HI3: Previous Civilization

"If you don't take risks, you can't create a future." – Certain Glasses Detective

[General POV]

These past few days, Fan's schedule was extremely regular. Apart from completing his daily missions, he spent time at the security company learning martial arts under Master Bo. As for his own research, he could only squeeze in brief moments—time never seemed to be enough.

Meanwhile, Hua had adjusted surprisingly well to her new school environment. Her temperament was brighter than before, and she'd even made a few new friends—all girls. For reasons unknown, the boys viewed her with teeth-gnashing envy yet somehow ended up idolizing her anyway. She really was "popular with both genders."

Seeing Hua so cheerful, Master Bo couldn't help feeling this move had been worthwhile. Ever since his wife's accident, Hua's smile had all but vanished, leaving her with a face as cold as an iceberg. Now, at least, she showed more expression. Admittedly, their young boss was quite a mischievous child himself, often playing pranks on Hua, but Master Bo decided not to interfere.

'Children have their own paths to walk,' he mused.

He even thought, 'If by chance my young boss and Hua take a liking to each other, that'd be splendid. I actually approve of him as a potential son-in-law.'

Upon learning about Hua's activities at school, Fan was deeply moved and sent her a few sets of practice tests. 'She'll be thrilled, right?' he thought, stifling a mischievous chuckle.

…

Half a month had passed since Break of Dawn was founded.

Outside the research institute:

A small round table sat beneath a sun umbrella, where Fan lounged in a 'powerful-looking' chair, leisurely flipping through a book. Behind him stood a tall, white-haired, red-eyed figure in a black-and-white maid uniform, complete with thigh-high stockings and perfect proportions. She radiated a kind of elegant beauty simply by standing there, awaiting her next order.

But she wasn't human—rather, one of the institute's recent achievements in artificial intelligence and advanced engineering. Fan had named her "Ruoyin," inspired by a certain character design. Soulsteel had turned out to be extremely versatile for crafting her.

("Ahem… best not delve into those details any further," Fan thought.)

Just then, a taxi pulled up in front.

Mobius stepped out, wearing her signature white lab coat over a long green shirt, black heels tapping briskly across the pavement. She lugged a black suitcase, glancing about with approval.

"This lab is far better than I expected," she muttered, recalling the half-finished images from her mind. The actual building was easily twice the scale of Fire Moth's entire R&D division.

Noticing Mobius's arrival, Fan snapped his book shut, set it on the table, and stood from his chair, spreading his arms in greeting:

"My old friend, you've finally come!"

Mobius folded her arms, pouting. "Hmph! Do I look that old to you?"

Fan's face froze; an involuntary twitch tugged at the corner of his mouth.

'Ugh. No matter what world you're in, a woman's age is a taboo topic. Gotta backtrack and compliment her, fast…'

He retreated half a step, waving both hands in feigned alarm.

"Ah, no—Dr. Mobius, you misunderstood! To me, you're forever a radiant seventeen-year-old beauty!"

(He recalled certain "forever 17" jokes from some fictional worlds, but swiftly brushed that aside.)

Flattery always worked wonders. Mobius's stiff lips curled into a faintly smug smile, and she gestured dismissively.

"Alright, alright, I know you're just buttering me up. Let's head inside—I'm dying to start my experiments."

As she spoke, her emerald eyes locked hungrily onto Fan. She even licked her lips, like a snake eyeing its prey. A shiver ran down Fan's spine, setting his eyelid twitching.

'This feels ominous… Why is she targeting me? I'm the last person she should be singling out, right?'

He thought quickly, 'Better find a way to escape, or something bad will happen…'

He attempted a hasty bow. "Dr. Mobius, since you're here, I'll leave you with the staff. I've got urgent busin—"

Fan had barely slipped into his car when a delicate but firm hand shot out from the shadows, curling around his wrist like a serpent. He turned to see Mobius smiling sweetly.

"Where do you think you're going, little boy? I have important business with you."

"Gah—Dr. Mobius, please let go! I really have something urgent—didn't you say you wanted to start your research? The materials are all prepared, so—"

Mobius narrowed her eyes, voice silky.

"We can delay that for a moment. You must've sacrificed quite a bit to gather those materials, right? I have something for you that might help keep those government meddlers off your back."

Fan inwardly groaned but sighed outwardly, deciding to keep up appearances. High-level officials still didn't fully trust him, and there were surely spies among the newly recruited researchers. Plus, suspicious vendors loitered outside, supposedly "selling" food at deserted stalls. Best to placate Mobius for now.

They walked side by side into the institute's lobby. Or rather, Mobius walked, while gripping Fan's hand to make sure he couldn't bolt.

"Dr. Mobius," he pleaded, "could you at least let go? I'm not going to run..."

She used her free hand to lift his chin, leaning in close.

"No can do, little one. If you slip away, that'd be annoying. I detest traitors."

Her last words came out heavier. Then her tone shifted again, eyes flaring with excitement:

"But if you do me one favor, I might let it slide..."

Fan frowned, mind racing. "I'll consider it… as long as it doesn't violate my personal principles."

Mobius beamed triumphantly.

"No worries, it's something you can definitely handle. Let me draw a vial of your blood."

She whipped out a syringe from her coat pocket. At the sight, Fan panicked, yanking himself free and sprinting down the corridor.

"Stay away! That needle's for livestock, not people! And anyway, why me?!"

Breaking into that manic scientist laugh (which was hardly surprising—she was, indeed, a mad scientist at heart), Mobius cackled:

"Muahaha… Relax, it's not just you; I'll be drawing everyone's blood in this facility. Even that maid you brought along. Now hold still!"

Fan yelled over his shoulder: "Ruoyin, run!"

The maid nodded, lifting her skirt hem delicately and swiftly exiting the premises. That alone eased Fan's nerves a bit. Ruoyin didn't actually have any blood, after all. As for the public face of the institute—Mobius needed to remain, or else the higher-ups would get suspicious.

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[Idiom Explanation]

"Children have their own paths to walk" – A saying implying that the younger generation should be left to find their own way, rather than have elders micromanage their fate.