thinking about our dam's strategist all along. You see, after he couldn't get through to Roy this morning, Sai had a bad feeling and immediately started bombarding Zhang Hao with phone calls.
Sofia watched as Said struggled to make calls from 2 p.m. until nearly 6 p.m. before finally getting through to Zhang Hao.
Now, Said said he was furious, extremely furious, and that he would teach Roy a lesson on behalf of Xiao Hao the next time he saw him.
Roy: It's me again... Oh well, I'm used to it. They all like to tease me.
"What?! Xiao Hao, you mean you're at the Tower of Babel? You're inside the Hafk Group!!!"
Said practically shouted the last part of his sentence. He couldn't believe that Xiao Hao had ended up in such a dangerous place as the Hafk Group. He... he had finally managed to escape from Hafk! What were those people in the Special Operations Department thinking? That Deep Blue guy... they all said they would protect Xiao Hao properly!
Meanwhile, Sophia gently began to comfort Said, who seemed to be on the verge of turning to the dark side. Although she was also very worried about Zhang Hao's safety, she thought to herself, if Xiao Hao were really in danger, how could she possibly make a phone call?
After listening to Sofia's words, Said, who was still in a state of rage, calmed down a little. Seeing that Sofia had calmed Said down, Zhang Hao patiently told Said about what had happened in the past few days again.
"Huh? Oh dear, Xiao Hao, this is so risky! And don't be fooled by how nice the people there seem to you now; they might be plotting to harm you the moment they turn their backs! Should I take some people to the Tower of Babel right now to rescue you?"
Zhang Hao could hear the anxiety in Sayed's voice on the other end of the phone, and it took him a while to comfort Sayed and dissuade him from taking all the troops from Dam Zero to the Tower of Babel to go all in.
"Uncle Said, don't worry. You should worry about yourself first. I've been on the phone all afternoon, and I bet you haven't even touched your homework! Aren't you afraid of Sister Sophia?"
Hearing Zhang Hao talking about homework, Sayed wanted to quickly turn off the speakerphone on his phone, but he was a step too slow. When Sayed slowly turned his head, he only saw Sophia with a half-smile.
"Hey Said, you haven't opened a book all day! Now Xiao Hao is reminding you himself! What are you waiting for?"
Saeed: Waaah! Hao, ask them if they still need security guards over there. I'm really good at fighting, I don't want to do this homework! Aren't I already a 30-something-year-old adult? (;???Д??`)
After hanging up with Saeed, Zhang Hao sighed. This Uncle Saeed really had perseverance; he had been calling him nonstop for hours since the afternoon.
But when he turned on his phone, he found that he already had 99+ missed calls.
Upon closer inspection, wow, everyone in the Secret Service had made at least 10 phone calls to themselves, even the usually quiet Terry made 12 calls.
Meanwhile, in the Special Operations Department, no one was outside the entire hall. Everyone had hidden in their rooms, frantically calling Zhang Hao. This was because when Mai Xiaowen came to check on them earlier, they had noticed something amiss, and they immediately took out their phones to check. To their surprise, their phones showed that communication had been restored.
Everyone started calling Xiao Hao, hoping to be the first to answer his call.
Said: Sorry, but in my opinion, you guys are really too weak. I'm the first one to show concern for Xiao Hao, hahaha!!!
Seeing this, Zhang Hao didn't bother calling them one by one. He simply found the "We Are a Loving Family" group and made a video call to everyone.
Within two seconds, everyone had come in.
Soviet Captain: Xiao Hao, when are you planning to come back? Everyone misses you. If that guy Rometheus doesn't want you to come back, just tell us and we'll go there and rescue you.
China's Number One Genius Girl: That's right, Xiao Hao, I can't sleep at night without you by my side! I need to replenish Xiao Hao's energy.
First Archer: Go away, Xiao Hao, come back quickly! I've found a new game too, and I even bought a cosplay outfit. I'll wear it especially for you when you come back. (?▽`???)
Moscow Doesn't Believe in Tears: You're cosplaying? Forget it, Xiao Hao, you're back, let's continue what we didn't finish before, okay?
Everyone: Zoya, you're committing a crime!!!
Zhang Hao also said that he would go back after playing for a few more days. The main reason was that Zhang Hao planned to return [Zero] to Rometheus, his incompetent father. He had been searching for almost three months and hadn't even found a trace of [Zero]. Seeing his pitiful appearance, even the usually "heartless" [Zero] showed signs of softening.
Duqiao came to find me: Xiaohao, I miss you! Come back soon and make me some barrel Uluru! I feel so bad without alcohol! The last bottle I had saved was stolen by Shenlan.
Soviet Captain: Uluru, you'd better put on your protective gear and wait for me on the gym ring later.
Let me save one more: Xiao Hao, is your place fun? Can you take me there next time? I've never been to the Hafk Group!
Zhang Hao also said that he would bring Roy here to take a look if he had the chance, but as for whether they could get out... well, that's another story.
Roy: Hehe, it's okay. If all else fails, I'll just use the flying squirrel to escape.
Chapter 229 Arrival at the Tower of Babel
The next day arrived quickly. Claire was already prepared early in the morning. After getting a map of Asara from Mary, she rode an all-terrain vehicle to the Tower of Babel.
"This land of Asara... I remember seeing it in the news before, shouldn't it have lots of greenery? How come it looks so desolate now?"
Looking at the yellow sand along the way, Claire was surprised by the desolate landscape of Asara ever since she got off the plane yesterday.
"It seems a lot has happened on this land before I arrived!"
Said: Do you want to listen to yourself? Are you even speaking human language? You're more illiterate than me! When I was still a handsome young man, you bunch of damned Hafk attacked us. Back then, you were probably just a little kid!
About half an hour later, Claire arrived at her destination – the Tower of Babel.
Looking at the two areas divided by the museum, Bakshi was still undergoing reconstruction. Many buildings had become ruins, and the whole area looked like a mess.
Claire didn't linger there. She turned and headed towards the Tower of Babel, knowing that trying to change the situation on her own was nothing but wishful thinking.
After showing her ID and going through security at the entrance, Claire met Ella, who had come to greet her at the door.
“Hello Miss Claire, I’m Ella. Mary already told me about your needs yesterday. Please come with me. I’ve already had the documents you need brought over, and Dr. Rometheus would also like to see you.”
Claire was slightly surprised to hear that Rometheus actually wanted to see her; she hadn't expected to attract the attention of the leader of the Tower of Babel.
Claire had long heard of this renowned doctor, who was also involved in the development of the artificial spine she was using.
"Okay, let's go then."
The two of them went to Rometheus's office one after the other, but before Claire could even step inside, she heard... a little boy crying.
"No!!! Uncle Rometheus, you can't do this! Aren't you Russian? Why do you make me learn English? I finally don't have to do those annoying homework assignments anymore, this is a betrayal of me!!!"
"Hehehe, Xiao Hao, just give up struggling! Since you've already called me Uncle Rometheus, as your good uncle, it shouldn't be a problem for me to supervise your studies, right? Besides, even if I'm Russian, it won't stop me from teaching you English. Come on, we won't be too tired. See these words on this side? We'll just memorize a little bit today."
Zhang Hao stared in disbelief at the densely packed page of words. Good heavens! When he was memorizing with Sister Xiaowen before, the highest he could memorize in a day was only 50 words. After that, Zhang Hao was completely exhausted. Now, looking at the paper in Romeshius's hand, he was afraid that Romeshius was going to kill him!
Zhang Hao: Rometheus, you betrayed me! You'll never see your precious son [Zero] again! You'll regret it! (;???Д??`)
Seeing Rometheus approaching him step by step, Zhang Hao could only helplessly lean against the sofa and scream.
"Ahem, someone's here. You'd better behave yourselves. We still need to maintain some decorum here."
Just then, Ella walked in like a savior, coughed twice at Rometheus and Zhang Hao, and then brought Claire in as well.
Claire, who walked in, was also greeted with the highest form of courtesy among men—a stare.
"Hello, you must be Miss Claire. I'm Dr. Rometheus. Um... if it's convenient, would you mind if I removed your artificial spine for research?"
But no sooner had Rometheus finished speaking than he received Ella's Raging Iron Fist x1.
“He did too many experiments and dealt with dead people too much, which caused some brain problems. Please understand. Look over there, that’s what’s happened in the last two months.”
But when Ella finished speaking and looked over, she found that Claire's eyes were already glued to Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao, under Claire's "ardent" gaze, weakly greeted her:
"Um, hello sister, I'm Zhang Hao. Nice to meet you."
Upon hearing that the little boy's name was Zhang Hao, Claire unconsciously frowned.
"Zhang Hao? You look a lot like the Zero who escaped before, really... really like him."
Hearing Claire's words, Zhang Hao was also surprised. Since he had greatly increased his charm value last time, very few people would think that he and the previous [Zero] were the same person. Most people would just think that he and [Zero] both had silver-white hair.
I didn't expect that this would be Claire's first meeting with me, and she already thinks I'm "zero"? She seemed quite certain about it.
"Oh, Miss Claire, you're mistaken! My Zero isn't as cute as Xiao Hao. Although I initially wondered if they were the same person, after comparing photos from the past two days, I realized Xiao Hao is definitely cuter!"
Fully recovered, Rometheus got up from the ground, carefully took out two photos from his pocket, and handed them to Claire so she could take a good look.
Claire took the photo and carefully compared the two people's appearances. After looking at it for a while, she gave an awkward laugh.
"Hehe, to be honest, I've had face blindness since I was a child. In my eyes, as long as the hairstyle and face shape are similar, I will treat them as the same person. There was a pair of twins that I couldn't tell who was who even after three years."
Zhang Hao: Holy crap, you almost scared me to death! I thought you had some kind of special ability to see right through me! Turns out you're telling me you're face-blind.
"But, Zhang Hao does seem cuter. That [Zero] has no expression at all, he's not fun."
After speaking, Claire walked up to Zhang Hao, leaned closer to examine him carefully, and finally...
"Oh, a child's face feels so good! It's so fragrant and soft, it's so comfortable."