Initially, Geng Qinglu wanted to decline, but then thought it might be useful to understand the insect’s effect on him.

“Okay, I’ll consult Dr. Qu. Will you accompany me?”

“I’ll pass. I’m planning to extract some of its tissue for examination.”

“Just be careful. If anything seems off, hit the alarm immediately.”

“Understood. I'll be cautious.”

Simultaneously, several labs were engaged in studying the insect. None dared to harm them, given their rarity in captivity.

When the massive swarm of insects attacked the Jiangnan base, they had wanted to capture more live specimens. However, doing so was challenging, and under those circumstances, making such a request would have been seen as a blatant disregard for human lives.

After handing over the insects, Zhou You and Shao Qi didn’t follow up, knowing it would take at least a few days to draw any conclusions.

Early in the morning, Shao Qi went to the military district for official matters. Although yesterday's issue had been resolved, its impact hadn't fully dissipated. The Central Army Corps would host a press conference in his name to inform the public about the robotic technology transparently.

With his departure, only Zhou You and the Shao family's grandfather and grandson remained in the house. Being unfamiliar with each other, the atmosphere was somewhat tense.

By the third time the elderly gentleman asked, "Zhou You, would you like some fruit?", Zhou You finally relaxed and, supporting the old man's arm, replied, "No need, Grandpa, let's play a game of chess."

"Sounds good. What kind of chess do you play?" the elder Shao wondered, prepared even to play Go if that's what it took.

"I know a bit of everything. What about you? Which game do you prefer?"

Laughing heartily, the elder responded, "Ah, such a studious young man! Unlike Xiao Qi, he doesn't excel at any. Let me see..." With that, he turned out all the chessboards he had – Go, Chinese chess, and Stratego.

Wanting to pass the time and build a rapport with the Shao family, Zhou You played chess with the elder Shao patiently.

However, after two games, he realized that the old man's chess skills seemed lacking.

Was he purposely letting Zhou You win?

Zhou You subtly began to make concessions in the game, yet no matter how much he did, he always ended up winning, much to his dismay.

It wasn't until Shao Zhen emerged from his room, yawning, that he commented, "Grandpa, when did you two start playing chess?"

"Why can't we play chess?" retorted the elder.

"Given your...ahem... 'impeccable' chess skills... ah, I misspoke. I meant, given your incredible skills, wouldn't it be unfair if you kept winning?"

Zhou You looked at them with a solemn expression. Had he done something wrong?

Shao Zhen noticed his expression, glanced at the chessboard, and suddenly felt guilty for not having informed his cousin earlier.

Chuckling awkwardly, he announced, "Well, you two continue. I'm off to get some groceries."

Elder Shao packed up the chess pieces, casting a glance at the young man opposite him. Suddenly, he burst into laughter, "Ah, such an honest lad! Unlike my deceitful grandchildren. Come, let's go and meet some old friends of mine."

Most of elder Shao's friends were retired figures from the political and military sectors. Despite disapproving of his bragging about his granddaughter-in-law, they all graciously offered gifts upon meeting.

Holding a pile of presents, Zhou You remembered something crucial: Had his father given a gift to Shao Qi upon their first meeting?

When they returned home, Shao Zhen was still out. Zhou You decided to venture out to get a lay of the land, as he hadn't gotten a clear view the previous night.

As soon as he left the military compound, several parties were promptly informed of his movements.

There was a large supermarket nearby with an extensive range of products. The only drawback was the lack of parking space, which is why Shao Zhen had come pushing a shopping cart.

In Dawn City, every inch of land was precious. Buildings were densely constructed, especially in the commercial district. Narrow roads were lined with closely-packed high rises, and surprisingly, there wasn’t much traffic.

“There's a fight up ahead. Let's check it out.”

“What's happening? Our Dawn City prohibits brawling. Who dares to start a fight in District One?”

“Seems to be two women. Probably another jealousy spat. The city guards are usually lenient with these matters.”

“I see. With the gender imbalance being so acute nowadays, which man is competent enough to juggle two women at once? If you ask me, there should be a policy against men having mistresses!”

“Maybe if you were as accomplished as them? The government says superior genes should have more offspring for better propagation.”

“Nonsense! Some are flooded, others parched. It's so unfair.”

Zhou You didn't think much of the conversation he overheard. Once he got directions to the supermarket, he headed that way. As he approached the crowd, he had no intention of joining the onlookers.

But then he heard a familiar voice.

“I’ll say it again, I've long severed ties with that scum. I have no idea where he is!”

It was Shao Zhen's voice. Zhou You pushed through the crowd just in time to see a tall, robust woman accusing Shao Zhen, “You wretch! Did you plot against him?”

Shao Zhen rolled her eyes, “Why would I care?” If her brother sought revenge, who was she to stop him?

And that man got what he deserved.

“I never imagined you'd move on so quickly. Is it just for that pretty face? I’ll ruin it today and let’s see how you allure men then!” The woman raised her hand to slap Shao Zhen. But suddenly, her hand was restrained by an unseen force.

“Who?!” She scanned the crowd with a menacing look.

Zhou You stepped forward, shielding Shao Zhen. He addressed the bystanders, “In broad daylight, no one's going to intervene?”

“Who are you, boy? Are you her new lover?” the woman shouted.