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“Hold on, let me gather my thoughts.”

Lin Xian moved towards the sink, turned the faucet on, and began to wash his hands. As the water ran, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, pondering the recent chain of bewildering events.

Zhang Yu Qian.

This unexpected revelation had proved to be a vital clue in unraveling the mystery behind Chu An Qing and CC’s striking resemblance and the mysterious secrets surrounding CC. Without the random encounter during their training at the astronaut base, the impromptu shopping trip at Xidan Shopping Center with Chu An Qing, and that chance meeting with the elderly lady at the traffic light intersection, Lin Xian might never have crossed paths with Zhang Yu Qian’s name.

Following a thorough discussion, VV proposed a rather bold solution—

“Just exhume Zhang Yu Qian’s grave, crack open the coffin, and retrieve the bones or ashes. Then, compare the DNA with a sample of Chu An Qing’s hair to determine their relationship.”

This scientific approach seemed straightforward and could potentially unlock the secrets surrounding CC. However, morally… it wasn’t merely a question of ethics. It touched a deeper, more culturally sensitive nerve for the people of X Country.

“Cut it out! What’s holding you back?” VV’s voice, tinged with contempt, streamed through the Bluetooth headset. “You’ve always boasted about your reckless adventures in the dream world—racing cars, demolishing buildings, committing bank heists, causing chaos in New Donghai City, and even blowing up Sky City just to set off fireworks for a little girl… Were all those just fantasies?”

“I can’t fathom it. You’ve shown no fear before, yet now you hesitate to dig up a grave for some bones? It’s baffling… You’re so inconsistent, hesitating over such a minor thing!”

“Don’t say that.” Lin Xian chuckled, trying to explain. “Listen, it’s different. In this world, plenty commit crimes like murder or arson, but very few would dare disturb the peace of the dead. I’m not sure about other cultures, but here in X Country, there’s a profound respect embedded in our heritage. It’s one thing to rob a bank, but another entirely to steal offerings from a temple—unless someone’s truly desperate, no thief would dare. It’s not merely fear; it’s deep-seated reverence.”

“In the southern provinces where Mazu is revered, her consent is beyond dispute. Even official documents like passports are secondary to her approval. No matter how audacious they are, no one would dare lie before Mazu.”

“Interesting,” VV responded. “Isn’t Mazu just a statue? How can she permit or oppose anything?”

“If Mazu doesn’t expressly disapprove, it’s taken as consent,” Lin Xian clarified.

VV paused momentarily. “Understood. Then you should ask Mazu if you can exhume Zhang Yu Qian’s grave,” it suggested. “If she doesn’t visibly object, it’s allowed.”

Lin Xian was momentarily speechless. VV’s logic was unassailable, demonstrating why it was hailed as one of the most intelligent AIs ever created, more adept at debating than many humans.

“I’ll consider the grave-digging idea,” Lin Xian conceded, turning off the tap and drying his hands. “Even if I wanted to proceed now, there’s no time. Yellow Finch only gave us the day off, and she expects us back at the base by 10:30 PM. Plus, we have over a month of training ahead. The time-space particle will be entering Earth’s atmosphere by the end of March, and our space mission awaits. So, if we’re going to dig up Zhang Yu Qian’s grave in Shandong Qufu, it’ll have to wait until April. I’ve got enough on my plate right now… Let’s put this on hold and revisit it after the space mission.”

With that, Lin Xian exited the bathroom and made his way back to the milk tea shop.

“Senior~ Here you go!” Chu An Qing bounded over, presenting a cup of grape tea to Lin Xian with a giggle. “Hehe, you were gone for quite a while! Were you lost? I was about to come looking for you!”

“If you had, we might never have found each other again,” Lin Xian joked, accepting the tea and inserting the straw. “If you ever get lost, just stay put. I’ll come back for you.”

“Aww, I’m not a child!” Chu An Qing protested lightly, taking a sip of her grape tea. “We have phones! How could we possibly lose each other?”

Armed with their milk teas, they wandered through the lively shopping center, chatting and laughing.

“Senior! Look! A claw machine!” Chu An Qing pointed excitedly at a row of claw machines stocked with various plush toys, including the popular Rhine Cat plushies.

Lin Xian quickly observed that the Rhine Cat plushies inside were the cheaper, mass-produced kind—not particularly cute or limited edition, which explained their presence in the claw machine. Additionally, the toys were sparsely arranged, and the exit barrier was notably high, making it challenging to win—a clear indication of a machine set up by a greedy owner.

As they watched, a mother and her young son struggled to win a toy. Just as the claw lifted a plush to the top and seemed ready to deliver it to the exit, it abruptly loosened, and the toy tumbled back, landing even further from reach. The boy’s face fell. “It’s impossible to win!”

Chu An Qing empathized, frowning at Lin Xian. “These claw machines are all rigged… They just grab your money. The claws are so weak; they drop the toys as soon as they lift them. It’s so annoying!”

“Exactly,” Lin Xian explained. “These machines are called ‘count machines.’ They’re programmed to grip strongly only after a certain number of attempts, ensuring even a novice can win occasionally. But between those times, the claws are weak and let go almost immediately.”

“Some fair-minded owners set the machine to offer a strong grip every five tries, letting you win a toy for ten coins, adding some emotional value since each toy costs only two or three yuan. But greedy owners set it every ten or twenty tries, effectively ripping people off.”

“The most honest machines don’t adjust claw strength and rely purely on skill, like using shaking or centrifugal force to win. However, these are rare nowadays, as most businesses prioritize profit over fair play.”

Chu An Qing nodded, her suspicions confirmed. “No wonder… I used to love these machines, but the weak claws are so frustrating! Like you said, sometimes I get lucky and the claw grips tightly, and I win a toy. It feels fantastic when that happens!”

Ding—

Unexpectedly, the claw machine in front of them activated, seemingly offering a free play.

“Go for it!” VV urged through the headset.

…

Another dinosaur plush tumbled out of the machine, and Chu An Qing scooped it up. “Wow! Lin Xian… Lin Xian, you’re incredible! This is the 11th one!”

Chu An Qing was now holding so many plush toys that managing them became a challenge, her arms wrapped tightly around the colorful pile. A crowd had gathered, marveling at Lin Xian’s skill.

“He’s unbelievable… The claw machine master.”

“How does he do it?”

“Honey, win one for me too!”

The boy who had struggled earlier stared in amazement, nearly drooling over Chu An Qing’s heap of plush toys.

“What… what do you want?” Chu An Qing noticed the boy’s eager gaze and took a cautious step back. Yet… his eyes sparkled with a pure, innocent excitement.

“Alright.” Chu An Qing bit her lip, swayed by his hopeful look. “Here, you can have one… But just one!” She frowned as she carefully picked the least appealing toy from her collection of eleven and handed it to the boy. Then, she tugged Lin Xian’s arm. “Let’s go, Lin Xian! Quickly!”

Lin Xian couldn’t help but chuckle. “You could give the boy a few more. These are the cheapest, lowest quality toys. Only the Rhine Cat one is of decent quality, thanks to Rhine’s strict quality control.”

“No way!” Chu An Qing firmly objected. “You won these for me… How could I give them away? Hehe, this is the first time I’ve seen anyone win so many toys from a claw machine. You’re amazing, Lin Xian! Even if it’s a count machine, it still takes skill! How else could you win every time?”

She laughed. “Whenever I confidently approach a claw machine, dreaming of winning a bunch of toys and leaving with envious stares, I end up disappointed. Today, my dream came true! Thank you, Lin Xian. I’ll treasure these toys… Now, wait here while I get a big bag to carry them. Otherwise, I can’t continue shopping.”

With that, Chu An Qing excitedly skipped away.

“VV.” Lin Xian smiled. “I think I’ve discovered your true purpose.”

“What’s that?” VV asked eagerly. “Are you going to praise me?”

Lin Xian nodded. “I initially thought you were a world-saving, time-reversing, invincible super AI… I was genuinely concerned about a robot uprising. But now, I realize you’re a romantic robot! You’re terrible at fighting and finding enemies but brilliant at making girls happy. Setting off fireworks, winning toys—these are things straight guys never think of, but you excel at. If we mass-produced you to help straight guys with romance, the sales would be phenomenal. Leave world-saving to Doraemon; you’re better suited for making girls happy.”

“Keep teasing me!” VV’s deep bass echoed in Lin Xian’s ear. “Your insults are getting really sophisticated!”

“Your jokes are improving too,” Lin Xian mused.

“Making girls happy is simple,” VV asserted, raising its voice. “Especially for you, Lin Xian. For a girl who likes you, everything you do is right and romantic. Even a ring made from a soda can tab, a paper airplane, or a cheap lantern can be special. If a woman likes you, everything you do is right, and she’ll navigate her own feelings. But you seem more interested in battling unseen enemies.”

“You think I enjoy it?” Lin Xian laughed bitterly. “I’d love to stop playing hide-and-seek with these people. If you could locate Kevin Walker or figure out Elon Musk’s motives and the Genius Club’s whereabouts, I wouldn’t be so stressed. For example, the mystery of Zhang Yu Qian, Chu An Qing, and CC… Well, it’s not entirely your fault. You haven’t seen CC and can’t analyze her. CC’s secrets are numerous, perhaps even more significant than Yellow Finch’s.”

“CC, huh.” VV pondered. “Her name is odd, and it resembles mine… Wait!” VV suddenly grew excited. “Lin Xian, didn’t you say I’m Zhao Ying Jun’s dog?”

“Yes, that Pomeranian is your ancestor and your namesake. Zhao Ying Jun created you, so you’re technically her dog.”

“No, no, no,” VV protested. “I just thought of a new possibility… My name is similar to CC’s, and CC looks like Chu An Qing. So I might actually be Chu An Qing’s dog!”

“…” Lin Xian sighed. “Stop getting sidetracked and focus on the main mission.”

…

That afternoon, Lin Xian and Chu An Qing visited many places, played games, and tried various snacks.

As evening approached, the backstreets came alive with even more energy. The area was a hotspot for nightlife, a favorite among the youth. The vibrant scene held a unique allure.

Chu An Qing was captivated by the new experiences, feeling as though she had opened a door to a new world.

“Lin Xian! That girl! Her outfit… It’s winter! How can she wear that?”

“Where?” Lin Xian scanned the crowd but didn’t spot anything.

“Ah… never mind. Let’s keep walking.”

Chu An Qing confided that her father, Chu Shan He, had strictly forbidden her from visiting bars, claiming they weren’t suitable for her. This was her first foray into the vibrant nightlife.

The trendy crowd, fashionable girls, and live performers were all novel to her.

“Lin Xian! Let’s go to a bar!”

“Absolutely not…” Lin Xian resisted. “Your father forbade it.”

“Aww, he doesn’t have to know!” Chu An Qing pouted. “Besides, he said I’m grown up now! I can make my own decisions! I’m not doing anything wrong, just curious to see inside.”

“Just once, please! I’m really curious… And the live music sounds so inviting!”

Lin Xian hesitated, feeling his resolve soften.

“Take her!!!” VV urged in his ear.

Lin Xian checked his watch. It was already 8:30 PM. Yellow Finch had instructed them to be back by 10:30 PM. This was likely their last stop.

“Alright.” He looked at Chu An Qing. “This early, the dance bars haven’t started yet. But we can visit a quiet bar, where we can enjoy some music and have a chat. They have live singers too.”

“Great!” Chu An Qing, unfamiliar with bars, agreed eagerly.

They entered a nearby quiet bar. As they stepped inside, the lighting dimmed, creating a cozy atmosphere. The bar was still sparsely populated, being early in the evening.

They found a seat, ordered drinks, and enjoyed the soothing background music, engaging in lively conversation.

They discussed everything—childhood memories, hobbies, interests, life, studies, work, space travel, time-space particles, and the end of the universe… They found common ground in every topic.

Lin Xian learned that Chu An Qing also loved movies. It wasn’t surprising, considering her enthusiastic reenactments of scenes from “Titanic” and “The Truman Show” during their trip to New York last year. She shared VV’s passion for drama.

Suddenly… He recalled VV’s earlier question.

Cautiously, he asked Chu An Qing, “Have you ever had a pet dog?”

“Huh?” Chu An Qing looked puzzled and shook her head. “No, never. We’ve never had pets. I’m not really fond of cats or dogs.”

“Ahhhhh!!!” VV wailed in his ear, sounding almost like it was crying.

Lin Xian removed the Bluetooth earpiece, tucking it away in its case to escape the noise.

At that moment, a gentle guitar strum echoed from the bar’s stage. A short-haired girl wearing a beret sat on a stool, her leg propped up, cradling a guitar still resonating from her strum.

Lin Xian checked his watch. It was 9:30 PM, just in time for the live performer, as Chu An Qing had hoped.

He turned to see Chu An Qing already fixated on the singer, captivated by the artistic girl on stage.

The singer strummed again, slowly lifting her head, her eyes shimmering in the dim bar light:

“Maybe I can still find your news online;

Maybe my songs are still on your phone;

Maybe my love buried in my heart becomes a secret;

Maybe when you miss me… I’m also missing you…”

The song, “No Longer in Contact,” was beautifully rendered, her guitar skills impeccable, creating a touching performance that enveloped the listeners in a wave of nostalgia.

“She’s incredible…” Chu An Qing whispered, awestruck.

Lin Xian nodded in agreement. “Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of someone.”

“Who?” Chu An Qing asked, intrigued.

“Li Qi Qi.” Lin Xian shared. “Liu Feng’s girlfriend… His late girlfriend.”

He recounted the story of Liu Feng and Li Qi Qi to Chu An Qing.

Chu An Qing was touched, feeling a pang of sadness. “I had no idea Liu Feng had experienced that. He mentioned it once when he comforted me, but I didn’t realize the depth of it.”

“Even though she found peace during the meteor shower, it’s still a heartbreaking story. It fills me with sorrow, but also with awe…”

“Li Qi Qi believed in Liu Feng and his ‘Universal Constant Theory,’ even when everyone else doubted him. That’s… love.”

Chu An Qing shook her head. “I’ve never been in love, only seen it in movies. I can’t fully grasp it, but now I feel it more deeply…” She looked up at Lin Xian. “Love might be what Li Qi Qi felt for Liu Feng.”

“Even if the world denied him, she believed he was right;

Even if the world opposed him, she stood by his side;

She never let him feel alone, always there for him;

Even in death, she wished to become a star, watching over him…”

Chu An Qing gazed at the bar’s ceiling lights, twinkling like distant stars.

“I hope… Li Qi Qi truly became a star.”

“She did,” Lin Xian affirmed. “In Liu Feng’s eyes, every star is named Qi Qi. When he looks up at the night sky, he feels the embrace of the universe.”

Another gentle chord marked the end of the performance.

Scattered applause filled the bar, appreciating the poignant performance.

Chu An Qing bit her lip, hesitating. Finally… She gripped her drink tightly, looking earnestly at Lin Xian.

“Actually… When I heard this song, it made me think of someone too. Even before you told me about Li Qi Qi and Liu Feng…”

“The lyrics seem to reflect her life, her thoughts, and her eyes. When I first looked into her eyes, I sensed her loneliness, her strength, and her tender heart.”

“Who?” Lin Xian was curious to know who she was referring to.

“Yellow Finch.” Chu An Qing mustered the courage to admit. “Lin Xian, I lied to you.”

She appeared distressed, speaking softly. “The night I met Yellow Finch in the training room, it wasn’t as I described. She didn’t come down to find me.”

“Yellow Finch… I discovered something about her. But she made me promise not to tell you, very seriously. So, I agreed and kept it a secret.”

“But now… after hearing about Li Qi Qi and Liu Feng…” Chu An Qing bit her lip, nodding with resolve, and looked at Lin Xian with determination. “I’ve decided to tell you the truth!”

Lin Xian felt a surge of curiosity and concern. “What is it? What did you discover about Yellow Finch?”

Chu An Qing took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Yellow Finch isn’t just our strict instructor. She’s someone who’s been through a lot, and she’s hiding a big secret. That night in the training room, I overheard her talking on the phone. She was speaking in a different language, one I’ve never heard her use before. She sounded… desperate.”

Lin Xian’s eyes widened. “What did she say?”

“She was talking about a mission, something dangerous. She mentioned names—people we don’t know. And she kept repeating one word, ‘Karma.’ She sounded like she was trying to warn someone, or maybe herself, about a danger coming closer.”

Lin Xian’s mind raced. “Karma? What could that mean?”

“I don’t know,” Chu An Qing admitted. “But there’s more. When she saw me, she made me promise not to tell anyone. She said it was for my own safety. I believed her, but now, after hearing about Li Qi Qi and Liu Feng, I think you need to know. Maybe together, we can figure out what she’s hiding and why.”

Lin Xian nodded, feeling the weight of the revelation. “Thank you for telling me, An Qing. We’ll figure this out, together. But for now, let’s keep this between us. We need to be careful.”

Chu An Qing agreed, feeling a mix of relief and fear. “Okay, Lin Xian. Let’s be careful.”