The questioning session effectively concluded after the leader woke up and personally met with Tang Xiao, solidifying his position. Naturally, others stopped nitpicking minor issues, bringing the matter to a close. Tang Xiao became an unquestionable hero of the hour.
With the leader's recovery, Leon was removed from his acting leader position without much fanfare. To most people, this wasn’t surprising—he had only been a temporary replacement while the leader was incapacitated. Now that the leader was back, Leon was no longer needed.
Of course, how Leon himself took this was anyone's guess.
As the exploration team returned successfully, confirming that Apollo had wiped out all the alien beasts and eliminated the threat, the base lifted its alert status, and researchers returned to their normal duties.
After leaving the leader’s hospital room, Xiao Bai handed the photos he had brought to the leader’s assistant before leaving the floor. His expression was entirely restrained, revealing nothing about his thoughts.
When Xiao Bai returned to the lab area, he hadn’t even reached the entrance when he heard cheers of joy inside.
“Welcome back!”
“Tang, that was incredible!”
“Hey, our big hero!”
“It’s not that exaggerated,” Tang Xiao replied modestly. In the lab, surrounded by his colleagues, his demeanor showed none of the calm arrogance he’d displayed at the questioning meeting. With a faint smile, he answered questions and reassured those worried about him.
At some point, the once-unassuming researcher had become the center of attention in the lab, gradually growing into a prominent figure.
Xiao Bai felt momentarily dazed.
“How’s the progress been while I was away?” Tang Xiao quickly asked Lodge.
Lodge sighed helplessly. “Everything’s on track. Can’t you relax a little? You just survived a near-death experience, and everyone’s under enough pressure as it is.”
“Sorry, but we’re about to get first-phase results, so I’m a bit anxious. By the way, how’s the data from the method I suggested last time? Does it check out?”
Tang Xiao seemed uninterested in basking in the glory of the Special Contribution Medal. As the leader had predicted, the meaning behind the medal mattered little to him. Compared to accolades, he was far more concerned about research progress.
Xiao Bai, watching all this, felt his indecision finally settle.
He stepped into the lab. “Tang Xiao.”
The moment Xiao Bai appeared, the lively atmosphere was immediately silenced, as if someone had hit the mute button. The researchers surrounding Tang Xiao promptly returned to their workstations.
“Come with me,” Xiao Bai said.
Tang Xiao showed no change in expression as he followed Xiao Bai out of the lab.
Once they left, the whispers began.
“Why did Xiao Bai call Tang out?”
“No idea.”
“He looked pretty serious. Do you think something’s wrong again?”
Xiao Bai led Tang Xiao to an isolated corner, his face stiff as he asked, “Do you currently have a preferred mentor in mind?”
Tang Xiao paused, then hesitantly replied, “Not yet.”
Xiao Bai exhaled slightly. It was his first time initiating something like this, and though he’d found it difficult to start, the words flowed more easily after breaking the ice. “If you haven’t chosen anyone, you can submit your application to me.”
Tang Xiao blinked, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. “I thought you didn’t plan to take on any students.”
“That was true in the past.” Xiao Bai pressed his lips together. “Because of certain events, I haven’t had much interest in personal connections. But since you ended up involved in this mess because of me, I don’t want something like that happening again.”
Initially, Xiao Bai had only paid attention to Tang Xiao because of Dr. Feng’s request. Over time, however, he had developed a desire to shield Tang Xiao on his own, not wanting him to get caught up in disputes unrelated to research.
Tang Xiao blinked and suddenly asked, “If someone else got caught up in this, would you take them as a student too?”
“Of course not.” Xiao Bai frowned. “I wouldn’t take just anyone as a student.”
“Of course, you’re free to decline. I’ll give you some time to think it over. But even if you refuse, I hope you’ll choose someone like Dr. Feng or another mentor with a clear and pure stance. If you’re unsure about a mentor’s background, you can ask me.”
Dr. Feng also said similar words to him.
Tang Xiao fell silent for a moment before seriously looking up at Xiao Bai.
“Dr. Xiao, there’s something I need to clarify.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll only work on research related to Project 428. I won’t consider other fields. Is that acceptable?”
Xiao Bai frowned slightly. “Why are you so fixated on Project 428?”
Tang Xiao didn’t answer, simply waiting for Xiao Bai’s response.
Xiao Bai sighed inwardly, recalling Dawson’s mention of Beta Researcher Syndrome.
Perhaps because he already saw Tang Xiao as a student, Xiao Bai felt this all-or-nothing approach was a bit extreme. Still, it wasn’t a pressing issue at the moment, as Project 428 was currently a hot topic in the field of biology.
“Fine. I’ll focus on assigning you tasks related to Project 428.”
“Alright then, mentor,” Tang Xiao replied without hesitation, changing the way he addressed Xiao Bai. After all, both in the real world and in the lab, Tang Xiao had been working under Xiao Bai’s guidance, so nothing much had changed apart from the title.
“You could take some time to think about it.”
“What’s there to consider? You’re the head of Project 428. Where else would I go?” Tang Xiao replied matter-of-factly.
The reason he had turned down offers from other professors was precisely because he wasn’t interested in anything outside Project 428.
If Xiao Bai hadn’t extended this offer, Tang Xiao had planned to drag things out indefinitely or ask Dr. Feng if he could continue working for Xiao Bai even after apprenticing under her.
Hearing this, Xiao Bai felt a mix of emotions.
Previously, people who wanted to be his student had done so for reasons like access to resources or connections. This was the first time someone had agreed solely because of the project he led.
For a moment, Xiao Bai didn’t know how to react.
Meanwhile, a hidden observer was ecstatic.
Xiaoxiao agreed to this because of him...
Hehehe.
“Alright, go ahead and input your details later. I’ll email you the necessary documents.”
“Got it.”
After finishing the conversation, Xiao Bai left, and Tang Xiao returned to the lab alone. As soon as he stepped in, Lodge and the others surrounded him.
“Dr. Xiao called you over? Your expression looks so serious. Did something happen?” Lodge asked, his gaze filled with concern. He knew Tang Xiao had been taken for questioning earlier and assumed things weren’t over yet.
“It’s nothing. He was just talking about taking me in as a student.”
Tang Xiao’s response immediately shocked everyone around him.
Lodge and Yu Ming from the project team: “What? Aren’t you already Dr. Xiao’s student?”
Others: “Wait, Dr. Xiao is accepting students? Doesn’t he never take students?”
Both groups finished their questions and exchanged looks. Lodge added, “But haven’t you been going to Dr. Xiao for advice regularly?”
Everyone knew that Tang Xiao had a fixed weekly time slot to get guidance from Xiao Bai. Sometimes Xiao Bai even offered suggestions or directions for their research, though he didn’t visit often. The project team was aware of this.
For the others, the shock was that Xiao Bai—known for never accepting students—would actually do so.
Oh, it’s Tang Xiao. I guess that makes sense.
People quietly glanced at Tang Xiao, recalling Xiao Bai in their minds.
Even Tang Xiao himself hadn’t noticed that, when he put on his glasses, his aura resembled Xiao Bai’s—though younger and much friendlier. Everyone dared to crowd around Tang Xiao, but no one would dare do that with Xiao Bai. If anything, their talent and rise to prominence were quite similar, so it wasn’t surprising Xiao Bai was moved to accept Tang Xiao as a student.
No one was jealous. Tang Xiao had twice prevented disasters from occurring, making him a benefactor to most of them. His talent and hard work in research were evident to all. The group congratulated him warmly with claps and smiles.
Then, from within the crowd came a playful hush, and the clapping slowly stopped as the group parted. Tang Xiao paused in surprise as a nervous young woman carrying a bouquet of roses approached him.
“Th-this is for you. Congratulations!”
She seemed to be from a neighboring project group. Tang Xiao had spoken to her only briefly before and vaguely remembered her as someone who also wore glasses but had very pretty eyes.
Without waiting for a response, the woman shoved the flowers into Tang Xiao’s hands and ran off without looking back.
Tang Xiao: “…”
The group, expecting to witness a confession scene, let out disappointed sighs. As people dispersed, Yu Ming patted Tang Xiao’s shoulder with a teasing grin. “You’ve got quite the luck with romance. That girl’s very pretty—lots of people like her. If you’re interested, you’d better act fast.”
Tang Xiao shook his head, hesitated for a moment, and placed the bouquet somewhere it wouldn’t interfere with experiments.
Just then, he felt an intense gaze from behind. He turned sharply, but there was nothing to see.
Tang Xiao: “…”
Time to clock out.
As Tang Xiao approached his dormitory, he had a growing sense of unease and stopped outside the door.
Lodge: “Tang, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Tang Xiao took a deep breath and opened the door.
The moment he stepped in and closed the door, a huge mass of mycelium slime launched itself at him, slamming into his arms.
“Xiaoxiao, I missed you so much!”
“We’ve only been apart for a day,” Tang Xiao groaned, pressing his fingers to his temples as he peeled Jun Tesi off him. “Turn back into human form.”
Ever since it had gotten out of hand in the lab last time, Jun Tesi had grown increasingly shameless. After evolving, it usually stayed in human form when meeting Tang Xiao.
But perhaps realizing Tang Xiao had a preference for monster forms, Jun Tesi had started dropping the pretense entirely when alone with him.
Would Tang Xiao accept this? Absolutely not. Liking monsters didn’t mean he was ready to fully embrace Jun Tesi’s bizarre antics.
With a reluctant expression, Jun Tesi transformed back into his human form, muscular arms wrapping around Tang Xiao’s shoulders. He leaned close to Tang Xiao’s ear with jealousy practically dripping from his words. “I saw someone give you flowers. You kept them, even though you always throw away the things I give you.”
Ah, so that gaze earlier was his. Tang Xiao sighed.
He didn’t even bother to remind Jun Tesi not to spy on him—there was no point.
“I rejected her, didn’t I?” Tang Xiao said helplessly. “You can give me something again. I won’t throw it away this time.”
Jun Tesi didn’t respond. Instead, his chest suddenly split open, and he pulled out a handful of postcards. “It’s fine. I still kept these.”
Tang Xiao’s eyelid twitched. He knew it—no wonder the contents of the trash bin had mysteriously disappeared.
Seeing those postcards—recording the clumsy affection of a creature still learning how to love—Tang Xiao’s feelings grew complicated. His eyelashes trembled slightly as a memory flashed through his mind: a phone call from his older brother after returning to reality.
“I know what you’re wondering, but unfortunately, it’s classified. I can’t say much. But, Xiaoxiao, if you don’t want to keep playing, just uninstall the game. Stay away from the helmet. You can even send it to me.”
Sensing Tang Xiao’s unease, his brother had reassured him gently. “You have the right to refuse. As long as you don’t log in again, that world will never trouble you.”
“All I have to do is uninstall the game?”
“Yes. It’s your choice.”
If he uninstalled the game, everything from that world would cease to matter.
Tang Xiao lowered his gaze and stared deeply at the postcards—tangible evidence of an innocent monster’s tentative affection. His heart felt heavier than before.
“Xiaoxiao?” Seeing Tang Xiao motionless for so long, Jun Tesi grew nervous. “You don’t want them?”
Tang Xiao exhaled slowly, taking the postcards as he replied lightly, “No, I was just thinking.”
“Oh, okay!” Jun Tesi’s expression immediately brightened, his handsome yet usually stoic face transforming into something absurdly dog-like and dopey.
Tiny imaginary flowers practically sprouted in the background.
Since realizing that Tang Xiao’s attitude had softened, Jun Tesi had grown even bolder—clinging to him shamelessly and turning up the intensity of his affections.
Yet he wasn’t annoying—maybe because this little mycelium wore all its emotions on its face. Give it just a little sunshine, and it could thrive.
So easy to satisfy. Whatever.
Tang Xiao closed his eyes and sighed internally, as if surrendering. One step at a time.
Since it was no longer easy to let go of everything here, he might as well see how far he could go.
“This time, Xiaoxiao has to keep it safe.”
“Okay.”
“You can’t throw it away casually.”
“Okay.”
“You can’t accept anyone else’s advances.”
“Okay.”
“You can’t refuse when I kiss you.”
“......” Tang Xiao didn’t fall for it. With a half-smile, he glanced at Jun Tess. “You’re learning pretty quickly.”
Not getting the promise he wanted, Jun Tesi guiltily averted his gaze but quickly defended himself with newfound confidence, “I helped Xiaoxiao, so I deserve a reward, right?”
Does he still remember that?
As it turned out, not only did he remember, but after getting a small taste, his boldness had grown.
The man licked his lips with the tip of his red tongue, his gaze drifting down below Tang Xiao’s waist.
That look immediately triggered a wave of shameful memories for Tang Xiao. His lips curled into a cold smile. “Dream on.”
It was meant to be a sharp retort, but the redness creeping up his ears softened its impact.
“Xiaoxiao qaq”
“Not happening.”
For Tang Xiao, last night had been nothing but an accident. There was absolutely no way it would happen again.
Jun Tesi blinked innocently, said nothing more, and dropped the topic.
Tang Xiao narrowed his eyes, watching him suspiciously. He was sure this mushroom was up to no good.
Hmph. Whatever Jun Tesi was planning, he wouldn’t give in.
Returning to reality, Tang Xiao removed the gaming helmet and slowly collapsed onto his dormitory bed, exhaling deeply.
This gaming session lasted a long time.
But at least the outcome was good.
The dormitory was empty at this hour. Everyone else seemed to have gone out, leaving Tang Xiao alone. He lay on the bed with his eyes closed, finally wanting to rest and calm his nerves. But just then, his phone rang.
“…” Forget it. Ignore it. He didn’t feel like answering.
The first round of ringing ended quickly. Tang Xiao’s furrowed brows relaxed, and he began drifting into a light sleep.
Then the phone rang again.
“…”
It stopped a second time. Then rang for a third.
Tang Xiao finally jumped up in irritation, unwillingly grabbing the phone. Checking the time, he realized it was Saturday. Who on earth was so annoying?
“Hello?”
As soon as the call connected, excited voices burst through the speaker. “Tang Xiao! Hurry up and come over. The experiment’s data just came through, and the results are perfect! We think we can write the paper!”
Tang Xiao’s sleepy eyes flew open. With swift movements, he leapt off the bed. “I’ll be there right away!”
----------
No comments:
Post a Comment