As Liu Yun asked her question, there was a brief pause on the other end of the call before Ning Xin’s voice finally came through.
“Yun Yun, I’m sorry, I can’t say for sure about the exact timing either, it will probably take a bit more time…”
Liu Yun hurried to reply.
“I see, it’s fine, you don’t need to apologize. I’m actually pretty busy these days too. Once things calm down for both of us, we’ll have plenty of time together—after all, the future is long…”
After a while, as she looked at the ended call, a trace of worry still flickered in Liu Yun’s eyes.
But she quickly composed herself and stepped back into the meeting room again…
At the same time, in Modu.
Inside the Asian Federation of Espers Research Institute, a researcher knocked on the door of a certain Lab with the latest intel in hand.
“Doctor, something’s not right.”
Inside the Lab, an old man with a curled mustache was buried in blueprints scattered all over the floor, scribbling away.
Seeing the researcher enter, he pushed up his glasses, took the report, and, after a quick glance, murmured in surprise.
“The Esper Value has peaked again? After completing the gender transition in a single day three months ago, the Esper Value keeps breaking new records. What could this mean? Is this the transformation we’ve been waiting so many years for?”
The researcher couldn’t be sure either and spoke up.
“Although the target’s Esper Value keeps hitting new highs, according to the intel from Shadow, aside from this, everything else seems normal.”
“Doctor, do you think we should try some kind of external stimulus on the target?”
The old man shook his head, saying nothing more.
“No need, continue as planned.”
Then, as if recalling something, the old man asked,
“By the way, I heard those rats have been a lot more active lately? Have we figured out their motive?”
At this, the researcher’s expression grew serious.
“We haven’t confirmed their motive yet. Our people will get to the bottom of it as soon as possible, but they shouldn’t be able to disrupt our Lookout Project.”
The old man still felt uneasy. After all, that crazy bunch—who knew what madness they’d attempt next.
With the busy day coming to an end, the working girl Liu Yun finally welcomed the end of her shift.
Honestly, although Liu Yun had a reputation for being a workaholic, who could really love working? If someone did, that would be truly terrifying.
At least, she couldn’t say she liked it—she just did her best for that generous paycheck, so she could answer to her conscience.
Just as Liu Yun opened her car door, before she could even get into the driver’s seat, the passenger door on the other side opened.
A young man casually sat down, exclaiming,
“Phew, I almost hitched a ride with Secretary Yun last time. Finally got to sit in her car.”
Liu Yun glanced at Lin Xiu and suddenly remembered she still had to make dinner for him, which immediately killed her good mood.
Stepping lightly on the accelerator, the car pulled out of the parking lot. The shadows of roadside trees flickered by outside the window. Liu Yun glanced at the silent boy beside her, hesitated, and said,
“Boss, what do you want for dinner tonight?”
Lin Xiu put away his phone without a trace and gave a faint smile.
“I’m not picky, Secretary Yun. Make whatever you like.”
Liu Yun nodded at his response and asked,
“Then how about Egg and Tomato Noodles, like last night?”
But as soon as she finished speaking, the boy firmly refused.
“No, anything but that.”
Several black lines appeared on Liu Yun’s forehead—so much for “whatever”! What a difficult kid to please…
Yet for some reason, the image of her Little Sister flashed through Liu Yun’s mind at that moment.
Back when their parents were busy, taking care of her Little Sister fell to Liu Yun, and back then, the only thing she could make was Egg and Tomato Noodles.
After having it too many times, her Little Sister started flatly refusing every time Liu Yun suggested making it again…
Drawing herself back to reality, Liu Yun glanced at the boy’s face, shook her head slightly, and her fingers on the steering wheel whitened a little.
What nonsense was she thinking? How could this annoying guy possibly be her Little Sister? Her Little Sister was already dead—killed by her own hands…
It must be the effects of last night’s Hypnosis. Even though she could stay clear-headed, she was still affected.
When Liu Yun entered Lin Xiu’s Apartment for the second time, she still felt some resistance. Just then, the boy pulled out a pair of Pink Bunny Slippers from the shoe cabinet, his expression perfectly natural.
“Secretary Yun, I bought these specially for you. Try them on and see if they fit?”
Liu Yun’s eyelid twitched at the sight of the cute slippers. She wasn’t a fussy person, but as a former man, wearing such colorful slippers was a bit much.
But really, she had no reason to refuse, so she could only nod helplessly.
At least they fit her feet perfectly. When Liu Yun walked in them, the bunny ears would bounce with each step—how childish, just like a certain someone!
To escape, Liu Yun slipped straight into the kitchen to make dinner.
Just then, Lin Xiu coughed softly a couple of times.
Liu Yun didn’t think much of it at first, figuring he had a sore throat—which would be great news for her.
But then the boy stood behind her and spoke in a low voice.
“Secretary Yun, if you don’t take precautions while cooking, your clothes might get stained with oil.”
Liu Yun’s whole body trembled at his words. She finally remembered and, turning stiffly, forced a guilty smile.
“Ah, Boss, you’re right. I almost forgot. I’ll go change right away…”
With a tense heart, Liu Yun left the kitchen. Lin Xiu watched her disappear around the corner, a look of doubt flashing across his face.
Inside the bathroom, Liu Yun’s heart pounded uncontrollably.
Knowing the boy’s strange and unpredictable methods, and without any evidence, if he discovered she wasn’t actually under Hypnosis, she had no idea what might happen to her…
Did he suspect anything? Probably not, right?
With such anxiety, it took Liu Yun a long time to force herself to calm down and start looking for the clothes he’d supposedly prepared for her.
After searching everywhere, Liu Yun finally gave up. Staring at the humiliating Lace Maid Outfit before her, she ground her teeth in anger.
He did it on purpose. That little brat absolutely did it on purpose!
He actually wanted her to cook for him in this kind of outfit—unbelievable! Did he really think she had no temper?
“Bastard!”
Cursing under her breath, Liu Yun wanted to throw the flimsy maid outfit right at his face and stomp on him barefoot, shouting, “I quit!”
But just as her hand touched the bathroom doorknob, Liu Yun’s reason finally stopped her impulsiveness, and she slumped in defeat…