Chapter 273: Chapter 262: Unprecedented Super Virus
Second warning line? What does these five words represent? Others might not know, but Xiao Lin definitely knows that this is the most critical moment, even more severe than the previous Taiwan Strait Crisis. This indicates that those in charge are not optimistic about this virus outbreak, suggesting that this mutated virus is very strong and quickly harmful.
In some respects, this is an unprecedented virus, spreading so fast that people can’t even imagine it. Most viruses have a latent period, but this one immediately causes widespread fatalities once it appears. In other words, it has no incubation period; once infected, there’s only doom.
This is the most deadly reason.
It doesn’t give any time to extract its antibodies, and according to previous mutated viruses, perhaps the antibodies for this newly mutated virus are soon to be developed. Yet, who can guarantee it won’t mutate again?
The further Xiao Lin thinks, the more unimaginable it is. If this virus can mutate a third time... perhaps the day of humanity’s demise isn’t far off.
According to internal information that Xiao Lin obtained, when browsing news on websites, there were only sporadic pieces of information about the mutated HTC4 virus, without any real data being released.
Xiao Lin didn’t find this surprising. If such matters were fully exposed, the social panic it would cause is something no country can bear.
Moreover, the spread of this newly mutated virus is still within controllable limits; internal information hasn’t revealed any news about virus region expansion. This is a blessing amid misfortune. If such a dangerous virus were highly transmissible, it would be an unimaginable loss and disaster for the country and humanity.
Modern medicine’s primary method for combating viruses is antibodies. Only when antibodies’ adaptability surpasses that of the virus can it be eliminated. However, with industrial development, environmental pollution becomes inevitable, providing space for viruses to survive and develop. Thus, the emergence of new viruses is increasingly severe. Consequently, antibodies have to be stronger than those from the previous generation, or else the virus cannot be eradicated.
After many years of development, the antibodies humans have researched have become increasingly potent. However, correspondingly, the viruses have also appeared more aggressively, especially this newly mutated virus, which has no incubation period. Any detection is a critical threat to life, likely directly erupting within the body.
Neither Dragon Soul nor the emails from the Three Army General Hospital’s dean mentioned various pre-outbreak states of the newly mutated virus. This is most terrifying, causing Xiao Lin the most headache.
Although Dragon Soul summoned Xiao Lin back with three days’ time, Xiao Lin knew Dragon Soul allowed him to deal with personal matters. But apart from Dan Qing’s condition, Xiao Lin had no other trivial affairs. Dan Qing’s condition was not yet stable, so Xiao Lin couldn’t leave just yet, at least not today. Therefore, Xiao Lin planned to return to Jingliang tomorrow.
Outside the room, Xia Xue wanted to knock several times, but pulled back. After coming out of the emergency department, Xiao Lin appeared deeply preoccupied, concerning Xia Xue immensely. Moreover, Xia Xue heard part of Tong Tong’s request outside and observed Xiao Lin’s subsequent behavior, worried for Xiao Lin.
Xia Xue knew quite a lot about the mutated HTC4 virus. From Xiao Lin’s recent conversation with Tong Tong, it was evident Xiao Lin was heading to the epidemic zone.
From Xiao Lin’s subsequent behavior, this mutated HTC4 virus seemed extremely dangerous, making it impossible for Xia Xue not to worry. Yet, Xia Xue knew Xiao Lin as someone who wouldn’t take promises lightly; surely he would head to Jingliang Province, which couldn’t be stopped.
Moreover, Xia Xue, as a doctor, couldn’t prevent Xiao Lin from going to Jingliang Province for rescue. Maybe she would follow Xiao Lin’s footsteps to Jingliang Province after a few days. Four years ago during the THC4 virus outbreak, Xia Xue spent a week in Jingliang Province aiding local patients.
Xia Xue headed to the balcony and, upon returning to Xiao Lin’s room, carried a pile of clothes washed and dried on the balcony. Both had been busy these days with little time to tidy up clothes.
Xia Xue knocked on the door, and Xiao Lin’s gentle voice came from inside, saying, "Come in, why knock on the door!"
Xia Xue felt warmth in her heart; she didn’t ask for much. She gently pushed open the door and saw Xiao Lin sitting at the computer browsing something, without disturbing him, heading to the bed to throw the clothes onto it, and picking up Xiao Lin’s luggage to pack for him.
At this time, Xiao Lin was almost done, just searching online for some news reports. Regarding such a terrifying virus, Xiao Lin didn’t believe that reporting it would contribute to resisting the virus, it would only increase public fear.
Seeing Xia Xue silently packing his luggage, Xiao Lin was naturally moved; with such a wife, what more could a husband ask? Actually, when Xia Xue stood outside the emergency room door, Xiao Lin already knew from his senses, but hadn’t given it much thought. In his view, even if he went to the most infected area in Jingliang Province, it would be almost impossible for him to get infected. He didn’t give any thought to comforting himself.
At this moment, watching Xia Xue silently packing clothes, Xiao Lin stood up, walked behind Xia Xue, embraced her from behind, and gently said in her ear, "It’s alright, thank you!"
Xia Xue struggled a bit but couldn’t break free, yet felt warm within. Though Xiao Lin didn’t say much, it surpassed a thousand words; it seemed she knew whatever Xiao Lin wanted to say, and Xiao Lin was clear about whatever she thought.
"Alright, like a child, I still need to help you pack clothes!" Xia Xue said softly.
"No rush, Dan Qing’s condition isn’t completely stable yet, and the affairs in Jingliang province aren’t urgent. I’m planning to leave tomorrow!" Xiao Lin said in Xia Xue’s ear.
"Ah? Has there been another issue with Dan Qing’s condition?" Xia Xue genuinely cared about Dan Qing, a woman with no support struggling to raise Niu Niu with her sick body. Thinking of the mother and daughter, Xia Xue felt a tug at her heart.
"If nothing happens tonight, I can leave peacefully tomorrow!"
Xiao Lin’s reply reassured Xia Xue; with Xiao Lin around, it seemed anything could be resolved. Yet, Xia Xue leisurely asked, "How dangerous is it over there in Jingliang Province?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian () to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)