Chapter 230: I Am Willing

The theoretical validation of the "Crowbar" project was being conducted under high secrecy, while the daily operations of the "New Era" continued as precisely as a clock. Within the ecological dome of the Sea-floor City "Civilization Ark," simulated sunlight gently fell, bringing life to this deep-sea oasis.

Qin Feng, accompanied by Su Wenqian, inspected the newly completed ecological agriculture zone within the Ark. Towering vertical farms stacked layer upon layer, with various crops thriving under artificial lighting and nutrient solutions; hydroponic vegetables glistened emerald-green; even a small artificial wetland existed for water recycling and air purification.

As they passed through a simulated tropical rainforest heading toward the next zone, a slender figure stepped out from behind a dense cluster of broadleaf plants, nearly colliding with Su Wenqian, who walked slightly ahead.

"Ah, sorry!" A clear, slightly flustered female voice rang out.

Su Wenqian steadied herself, recognized the person, and blinked in mild surprise: "Xia Wan?"

It was indeed the calm, composed eldest daughter of Summer Engineer. Today she wore a light blue work jumpsuit, her hands smudged with soil, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead—as if she had just finished manual labor.

Xia Wan also recognized Su Wenqian and Qin Feng behind her, immediately displaying appropriate apology and a hint of shyness: "Assistant Su, Mr. Qin, I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"It's fine," Su Wenqian smiled gently. "Are you helping out here?"

Xia Wan nodded, pointing behind her at the rainforest zone: "Yes, I'm learning tropical plant care and characteristic documentation from Professor Wang of the Biological Group." Her eyes were clear, her tone natural, carrying a pure longing for knowledge.

Qin Feng's gaze settled on her soil-stained hands and her calm eyes, but he said nothing.

At that moment, a young male researcher in a lab uniform, wearing glasses, hurried up from behind, holding a Tablet Computer.

"Xia Wan! You walked too fast—you haven't sent the spore collection data for that 'Fluorescent Orchid' yet—" He broke off, noticing Qin Feng and Su Wenqian, and froze in shock. "Mr. Qin! Assistant Su!"

Xia Wan turned, whispered something to the researcher, took the Tablet Computer, and skillfully pulled up the data interface, her fingers swiftly tapping and swiping.

"Li Shixiong, I've synced the data to the cloud and flagged possible anomalous fluctuations—check the third spectral analysis." Her voice was soft but clear and logical.

The researcher called Li Shixiong glanced at the Tablet, his face lighting up with realization and admiration: "Oh! Right! There's a small peak here! Xia Wan, you're still so meticulous!"

This scene struck Qin Feng. He noticed how, in handling these professional data and communicating with the researcher, Xia Wan displayed a calmness and competence far beyond her years—something that could not be acquired in a short time. Her adaptation speed to this environment and work was astonishingly fast.

Xia Wan returned the Tablet Computer to Li Shixiong, then bowed slightly again to Qin Feng and Su Wenqian: "Mr. Qin, Assistant Su, I'll get back to work."

"Go ahead. Rest when you can," Su Wenqian nodded.

Xia Wan cast one more glance at Qin Feng—her gaze still clear and tranquil—then turned and walked off quickly with Li Shixiong.

Su Wenqian watched her back and murmured to Qin Feng: "Sir, this child Xia Wan has exceptional learning ability and adaptability. Professor Wang from the Biological Group praised her just a few days ago—he said she has a natural talent for botany, grasps concepts instantly, and isn't afraid of dirt or exhaustion."

Qin Feng grunted, said nothing, and continued walking forward.

But Su Wenqian sensed that the young master was paying unusually close attention to the girl named Xia Wan—not merely because of that earlier joke, "This is your sister."

After the inspection, on the way back to the core zone.

Qin Feng sat in the vehicle, watching the underwater tunnel scenery flash past the window, then spoke suddenly, his tone flat as if stating a fact:

"Wenqian."

"Sir?" Su Wenqian turned her head.

Qin Feng's gaze remained fixed outside, but his voice reached her clearly:

"If one day, I need you to do something extremely difficult for the 'New Era'—something that might exceed your current limits."

"Would you be willing?"

The vehicle fell silent instantly.

Su Wenqian hesitated not at all—not even a single second of thought.

She straightened her spine, her eyes fixed firmly on Qin Feng's cold, angular profile, her voice clear and steady, radiating unquestionable loyalty:

"I am willing."

She asked no questions about the task. Considered no cost.

Only three simple words.

I am willing.

Qin Feng slowly turned his head. His deep gaze met Su Wenqian's unwavering eyes in midair.

He saw in those eyes complete trust, devotion, and resolve.

He nodded, said nothing more, and turned his gaze back to the window.

Some promises need no words.

Some loyalty transcends life and death.

Su Wenqian's "I am willing" landed heavily in his heart like the most solid Cornerstone.

He knew that no matter what storms or unknown challenges lay ahead, at least this person beside him would walk with him without hesitation.

That was enough.

The vehicle moved forward in silence, heading toward the "New Era's" future—full of infinite possibilities and challenges.