Xiao Guizi exclaimed excitedly: "I remember now!"
"Once, while running Simulated Universe, I encountered an event named after Ruan Mei!"
"She said she was a 'micro-slice' and gave me so many blessings that I cleared that run without taking any damage!"
"So the genius who came to the space station is her!"
As he spoke, he teleported to the Supply Zone, scanning the map for Ruan Mei.
By now, they had arrived near the space station's platform.
Researchers bustled about, each absorbed in their tasks.
The Trailblazer moved against the crowd toward the edge of the platform—
And the surrounding researchers immediately erupted in gasps!
"It was just a brief shot, but… my god! That was me in the scene just now!"
"And me too! Mom, I've made it! I appeared in the [When the Stars of Ingenuity Shine] storyline!"
"I admit I spoke too loudly before! Yu Ling actually included me in the game!"
A mere fleeting shot of researchers clocking out had already sent waves of excitement through the crowd.
For space station players, this mission was packed with significance!
Soon.
A woman's figure appeared before the Trailblazer.
She was enjoying a pastry.
"7-1-0."
Noticing someone approaching, she immediately turned around—
And placed her hands on the Trailblazer's jaw.
Then, Ruan Mei cupped their chin, gently touching their neck as she studied them intently.
"Ruan Mei!!!"
"Lady Ruan Mei!!!"
"She's so beautiful!"
"There's pastry crumbs on the corner of her mouth!"
"I can't believe it! The real Ruan Mei?!"
"Finally seeing her in person!"
"So she likes snacks too!"
"She gets food on her face just like me!"
The researchers were electrified.
A legendary figure from textbooks had just stepped out of the pages!
Right now.
It felt like they were getting a glimpse into the private life of an untouchable genius!
Then.
Ruan Mei explained: "Hello. I hope I didn't startle you."
"This is a work habit of mine. Touch awakens perception, allowing the details of life to flood into my mind—it helps me understand your biological structure."
"It's the foundation of deconstruction and reconstruction. Don't worry, you're perfectly healthy. A flawless test subject. And I adore flawless test subjects."
[You've got some pastry crumbs on your mouth...]
"Oh, really?"
"I was admiring the view and lost myself for a moment."
"I don't often visit the space station. Today, I discovered this spot—open, serene, soothing. Perfect with a treat carrying the fragrance of lotus leaves, plum blossoms, glutinous rice, and powdered sugar."
"Come here, look. That azure planet beneath us, so full of vitality. This pastry is delicious too. Here, have half."
A female researcher in the crowd was on the verge of fainting from excitement.
Ruan Mei was the genius she revered above all others!
In fact—
It was Ruan Mei who had inspired her to study biology and eventually join Herta Space Station's Species Research Division.
To her.
Ruan Mei was her idol. Her faith.
She had always kept up with every scrap of information about Ruan Mei.
But the genius was notoriously reclusive.
No matter how hard she tried, she could only gather fragments of trivial details.
Yet now—
In this game's storyline—
Ruan Mei stood before her.
Every smile, every gesture—so vivid, so real.
This was exactly the Ruan Mei she had imagined!
Adjusting her glasses, the researcher sighed: "After seeing this, I realize how pretentious I used to be!"
A nearby colleague scoffed: "I've seen plenty like you... Let me tell you, this is nothing!"
"Going by Yu Ling's style, Ruan Mei will probably become a playable character."
"You might even get to see her in battle!"
The female researcher was stunned—
Then overwhelmed with exhilaration!
If Ruan Mei really entered the gacha—
Wouldn't she whale for her without hesitation?!
She immediately refocused on the story, terrified of missing even a second of Ruan Mei's screen time!
After sharing the pastry.
Ruan Mei suddenly asked: "Do you remember my research?"
[Something about life cultivation...]
But when the streamer selected this option—
The protagonist didn't say what they intended!
Trailblazer: "Nope. I only like studying toilet trivia."
Ruan Mei chuckled softly: "Is that so? A charming hobby."
"But remember—next time, before you understand what's happening, conceal your expression. Otherwise..."
"...you'll be left riddled with weaknesses."
At this point.
Streamer Xiao Guizi realized what was happening.
This was like when the Trailblazer got possessed by Cirrus—
Their words didn't match their thoughts!
And the culprit?
Undoubtedly the pastry they'd just eaten!
[What did you feed me...]
But what came out was: "The pastry was delicious. Can I have more?"
"A greedy one, aren't you? Very well, I'll share the recipe with you."
Walking along the platform's corridor.
The two strolled, one ahead of the other.
Ruan Mei mused aloud: "Once the crowd disperses, this place becomes so tranquil... like the 'Land of Nothingness' I once visited."
"Can you imagine a world devoid of life?"
"There, you could see the star at the horizon's edge."
"A massive blue-green star traversing its orbit, its radiance illuminating an endless expanse of white."
"My mother and I sailed across those silent glaciers, searching the world for traces of life, encountering wonders beyond imagination."
"Like finding the one correct piece in a mountain of jigsaw puzzles—bizarre, arduous, yet profoundly moving. Enthralling."
"Now, whenever I see similar vistas, I can't help but pause."
Every researcher listening hung onto her every word.
From anyone else, this would've been meaningless rambling.
But this was Ruan Mei.
She had to be hinting at something profound!
Some even whipped out notebooks, transcribing her monologue verbatim.
They'd post it online later—
"World Exclusive! Ruan Mei's Perspective on Existence!"
Guaranteed to go viral!
After some distance.
Ruan Mei stopped.
She smiled apologetically: "Forgive me. That must've sounded cryptic. Don't worry—I mean no harm. I didn't tamper with your speech center; that would've been rude."
"I merely added... a minor adjustment."
"Days ago, I hinted to Herta that I had an interest in you. Because I wanted you as my 'assistant.' You're the ideal candidate—I was certain after our few encounters in Simulated Universe."
"But secrets never stay buried. I struggle to trust anyone but myself. A single error in meticulous research can spiral into catastrophe. And I despise uncontrolled variables."
"So, the pastry contained an 'Anti-Truth Serum.' Harmless to your body—it merely prevents you from speaking honestly about matters related to me."
"Consider it protection. For my research. And for your safety. Once the troubles are resolved, I'll give you the antidote."
"In return for assisting me, I'll grant you a 'reward.' Anything you desire, within my power."
The researchers gasped again.
"As expected of Ruan Mei! She had the Trailblazer under her thumb from the start!"
"So meticulous! So calculated!"
"An 'Anti-Truth Serum'... She really went there!"
"This makes sense now! She was being too polite earlier—it felt off!"
"This is... incredible! To have the chance to work as Lady Ruan Mei's assistant! Who needs rewards?!"
"She's infuriatingly courteous and warm, yet distant—like there's always an intangible veil... Is this how geniuses interact?"
However.
What none of the researchers knew was—
At this very moment.
Elsewhere in the space station.
Inside Herta's office.
Three geniuses were watching this storyline unfold alongside them.
Herta, Screwllum.
And Ruan Mei herself.
Fellow geniuses.
Herta and Screwllum fully approved of Ruan Mei's methods—efficient and precise.
But as they continued watching—
Ruan Mei suddenly spoke: "I just recalled something requiring my attention. Excuse me, both."
Herta teased: "What could possibly need handling right now? Your scene just started!"
Ruan Mei smiled faintly: "A... minor matter."
Under Herta and Screwllum's knowing gazes.
Ruan Mei left the office.
Soon.
She arrived at the Sealed Sector.
Ruan Mei's eyes narrowed slightly.
A troubled expression crossed her face.
She had no choice!
She already predicted what came next.
The "troubles" mentioned in the story?
There was only one possibility.
—The "Shattered Star Monarch" she'd been cultivating in the Sealed Sector.
A Propagation Emanator.
Yu Ling was about to expose her!
If she stayed in Herta's office—
The three of them would witness it together.
She could already picture it—
Herta's puppet tilting its head at her.
"I lent you the Sealed Sector for research, and you bred a Propagation Emanator in it?"
"Classic, Ruan 'Genius' Mei."
Knowing Herta, this wouldn't end quietly.
The Shattered Star Monarch could be dealt with.
But getting caught red-handed by Herta?
That would be real trouble.
To be continued…
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