The hum of the hosting pod gradually died down. On the main console, the gene fusion process had stabilized. All vital signs remained in the optimal range, even better than expected.
Hexi's slender fingers tapped on the control panel, her expression focused and calm, her azure eyes reflecting the flowing streams of data. After a moment, she straightened up, exhaled softly, and turned to look at Chu Mo, who had been standing guard outside.
"It's a success," she said, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. "All indicators are normal. Her dark energy affinity has increased by approximately three hundred percent, and her basal metabolism and cellular activity... well, based on current models, her theoretical lifespan has surpassed ten thousand years. Now, we just wait for her to wake up naturally."
The weight in Chu Mo's heart finally lifted. A genuine smile broke across his face. "Thank you, Hexi. These five years... without your persistence, today wouldn't have been possible."
Hexi waved it off and walked to the side, taking a sip of the warm water Chu Mo had prepared. Her gaze settled back on him, filled with an undisguisable curiosity.
"Our collaboration, as of today, is complete." Hexi set down the glass. "Now, can you tell me what you are actually trying to do?"
Chu Mo's smile faded slightly, but his expression remained steady. "What do you mean? I've told you—I just want those who follow me to live better and have the ability to protect themselves."
"Protect themselves?" Hexi tilted her head, silver hair sliding over her shoulder. "Does it need to go this far? In five years, the One Heart Society has reached into every corner of the Royal City. Now, you are secretly arming female angels... Chu Mo, nothing about this looks like the work of someone who supports Hua Ye and the Heavenly Palace Order."
She took a half-step forward, closing the distance between them, her eyes searching for the truth within him. "I thought that by now, we were... friends. I thought you would be more honest with me."
There was a hint of... grievance in her tone.
Chu Mo felt a stir in his heart. Five years of working together meant they had faced research bottlenecks and shared the joy of breakthroughs. He had seen her purity, her obsession, and her wisdom. In a way, she truly was his only friend in this world.
But...
Chu Mo slowly shook his head, his eyes deep and complex, filled with apology. "I'm sorry, Hexi. It's not that I see you as an outsider, nor is it a lack of trust. It's just..." He paused, lowering his voice further. "Some things are dangerous just by knowing them. The path I'm on... there is no turning back. Until everything is ready, the less you know, the safer you are."
Hexi stared at him for a few seconds, seeing the rare gravity and loneliness in his eyes. Suddenly, she felt a wave of frustration, a sense of defeat, and an... inexplicable irritation.
"Fine!" she snapped, turning away. "Keep your secrets! Our deal is done anyway. From now on... don't come looking for me if you don't have a reason!"
Just then, the door slid open. Hong Yu walked out, her movements a bit stiff as she adjusted to her new power. When she saw them, a radiant smile broke across her face. She gave a light leap and landed with incredible grace. The wings on her back unfurled—pure white, yet shimmering with a faint luster.
"Boss! Miss Hexi!" Hong Yu's voice was thick with excitement. "I feel... better than ever! I'm full of strength, and my senses are so sharp! It's like... the whole world looks different!"
Chu Mo tucked away his complex emotions and smiled at Hong Yu. "I'm glad it was a success. Any discomfort?"
"None! Everything is perfect!" Hong Yu moved her limbs, feeling the power surging within her.
Chu Mo nodded, his expression turning solemn. "Hong Yu, from now on, you will preside over this place. I will filter through a list of our most loyal and reliable female angels and send them here in secret. You will be responsible for their upgrades. Use whatever resources you need, but ensure absolute safety and secrecy."
"Yes, Boss! I understand!"
---
The journey back to the Royal City was conducted in silence. Hexi sat by the window, her face turned toward the passing stars, leaving Chu Mo with a cold profile. Chu Mo tried to speak several times, but seeing her "do not disturb" aura, he swallowed his words.
Upon reaching the city, at the crossroads where they parted, Hexi finally stopped. She didn't turn around. She simply said stiffly, "I'm going back to the Institute," and walked away without a backward glance, her silver hair fluttering in the night breeze.
Chu Mo stood there, watching her go, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions that finally settled into a faint, almost inaudible sigh.
---
Walking back alone, Hexi's anger began to dissipate, replaced by confusion and a growing... concern that she didn't want to admit.
That blockhead! That wooden clod! He makes me so mad! she complained internally. Is it really necessary to be so cautious with me? Do I look like someone who would betray him?
She thought about the last five years. While Chu Mo was always calculating, he never hesitated to support her. In their rare moments of deep conversation, the vision he displayed was never that of a "lapdog."
What is he planning? Overthrowing Hua Ye? Or something even more shocking? The possibilities both excited and worried her. She knew the power he held now was formidable. If he truly took that step, it would shake the universe.
Claiming "the less I know, the safer I am"... he's just treating me like an outsider! She bit her lip, but then she remembered the apology and loneliness in his eyes. Her anger melted, replaced by a touch of bitterness and... heartache?
Whatever! she shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. If he won't say it, fine! When he finally can't keep it in anymore, see if I don't laugh at him!
Despite her words, when she returned to her lab, she didn't dive into work. She stared out the window, the image of Chu Mo's helpless, bitter smile replaying in her mind.
What a... big idiot.