The long meeting dragged on for an entire day, with Vil-V taking up half of the time. Thankfully, the results she presented were decent enough not to provoke widespread anger.
Aside from the most important Divine Keys, the extensions on the original tech tree proved even more useful.
From materials science to the theory of virtual numbers, everything was approaching its answers. If it weren't for the overwhelming power of Corruption, humanity wouldn't have had any reason to lose.
After getting some assurances, Vidich left happily, making Ryan feel a bit gloomy, thinking to himself how even scientists had their tricks.
"Since you know about my relationship with Mei, it's no wonder he's so enthusiastic."
Ryan sneered and couldn't help but appreciate the lack of hesitation in Vidich's approach. This way, he now had an extra route to explore. In a couple of days, he would visit the Third Research Institute as a consultant.
Given the opposing nature of trees and seas, the Sea of Quantum had a lot of potential for research. If they couldn't defeat Corruption directly, he could always hide within it. As long as there was still the mountain, the firewood wouldn't run out.
"Feeling cheated?" Mei walked up at just the right moment, holding a glass of red wine.
Ryan glanced at her and muttered, "Don't play these little tricks anymore. Mobius can distinguish between priorities; you don't necessarily need me to speak up."
By the timing with which she approached, Ryan understood—budget allocation must have been giving Mei a headache, which is why she had to bring him into it.
"And do you think I have that much influence? If I speak up, Mobius will stop causing trouble?"
"Of course she won't. She'll just squeeze everything she can out of you and let me have some peace for a while."
"Why me?"
"Because you've attached yourself to a rich woman."
So, I've become her financial transporter, huh? I go to Eden, work hard for money, and end up with it all being spent by Mobius.
But when he glanced over at a group of suited men in the distance, he suppressed his anger. Mei's position wasn't easy to sit in, and Ryan had no patience for dealing with bureaucrats.
"Fine, just let Mobius come find me." Ryan gritted his teeth. "I don't have much expense, but I need you to help with Vil-V. I can't support both of them."
Mei smirked at Ryan cautious tone, shrugging her shoulders. "I've already ordered to cut her funding. Can't help you with that."
So this is the trap you've set for me, huh? No wonder you insisted I come back for the meeting.
Ryan frowned, about to lecture this cunning woman, but Mei picked up her glass of wine and turned to leave.
"Ah, the military-industrial complex people are looking for me. I must excuse myself."
She didn't wait for a response, walking away as she patted the shoulders of several researchers. A few people blocked the path.
"Dr. Ryan, I have some questions I'd like to ask."
"Doctor, can you give me an autograph?"
"Do you have any unique insights on relationships? The Science Dating Society would like to invite you to be an advisor."
A group of young researchers blocked his path, some of them either admiring him or serious. Seeing their expressions, Ryan couldn't just push them aside. He had to sign a few autographs, but suddenly realized the conversation was taking an odd turn.
The Science Dating Society? What kind of nonsense is that?
Ryan looked at the man in front of him. Wasn't that Sene? He frowned, and the man quickly gave a sheepish laugh.
"It's Dr. Mei's arrangement, but I genuinely want to seek your advice."
"Seek advice on what?"
The young man didn't respond but gestured toward the side. Ryan turned his head and saw Mobius still talking with Elysia.
One was walking on the edge of a tantrum, the other smiling sweetly, as if a cat was playing with a venomous snake.
Without needing to be told, Ryan covered his eyes and waved his hand. "You won't learn it. That requires extremely strong power."
"How powerful is that?" Sene seemed confused, then it clicked. He smiled like a man who understood.
What are you smiling about? If I were ordinary, would Mobius even glance at me?
Ryan didn't quite understand, but he patiently finished signing the names, nodded gracefully, and turned to leave.
Mei got away this time, but I still have Kevin as a trump card. The real question is whether this idiot will show some backbone and help.
Ryan pondered how to get back at Mei but didn't join the commotion with Elysia and Mei. Instead, he filled his plate with food and quietly retreated to a corner.
Tiramisu cake, honey wings, and Arctic shellfish sashimi—sweet and salty, the flavors satisfied his taste buds and provided great texture.
The cake was soft, the wings were chewy, and the sashimi was fresh. The wasabi was even handmade, and as Ryan ate, he enjoyed the sight of Mobius being taken down a peg.
Ha, this is like stepping out of the world—watching these two always standing on their tiptoes. Don't they ever get tired?
Elysia a bit childish too. She's just a few centimeters shorter than Mobius, but she insists on getting back at her. Mobius should thank me. If it weren't for the fusion surgery, she'd probably be shaking in her little legs.
A waiter passed by, and Ryan got up, grabbing two pieces of watermelon, and sat back down in the corner, eating while observing.
But these two are socially awkward. 60% of the room is secretly watching them. They have no embarrassment at all. If I were in their shoes, I would've locked myself in a shell by now.
Just as Dr. Vidich said, Mobius and Elysia were the most interesting scenery at this banquet. One with long black stockings and legs for days, the other youthful and elegant like a maiden. Despite both wearing smiles, anyone could tell their conversation wasn't going smoothly.
Their ample chests nearly touched each other, and Mobius's smile seemed forced, while Elysia was at ease, no matter how sarcastic she got.
Ryan, eating his watermelon, suddenly felt something was wrong.
Hmm, Mobius can't beat anyone.
Forget about Mei. She has her funding strictly controlled. Elysia personality perfectly counters sarcasm. As for Hua, that wooden post can always make her furious. Even Sakura, Mobius has been avoiding her lately.
Poor Mobius.
Ryan put on a sad expression, but that expression froze.
Wait, why is it that Mobius can control me so completely?
I stayed up all night, writing songs and scripts for Eden, and all that money went into her pockets. This isn't scientific! Why is this happening?
Is it because she's thick-skinned and clings to me? Or is it the price I paid for angering her last time?
Ryan felt sweat trickling down his forehead as he realized the flaw in his logic. He could almost see Mobius riding on his back, smiling half-hidden and saying:
"Heh, you're so tough on the outside, but your body is so honest. Sometimes, you're quite cute."
"Now you know who the real master is. Do your work well, and I'll reward you later."
Just thinking about it made Ryan eyes burn with fury.
No, it's because her research has value, and only I can understand that value!
Ryan suddenly shook his head, instinctively finding the most reasonable explanation: This is a war. Just like Mobius could never abandon her pride, neither would I. Even if I run away and die at the hands of Corruption, I will never be controlled.
Fire Moth can't do it. Herrschers can't do it. And neither can you.
Ryan took a deep breath and suddenly realized that Mobius had changed somewhat, but some things remained stubborn. Like deliberately bringing in Nuwa and Fuxi—he almost got caught off guard due to his lack of vigilance.
The seeds of trouble had already been sown. With Mobius's intelligence, she had definitely noticed the loopholes, waiting for the right moment to deliver the final blow, leaving me unable to defend myself.
No wonder she let me go so easily. It's not just about the money. Last time, when we spoke on the phone, her mood switched so quickly. She usually would have taken the chance to mock me.
Alright, you want to play games with me? You almost got me.
Ryan felt a rush of relief. Without Elysia help, he never would have spotted this logical flaw and silently cast a thankful glance in her direction.
Hmm? Ryan thanking me?
Elysia had been secretly observing, her heart burning with even more enthusiasm, and she quietly made an "OK" gesture.
Don't worry, I'll soon get dear Mobius to crack.
????
Ryan was puzzled. He didn't understand why Elysia was making this gesture but understood that she had some purpose. A sentence flashed in his mind.
When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer.
He stood up nonchalantly, holding his plate, and leaned against the wall, ready to eat his watermelon.
"Ah, looks like you caught me."
The voice suddenly rang out. Ryan stiffened in surprise and turned around. He saw a distortion in the floor-to-ceiling glass, revealing a groove. Looking closer, there was someone hiding there—it was Vil-V!
After the meeting, she had disappeared, and now, like a ghost, she had startled him.
"Why aren't you eating? What are you doing hiding here?"
"Performing magic, and also testing some new equipment. You didn't know? Everyone who passed by here was terrified. Hahaha, it's really fun."
Ryan then noticed food crumbs and broken plates on the ground. Clearly, the people who had passed through here were spooked out of their minds. Looking at Vil-V, she had even changed into a bright red long dress and leather boots. Her round-necked dress made her "mountains" appear somewhat hidden.
Her brown-yellow and dark green hair, along with her gradient-colored pupils, gave her an odd and mysterious air.
She even changed clothes. Preparing for a grand entrance, huh?
"You're not going to have any friends doing this, but this device is quite interesting," Ryan noted, seeing that Vil-V was standing inside something resembling a coffin. He hadn't noticed it before, but now Vil-V had essentially self-detonated.
Even with a slight mental lapse, the fact that she could hide like this under his nose was unexpected.
"Well, you found me out. Looks like my ultimate hiding system V3 still needs improvement." Vil-V scratched her head, looking somewhat troubled. Then she glanced at Ryan. "Do you want me to explain? This is based on the Mirage system, and I used..."
"Stop, stop, stop! Can you explain it briefly?" Ryan didn't want to hear a three-hour long report.
"But how can you be amazed by my genius if I don't explain it? How about I shorten it to an hour? Hmm, I can't shorten it any further!"
Seeing that Vil-V wasn't going to compromise, Ryan wasn't in a hurry. He slowly replied, "Hmm, so you made a big hole in the banquet hall and scared people like ghosts. If Mei finds out about this..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he felt a hand cover his mouth.
"Alright, alright, I'll explain!"