As night fell, the lights of Hawaii Island glittered. A helicopter from the Research Committee slowly descended, approaching a vacation villa by the beach.
Mobius sat by the window, vaguely seeing the lights of the two-story building, resting her head impassively.
So noisy.
Kevin had been unusually excited since takeoff, talking about some surprise. Su was slightly better, seemingly good-natured and patient, someone she could potentially manipulate into being an assistant.
But why were they so familiar with that blockhead? They'd only had one meal together?
Truly shallow.
She glanced at the three playing cards; Hua was having terrible luck, her face covered in sticky notes, adding another 'Immature' label to her mental assessment.
"Almost there." Mei closed her book, looking out the window. "You're letting Kevin and the others make noise without a single sarcastic remark. Honestly, I'm surprised."
"Why bother with a bunch of idiots? It's you, Mei…" Mobius adopted her usual mocking smile, whispering, "I never thought a smart woman like you would become involved with that guy. Is he really that valuable?"
"Do you think I'm using Kevin?"
"Aren't you? You two are in completely different worlds, in personality and intellect. I can't imagine you two together at all."
"That's why love isn't something you can rationalize."
"You mean you love him?"
"Of course."
The unwavering answer stunned Mobius. Her mind raced, searching for flaws in Mei's words.
"Don't be silly. You won't find the answer, just like…" Mei's lips curved into a subtle smile. She said calmly, "Stopping all your research to come to Ryan's birthday party. Can you give me a rational explanation?"
This counter-question stunned Mobius. Her eyes darted back and forth.
"I just didn't want to get entangled with that woman Elysia."
"Haha, you'd have to actually attend to be entangled."
"Then, I was simply tired from research and wanted a break."
"Given your work ethic, you're never tired, and you wouldn't travel a thousand kilometers for a vacation."
Mobius's lips moved several times, but she couldn't find a reason. She finally retorted huffily, "Then why did you come?"
"Because I had free time, and Kevin wanted to come, so I accompanied him."
The answer was utterly simple, so simple that Mobius wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but she swallowed it back. Saying anything more would only expose her inadequacy.
"Let me tell you why, Dr. Mobius." Mei extended a finger, pointing at the girl whose face was covered in sticky notes, then at the two pink-haired girls in the villa.
"Because of her, and because of them, isn't it?"
Possible!
Mobius's pupils constricted. She couldn't feign ignorance any longer. In terms of rhetoric, she was no match for Mei. Just then, she saw Ryan blowing balloons next to Sakura, and her eyes sharpened.
It's all your fault; you made me look foolish.
This resentment was palpable, causing Ryan to look up. Their eyes met in the air. Ryan paused for a moment, then decisively dropped the balloon, leaving Sakura, and walked towards them.
Hmph, that's more like it.
Mobius didn't know why, but her mood instantly improved. She lifted her chin arrogantly, continuing to meet Ryan's gaze.
"Mei, we're finally here." Kevin approached, his face beaming with happiness. He scratched his head. "I didn't expect you to agree this time."
If there was a happiness ranking, Kevin would be at the top. This was a genuine surprise for him; he was grateful to Ryan and Elysia a hundred times over.
"I'm your girlfriend. Outside of work, I should certainly spend time with you. Besides, I also wanted to meet Elysia and Ryan." Mei gave a subtle smile, clearly indicating this wasn't just a simple vacation; she had clear objectives.
Kevin had actually figured it out. The Fusion Warrior Project was already in motion; Mei was incredibly busy. Spending even two meals in the cafeteria with him was a great luxury.
"What are you looking at?"
Mei, who had been scanning back and forth, turned her head and whispered, "A very lively comedy."
Comedy? I don't see it.
Kevin scratched his head again, seeing many people leaving the villa and a familiar figure standing by the pool, waiting for the helicopter to land. He couldn't help but wave.
"That idiot Kevin; he's really lucking out this time."
Ryan tilted his head, spotting the cheerful white-haired young man immediately.
At a time like this, Mei wouldn't have time for him; she was clearly coming for him.
Mei was also a rule-setter; she naturally knew who was hunting Śeṣa. With her intelligence, she could undoubtedly analyze the Fourth Herrscher's anomaly.
It's fine; I'll explain it to her eventually.
Ryan didn't dwell on it; there would be time to discuss matters later.
He stood there quietly, watching the helicopter land, the cabin door open, and Kevin and Su be the first to jump out.
"Happy Birthday!"
The three embraced; their friendship had never soured. Su was much smarter, whispering,
"This birthday won't be peaceful, will it?"
"Sigh, at least it's better than fighting on the battlefield. Later, you two keep an eye on Hua for me; don't let her drink anything."
"Why?"
A vein popped on Ryan's forehead; he spoke with lingering fear, "Because she makes things… more complicated."
He didn't explain, instead looking at Mei. They exchanged silent glances, communicating everything.
We'll talk more thoroughly when things are quiet.
Agreed.
Ryan and Mei's interaction was purely professional, but talking at a time like this would ruin the atmosphere. He turned to Hua.
The girl seemed agitated, knowing she'd made things difficult for Ryan on the beach, almost falling for Mobius's scheme if he hadn't cleverly turned the tables.
"Senior Brother, I…"
Just as she was about to explain, Ryan's hand moved, and she quickly closed her eyes.
"You lost at cards again, didn't you? You didn't even get all the sticky notes off." Ryan's tone was gentle. He pulled off a note and called behind him, "Aren't you two ashamed of bullying a little girl?"
"Kevin, this villa is nice! Ryan clearly has a lot of money hidden away."
"Mei, did you bring your swimsuit? There's a pool here."
Damn, these two scumbags.
Ryan wanted to give them a friendly international gesture. For a moment, he was back in school, the three of them spending time teasing each other.
"Senior Brother, you two have a great relationship." Hua unexpectedly spoke, her next words making Ryan's smile freeze. "Kevin told me a lot of things, like how you helped him cheat, and that you're a quiet, reserved person."
That blabbermouth, ruining my magnificent image.
Ryan had nowhere to vent his anger. He glared back, but someone quickly retreated into the villa. He scoffed, glancing down.
Today, Hua wore casual clothes: a solid sweater on top, black shorts and grey tights below, and small brown leather shoes, revealing slender, long legs and exuding a girl-next-door vibe.
"Ahem, don't listen to him. I just have a unique appreciation for beauty."
"So that's why Dr. Mobius gave you a gift?"
Ryan's breath hitched. He finally understood why Hua was dressed that way. That awful woman is deliberately tarnishing my image, causing both Sakura and Hua to misunderstand.
Just then, a taxi stopped at the villa entrance. A red-haired woman stepped out; Hua immediately brightened.
"Captain!"
Himiko, perfect timing.
Ryan subtly gave a thumbs-up. He wasn't close with Himiko; Elysia had invited her. But seeing her reminded him of the Fourth Herrscher.
The woman, hidden in the shadows, paused for a moment before regaining her usual tomboyish demeanor.
"Go find her. Himiko is not in a good mood."
"Why?"
Ryan hesitated, lowering his voice. "The Fourth Herrscher… is Lieutenant Rose."
The voice was soft, yet it echoed in Hua's ears like thunder, her already stunned face completely losing all expression.
During her time at the Far East Branch, Rose had become the captain of another combat squad. Though not close, she knew Rose and Himiko were best friends.
"This…"
"Keep it confidential. Go comfort your captain; she'll feel better knowing the secret." Ryan paused, patting the girl's thin shoulder. "You look beautiful today. You're growing up."
"Okay."
Hua felt a little pleased, yet the sight of Himiko weighed heavily on her; thinking of Rose even made her slightly afraid. She lowered her head, turning to leave. After two steps, she quickly slipped a box into Ryan's hand.
"Senior Brother, this is my gift!"
Her small face flushed red; she turned and ran, leaving Ryan bewildered.
This girl… I understand her less and less.
Ryan pocketed the gift box, took a deep breath, and walked towards the biggest boss.
"Mobius, do you need me to invite you?"
Mobius sat by the cabin door; Klein was the first to disembark, bowing repeatedly and congratulating Ryan, much to his annoyance.
It's not my eightieth birthday; what's there to celebrate?
But that was Klein's nature, so he let her and Mei go ahead, standing in front of the helicopter himself.
"Congratulations on turning 20. This level of achievement is rare in human history, allowing some leeway for childishness." Mobius stepped out of the cabin, her tone slow.
Ryan narrowed his eyes; the air of mockery was palpable. He offered a slight smile in return.
"Yes, Auntie Mobius, are you perhaps envious of our youthful vitality?"
"You, youthful vitality? You're like an old scholar. Wait, what did you call me?!"
Mobius reacted suddenly, her face instantly turning fierce, but Ryan wasn't intimidated.
"Auntie, or does it too young? How about Grandma Mobius?"
"You dare!"
"I dare. You dare go back on the plane?"
Their voices were slightly raised, drawing the attention of others on the lawn. Kevin looked at Mei, slightly confused.
"Why are they arguing as soon as they arrive?"
"Kevin, haven't you noticed…" The girl wore a serene smile, an expression of seeing through everything.
"How close those two really are?"