Dual Worlds: I Have a Doomsday World

"Help me get certified? How are you planning to help?" Lin Qi asked curiously.

Xu Qinghe’s eyes instantly lit up. It looked like the deal had a chance!

’As long as Lin Qi agrees, I won’t have to feel so bad about losing that S-Class Potion to Liu Xuan.’

’After all, I’ll make it all back from him, and then some!’

’A rookie Pharmaceutical Researcher like Lin Qi has no idea that certain special S-Class Potions have collectible value on top of their practical use!’

’They even have other, more intangible benefits beyond just their collectible value.’

Xu Qinghe immediately reached into the same pocket she’d just pulled the S-Class Potion from. After fumbling for a moment, she retrieved an unremarkable glass vial.

"When you begin your certification, I can help you swap the potions!"

Xu Qinghe placed the glass vial directly on the table in front of Lin Qi.

The moment he saw it, Lin Qi felt an indescribable sensation from the liquid in the vial.

It was like that flash of inspiration that strikes at the final moment of creating an S-Class Potion.

’This is a semi-finished S-Class Potion!’

Lin Qi’s expression remained neutral, perhaps even a little puzzled, as he looked at Xu Qinghe.

Xu Qinghe continued, "You haven’t officially become an S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher yet, so it’s normal that you can’t sense what’s so special about this potion. It’s a semi-finished S-Class Potion, but to anyone who isn’t an S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher, it just looks like an ordinary A-Class Potion."

"Not even our instruments can detect anything unusual about it. But if you add a single Extraordinary Item of any Level, it will instantly become a genuine S-Class Potion."

"All we have to do is pull a little switcheroo during your certification—swap this potion for yours—and your S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher certification will be a done deal!"

Xu Qinghe’s voice took on a persuasive tone. "Besides, you said yourself that you’re close to becoming an S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher anyway. There’s no downside to getting certified a bit early! Plus, you’ll earn a favor from the Alliance. What’s not to like?"

After hearing Xu Qinghe’s explanation, Lin Qi instantly understood her plan.

’Cheating?’

’That’s not exactly ethical.’

Keeping his expression unreadable, Lin Qi continued to probe. "The certification process is recorded from multiple angles the entire time. Afterward, the footage is uploaded for a blind peer review by several S-Class Pharmaceutical Researchers. How could we possibly swap the potions without being noticed?"

Xu Qinghe could barely contain her delight. A faint smile was already forming at the corners of her mouth.

Xu Qinghe then reached into another pocket and pulled out two objects that looked like stickers.

Lin Qi was surprised yet again.

’These are... Extraordinary Items!’

’And Tier Three Extraordinary Items, at that!’

Xu Qinghe began to explain. "These two stickers form a single, complete Tier Three Extraordinary Item. If you stick them onto two separate objects whose volumes are within 20% of each other and whose total mass doesn’t exceed 100 kilograms, all you have to do is inject some Spiritual Power, and the two items will switch places."

"With this Extraordinary Item, we can pull off the cheat without anyone being the wiser. So, what do you think? Are you excited? You’re about to Transcend me and become the youngest S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher ever!"

Xu Qinghe watched Lin Qi, awaiting his response.

"You came prepared for this? You want me to get my S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher certification this way?" Lin Qi continued his questioning.

Xu Qinghe didn’t try to hide it. She nodded and said,

"When I was on my way to Red Fruit City, someone from the Alliance discreetly hinted that I could use... unconventional means to help you get your certification."

"The Alliance has made its position clear, so of course I’m happy to do them this small favor."

Xu Qinghe’s tone was remarkably casual.

In a place like the Asian Administrative Region, there was no need to worry when you were acting in accordance with the Eastern Alliance’s wishes.

Hearing this, Lin Qi was even more astonished.

’What on earth does the Eastern Alliance want from me?’

’Why would they go so far as to orchestrate a fraud just so I can get my S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher certification quickly?’

Lin Qi didn’t press further. He knew it would be difficult to get any more information out of Xu Qinghe.

Now Lin Qi had to decide whether or not to go along with Xu Qinghe’s plan.

’There are a lot of suspicious things about this, but Xu Qinghe has a point. In the Asian Region, you have to go with the flow of the Eastern Alliance.’

Just before she left, Liu Xuan had also hinted to Lin Qi that this would in no way harm United Pharmaceutical, and that she, in principle, agreed to it.

Lin Qi quickly made his decision, not keeping Xu Qinghe waiting for long. "All right, I agree."

Just before Xu Qinghe’s expression could turn to one of delight, Lin Qi asked another question. "But according to you, the Eastern Alliance is the one that wants me to get my S-Class Pharmaceutical Researcher certification ahead of schedule. You must have already gotten something from them for your trouble, right? So why are you still asking me for an S-Class Potion?"

Xu Qinghe’s expression immediately turned serious. "Let’s keep things separate. The compensation the Eastern Alliance gave Nanyun Potion was a consultation fee. It didn’t include this semi-finished S-Class Potion that I poured my heart and soul into making!"

"I’m trading you one S-Class Potion for another. That’s a great deal!"

"Besides, could you really have the heart to make a cute girl like me, who’s come all this way, work at a loss? You’re not that kind of guy, are you! Otherwise, why would Sister Liu be so completely devoted to you!"

Xu Qinghe’s tone became incredibly coy, and she even gave Lin Qi a little wink.

’Seeing her act like this, Lin Qi knew he was dealing with a spoiled little princess.’

’Anyone who had been through the merciless wringer of the Cyber Society’s cold rules could never have a personality like that.’