Chapter 141: Ganyu's Hobby
Ningguang offered a placid smile. "Mm, of course. In fact… the research is already nearing completion."
The words hung in the air, stunning Mizunashi Rena into silence. Beside her, the other members of the television crew let out soft, involuntary gasps of disbelief.
How long had it been since the "Cocoon" game launch? A week? Not even that. And this "void terminal" was already finished? Was this some kind of elaborate joke?
Noticing the collective shock rippling through the group, Ningguang elaborated, her tone smooth and measured. "Actually, it is not as exaggerated as you might imagine. I have had the foundational concepts for the void terminal in mind for quite some time and had already begun preliminary preparations. The Sindora Group's AI technology was simply the final catalyst, allowing us to refine and upgrade the project, perfecting the terminal's functions."
"I see," Mizunashi Rena said, nodding as though she fully understood.
A part of her, the seasoned intelligence operative, knew things were never this simple. But for now, she would file the information away, deciding later whether it was significant enough to report to the Organization.
"Speaking of which, we have encountered a small dilemma, and I was hoping to ask for your opinion as a reference, Miss Mizunashi, if you would be so kind," Ningguang said, a thoughtful glint in her eyes as she looked at the reporter.
"Ah? Of course." Although she couldn't fathom what sort of problem a mind like Ningguang's would face that required input from a layperson, Mizunashi Rena agreed without a flicker of hesitation. She trusted that the question wouldn't be overly technical.
"Please, don't be nervous. It's a very simple question," Ningguang continued, her smile unwavering. "Tell me, Miss Mizunashi, would you prefer this void terminal to be in the style of an earpiece, or a watch?"
Mizunashi Rena blinked. "?"
For a moment, the question didn't register. She couldn't quite grasp what the Tianquan was asking.
Seeing her confusion, Ningguang added with a faint chuckle, "Our technicians have already finalized most of the terminal's core functions. However, we have yet to decide on the final form of the carrier device. There are currently two proposals on the table: a watch and an earpiece. Both have their own merits and staunch supporters among the staff. I find myself at a slight impasse, so I wished to hear your thoughts."
"I see…" Mizunashi Rena nodded, her professional demeanor returning. She lowered her head, frowning in concentration for a moment before looking up to share her thoughts. "Personally, I believe I would prefer a watch-style terminal. It's convenient to access and doesn't obstruct one's line of sight…"
After briefly outlining her reasoning, Mizunashi Rena's curiosity got the better of her. "And which proposal do you lean towards, Miss Ningguang?"
"I am more inclined towards the earpiece," Ningguang stated plainly.
From her perspective, the void terminal was, in its original essence, an earpiece. If possible, she would have preferred not to alter its form at all.
Unfortunately, it seemed the vast majority of her research and development department—and indeed, most people she surveyed—favored the watch. It appeared the device was destined to be worn on the wrist.
Following that, Mizunashi Rena posed a few more standard questions, and the interview concluded smoothly. As they prepared to depart, it was Ningguang's assistant, Ganyu, who saw them to the exit.
"Miss Ganyu, do you have any hobbies?"
On the way out, as Ganyu escorted the Yomiuri Television staff through the pristine corridors, Mizunashi Rena seized the opportunity. She hoped a casual chat might help build a closer relationship.
As a CIA agent embedded deep within the Black Organization, Mizunashi Rena was currently bound to follow their directives. Her mission was clear: determine if the AI "Noah's Ark" still existed under Ningguang's new corporate umbrella and ascertain the current progress of their artificial intelligence development.
This aligned neatly with the primary mission of her original agency, the CIA—to collect and analyze intelligence on the political, economic, and technological landscapes of nations, corporations, and criminal syndicates. Though she was presently out of contact with her handlers, the habit of information gathering was deeply ingrained. also, the Sindora Group, which Ningguang had so recently acquired, was headquartered in America. Her recent projects were certain to have a significant impact back home. Building good relationships with key personnel now was essential.
Mizunashi Rena's preliminary investigations had revealed that Ganyu, as Ningguang's personal assistant, was deeply trusted by her boss. A great many matters were delegated directly to her. One could say that aside from Keqing—who was currently managing the Sindora Group's affairs in America—Ganyu was the person Ningguang trusted most.
, all reports indicated that Ganyu was not as forceful or cold as Keqing. Gentle, considerate, and unfailingly polite—this was the impression Mizunashi Rena had formed during her recent interactions with the assistant. Infiltrating from Ganyu's side would surely be easier than attempting to breach Keqing's defenses.
"Hmm? My hobby?" Ganyu tilted her head, not sensing any ulterior motive. She assumed it was just polite small talk. "My hobby… I suppose it would be work."
The answer was delivered with such sincerity that Mizunashi Rena was momentarily at a loss for words. Could someone genuinely enjoy working?
"Um… I meant, what do you like to do during your time off? On vacations, perhaps?" she clarified, still finding it hard to believe.
"Time off?" Ganyu considered this. "If you mean weekends or holidays, then I am probably still working. If I were to go and rest before my tasks are complete, I would feel terribly guilty. Besides," she added, her expression earnest, "work is something I want to do. Accomplishing my duties brings me happiness."
"Haha, no wonder you've achieved so much at such a young age, Miss Ganyu. Such diligence is truly admirable," Mizunashi Rena said, the corner of her lip twitching into a strained smile.
Internally, however, she was reassessing her image of Ningguang. What kind of person worked their assistant to the point where she didn't even take holidays? And Ganyu… she was the kind of subordinate every boss dreamed of. Mizunashi Rena felt that even Gin, the Black Organization's own infamous workhorse, couldn't hold a candle to Ganyu's deep love for her job.
"No, no, I haven't really done much." Ganyu waved her hands in a flustered gesture. "Miss Ningguang and Miss Keqing are the truly amazing ones. I have only done what is within my duties." She didn't think of herself as particularly impressive; she just worked slightly longer hours than most.
"You are far too modest, Miss Ganyu." Seeing that the topic of hobbies was a dead end, Mizunashi Rena deftly changed the subject. "In that case, what do you usually like to eat? Do you have any favorite restaurants? If you have time, perhaps we could go together sometime?"
Surely, there wouldn't be any issues with this topic.
Mizunashi Rena thought to herself, a sliver of uncertainty remaining.
"Well…" Ganyu's cheeks colored slightly, a hint of sheepishness in her voice. "I prefer eating certain plants and vegetables. My tastes might be a little different from others."
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