In H City, at the renowned Doctor Qin’s laboratory, Ouyang Rui wore a brainwave scanner on his head.

“Doctor, can’t we read his memories?” the Ouyang Family Head asked sternly, addressing the white-haired elder.

“I’m sorry, Ouyang Family Head. His brain memories are pure scrambled code now. Undecipherable. No chance of recovery—it’s a unique mental injury. His body lives, but I detect almost no normal brainwaves,” Doctor Qin replied, wiping sweat from his brow. He knew this man led one of Sector C’s strongest families.

“Simplify it.”

“He’s alive, but his soul is gone.”

“Like a vegetative state?” The Ouyang Family Head frowned.

“No. Vegetative patients can heal. But without a soul? No cure. Since souls were proven real a decade ago, we learned a new law: even with perfect cells and no mental issues, a soulless person never wakes. Soul Disappearance Syndrome is now a terminal illness per the World Medical Association.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I know what to do.”

The Ouyang Family Head drew a pistol and shot Ouyang Rui point-blank in the forehead.

Doctor Qin flinched violently. “You didn’t need to kill him! It’s incurable, but this world’s changed. Someone might save him someday.”

“You’re the brain expert, Doctor. If you can’t fix it, no one can,” the Ouyang Family Head said, eyes narrowing. “Besides, the Ouyang Family needs no useless trash failing simple tasks.”

“…”

“Well, if it isn’t Brother Ouyang? Long time no see.” A middle-aged man entered, followed by a smug-faced companion.

“Brother Dong? Indeed, it’s been ages,” the Ouyang Family Head replied.

“Oh? Ouyang Rui? What happened to him?” The Dong Family Head stared in shock.

“Ask your daughter, Winter Xueer,” the Ouyang Family Head countered.

“Ah… let’s discuss this later. For our friendship, I’ll give you an explanation. Our plan’s at a critical stage—best not to strain ties.”

“If not for this critical stage, do you think I’d speak to you so politely?” The Ouyang Family Head turned to leave. “I’ll await your explanation. His body will be collected soon.”

“Naturally.”

As the Ouyang Family Head exited, a trace of peculiar light flickered in the Dong Family Head’s eyes.

“Now, Doctor Qin, let’s discuss our plan. I want the progress accelerated privately.”

“Well… my lab’s understaffed…” Doctor Qin hesitated. “The timeline I gave both families is already the fastest possible.”

“Don’t worry. I know you’re short-handed, so I brought our Dong Family technical advisor to assist.” The Dong Family Head gestured to his companion. “Meet Dr. Musili. He’ll speed up the project.”

“But I don’t understand—”

“You needn’t understand. Just work at your pace. This experiment could reshape humanity’s future. If successful,” he paused, “you’ll be the greatest scientist of the new era.”

“But—”

“No buts. You two will co-lead this project now.”

After a moment, Doctor Qin sighed. “Fine.”

“Excellent. May your cooperation thrive.” The Dong Family Head smiled. “Remember: only us three know about the acceleration. If you wish to live long enough to finish this great work.”

“… Understood.” Doctor Qin sweated again.

“I flew here personally from B City for this. Don’t disappoint me.”

After the Dong Family Head left, Doctor Qin eyed Dr. Musili inspecting the lab. *What cooperation? He’s stealing my research and spying on me. Damn, who knows what horrors my work will unleash in their hands?*

…

Lin Wan arrived at Doctor Qin’s lab at her usual time.

Unlike before, she walked in on this exchange:

“Such outdated gear. Fitting for a country bumpkin like you,” Dr. Musili sneered. “You wouldn’t know tech upgrades if they bit you.”

“It works. I make breakthroughs with old tools,” Doctor Qin shot back. “Unlike some who flaunt fancy gear but produce zero original research. How dare you call yourself elite?”

“What did you say?” Dr. Musili snapped. “I’m a World Science Academy prodigy. Unlike you—a forty-year-old PhD from a third-rate university—I earned my postdoc at twenty-five. Don’t compare yourself to me.”

“Heh. I’ve won the Nobel Prize.”

“I was a technical advisor at the World Science Academy!”

“Heh. I’ve won the Nobel Prize.”

“Tch. My papers headline World Science Magazine yearly.”

“I’ve won the Nobel Prize.”

“I’m a global authority across dozens of fields.”

“I’ve won the Nobel Prize.”

“Say something else!”

“Fine. I’ve won it twice.”

“You wanna fight?” Dr. Musili growled, conceding that no academic glory outshines a Nobel.

“Fight? Bring it! I once beat two city boxing champions,” Doctor Qin boasted.

“What are you two doing?” Lin Wan rushed in, pulling them apart.

“Xiao Wan! Perfect timing—teach this shameless fool a lesson! She’s my student, a martial arts master across dozens of disciplines. You want me? Get past her first!”

“Doctor! I’m an assistant, not a bodyguard.”

“Xiao Wan, he’s young and strong; I’m an old man. You can’t let him hurt me. Remember my generous treatment? Help this old bone out.”

“…” Lin Wan sighed. “If you know you’ll lose, why pick a fight?”

“I can’t stand this brat. My body’s weak, but my spirit won’t yield.”

“Are you a child?” Lin Wan walked over to Dr. Musili.

“Beat him, Xiao Wan! No mercy!” Doctor Qin yelled.

“I’m so sorry—Doctor Qin’s just childish. Please don’t take it personally,” Lin Wan bowed to Dr. Musili.

“Xiao Wan! Betraying me? I said beat him, not apologize!”

“Hmph!” Dr. Musili snorted.

“See his arrogance? Why apologize to such a face?” Doctor Qin rambled on.

“Shut up!” Lin Wan snapped.

“…” Doctor Qin fell silent.

“Is this why the World Science Academy expelled you?” Lin Wan turned to Dr. Musili. “You’re Dr. Musili, right?”

“Oh? You know me?” His expression softened slightly.

“Of course! Your papers feature monthly in science magazines—I’ve read every one.” Lin Wan beamed with admiration.

“You’ve read them?”

“Absolutely! They’re brilliant. Your grasp of theory is awe-inspiring. I never dreamed of meeting you here.”

“Haha! You have taste, unlike certain stubborn old men.”

“No, you’re truly famous in science circles.”

“Naturally.” Dr. Musili laughed heartily. “You’re a bright girl! After this project, consider joining my lab.”

“I’ll think about it. Please overlook Doctor Qin—he clashes with Academy members.”

“I’m magnanimous. This ends here.”

*Brother was right. Flattery never fails. Hit him, and my papers vanish from World Science Magazine forever.*

“By the way, what brings you here?” Lin Wan asked.

“To assist with the experiment.” Dr. Musili glanced at Doctor Qin. “I’m merely an assistant. Stealing research? Beneath me.”

“Hmph. About time,” Doctor Qin muttered.