Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

In a remote corner of the universe, on a planet where no civilization exists.

The spaceship hatch opened, and Yu Qingtu walked out slowly, his lazy gaze sweeping casually before settling on the figure at the entrance of the manor ahead.

"I'm so glad to see you coming out of the lab. Did you sense my arrival and come to greet me?"

"I just came out for some fresh air." Ruan Mei's expression was indifferent, and her tone was flat.

"I'm a member of the Genius Club #55, for goodness' sake. You're making me lose face."

"The micro-expressions in your facial muscles tell me that you don't care about saving face, or perhaps 'not caring about appearances' would be a more accurate description?"

"..."

Yu Qingtu sighed helplessly and inquired about the important matter.

"Have you seen any research results yet?"

That taboo study that desecrated life.

People should always have things to respect, but Yu Qingtu himself also has things he doesn't agree with, and he doesn't really respect life.

But at least, she wouldn't do such a thing.

Of course, I won't interfere with others.

"Not yet," Ruan Mei said calmly. "We've encountered a bottleneck."

"So, are you planning to stand here and talk to me forever?"

"Come with me."

Ruan Mei turned and walked into the manor, leading Yu Qingtu to the backyard.

Before Yu Qingtu could speak, she took off her white coat and quickly removed the rest of her clothes.

"You've come at the perfect time. The fresh pastries will be ready in ten minutes. Take a bath first to wash away the dust of your journey."

Yu Qingtu shifted her gaze from the unfamiliar bathtub to the perfectly curved, naked, fair back.

"I remember there was no bathhouse here when I came last time."

"I altered the geological structure and hydrological cycle of this continental plate, so creating a natural hot spring bath was not difficult."

With her beautiful right foot lightly touching the water's surface, Ruan Mei slowly stepped into the bath and sat down, immersing her alluring body in the warm water.

With a casual wave, large swaths of plum blossoms drifted out from the hidden opening at the edge of the hot spring and scattered onto the water's surface.

The refreshing fragrance of plum blossoms gradually permeated this space.

"Like master, like apprentice. The little guy you taught is just like that, always talking about welcoming guests."

"He also took you to bathe?" Ruan Mei immediately looked up, her eyes filled with a deep, unfathomable light.

"What are you thinking? That little guy is so polite and well-behaved that it's almost unbearable. He would never do something like that."

Yu Qingtu chuckled, showing no restraint, and stepped straight into the bath.

The instant her toes touched the water, her clothes vanished without a trace, as if they were being broken down.

"She's incredibly stubborn, and because of our relationship, she's never called me 'Sister Qingtu' in all these years."

"You keep calling me 'senior,' it's so distant. Why didn't I learn that from you?"

"Since you don't treat me like a senior, there's no issue of a significant generational difference. Is it beneath him to call me 'sister'?"

The deep look in Ruan Mei's eyes faded, and she spoke softly.

"People may be alive, but some rules must be rigid, otherwise chaos will ensue. I have taught him and punished him, so he won't misbehave."

"...You really are the culprit."

Yu Qingtu's gaze toward Ruan Mei became indescribable.

"Teachers need to set a good example. Ah Ruan, why don't you call me a senior?"

"I'm not a member of the Genius Club, so why should I shout?" Ruan Mei said matter-of-factly.

"So, you mean if you become a member of the genius club in the future, you'll shout it out?"

"Although I have no interest in becoming a member of the genius club, I will shout it out if that day ever comes."

Just once?

"Besides being a senior or junior colleague, you are also my friend. I believe that our friendship takes a much higher priority than that of a senior or junior colleague."

"I'm defeated by you."

Yu Qingtu chuckled, picked up a petal with her slender hand, and gently brushed it across her jade-like arm along with a drop of water.

As if she had thought of something, she said:

"If you truly reach the point where you can influence the course of the universe with your wisdom, whether you want to become a club member or not is no longer important, because it will no longer be up to you."

"The moment the Venerable Master casts a glance your way, you have no way back."

"Currently, 77 is at the bottom of the talent club. I have high hopes for you, here you go—"

As she spoke, Yu Qingtu suddenly produced a pink drink in her hand.

"What is this?" Ruan Mei reached out and took it.

The small, high-heeled cup is filled with pink liquid, and unidentified grass and insect-like objects serve as decorations.

An indescribable smell wafted towards my nose.

"I named it Pink Collision. You can drink it or use it as a research subject."

"This insect is alive."

"You have excellent eyesight. You're a scientist in the field of life sciences, aren't you afraid?"

"..."

Under Yu Qingtu's intrigued gaze, Ruan Mei calmly sipped her drink.

"Pink Collision...I remember it was one of your favorite ancient Amber Period pieces."

"Absolutely right, my friend, how does it taste?"

"It's alright, the flavor is no worse than Amu's plum blossom wine," Ruan Mei commented.

"I don't deny that..."

Yu Qingtu leaned back, resting his arms on the edge of the bathtub, giving a highly approving remark:

"It's really strange. The ingredients and method of that little guy's plum blossom syrup are obvious at a glance, but neither of us can replicate the taste. Could it have become a rare and precious thing?"

"Speaking of the little guy, it's been over a century since you last saw him, hasn't it? Aren't you planning to see him this time you're out resting?"

"Don't be fooled by his ever-present smile and nonchalant demeanor; he probably misses you quite a bit."

"I don't plan to," Ruan Mei replied without the slightest hesitation.

"That's your only student, and one of the few people you've spent decades with. Are you really planning to cut all ties with him?" Yu Qingtu couldn't understand.

"Let's talk about it after the project is finished," Ruan Mei said, unmoved.

"He is a short-lived species, unlike you. If you bury yourself in research for decades or even centuries, he will have died of old age."

"No, I've taught him no fewer than ten methods to prolong life without side effects."

"What if he doesn't have to do anything... tsk, both teacher and student are stubborn."

Halfway through his sentence, Yu Qingtu suddenly remembered that Qi Zhimu, being a short-lived species, had lived for over a hundred years, which must have been artificially extended.

That's fine.

Indeed, aside from that little old man Elijah Salas, who would complain about living a little longer?

Thinking back to the punishment Ruan Mei had mentioned, and the question she had asked Qi Zhimu...

Curiosity flashed across Yu Qingtu's face, and he suddenly leaned forward toward Ruan Mei, creating ripples on the water.

"Ah Ruan, the little guy advised you not to continue that research, didn't he?"

"Yes."

Yu Qingtu thought to herself, "Just as I suspected," and an incredulous look flashed across her face: "You kicked him out because of this?"

Meeting the former's gaze, Ruan Mei remained silent for a moment before admitting it.

"I guess so."

"Is it really necessary?!"

"As for Amu, he denied my love for my family."