Who could have imagined that the disjointed, drunken ramblings from Topaz actually contained such explosive information?
Yu Xian snapped to attention.
The Genius Society, Dr. Chadwick, weapons, blowing up stars...
Could what Topaz was referring to be the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse"?
In Yu Xian's memory, the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse" weapon appeared in a side quest. The general plot of the mission was that Dr. Chadwick developed this immensely powerful, star-destroying weapon called the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse." However, he later felt remorseful, so Chadwick gathered the research data and fled, only to be pursued by the Corporation. Even after his death, the Family detained his essence and threw it into the dreams of Penacony to extract more information.
The Interastral Peace Corporation and the Family of Penacony had reached a collaboration, hoping to obtain the powerful weapon developed by the genius, but results had been elusive. Before...
Under Chadwick's silence, the matter had reached a prolonged stalemate.
It wasn't until the player-controlled Trailblazer encountered Chadwick and, after a series of adventures and calling in favors, uncovered the truth and resolved the issue that Chadwick found peace. Chadwick's memories, knowledge, and way of thinking, along with the Imaginary Collapse Pulse, were inherited by Herta. Everyone was happy, everyone was satisfied.
Recalling this, Yu Xian's brow furrowed even deeper.
The problem lies here.
In the original storyline, the Interastral Peace Corporation never managed to master the technology related to the Imaginary Collapse Pulse weapon by the end. Yet, according to what Topaz just said, the Corporation had already replicated the weapon?!
Moreover, if the worldline has already changed, then Yu Xian has even less idea about the power of this replicated "Imaginary Collapse Pulse."
It could be weaker than in the original plot, or it could be stronger.
In the original storyline, the first version of the Imaginary Collapse Pulse created by Chadwick was already ridiculously powerful, capable of obliterating several planets and dozens of moons in a single strike. So, if the pulse in this simulation is weaker than the one in the original plot, that's one thing—but if it's stronger...
Hiss.
Hard to say. Yu Xian really can't say.
In any case, the fact that a weapon like the Imaginary Collapse Pulse has fallen into the Corporation's hands is indeed major news.
"Either way, thank you, Miss Topaz."
With a cold sweat covering his forehead, Yu Xian extended his prosthetic limb and vigorously ruffled Topaz's hair, continuing until her white-tipped, red-based locks were thoroughly messed up.
"Hehe, you're welcome..."
Topaz had already closed her eyes, drifting between dream and wakefulness, but upon hearing Yu Xian's murmur, she still responded instinctively...
she murmured.
As Topaz's slow reply trailed off, a glistening trail of drool began to trickle from the corner of her mouth. Rather than ruining her image, it seemed like the finishing touch, perfectly highlighting the silly, adorable, and innocent side of her drunken state.
Cute. She's really cute...
Yu Xian felt his heartbeat quicken a little.
...
To be honest, while preparing the welcome banquet, Yu Xian had misjudged Topaz's alcohol tolerance and accidentally let her get completely wasted. He was actually quite anxious about this himself.
Fortunately, Miss Topaz was as beautiful as she was kind-hearted. After sobering up, she didn't say much to Yu Xian about it, let alone use the fact that she had been made drunk as leverage to seek advantages at the negotiation table.
Of course, her generous attitude did leave Yu Xian somewhat surprised.
After all, Topaz's behavior from start to finish didn't match Yu Xian's usual impression of Corporation employees. In his memory, weren't Corporation employees all meticulous and opportunistic? He hadn't expected Topaz to be an exception.
"Oh? So, Mr. Yu Xian, you want to know why I didn't use what happened that night as leverage and cling to it?"
It was another peaceful day—no Denizens of Abundance, no Vidyadhara assassins. Yu Xian and Topaz strolled side by side along the streets of the Xianzhou, casually chatting as they browsed the shops and scenery along the way, like old friends who had known each other for years.
Hearing Yu Xian finally give in to his curiosity and voice his question, Topaz appeared quite nonchalant and answered directly.
"Hahaha, there's no reason not to talk about this topic. But I wonder, Mr. Yu Xian, do you want the answer from the 'Interastral Peace Corporation,' or the one that belongs solely to 'Topaz'?"
As she spoke, Topaz casually smoothed the strands of hair by her ear and offered Yu Xian a clear, bright smile.
Gulp.
Yu Xian couldn't help but swallow hard.
Innocent. Too innocent! He hadn't expected Topaz to display a level of innocence comparable to Qingque's!
Faced directly with this aura, Yu Xian momentarily found it impossible to connect the bright-smiling young woman before him with the legendary Topaz of the Ten Stonehearts—the high-ranking corporate executive whose power was said to determine the rise and fall of planets and civilizations in an instant.
"Miss Topaz, could you share the answers from both perspectives?"
"To be honest, I really am quite curious. After all..."
..."I traveled extensively across the universe in my earlier years and had quite a few dealings with the Interastral Peace Corporation. Yet, among all the Corporation employees I've met, there has never been one as... free-spirited and generous as you, Miss Topaz."
After saying this, Yu Xian noticed that the smile on Topaz's face instantly grew even brighter.
"Of course, it's my honor."
"From the Corporation's perspective, it desires a long-term, friendly, and mutually supportive relationship with the Xianzhou Alliance. It hopes for equality between both sides. So, if I, as the Corporation's representative, were to cling to a minor incident and demand more benefits because of it..."
"In the short term, the Corporation would gain more, but if doing so damages the Corporation's image in the eyes of the Xianzhou Alliance, it would be a loss far outweighing the gain."
Ah, that makes a lot of sense.
Yu Xian nodded, watching Topaz speak confidently. "So, Miss Topaz, from your personal perspective, why...?"
"Mmph!"
As soon as Yu Xian's words left his mouth, Topaz's voice trembled slightly. A faint blush instantly spread across the girl's exquisitely maintained, flawless cheeks, making her look especially alluring.
Was it Yu Xian's imagination, or did Topaz seem even shyer than before?
Then, as if nothing had happened, Topaz picked up where she had left off.
"From the perspective of 'Topaz'..."
She stole a glance at Yu Xian, a flicker of change in her eyes that Yu Xian couldn't help but notice.
"To be honest, Mr. Yu Xian, I appreciate—no, I really like someone like you."
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A/n: Hey over on my patreon there are currently two for the time being exclusive books which are
Zenless Zone Zero: Loving Daily Life Starting in New Eridu
Honkai Impact 3rd, I Can Transform into a Valkyrie!
patreon.com/deadlygoober