Unlike the other four levels, there were very few permanent residents on the fifth level.
The officially registered population was less than 2,000 people, so the fifth level was more like a private territory. It was very difficult to apply for travel requests. Other than the people who worked here, very few people from the other levels would come here.
However, with Qiu Ming around, Zhang Heng and E-Goat's applications were approved very quickly.
After getting the tickets, the three of them followed the instructions and entered the corresponding waiting hall. However, the place was also very deserted. Other than them, there were only six or seven people who were preparing to go to the fifth level.
"Don't look around," Qiu Ming warned E-Goat, who was looking around. "Don't forget your current identities. Many of the people who will go to the fifth level are employees of the company. Don't let them see through you."
"You're quite kind-hearted, but are you really thinking for us?" E-Goat was skeptical, but he still retracted his gaze as Qiu Ming said.
"Of course, I've read countless people, and I know my current situation very well. If I make any inappropriate moves, before they take effect, this friend beside you will have already slit my throat or made a hole in the back of my head," Qiu Ming said. "I like my job, and I'm very grateful to the company that gave me a job, but in comparison, my life is more important."
"You're quite self-aware," E-Goat mocked.
"Recognizing danger is one of the most important survival instincts of living creatures. Not to mention humans, even Paramecia know how to avoid harmful stimuli through stress and move toward beneficial stimuli," Qiu Ming said. "On the other hand, I've tried to persuade you many times, but you still insist on going to dangerous places. It's really not wise."
"Isn't that because you kidnapped Xu Qian?!" E-Goat's gaze was unfriendly.
Seeing this, Qiu Ming tactfully shut his mouth.
Not long after, an ascending shuttle entered the station, and the mechanical arm beside the platform began to move. It completed the assembly as quickly as possible and loaded the waiting hall that the three of them were in into the interior of the shuttle.
"Welcome to the fifth level. I wish you a pleasant journey."
An elegant female voice sounded, but it sounded a little scary in the empty carriage.
…
About six minutes later, the shuttle stopped moving again. The prepared robotic arm removed the carriage again and placed it in the arrival hall.
Qiu Ming unbuckled his seat belt and obediently followed Zhang Heng and E-Goat out of the station.
Unlike what E-Goat had imagined, the station on the fifth floor did not give off a very luxurious vibe. Although the building was more exquisite than the four floors below, there seemed to be no other difference. Other than that, the station was unusually deserted. There were very few passengers and staff.
"Where's the taxi?" E-Goat looked up at the sign but couldn't find the taxi stop.
"There are no rentals on the fifth floor." Qiu Ming said, "The permanent residents here all have cars, and people who work in ordinary jobs have buses to and from work. Usually, they are not allowed to wander around. More than two-thirds of the fifth level is private territory."
What should we do? Is the place we're going far away? Can we walk there? "E-Goat muttered." That's impressive.
"Don't worry, our company has parked some cars in the station's parking lot for employees to use. You can just drive there," Qiu Ming said.
Then, the three of them took the elevator down to the parking lot. Qiu Ming turned on his bracelet and turned on the car call mode. Half a minute later, a silver-gray car left its parking space and drove in front of the three of them.
Qiu Ming opened the door and made a gesture of invitation. E-Goat got in the car first, followed by Qiu Ming, and finally, Zhang Heng in the front passenger seat.
"It's rare for us to come here. Do you want to take a brief tour of the scenery on the fifth floor?" Qiu Ming asked as he adjusted the front and rearview mirrors.
"No, just take us to Xu Qian. Don't play any more tricks," E-Goat warned.
Qiu Ming glanced at the pistol at Zhang Heng's waist and nodded. "Whatever you say."
This was also the first time E-Goat had come to the fifth floor. It would be a lie to say that he wasn't curious, but because all his attention was on how to rescue Xu Qian, he wasn't in the mood to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Even so, as Qiu Ming drove through the city, E-Goat looked out the window a few times.
The result disappointed him. Just like the station, the fifth floor was much simpler than he had imagined, and he always felt that something was missing on the street. At first, E-Goat thought it was a pedestrian, but after a few more glances, he realized that his discomfort was because he didn't see a single billboard.
Whether it was the first or fourth floor, there were many billboards on both sides of the street. Some were big, some were small, and they were of different shapes. There were also a wide variety of celebrities and products on them. As a technology enthusiast, E-Goat usually took advantage of events to get his hands on related products. However, on the fifth floor, there were no advertisements at all. The entire city was abnormally clean, and the large white walls made E-Goat a little uncomfortable. It was as if he was walking on a wasteland.
As if knowing what he was thinking, Qiu Ming said, "It's usually not that lively here."
"Why?"
"Because when I'm working … I need to focus. In addition, I need to avoid making unnecessary associations," Qiu Ming said.
"Unnecessary associations? What are unnecessary associations? "
Qiu Ming didn't continue to answer this question. He drove the car up a beautiful hillside and saw a private area from afar. No entry without an invitation was allowed.
Qiu Ming ignored the sign and continued driving forward. Soon, he arrived at the first sentry post.
After scanning his ID and work permit, the electronic eye happily let the car go. Qiu Ming continued driving and arrived at the second sentry post three minutes later. This time, not only Qiu Ming, but Zhang Heng and E-Goat also showed their work permits before they were allowed to go.
"Can you see how annoying this system is? In fact, the regular meeting every Monday is my nightmare," Qiu Ming didn't forget to complain when he passed the second sentry post.
Then, he drove the car directly up the hill. There was a villa manor above. Qiu Ming didn't stop. He bypassed the villa and continued forward until the terrain began to flatten. Then, he began to descend again. E-Goat and Zhang Heng finally saw the destination of their trip.
In the valley behind the hillside stood a huge gray building. From the looks of it, the area it occupied was already more than ten airports. It had a strange shape and looked like a giant ship that was ready to sail against the wind. In addition, there was a tunnel in the belly of the mountain on the other side that was connected to the building complex. Under the transparent roof of the tunnel, trucks were constantly coming and going, looking extremely busy.
"What is this place? Is it a secret base hidden by the government? Or an alien research institute? "E-Goat asked.
"Neither. This is the real headquarters of Shengtang Morgan New Shanghai 0297," Qiu Ming said leisurely.
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