The system was simple.
Nothing fancy.
Its only function was to condense drops of Life Water.
Through years of experimentation, Chuck had gradually understood how Yang Points and Yin Points operated.
Living daily life according to his own principles would automatically generate 1 Yang Point.
Living a thrilling, intense day would automatically generate 1 Yin Point.
Some special days, if spent well, could yield multiple points at once.
Once 365 points of Yang and Yin were each accumulated, they would collide and explode into a single drop of Life Water.
Its function was literal: enhancing the essence of life.
Chuck had been in this world for many years. The system had been active for three, and so far he had only condensed one drop of Life Water, which had partially nourished his body and mind. It slightly eased the discord between his physical and mental state and significantly improved his physical attributes.
If he could continuously produce Life Water, he believed that one day this incurable affliction would be healed. The constant pain would vanish, and he could finally live the life he truly desired.
Initially, his business card only had the label Accountant—he liked math and bookkeeping, and at the beginning of life, the income was decent.
But after realizing that gaining Yang Points was easy while Yin Points were almost impossible to obtain, he added Detective to his titles.
Being an detective often brought him thrilling, dangerous situations—perfect for accumulating Yin Points.
These thoughts lingered in his mind for some time.
Eventually, he got up, turned on the lights, and stepped into the bathroom for a shower.
Afterwards, he cleaned and organized the room meticulously before lying down like a vampire returning to a coffin—flat, smooth, and undisturbed—closing his eyes to sleep.
Though his mind longed to sleep beside a beautiful woman, his severe autism, combined with his compulsive cleanliness and obsession with order, dictated that he sleep this way.
Even the daily interactions with Alexis, forcing himself to endure bright lights and ten minutes of noise, were a form of self-adaptation.
This was his limit.
Next Morning
Alexis woke early, tidied everything, showered, and changed into clean clothes before knocking on Chuck's door.
Chuck had already risen, preparing breakfast and a lunchbox. He peeked through the peephole before opening the door and letting her in.
"Indian food?"
Alexis, an old acquaintance, knew Chuck's habits. She selected suites fully equipped for his tastes, aware he preferred cooking for himself. Smelling the spices, she immediately recognized the cuisine.
"Yeah. Clean and hygienic," Chuck replied, returning to prepare his colorful concoction.
"You certainly do make it clean and hygienic," Alexis said, smiling. She knew not to get too close while he cooked, so she sat at the long table, her icy-blue eyes softening as she watched him.
"How long will you be in Chicago?"
After a pause, she spoke again. "Due to the economic crisis, our field is booming. Many companies need layoffs. I haven't had a single day off all year. I've sent you my schedule—if our work intersects or locations are nearby, let me know. I'll come find you."
She was an outsourced HR specialist, helping large companies with layoffs. In economic downturns, her work was even busier, and she was practically always airborne.
"Not decided yet. Two weeks for now. Noted," Chuck said.
Once the food was ready, he placed two plates on the table, handing one to Alexis and sitting opposite her.
"Smells delicious," she remarked, inhaling deeply.
Chuck blew on the food carefully before taking a bite.
"Why Indian food? Do you like it?" Alexis asked, tasting the authentic flavors.
Chuck ate slowly before replying, "I spent time in India as a child. The investigator for this case is of Indian descent."
Alexis' eyes widened in realization.
Her body was naturally flexible, but Chuck, at 1.92 meters and physically imposing, executed moves far beyond expectation. Combined with the authentic Indian cuisine, she should have guessed he had spent time in India.
Time was limited, so she didn't dwell on it and began talking about her own work. Chuck listened quietly, replying concisely when necessary.
After breakfast, Chuck packed the extra food into a thermal container, tidied up, and left with Alexis following him.
"I'm heading to the airport. Keep in touch," Alexis said softly.
"I'm going to court," Chuck replied. They exchanged a brief, silent acknowledgment before parting ways.
Alexis watched him disappear, then pulled herself together, embodying the strong, professional woman she was. She rolled her suitcase and, despite lingering melancholy, headed to her flight.
Chicago Courthouse
"Thank God you're here," the female lawyer sighed upon seeing Chuck. "Why are you just arriving?"
Chuck tapped his wristwatch, indicating he was perfectly on time.
The lawyer looked at Diane Lockhart, who was touring the courthouse with her two nephews. Realizing she couldn't rely on Chuck for help, she adjusted her suit, preparing to rely solely on herself.
"Find a seat and observe carefully. Note anything important. If urgent, write a note for Kalinda to deliver. Avoid revealing yourself."
Observing jurors' microexpressions to influence trial strategies was a delicate task. Any mistake could not only jeopardize the case but endanger the firm's reputation.
Chuck nodded and, after the lawyer entered the courtroom, followed the crowd to a seat with a clear view of the jurors. Kalinda was already nearby, expressionless, giving him a single glance.
As an investigator, she needed to fully understand everyone involved in the case—the plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, and opposing counsel. Observing the judge and jury, whose reactions could influence or determine the trial outcome, was naturally part of her work.