Chapter 367: Qian Yin Arrives

Lu Lao said firmly, "Her growth must be under our absolute control."

"Her teachers, her friends, every person she comes into contact with, every matter, must undergo the strictest screening."

"This matter, I will personally take charge of."

"Zhang Yunfeng nodded, his expression solemn."

"He understood the gravity of this matter."

"Then... what about the second crisis?"

"Lu Lao turned his body, his gaze falling on the report about the black hole engine."

"More precisely, it fell on the name 'Qian Yin'."

"The second crisis is Qin Hao."

"'Qin Hao?' Zhang Yunfeng immediately understood."

"Lu Lao continued:"

"You see, whether it's a breakthrough in mental power or a leap in technology, the ultimate source points to him."

"That child awakened his potential because of our plan."

"And our plan is based on the biotech explosion brought by the 'system' submitted by Qin Hao."

"Qian Yin, by studying Qin Hao's manuscripts, found the key to solving the problem."

"He is like a huge sun; we are all merely planets revolving around him. Everything we have comes from him."

"Lu Lao's voice was filled with worry."

"This model looks extremely efficient now, but in the long run it is very dangerous."

"Once this 'sun' goes out or deviates, the entire civilization will collapse."

"Zhang Yunfeng fell silent."

"He understood Old Lu's meaning."

"The Yanhuang Civilization's reliance on Qin Hao is too severe."

"This is an unhealthy, deformed structure."

"So we need Qian Yin all the more."

"Lu Lao's voice became extremely solemn."

"The breakthrough in the new-generation black hole engine has given us an excellent opportunity."

"An opportunity that allows Qian Yin to approach Qin Hao openly and justifiably."

"Zhang Yunfeng's eyes lit up."

"'So what you mean is...'"

"Lu Lao nodded, 'We can't wait a few hundred years; we must act now.'"

"Qin Hao's manuscripts are profoundly obscure; although Qian Yin has understood part of them, there must still be many unresolved points."

"Having her go to Qin Hao for advice is reasonable."

"Moreover, the black hole engine project is so important; as the project lead, her regularly reporting progress to Qin Hao is also appropriate."

"Lu Lao looked at Zhang Yunfeng and said word by word."

"'Then good!'"

"Zhang Yunfeng nodded heavily, 'I will arrange this matter.'"

"'No.'"

"Lu Lao shook his head, 'I still need to talk to her myself first.'"

"After Lu Lao finished speaking, he turned and walked toward the door."

"Industry and Technology Research Institute, Qian Yin's exclusive laboratory."

"When Lu Lao arrived, Qian Yin was leading her team in conducting a new round of data simulation."

"'Lu Lao.'"

"Qian Yin stopped her work, looking somewhat unexpectedly at this senior figure."

"'Academician Qian Yin, you've worked hard.'"

"Lu Lao's face bore a gentle smile, 'May I take a few minutes of your time? I'd like to speak with you privately.'"

"'Of course.'"

"Qian Yin had the team members step out temporarily, then invited Lu Lao to her restroom."

"'Lu Lao, are you looking for me about the engine?' Qian Yin asked proactively."

"'Yes, and also no.'"

"Lu Lao did not answer directly, but instead sat on the sofa in the lounge, gazing at her gently."

"'Little Yin, I heard from your grandfather that you have admired Qin Hao since childhood?'"

"Qian Yin's cheeks flushed slightly."

"She didn't expect Lu Lao to suddenly ask about that."

"'Yes... yes.'"

"She nodded somewhat embarrassedly, 'In my heart, he has always been my goal and role model.'"

"'Role model...'"

"Lu Lao repeated it thoughtfully, then sighed,"

"'But have you ever considered that when a person's brilliance is too great, bright enough to illuminate the entire civilization, how cold and lonely his own shadow must be?'"

"Qian Yin's heart gave a sudden jolt."

"She is icy and smart, instantly grasping the meaning of Lu Lao's words."

Luo Lao, are you saying…… Qin Hao……?

He is getting farther and farther away from us.

Luo Lao's voice was full of fatigue and helplessness, "He has sealed away all his emotions, turning himself into a machine that runs solely for the survival of civilization."

For civilization, this might be necessary.

But for him personally, it is not a good thing.

Qian Yin's lips pressed slightly together, and the hands resting on her knees unconsciously clenched.

She recalled the man who, at the oath-taking rally, was full of vigor and high spirits.

She recalled the man who, on the battlefield, transformed into a golden deity and, single-handedly, saved the entire fleet.

She also recalled the man who, at the meeting, announced the "Great Silence" plan with an icy gaze devoid of any warmth.

What Luo Lao said was correct.

He is too lonely.

"Luo Lao, I…… what can I do?"

Qian Yin lifted her head, her clear eyes filled with determination.

Luo Lao looked at her, a hint of relief appearing in his eyes.

He knew he had not misjudged her.

"I need you to go see him."

Luo Lao said, word by word.

"Under the pretense of asking him for advice on research difficulties and reporting progress on the black hole engine project."

"I don't need you to do anything earth-shattering."

"I only need you to talk to him like an ordinary friend."

"Let him know that, in this world, besides cold data and grand plans, there are people who care about him and people who are waiting for him."

"Let him occasionally step out of that 'god' role, even just a little, to catch his breath."

Luo Lao's voice carried a hint of pleading.

"Xiao Yin, I know this task is very difficult."

"His current state might not give you any pleasant expression, and he might even directly turn you away at the door."

"But you are our only hope."

"Because you are the only one who can keep up with his pace and understand his world."

Qian Yin listened quietly, and before she knew it, her eye sockets became a little moist.

She finally understood.

This is not just a task.

This is even more…… a weighty entrustment.

It is Luo Lao, it is the entire Yan Huang high-level, their deepest care and concern for Qin Hao.

"I understand, Luo Lao."

Qian Yin took a deep breath, wiped away the moisture at the corners of her eyes, and nodded solemnly.

"I am willing to go."

"No matter what his attitude is, I am willing to give it a try."

"Good! Good child!"

On Luo Lao's face, at last, a heartfelt smile appeared.

"Go. Don't feel pressured; just think of it as…… going to see an old friend you haven't seen in a long time."

Luo Lao's holographic projection faded away slowly.

In the lounge, only Qian Yin remained.

Her heart was filled with anxiety, and also an inexplicable…… anticipation.

Go see him.

This thought made her heart beat faster involuntarily.

……

One day later.

After a series of preparations, Qian Yin and an escort fleet arrived at the exterior of the black hole where Qin Hao was.