In the Finance Minister's office, Chu Mo was bent over his desk, reviewing a large-scale project proposal submitted by the One Heart Society.
Suddenly, a hesitant announcement came from the attendant outside: "Lord... Miss Hexi from the Research Institute requests an audience."
Chu Mo's pen paused mid-stroke. Hexi? Why is she here?
"Show her in." He set down his pen and looked toward the door.
The door slid open noiselessly. A cool, refreshing figure walked in, seemingly cleansing the stifling air of the study in an instant. Hexi was still in her simple white dress, her silver hair draped over her shoulders, that single lock of hair swaying gently with her steps.
She held a clipboard against her chest. Her azure eyes were calm as she walked straight to Chu Mo's desk and pushed the document forward.
"You are the new Finance Minister, Chu Mo?" Her voice was like her appearance: clear, calm, and naturally aloof.
Chu Mo dazed for a split second. Even though it wasn't the first time he'd seen her, Hexi's blend of beauty and intellectual coldness was striking. He quickly recovered and offered a polite smile.
"That would be me, Miss Hexi."
Hexi's brow twitched. "Oh? You know me?"
"The daughter of Researcher He Yan and the most beautiful angel in the city... it would be stranger if I didn't know you, wouldn't it?" Chu Mo's tone was natural, even slightly playful.
"You certainly have a silver tongue," Hexi remarked, her lip curling slightly. "No wonder you have Hua Ye's trust."
Chu Mo chuckled and picked up the clipboard. As his eyes scanned the content, his eyebrows shot up. He looked up at Hexi with a hint of doubt. "A research funding application... 'Stability Optimization and Universal Expansion Study of First-Generation Angel Genes'?"
He set the board down and leaned back, interlacing his fingers. "Miss Hexi, if I may be blunt—currently, every male angel in the city, provided they are qualified, has already been equipped with First-Gen genes. King Hua Ye's current mandate for the Research Institute is to focus entirely on Second-Generation genes. Why are you looking backward at the First-Gen? And this research direction..."
He paused, his gaze turning sharp as he looked into her clear blue eyes. "It doesn't look like you're optimizing for existing male angels. It looks more like... you're designing a First-Gen gene compatibility solution for female angels."
The calm on Hexi's face cracked. Her eyes darted away instinctively before she forced herself to regain composure. "No, that's not it. Developing Second-Gen genes requires a deeper understanding of the First-Gen foundation, especially stability across different physiological structures. This is necessary underlying research."
Watching her tense posture and weak rebuttal, Chu Mo found it almost funny. This world-renowned genius researcher was far more amateur at navigating social deception than she was at science.
"Is that so?" Chu Mo dragged out the words, tapping the desk. "Miss Hexi, do you even believe that?"
A faint, almost imperceptible flush crept onto Hexi's cheeks. She bit her lip.
Chu Mo made a move to pick up the clipboard again. "Forget it. Such an important research direction involves sensitive genetic engineering—and might touch upon certain... regulations. I think it's safer to present this to King Hua Ye and let him decide."
"Wait! No!" Hexi reached out impulsively to stop him, her movements hurried. She glanced around the study to ensure they were alone, then glared at Chu Mo with a mix of annoyance at being caught and stubborn defiance.
She took a deep breath, finally giving up the pretense. She lowered her voice and said resignedly, "Fine! I admit it. I am developing a First-Gen gene applicable to female angels. Happy?"
Chu Mo sat upright and signaled for her to continue.
"I know the current regulations forbid female angels from hosting First-Gen or higher genes," Hexi's voice dropped, but it carried a suppressed firmness. "But I don't want to see female angels forever stuck in this... dependent, subordinate status. I know I can't change much on my own, but this research... it might at least leave a possibility for the future."
By the end, her voice was almost a whisper, but the light in her eyes was more powerful than any words.
Chu Mo went silent. He looked at her—this angel who was as beautiful as a divine creation, yet stubborn to the point of being "foolish." He thought of Earth, of the eras of fighting for equality. Since crossing into this world, he wasn't indifferent to the plight of female angels; he had simply buried those feelings under the weight of survival.
"Miss Hexi," Chu Mo spoke, his tone much softer. "I can understand your thoughts to an extent. However," he pointed at the budget details, "this is not a small sum. And if Su Mari or King Hua Ye finds out..."
"It won't take that much!" Hexi argued quickly, her cheeks flushing deeper. "Compared to the resources diverted to the Second-Gen project, this is a drop in the bucket! Besides... I heard you are very rich. This amount shouldn't be anything to you, right?" By the end, her tone almost sounded like she was being a bit bratty.
Chu Mo almost laughed. "Sister, do you think this is a grocery market? 'This amount'?" He looked at her "you're so rich, why not help" expression and felt speechless. "Do I look like a pushover to you?"
Hexi choked on her words, her face turning even redder. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her skirt.
The study fell silent for a few seconds. Chu Mo tapped the table, weighing the options. From a purely profit-driven standpoint, there was no short-term return and the risk was massive. But long-term... if the potential of female angels could be unlocked, it would be a variable capable of toppling the entire status quo. And Hexi herself—her talent was a priceless resource.
"I can approve this funding," Chu Mo finally said.
Hexi snapped her head up, her eyes erupting with joy.
"In fact," Chu Mo continued, "I can support all subsequent related funding."
Before Hexi's smile could fully bloom, he added the catch: "But I have one condition."
Hexi immediately became alert. She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms defensively. "What condition?" Her posture made it clear she was afraid he would ask for something... inappropriate.
Chu Mo rolled his eyes. "Don't misunderstand. I don't mean that." He tapped his temple. "I want to collaborate. I provide the funds and support. In exchange, your research results—all stage data, the final gene coding schemes, and the hosting technology—must be shared with me."
"Shared?" Hexi's suspicion turned to confusion. "What do you want them for? You aren't a researcher, and... this research is useless for male angels." A thought struck her, and her face changed. "Are you planning to use it for... something else?"
"I have my uses." Chu Mo didn't explain. He pushed the document toward her, his finger on the approval line. "So, Miss Hexi? Shall we collaborate?"
Hexi didn't hesitate for long. Her obsession with research and her dissatisfaction with the status quo—coupled with a spark of curiosity about Chu Mo—made her nod. "Fine. I agree. I will sync the results with you."
"Excellent." Chu Mo signed his name with a flourish and stamped it with the Finance Minister's seal.
Hexi took the paper, a weight lifting from her chest. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Miss Hexi, wait." Chu Mo stood up and walked around the desk. "Would you do me the honor of joining me for a simple meal? I'd like to discuss our collaboration further."
Hexi instinctively wanted to refuse, but she realized they were "partners" now. And she was genuinely curious why this supposed "lapdog of Hua Ye" was willing to support such rebellious research. "Alright," she agreed.
As they walked through the central plaza of the palace toward the Another Village tavern, a figure streaked across the sky and landed precisely in front of them.
It was Su Mari.
His face was dark, his feminine eyes flashing with cold light as he glared at Chu Mo before turning to Hexi. "Hexi, I went to the Institute to find you. They said you left. Where are you going?"
His eyes lingered on the document folder in Hexi's hand and then shifted to the composed Chu Mo standing beside her. The chill in his eyes turned into a physical pressure.
Before Hexi could speak, Chu Mo stepped forward. "Ah, Manager Su. What a coincidence. Miss Hexi and I have a date! Why don't you wait until she gets back to chat?" His tone was breezy, even mocking.
Su Mari's blood pressure skyrocketed. He laughed out of sheer rage, but his voice was like ice. "Chu Mo, I think you've grown tired of living!"
Without warning, he moved! A flash of movement, and his right leg whipped toward Chu Mo's chest with the sound of breaking air! It was a strike laced with dark energy—enough to severely injure even a combat angel.
But the expected scene didn't happen.
As Su Mari's boot was about to touch Chu Mo, Chu Mo moved. He didn't dodge. He simply raised his right hand, fingers spread, and firmly caught Su Mari's ankle!
THUD!
A dull shockwave rippled out, fluttering Hexi's hair and dress.
Su Mari felt a strange force emanate from Chu Mo's palm—not only stopping his kick but vibrating with a resonance that made his leg go numb. He looked at Chu Mo in disbelief. This guy caught my kick? And so easily?
Chu Mo's smile remained unchanged. With a flick of his wrist, he used a clever burst of energy to shove Su Mari's leg back. He patted his chest as if brushing off non-existent dust. "Manager Su, what is the meaning of this? Attacking a colleague in the street? Even if you are a Legion Commander, you can't just exercise extrajudicial punishment, can you?"
Su Mari stood his ground, his fury mounting. "You caught my kick... Chu Mo, I truly underestimated you!" He sneered. "But look in the mirror! You're just a mongrel who climbed up through flattery! You think you're fit to stand beside Hexi? Fit to compete with me?"
The air seemed to freeze. Chu Mo's smile faded, replaced by a mocking look. "I may not be an Angel, and I owe my position to the King's favor and my own hard work. But as a colleague also serving King Hua Ye, isn't your language a bit... much? Or are you suggesting the King was wrong to appoint me?"
"Hmph! Don't use the King to pressure me!" Su Mari's eyes were predatory. "This is a warning. If I see you pestering Hexi again, I'll cripple you!"
Chu Mo looked at his hysterical state and found it amusing. He shook his head. "Manager Su, why say such things? You like Miss Hexi, and I like Miss Hexi. Doesn't that mean we are on the same side? Why are you hitting me?"
"..."
Su Mari froze. His brain couldn't process the logic. He likes Hexi... so we are on the same side? So I shouldn't hit him? What kind of bastard logic is that?!
By the time he realized Chu Mo was playing with him, a volcanic rage hit his head. Veins popped on his forehead. He was about to draw his sword and cleave Chu Mo in two!
"Pfft..."
A silver-bell-like laugh broke the tension. Both men turned to look.
Hexi, who had been watching the farce silently, was covering her mouth, her shoulders shaking. Her azure eyes were curved into crescents, filled with uncontrollable mirth. She was clearly tickled by Chu Mo's "god-tier logic" and Su Mari's nearly exploding expression.
Seeing them look at her, she cleared her throat and tried to look serious, though the smile remained in her eyes. She looked at Su Mari. "Su Mari, Chu Mo and I really do have business to discuss. Stop making a scene here; people are watching. If you have something to say, wait until I return."
Without another word, she turned and walked toward the tavern, her steps light. Chu Mo raised an eyebrow at the fuming Su Mari, gave a thoroughly annoying smile, and followed her.
Su Mari stood alone, his fists clenched so hard they creaked. "CHU—MO—!" he hissed through gritted teeth. "I will make you... die a very ugly death!"
In the distance, Hexi's lips curled up again. This Chu Mo... he's certainly bold, and he's very good at annoying people. But that kick he caught... that was definitely not simple.
She stole a glance at the composed man beside her, her curiosity deepening.