After waiting for a moment, two beautiful figures approached... but their styles were completely different.
That's right, it was Stelle and Ruan Mei.
Herta greeted them first: "Hi, Ruan Mei, I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Stelle followed up, and Herta's gaze also turned to her.
"Oh, you're here too? It seems you two are getting along well."
At this moment, Screwllum placed one hand on his chest, and his gentle voice emerged: "It's a pleasure to see you, madam. Logic: The reunion came earlier than predicted."
Jiang Lin first nodded to Stelle, then looked at Ruan Mei.
"Hello."
Ruan Mei, however, kept looking at Jiang Lin's face, wondering what she was thinking... "Is there something strange on my face?" Jiang Lin asked.
"Not at all, please don't misunderstand, I'm just very interested in you."
After saying this, she stopped looking at Jiang Lin.
Herta then looked at Stelle: "Although you weren't invited, welcome. Remember this historic moment, four geniuses in one room. How long has it been since this happened? And how long until it happens again?"
"Affirmation: Apart from the Simulated Universe, we rarely have opportunities to communicate with each other. With Mr. Jiang Lin joining us this time, I eagerly anticipate what intellectual sparks this collision will bring."
Screwllum followed up.
For some reason, Stelle didn't act abstract this time; instead, she bowed very gentlemanly to Screwllum.
Jiang Lin, on the other hand, frowned slightly. He always felt something was off with Stelle.
But what exactly it was, his memory was a bit hazy.
After all, the plot of his previous life had passed more than a hundred years ago.
It was already good enough that he could remember the general outline now.
After some effortful thought... Stelle... seemed to have been given some kind of drug by Ruan Mei?
At this moment, seeing no one speaking, Herta continued.
"Then I'll get straight to the point – I believe it's time to find another partner for the Simulated Universe."
Ruan Mei was a bit puzzled at this point: "Are you kicking Stephen out?"
Then she looked at Jiang Lin... "Or is it that Mr. Jiang Lin doesn't intend to deeply participate in the Simulated Universe?"
"No, how could that be? Stephen doesn't want to get involved and abstained – alright? I respect everyone's way of life, but he won't have a chance to participate in this decision.
As for him?" Herta looked at Jiang Lin with some hope, "He'd better participate, that way I won't have to exert too much effort."
But Jiang Lin shook his head.
"I am indeed somewhat interested in your Simulated Universe, but this is limited to my hope of using the Simulated Universe to do some... things that cannot be attempted in reality."
Jiang Lin continued in a calm tone.
"Of course, I will give you the proper compensation, a Fire Seed. I can guarantee that each of you will receive one later."
Herta shook her head, saying somewhat helplessly:
"See? If he really wanted to participate, he would have said so before. He wouldn't have waited until now to express his stance. Well, now he has."
Herta seemed to think of something else and spoke again:
"By the way, it's fine if you don't participate, but don't forget that you promised to improve the data of the simulated Aeons."
Jiang Lin: ???
When did he promise that?
But never mind... It's not a big deal anyway. At most, he'll just give some suggestions based on his understanding later, hmm, and do nothing but give suggestions.
At this moment, Screwllum's gentlemanly voice came.
"Question: Introduce a fifth co-creator to the Simulated Universe?"
"Yes, a fifth. If Jiang Lin doesn't intend to participate... are you really not going to reconsider?"
Jiang Lin shook his head again.
Herta said helplessly again:
"Everyone here knows why we're gathered. Besides answers, what else can bring the Genius Society members together?"
"No one can refuse the secrets of an Aeon, not even Zandalar. Jiang Lin probably thinks the same, but I don't know why he doesn't plan to participate."
"But I believe someone will respond to us. If not, Jiang Lin can bring Borka Kakame over."
Jiang Lin, standing nearby, said speechlessly:
"I merely declined your invitation. Is it necessary to single me out every time?"
Herta ignored Jiang Lin's complaint.
Ruan Mei then spoke: "What if Borka Kakame actually comes?"
"Wouldn't that be perfect? Lord Silence, are you listening? I am #83 Herta, I want to see you. We will surely have many common topics."
Herta said with an indifferent expression.
Stelle then spoke: "I think Jiang Lin's name is more useful now than yours."
Jiang Lin: ... Jiang Lin pulled Stelle out of here, no longer listening to the conversation of the three inside.
After they went out, Jiang Lin released her hand, then tried to ask Stelle:
"Can you tell me how you and Ruan Mei met?"
"We researched the little secrets of trash cans together."
Stelle started talking nonsense.
Jiang Lin: ... Jiang Lin frowned slightly, then placed his hand on Stelle's head and ruffled her hair.
Stelle was a bit puzzled, but out of trust in her companion, she didn't resist.
Then, before Stelle could react, Jiang Lin suddenly flicked her... "Hiss... What are you doing?!"
Stelle felt pain, clutching her head and squatting on the ground.
"Now tell me how you and Ruan Mei met."
Jiang Lin asked again.
"We both met on the platform. I also ate her pastries and then... Huh? I'm fine now?"
Jiang Lin nodded: "Mm, next time, don't eat strangers' things indiscriminately."
Just then, Ruan Mei also came out.
Seeing this scene, she instantly understood what had happened.
"I apologize, Mr. Jiang Lin, and you... my dear... I bear no ill will."
Then she continued to explain: "It's difficult for me to trust anyone other than myself. Any single data error in meticulous research can cause problems, and I hate uncontrolled problems."
"So I just gave her a bit of an anti-truth serum. It's harmless to the body. It just makes it impossible to speak one's true thoughts on certain topics."
"Putting myself in your shoes, I can understand your thoughts. But unfortunately, Stelle is my companion on the Astral Express, and I usually respect my companions' views."
Jiang Lin chose not to say much more. He decided to leave the decision of whether to forgive Ruan Mei to Stelle.
Then Jiang Lin moved a short distance away, not too far, ensuring he could intervene at any time.
After receiving the gift from the Aeon of Memory, he was confident that even a genius with many tricks up his sleeve could be instantly controlled or killed!
