Super Gene Ⅱ: Evolution

"You are the seller, so naturally, the price is for you to set," Lin Shen responded.

"An item like this is a rarified treasure, hard to find a second in this world—it could be considered priceless. If I really had to put a price on it, I think it's worth at least this much," the skinny shopkeeper said as he extended one finger.

"Ten million?" Lin Shen thought the price seemed not too high.

The skinny shopkeeper shook his head with a smile, "One billion."

Lin Shen had seen his share of money, but such a quote from the skinny shopkeeper still took him by surprise.

"A 43-speed can sell for a billion, then how much can I sell my 44-speed for?" Lin Shen felt an urge to sell his Angel Revolver.

With a billion, he could buy quite a few Mutated Crystal Base pets. Lin Shen, with that much money, could buy Base Mutation Fluid and nearly max out the base mutation rate.

"That's too expensive," Lin Shen said, shaking his head.

"Expensive, yes, but you get what you pay for. Ouyang Yudu reached the ninth level of the Realm King Tower and the Pet Launcher he got was only 41-speed, which is already exceedingly rare. Mine is 43-speed; just 2 points faster, but those 2 points make it unparalleled in this world. A one-of-a-kind supreme item—doesn't it deserve a billion?" the skinny shopkeeper said, somewhat proudly.

"That does seem reasonable, but unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money. I can only take a look," Lin Shen said as he prepared to take his leave.

He wasn't seriously planning to buy anything and really didn't want to prolong the conversation with the skinny shopkeeper.

"No money is no problem, I can give it to you," the words of the skinny shopkeeper stunned Lin Shen.

Who would believe that such a great deal existed in the world, a top-tier item worth a billion given for free? Even if he was the skinny shopkeeper's father, he might not offer it, let alone to a passing stranger.

Lin Shen couldn't help but look closely at the skinny shopkeeper. Though slim and somewhat dark, the man appeared energetic, with a pair of bright, alert eyes that truly gleamed.

"What are you trying to say?" Lin Shen felt that there was more to this situation, suspecting that the shopkeeper might have recognized him.

But even if he had recognized him as the playboy Lin Shen, there was no reason to offer such a huge favor. Lin Shen did not believe his reputation and looks were worth a billion.

"Your name alone, Master Lin, is worth a billion," the skinny shopkeeper said with a smile.

"So you did recognize me." Lin Shen was on guard; despite his disguise and the hat he wore, he had still been recognized. This made it clear that the skinny shopkeeper was someone calculating, and Lin Shen wondered what he was up to.

Noticing Lin Shen's wariness, the skinny shopkeeper said with a laugh, "Master Lin, there's no need to worry. I mean no harm. The Pet Launcher is here, and I can give it to you right now."

With those words, the skinny shopkeeper gestured for someone to fetch the Pet Launcher.

"You might as well speak plainly. I won't accept a gift without knowing the reason. I won't take it until things are clear," Lin Shen said, frowning.

"Please be at ease, Master Lin. The gift is not from me, but from an old acquaintance of yours who is currently waiting for you in the garden out back. He hopes you might meet him if it's convenient," the skinny shopkeeper said, delivering a box to Lin Shen. Inside was a beautifully crafted Pet Launcher that seemed even more advanced than the one used by the Ultra-Burning Ultra Corps Commander.

"Which old acquaintance?" Lin Shen did not take it; gifts were not to be accepted carelessly.

"You'll know when you see him. This is a gift for the meeting," the skinny shopkeeper insisted, pushing the box into Lin Shen's hands.

"If you don't tell me, I'm leaving right now," Lin Shen said, stepping back to avoid it and turning to leave.

"True to Lin Miao's brother, Lin Shen, let's talk," a voice emanated from the back of the store as a man stepped out in tandem with the voice.

Lin Shen saw the man who came out was in his thirties. He was not remarkably handsome and had a beard, yet he possessed a mature charm. The sorrowful look in his eyes was more than most young girls could resist.

"Wan Nianbei?" Although Lin Shen had never met Wan Nianbei, for some reason, upon laying eyes on him, he was certain it was Wan Nianbei.

"This isn't a place for a conversation; let's talk in the back," Wan Nianbei said.

"That's fine," Lin Shen nodded slightly.

"This Pet Launcher..." the skinny shopkeeper said as he held the box with some indecision.

"Put it away. Lin Miao's brother won't accept it. Forget a mere 43-speed Pet Launcher—even better items he wouldn't take," Wan Nianbei said, clearly holding Lin Shen in high regard.

Lin Shen himself felt some regret; had he known it was a gift from Wan Nianbei, maybe he would have accepted it.

Of course, that was just a fleeting thought. The issues between Lin Miao and him had not been cleared up, and he would definitely not accept gifts from Wan Nianbei.

Following Wan Nianbei to the garden out back, Wan Nianbei, dressed casually, sat down on a chair by the corridor with ease, tossing a can of beer to Lin Shen and opened one for himself, taking a few sips.

"I held you when you were little, but you were too young then, probably don't remember," Wan Nianbei said, putting down his beer and looking at Lin Shen.

"Did you call me here just to say that?" Lin Shen asked with a frown.

"You've got a temper just like your sister, always so impatient," Wan Nianbei pondered for a moment, then said, "I want to see your sister alone. I need to clear up some things with her. Can you help me?"

"No," Lin Shen refused bluntly, "If you want to see her, go find her yourself. Coming to me is pointless."

"I've looked for her many times, and she won't give me a chance. I don't even get the opportunity to speak," Wan Nianbei sighed.

"Then it must be your fault," Lin Shen said.

"Yes, it's my fault. I didn't handle things well," Wan Nianbei said with a bitter smile. "Lin Shen, even if I've committed a grave sin, don't I deserve a chance to plead my case? All I ask for is a chance to talk to her; I don't want anything else."

"Tell me what you want to tell my sister, then I'll see," Lin Shen's curiosity was piqued about the true story between his sister and Wan Nianbei.

Wan Nianbei was taken aback, seemingly surprised that Lin Shen would make such a suggestion, and after much hesitation, he said as if making a great decision, "Well then, you're Lin Miao's brother. There's no point in hiding anything from you. I'll tell you, and if I can meet Lin Miao that would be best; if not, then you can relay my words to her."

"It depends on what you have to say," Lin Shen made no promises.

"Lin Shen, have you ever heard of a term called 'breeding boar?'" Wan Nianbei's peculiar question left Lin Shen puzzled about what he really meant.