Chapter 22

Chapter 22

When the invitation was sent to Yale's quantum computer, he was researching new part-time job opportunities.

"Dear Student 'wwn':

In the spirit of fostering communication, mutual learning, and collective progress, we extend to you, in accordance with our cooperation and exchange agreement, an invitation for a short-term exchange program in the xxx project.

During your exchange at our institution, all expenses will be waived, and you will receive a stipend.

Contact details: Starnet Account XXXXXXXXXXX

- First Research Institute of Ekson"

"?" Yale wondered. Did the insectoids also engage in online scams?

Scrolling down to the bottom, he paused upon seeing the signature, "First Research Institute of Ekson," adopting a thoughtful expression.

Was this the prestigious school that rewarded students with fifty thousand star coins for solving a problem? They were inviting him to participate in a research project for exchange and learning?

His gaze lingered on the word "subsidy," then recalled the tinkling sound of his credits deposit. His hand, initially poised to withdraw, hesitated before he finally searched the provided star network account.

The profile picture displayed a dark expanse of night sky, and the brief bio read, "Business only, no disturbances." It was an unmistakable air of aloofness.

Yale hesitated for a moment before sending a friend request.

...

"Chief?"

A voice pierced the silence in the room. Adelaide, who was reviewing a report, lifted his head and gave a cool glance to the stuttering member.

"That... there's a message on the light computer."

"I'm aware."

Adelaide closed the report in his hand and passed it to him, picking up the light computer that had been flashing red.

"There's an incorrect parameter. I've highlighted it. Take it and recalculate."

【User "wwn" has sent you a friend request. Do you accept?】

Adelaide arched an eyebrow, a hint of intrigue flickering in his eyes.

"Accept."

The chat interface opened, and Adelaide spent a few seconds composing a polite greeting. However, before he could send the stiff message, a reply came through.

"wwn: Hello, could you provide more details about the project's research focus?"

Direct and arrogance laced within – a quality that piqued his interest. Adelaide's initial apathetic attitude, akin to trying to revive a dead horse, shifted slightly. He attached a file and sent it over.

About ten minutes later, another message arrived.

"wwn: I have a general understanding now. Which specific aspect requires discussion on algorithms?"

Adelaide instantly sat up straight.

"Adelaide: Shall we start now?"

"WWN: Let's begin right away."

...

Almost the entire laboratory team had gathered in front of a massive demonstration whiteboard, their eyes glazed over as they watched a barrage of algorithms zip by at lightning speed.

Countless cold yet magnificent data towers rose and transformed in an instant.

That unfamiliar voice was their deity of control, working in perfect harmony with Adelaide to create a vast new world.

"Wait... where were we just now??"

"No way, we just calculated a sub-data point, and now we're already building models?!"

Frenzied calculations were happening on the panel, but despite their efforts, they found themselves hopelessly behind; many team members wore expressions of despair.

In the shared demonstration, besides Adelaide, there was another unknown worm. Its avatar was a simple sketch of an unidentifiable little star beast, tilting its head in a charmingly innocent manner, but –

"Here, here... and here, there are flaws in your algorithms. If I'm not mistaken, they'll ultimately lead to an extravagant outcome..."

That soothing voice, so enchanting it could land its owner a job as a lullaby broadcaster, mercilessly punctured the months of their tireless research with multiple gaping holes.

The towering edifice they had painstakingly constructed might now collapse within mere seconds, only to be rebuilt from scratch.

At this thought, one team member's face paled, muttering resentfully, "He could just be spouting nonsense. Who does that guy think he is, giving uninvited advice? Doesn't he fear biting off more than he can chew?"

"Exactly, he's probably here to cause trouble... I wonder why the Chief would trust such an inexperienced individual."

Just as these whispers began to spread, a long beep silenced them all.

The once-tangled algorithm on the screen started to smoothly navigate the next node, and the detector displayed a large green checkmark.

The algorithm, which had been stagnant for an entire week, had actually made progress!

Though insignificant compared to the grand scheme, it was tangible progress, and with enough small steps, they might eventually overcome the challenge!

"The... The test actually passed?!"

The previously frowning researcher's eyes widened in astonishment as the test results flashed by, unable to suppress a gasp of surprise. "So impressive? Written so incredibly well! Holy c--!"

"Who is this guy? Impressive! We should recruit him into our lab right away!"

Amidst the restrained yet overwhelming discussions filled with shock and delight, a breath of fresh air swept through the gloomy lab that had persisted for half a month.

Adelaide, staring at the rapidly scrolling data chains on the screen, saw his cold demeanor fade away, replaced by a repressed frenzy. His indigo irises narrowed in excitement.

"Excellent, absolutely excellent..."

He muttered, fixated on Yale's Star Network profile picture.

Building algorithms in sync with a compatible partner was an exhilarating experience, one that he hadn't even felt while competing with his brilliant second-year junior.

Catching a glimpse of Adelaide's expression, a researcher's heart sank with foreboding.

"We're done for, the Chief is about to enter his scientific obsession mode again..."

"Carry on."

Adelaide's hand was already on the display screen, instinctively adopting an authoritative tone of command.

On the other end of the connected microphone, static suddenly erupted, followed by an apologetic voice after a moment of commotion.

"Sorry, let's call it a day here. I have something to attend to, so I'll log off."

With a crisp click, the other avatar on the shared presentation vanished without any warning, leaving no time for anyone to react.

"?????"

That's it for today... Just here... Right here...

The insects in the laboratory stared in disbelief at the demonstration screen, then they all turned their gazes uniformly towards Adelaide, who stood before it.

His movements froze entirely, and his expression darkened instantly. The uneven breathing due to excitement became even more rapid, resembling a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Oh dear, this is not good.

The insects huddled silently, afraid that their slightest sound might be the last straw that would ignite Adelaide completely.

"Beep, beep."

The holographic computer on the side flashed with a crimson glow. Adelaide, who had just regained his composure, cast a glance at it and reluctantly suppressed his irritation as he picked it up.

"WWN: Could you please inform me of the communication allowance? I urgently need funds for medical treatment [Rose]."

Adelaide's movement paused, the anger on his face subsiding slightly.

"Wait for it."

That night, under the username "wwn," the star network account once again dominated the discussion boards of Exson's various forums after cracking the forum's signature puzzle previously.

Not only did this cause a stir among professors and students, but it also brought an incredibly persistent visitor to the Dean's office –

"I have two requests: one, enroll him as a student, even if it's just nominally; two, approve the allowance in advance, and if it's on the lower side, I suggest increasing it."

Adelaide sat expansively on the guest sofa, his expression as unfeeling and cold as ever, refusing to budge like an oil-resistant rock.

"You're eagerly offering money without even seeing him, afraid that you'll be stripped clean down to your underwear by a fraud!"

Norman let out another sigh, massaging his temples in frustration.

"I have had an exchange with him this afternoon. His insights and perspectives are sharp and unique. Based on my one-sided assessment, I believe he's trustworthy. Director, you could leverage your connections to verify his true identity. Second, the specifics of our discussion have already spread throughout the academy, and the algorithm has indeed progressed by..."

"Are there points three, four, five, and six?"

Adelaide fell silent.

Norman put down the documents in his hand, looking at Adelaide with a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

This child has everything going for them, except for their single-mindedness and lack of emotional nuance. Once they set their mind on something, not even a nine-headed beast from the stars could sway them.

"Alright, I got it."

He waved casually, "Go back and continue with your experiments."

Noticing his hesitation in the absence of a concrete response, Norman finally offered a hint, "The matters you've mentioned are under internal consideration by the school. The early admission subsidies are open for discussion... You may leave now."

Shortly after Adelaide left, a document landed on the desk.

Norman flipped open the front page and immediately frowned. "This is..."

*

Due to a sudden intense pain in Xi Ze's right eye, Yale had no choice but to cut their conversation short to tend to the injury.

"It's normal to experience such pain during the healing process. Bear with it for now. If it becomes unbearable, tell 015 to administer a pain-relieving dosage."

Without looking up from his task of discarding the bloodstained gauze into the trash, Yale instructed the female insect.

"Originally, there was no need for bandaging, but since there was bleeding, there was no other option. I'll help you remove it tonight."

"Alright, thank you, Dominant Male."

Xi Ze gently touched the soft gauze covering his eye and whispered his gratitude. After a moment of hesitation, he added,

"...You haven't had lunch, and dinner is still two hours away. Would you like something to tide you over?"

Only then did Yale realize that his stomach was hollow, subtly cramping and contracting. He had merely been too engrossed in other matters to notice.

"015 usually disposes of any remaining food... I'll check the kitchen for something edible."

He got up and entered the kitchen, bumping into 015 as he opened the fridge door. The little robotic butler seemed to remember something, patting its head and retrieving a steaming plate of tomato spaghetti from the warming cabinet.

"Ta-da!"

"For lunch, huh? Why did you save me a portion?"

Yale was slightly surprised but didn't dwell on it, setting the plate down on the coffee table casually.

"It was your mate who asked me to save it for you," 015 blinked innocently, speaking truthfully.

Interesting... Yale glanced at his mate and gave a word of thanks before starting on his pasta. "We should keep some bread around for emergencies."

"You still need to eat on schedule."

Xi Ze disagreed, unconsciously rubbing the gauze covering his right eye.

His right eye had experienced excruciating pain a few times before, but this was the first time he had called out to Yale.

One was to ensure the male insect ate on time, while the other was due to some subtle, indescribable emotions.

It was the male who had eagerly suggested watching TV together, but then left on his own after a short while, not even bothering to have lunch.

"Alright."

Yale casually brushed it off, recalling his recent communication with Hugh.

"Ithar has a warfront hospital. I've heard they're quite effective in treating gunshot wounds and post-trauma stress. Once your body recovers..."

Lately, he could often hear the male talking to himself, planning treatment options. This matter clearly held great significance in his heart.

The seriousness and solemnity were too profound, and the torment of helplessness and fear that came with being so broken and in need of care only intensified Xi Ze's sense of debt and shame.

The cost of treatment could be compensated for a thousandfold in the future, but the daily effort and emotional investment could not be repaid, leaving him feeling overwhelmed with indebtedness.

"...Actually, there's no need to be so meticulous about the treatment. Many injuries can heal on their own; there's no need to go to the hospital."

Xi Ze opened his mouth, forcing out a dry voice from his throat.

Yale swallowed the food in his mouth, pulled out a tissue to wipe his lips, and said, "But there could be lingering effects."

"One can always earn money back later, but delaying treatment during its critical window is truly a loss. Most importantly, it's about life and health; everything else can wait."

Life comes first.

This was a principle instilled in him from his former nation.

Yale knew that the insectoid society adhered to the cold theory that the worthless should be eliminated. However, Xi Ze was now under his care, so—

"There will be no thought of neglecting treatment."

His tone held a warning as he pointed at the male insectoid in the air.

"…Okay."

Xi Ze looked dazed. The searing pain in his right eye suddenly subsided, as if tamed. Something soft and fluffy filled the bleeding void, overflowing to envelop him in warmth.

"Since you've picked up a stray puppy, you have to take responsibility until the end. Otherwise, what's the difference between that and leaving it to fend for itself? That would be too irresponsible."

Recalling the stray puppy he had picked up and nurtured into a plump little ball before his transmigration, Yale joked, "I'm quite a qualified caregiver."

Before Xi Ze could respond, Unit 015, who was washing vegetables in the kitchen, short-circuited again, whimpering for Yale's rescue.

The couch beside him felt lighter as the male insect's shallow breaths faded away, leaving behind an icy chill where warmth had just been.

The silence that they had both grown accustomed to suddenly became unbearable, as if the air around them had thinned.

Xi Ze's eyelashes quivered, and he instinctively whispered, "Male Lord?"

"Hmm?"

Yale's voice came from nearby, mixed with the chattering of Unit 015, "I'm here. What is it?"

Xi Ze froze for a moment, and the crease between his brows gradually eased.

The corners of his lips turned up slightly, and he smiled almost soundlessly.

"...Nothing."