In the reception room, Eden propped her head on her hand, her gaze shifting back and forth between Mobius and Fu Li.
For some reason, the intimate and natural atmosphere she had just witnessed between them made her feel as though she couldn't get a word in edgewise.
"So, what were you two talking about... MANTISes?" In the end, Eden opted for a direct approach.
She used a curious tone, skillfully concealing her other emotions.
Neither Fu Li nor Mobius treated the project—a top-level secret that would be considered demonic by outsiders—as a big deal. They told Eden everything.
And while Eden possessed absolute mastery in the realm of art, she was completely clueless when it came to scientific research. She only managed to grasp one thing:
Fu Li's transformation was the result of fusing with the genes of a special Honkai Beast.
And his relationship with Mobius was merely that of an investor and an investee, as well as kindred spirits in the field of research...
Eden firmly believed the former, but she only believed about thirty percent of the latter.
But as a superstar, even though she knew in her heart that the star of art had begun to fall... she still had her own reserve.
It was this very reserve that made it difficult for her to voice the emotions in her heart.
"Alright then... that's really incredible. Is this what you'd call the art of the biological field...?" In the end, Eden offered praise based on her own understanding.
Mobius corrected her, "To be precise, it is the art of evolution. But this art is not as beautiful as the lyrics of a song. The process of this evolution is ugly, yet it is filled with infinite possibilities."
Speaking of biological evolution, a flush crept onto Mobius's face, and her body trembled slightly in a state of fanaticism.
Normally, Mobius would suppress such emotions in front of outsiders, but she didn't bother to when she was around Fu Li.
And Fu Li, long accustomed to it, paid it no mind.
After chatting for a while longer, Eden suddenly changed the subject.
"Li, it's getting late. You've only just returned. How about you take a walk with me?"
She didn't know about Fu Li's trial; Mobius had only told her that he had to take care of some matters.
As for the incident where Fu Li single-handedly tore through the MOTHs headquarters, there was no way the high command would let such a humiliating event leak out. They had issued a strict gag order.
"Well... alright." Although he still wanted to conduct experiments, Fu Li considered that he had indeed neglected Eden by going to see Mobius the moment he returned.
Therefore, using this opportunity to make it up to her was a good idea.
"By the way, Doctor, I brought you some dumplings I made. If I'm not around, try to eat less instant noodles."
Fu Li took his bag and pulled out a container of freshly made dumplings. After giving his instructions, he left with Eden.
Ten minutes later, Klein, having just finished her paperwork, entered the conference room to find her Doctor staring blankly at a container of dumplings.
Could these dumplings be the Doctor's newly researched lethal weapon?
Klein tilted her head, walked over to Mobius's side, and was about to sit down to observe them when Mobius snatched the dumplings away.
"Doctor?" Klein was a little confused.
"It's nothing, Klein. These are just ordinary dumplings." Mobius's serpentine eyes narrowed. "Klein, what do you think of Li as a person?"
Klein answered honestly, "Li? I feel that he is a very gentle person. Soft, and makes you want to get close to him."
"Moreover, he is a kind person. This can be seen from his attitude toward fighting the Honkai."
"Even before he joined the MOTHs, his number of sorties against the Honkai was 6.7 times that of Kevin's, and his operational time was 10.4 times greater."
"In short..." Klein buried her face in her clothes, a smile unconsciously gracing her lips. "Mr. Li is an exceptionally reliable person."
"Is that so?" Mobius's eyes narrowed further.
If it were only her feeling this way or even acting out of character, it could be explained away. But why did Klein also feel this way?
Li... who exactly is he?
...
Elsewhere, Fu Li and Eden walked side by side along a path within the MOTHs' headquarters.
Whenever they were like this, they would naturally become the center of everyone's attention.
After all, the people of this era had practically grown up listening to the songs of both Fu Li and Eden.
The difference was that Fu Li had more female fans, while Eden naturally had more male fans.
And for such a beautiful pair who debuted together, whose careers ended together, and who were always inseparable, it was only normal for them to be mistaken for a couple.
At first, Fu Li would try to clarify the rumors, but as they spread, even he couldn't shut people's mouths.
Eden, on the other hand, was very tolerant of the rumors, basically letting them be. She would even occasionally tease him for being too serious about it.
Lost in fond memories of the past, the two slowly ambled to a deserted corner. It was only then that Eden made her invitation.
"Um, Li... I've noticed that the soldiers here seem exhausted every time they return from a mission. And they've helped me, so..."
Eden tapped her fingers anxiously on the stone bench. It wasn't their first time performing on the same stage, but this time she was clearly flustered.
She didn't know why.
"I know you're very busy, but if you have the time, could you sing with me for these soldiers?"
"Although it won't bring any profit, I just feel like I should do something for them..."
Looking at Eden, who was already beginning to change, Fu Li sighed with emotion.
So this is what it feels like to watch someone grow... it's such a painful thing...
This was an emotion he had never felt that time with Mobius...
A scientist and a singer... are they really such different life experiences?
"Alright. If that's what you want, I will naturally accompany you."
"Just like I said when we first met, I'll always be your agent and your partner."
Hearing Fu Li earnestly repeat the promise from their childhood, Eden's eyes crinkled into a smile, and her brilliant irises once again began to shine.
"Okay, my great artist."
And...
The person I love.
---o---
Author's note:
ps: Don't speculate wildly, there are no knives.