He lives on another planet and is majoring in Earth Science.

Chapter 290 The Pope's Public Speech
"You mean you suspect Fermi isn't from Earth?"

"It's just a possibility, or perhaps he's formed a deep friendship with some interstellar person."

Li Ji fell into thought.

Fermi is known as the "father of atomic energy" on Earth; his research ushered humanity into the atomic age.

The atomic age, the opportune moment, and the Fermi paradox, which suggests that Earthlings are being kept in captivity by extraterrestrials.

These three things, when connected, don't seem like a coincidence.

But there's still no clue, we can only wait for instructions from the Secret Service.

Li Ji stepped out of the portal and returned to the Vatican's confidential archives.

Delulu and the others have already left; the archives are empty.

He stepped out of the basement; it was just beginning to get light outside.

The crisp morning light shone on the entire city of Rome; countless people had been unable to sleep the night before.

Li Ji changed into an ordinary Chinese male costume and walked outside St. Peter's Square.

Although it was still early, many people were already heading to the square.

Several news vans also arrived.

Several police cars were parked outside, and armed police officers were there to maintain order.

"The Pope's public speeches are always a grand affair."

"Where did Delulu and the others go? They should be the most active ones."

Li Ji looked around but couldn't find any of his teammates in the crowd.

A message came from the communicator.

Look up there, meow.

Li Ji looked up at the huge arched window of St. Peter's Basilica. Behind the railing of the central window stood several bodyguards in suits.

Three of them looked very familiar.

An old man with a white beard, so muscular that his suit was about to burst.

A Hong Xiuquan wearing sunglasses.

There was also Wang, Hong Xiuquan's mother.

The three of them blended in seamlessly.

"Holy crap, why are they still using these camouflage outfits?"

"If someone saw Hong Xiuquan standing next to the Pope when he recognized Hong Xiuquan, how would you explain all of this?"

"Never mind, I don't need to explain. It's fine as it is."

Lee Ki waved to them with a clear conscience.

I squeezed myself into a spot in front of the obelisk, where it was easier to see.

The sun rose higher and higher, its golden rays bathing the entire St. Peter's Square.

Every Roman column was bathed in golden light.

The square was packed with people.

People were packed shoulder to shoulder, with no chance to squeeze out.

Lee Kin could smell the complex odor of sweat in the air.

A drone was hovering overhead, emitting a soft buzzing sound.

A figure in white emerged from behind a red curtain at the window of St. Peter's Basilica.

The crowd in the square quickly erupted in cheers, which were like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing.

The Pope waved stiffly at the crowd.

His eyes kept glancing at the bodyguard beside him.

The older brother next to Li Ji kindly explained, "You see, the Pope keeps looking at the bodyguards. He must have been seriously frightened last night. These bodyguards must be new; they look very professional."

The eldest brother looked directly at Li Ji, seemingly seeking approval.

Li Ji forced a smile and said, "That's right. Your analysis is absolutely correct."

Behind a window on the second floor of St. Peter's Church, two FBI agents were stopped by religious staff.

They were waiting for the Pope to finish his speech so they could ask him for details about yesterday's kidnapping. The little black boy was suspicious; he was very likely an accomplice of the Asian cell phone thief and the vampire boy.

They watched as the Pope approached the microphone, cleared his throat, and began, "Some unexpected events occurred yesterday, causing everyone concern."

"I am doing well and am not injured. Thank you for your concern."

The crowd stirred again, and everyone thanked God for protecting the Pope and allowing him to escape danger.

The older man next to Li Ji kept boasting to him: "I prayed to God 42 times yesterday. He must have heard my devout prayers, otherwise the Pope would have been in danger."

Li Ji smiled awkwardly: "That's right, that's right, God can definitely hear your voice."

The Pope continued, "I believe the police will catch the suspect soon. But whatever the outcome, I am willing to forgive the boy again."

"He was simply misled by evil ideas and went astray."

“I believe that Jesus Christ, like me, will forgive this child. As long as he listens to the gospel of the Lord, he will surely be able to get back on the right track in his life.”

A thunderous applause erupted from the crowd.

Everyone cheered for the Pope's magnanimity.

The older brother wiped away his tears excitedly: "He's a saint, making him pope is absolutely the right thing to do. Don't you think?"

Li Ji nodded helplessly: "That's right, that's right."

You would forgive someone if they were watching you from the sidelines.

The Pope continued, "I believe many people are concerned about my cross-dressing last night."

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall, and even the many cardinals on the windowsill frowned.

"But I don't think there's anything to hide about this. Former popes have expressed their support for women and the LGBT+ community on more than one occasion."

“This time, I also empathized with them.”

“Yesterday, Jesus gave me guidance, and I understood all of this.”

Only Li Ji and his group knew that this statement was a true reflection of reality.

"The Lord teaches us that all people, including every individual, men, women and even other gender groups, should be included."

The Pope's words once again caused the square to erupt in cheers.

The guy in the skirt to Li Ji's left shouted excitedly, "He's my hero!"

Li Ji realized that this time it didn't seem like he had caused any trouble, but rather that the Pope had gained a great deal.

This instantly transformed him from a conservative to a radical.

The Pope gestured for the crowd to quiet down again.

"Next, I will award you the highest Christ Medal."

As he said this, he kept glancing at Delulu beside him.

Delulu's smile, however, was no longer hidden.

Li Ji knew that the Vatican would now award medals to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the Christian cause.

But I didn't expect this segment to happen today; it's clear that it was at Dailulu's behest.

The crowd was boiling again.

Before Li Ji could even ask for a question, the man next door enthusiastically began to explain.

"The Order of Christ the Highest is the highest-level medal of the Church. It is generally awarded only to the head of state of traditional Catholic countries, or to a very few non-head of state who have made outstanding contributions."

The eldest brother was rubbing his hands together, as if he were about to go up and receive an award.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I wonder which outstanding representative will receive this medal."

Li Ji suddenly had a bad feeling.

The Pope produced a manuscript and announced: "On behalf of the Church of Rome, I hereby declare that the Order of Christ the Most High is awarded to Steve Joseph."

A young white man slowly emerged from behind the curtain.

Li Ji recognized the other person at a glance; it was the tourist who had given directions to Delulu in St. Peter's Square that day.

Steve waved with a silly grin, not understanding what was going on. He had been taken away from the hotel by church members early in the morning.

I never expected to get a medal just for traveling. Maybe it's not too late to join the Catholic Church now.

Delulu looked at the Pope with a gloomy expression.

(End of this chapter)