This is a high-class steamship representing the industry of this era. It's large, structurally robust, and luxuriously furnished.
The first-class area, in particular, exudes a level of prestige and comfort distinct from other cabins.
"Not only that," Su Yu thought, "but
more importantly, it's safe."
He could now be considered a master of the Holy Abode. Last night, the ship didn't dock at a lighthouse, but instead anchored directly at sea.
The ocean at night is unsettling; the evil spirits lurking in the darkness and the sea are enough to make even the bravest person wary.
But sleeping in first class, the night was as dark as ink, splashed across the sea, yet last night was calm and peaceful.
"No need to dock at a coastal lighthouse, we can anchor safely, even sail at night."
"No wonder it's so expensive."
At this moment, Su Yu leaned against the metal railing of the deck, a warm cup of coffee in his hand.
He ignored the passengers leisurely strolling and chatting on the deck, and paid no attention to the flying fish occasionally leaping from the distant sea. He simply blew on the rising steam, his gaze seemingly casually fixed on the distance, enjoying this rare tranquility away from the hustle and bustle.
A sea breeze, carrying the unique freshness of the ocean, gently soothed his slightly weary spirit from days of intensive study.
"Sir, are you alone?" A gentle, magnetic male voice interrupted Su Yu's thoughts.
Su Yu turned his head slightly, and a well-dressed gentleman came into view.
He was about thirty years old, tall and upright, his well-tailored dark gray suit highlighting his distinguished bearing.
Furthermore, he wore a friendly smile, his eyes sincere, giving him an approachable air.
"Yes," Su Yu nodded politely, setting down his coffee cup. "A long journey, enjoying the scenery alone."
"Excellent," the gentleman laughed heartily, extending his hand. "I am Zheng Jinchuan. It's a pleasure to meet a friend who also appreciates the scenery on this vast ocean."
Su Yu lightly shook his hand; it was warm and dry, the other's palm large and strong.
"Su Yu," he stated succinctly.
He doesn't usually reveal too much information to strangers he meets by chance.
"Mr. Su," Zheng Jinchuan seemed somewhat interested in the name, a glint in his eyes, but he quickly regained his enthusiastic demeanor. "Judging from your bearing, you don't seem like a simple businessman, nor an ordinary scholar. May I ask, Mr. Su Yu, what field do you work in?"
"I know a little about alchemy, so I'd say I'm a mage," Su Yu replied, not wanting to discuss his identity and abilities too much in this setting.
Zheng Jinchuan, however, seemed to have found an excellent conversation partner and began to chat.
He talked about the customs and traditions of various counties in Ying Kingdom, about strange and wonderful things from overseas countries, about emerging technological inventions, and about current popular art movements. His words were full of allusions and insightful observations, demonstrating his extensive knowledge and broad experience.
It must be admitted that this Mr. Zheng Jinchuan was an excellent conversationalist. He always found topics that interested the other party, and his witty and humorous manner made people unconsciously lower their guard and enjoy talking to him.
Su Yu was not a taciturn person either, and especially after the other party showed sufficient knowledge and sincerity, he gradually opened up as well.
The two chatted amiably, from astronomy and geography to historical changes, from philosophical speculation to everyday life, their conversation flowing smoothly like that of longtime friends.
Other passengers on deck occasionally cast envious or curious glances at the two distinguished gentlemen's pleasant conversation.
However, beneath this seemingly harmonious atmosphere, Su Yu remained vigilant.
The moment Zheng Jinchuan approached and introduced himself, Su Yu's body instinctively tensed for a moment.
It wasn't because the other man's words or attitude were inappropriate; for Su Yu, any stranger would arouse suspicion,
especially given his numerous enemies .
For instance, he and Lin Zhengxin had a blood feud stemming from the murder of Lin Zhengxin's daughter. Lin Zhengxin's apparent submission might be a ruse, a cover for a possible sabotage. After all
, Su Yu himself had used that sabotage to kill Earl Carlton.
Now, the other man should have lowered his guard somewhat; it was time to gauge his reaction.
"I think intellectual property rights are very important, but overly strict protection doesn't serve the public interest," Zheng Jinchuan said, speaking with deep feeling about patents.
Su Yu, from his past life's perspective, actually agreed. He smiled and nodded, then activated his perception.
[Perception 17 (+3)]
Such a high level of perception is almost at the pinnacle of human capability.
"Sure enough, something's not right."
Su Yu's heart shifted. This gentleman, who claimed to be "doing some business," possessed a very powerful force within him. This force was restrained and profound, like a dormant volcano; though its surface was calm, it contained immense power.
This was definitely not the power an ordinary "businessman" should possess; even some knights or mages might not be able to reach this level.
"I think patents could be set for 30 or 50 years, and upon expiration, they could be turned into public technology." Su Yu became wary, thinking nervously, but on the surface, he chatted casually, effortlessly quoting ideas from his previous life.
In reality, it would be very difficult to implement in this world.
"Is that so? You have the same idea?" Zheng Jinchuan's eyes lit up, and his brows seemed to truly relax.
"Yes, I think this is the right way to balance the enthusiasm for patent research with the balance of public interests."
Su Yu casually made up a story, his perception continuing to deepen.
"No, something's very wrong!" Su Yu keenly sensed something deeper. Within Zheng Jinchuan's immense power lay an extremely subtle and malevolent aura.
This evil force, like a leech,
was inextricably intertwined with his power and even his life. Had Su Yu not reached this level of perception and maintained constant vigilance, he would never have discovered it.
Furthermore, this evil aura was cold and filthy, carrying a nauseating madness and destruction, subtly matching the characteristics of evil gods described in some records he knew.
Almost at the same instant Su Yu, through his extraordinary perception, discerned the deeply hidden evil aura within the other party, an equally cold and sharp sense of probing pierced him like a tangible object!
Perception is mutual.
When Su Yu delved deeper into the other party, it clearly also sensed Su Yu's gaze.
This was less the Zheng Jinchuan himself, and more the entity hidden beneath his identity!
"No!"
Su Yu's heart skipped a beat. Without the slightest hesitation, as if touching a red-hot iron, he instantly severed his external senses and withdrew all his mental energy into his body.
"Of course, patent law can't be applied universally. Some technologies still can't be disclosed to avoid causing social harm,"
Su Yu continued casually, as if nothing had just happened.
However, the instant Su Yu severed his senses,
"Tap...tap...tap..."
A series of light footsteps reached his ears.
The footsteps were very light, yet exceptionally clear, like someone wearing soaking wet boots stepping on a puddle of stone.
Each step was accompanied by a slight splash of water.
The footsteps lingered nearby, seemingly searching for something.
"Why is it that again?"
Su Yu's eyelids twitched; he was familiar with the sound.
"Do all these things sound like this, or is it the same entity I've encountered several times?"
Saying the most useless things in the harshest tone
FrontierTV Recommendation | Saying the most useless things in the harshest tone
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