Just as people don’t care whether withered leaves drifting before their eyes block their view or path, such fleeting existences only stir sighs, not anger. Even after sighing, they still step on the carpet of dead leaves and move on.

"Good morning, Doctor Bai Ya," Wang Ming said, approaching her. Unusually, he suppressed his smile and spoke softly, "It’s been a while since we last met, hasn’t it? We barely talked yesterday. Would you honor me with dinner tonight?"

No matter how arrogant or reckless he was, he never showed a trace of it before Bai Ya. Yesterday had been a mere test. After years of observation, he knew her limits well—and what actions actually worked.

Before him stood no naive teenage girl, but a true queen ruling her entire domain. No caution was excessive. When a lion sheathes its claws and a hunter hides his crossbow, it doesn’t mean a fox can provoke them. That time hadn’t come yet.

Bai Ya looked up, glancing at the undeniably handsome man. Still propping her head while studying documents on the table, she said, "I have nothing to discuss with you."

Wang Ming didn’t falter. He shifted topics smoothly, "I saw him in the hallway just now. Your new assistant? He doesn’t look too bright."

"I’m training him," Bai Ya replied. A trace of gloom flickered across her face, hidden as she kept her head down. She was already weighing options, but no clear decision came quickly.

These weren’t the chaotic old days anymore. With the Organization stabilizing, even Lingkong wouldn’t allow her drastic moves—too much turmoil could shatter it. Any incident would force her to stay longer, clashing with her plans. Even if Yue Ge hadn’t asked, she’d intended to wrap up loose ends swiftly and leave for a new city.

Her mood was foul. But… the one with no choice wasn’t her.

"Why not pick someone from the Organization? Assistants are plentiful," Wang Ming pressed.

"He’s the most suitable," Bai Ya stated flatly. She’d spotted Yue Ge. "Go prepare. We’ll start once everyone’s here. I won’t stay long."

Wang Ming casually scanned the empty lab. It was far too early for the meeting—only he’d arrived. Probably no one else would come early. He shrugged, dropping the conversation, and moved to prepare materials.

Though no longer Bai Ya’s assistant, he saw clearly: Yue Ge knew nothing. Her claim about "training" him was laughable. This wasn’t high school chemistry; it involved complexities no quick explanation could cover.

Yue Ge returned in a white lab coat, looking somewhat presentable. Bai Ya sized him up twice, then gestured for him to sit opposite her. That way, even if he did nothing and said nothing, he wouldn’t stand out. Clothes did make the man.

Still, even in the coat, Yue Ge seemed unremarkable at first glance. Seeing Wang Ming earlier, then glancing back at Yue Ge, Bai Ya realized some problems had simple solutions. Pity it wouldn’t unfold as she needed. She buried the thought.

"What’s wrong?" Yue Ge asked, unnerved by her gaze. Rarely did she look at him like this—with clear regret.

"Nothing," Bai Ya shook her head. "Just watch today. Finish yesterday’s unprocessed materials later, then feed them into the machine."

"…Then why change clothes?" Yue Ge tilted his head slightly.

"You look better," Bai Ya said matter-of-factly.

"Really?" Yue Ge tugged his collar. He’d seen these coats often, but never worn one.

"Hmm… missing something. Ah." She fished a badge-like item from her pocket and tucked it into Yue Ge’s chest pocket, leaving a small part visible. "Perfect now."

"Whatever you say," Yue Ge sighed, giving up.

"Don’t say that. It’s useful—proof of identity. Later, I’ll need you for something else," Bai Ya added casually.

Wang Ming approached, ignoring Yue Ge. "Preparations are done, Doctor Bai Ya. Shall I gather the others?"

"Gather them," Bai Ya nodded. Before he could reply, she added unnecessarily, "Just gather them."

"Understood." Wang Ming nodded and left.

Yue Ge watched him vanish, then asked, "Will today be busy?"

Indeed, it wasn’t his imagination.

"Busier than yesterday. We can’t just wait for machine results. We must test the Essence’s safety too, then deploy it immediately. Full process run-through," Bai Ya explained.

"What should I do?" Yue Ge pressed.

"Fetch sedatives from the warehouse. Our stored batch… isn’t ideal. Mass-produced ones give better observational results. Also, confirm the Chosen One list." Bai Ya stood. "After lunch."

"Okay." Yue Ge nodded. He sensed her implication. Though unspoken, her silence answered his unasked question.

He felt nothing, accepting it calmly. He didn’t know Bai Ya’s reasoning—and didn’t need to. Few things in this world warranted deep thought anymore. Once you rose above a certain level, problems grew simpler.

Yue Ge hadn’t realized it yet. His "humanity" was slipping away. Gaining power from Death might not be entirely a blessing.

Bai Ya watched him accept it as always. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Rarely, she felt a flicker of unease about her choices—but couldn’t pinpoint its source.

She’d simply chosen the most efficient, suitable path. As always.

"Be careful."

That was all she said.

Yue Ge paused, then smiled faintly. "I will."

Outside, Wang Ming leaned against the lab door, pulling out his phone. He’d caught Bai Ya’s unnecessary warning—a clear message not to overstep. Yet he’d forgotten: Bai Ya never did anything unnecessary.

"Master…" Mi Lin’s voice came through the phone.

"Time’s almost here," Wang Ming said, smiling naturally.

The Essence’s greatest flaw was instability. Under certain stimuli, that instability spiked uncontrollably—and its consequences were unverifiable.

He just needed that cover. Whatever happened, he’d stay clean.

"Understood."