Chapter 231: Still Calling Her Auntie?

The theoretical model of the "Crowbar" project, aided by a supercomputer, underwent countless iterations and optimizations. Preliminary simulations showed that injecting precisely modulated energy pulses via the Void Energy Spectrum Resonance Probe at specific spacetime coordinates could indeed trigger controllable magnetic layer disturbances, potentially inducing subtle electromagnetic sensitivity stresses in specific crustal conductive structures. Though far from actually "guiding" an earthquake, theoretical feasibility was being gradually solidified.

That day, Qin Feng was reviewing the Project Team's latest progress report when Su Wenqian entered, carrying a freshly brewed cup of tea, her face wearing a soft smile unlike her usual demeanor.

"Sir, Xia Gong and his wife, along with their young daughter Nannan, wish to come in person to thank you. They're grateful you approved their access to the New Era, reuniting their family," Su Wenqian reported softly.

Qin Feng looked up from the report, pausing briefly. Xia Tian was a core staff member; his family had undergone strict vetting as official residents. This reasonable request was one he typically wouldn't refuse.

"Let them in."

Soon, Xia Tian walked in slightly stiffly, followed by his wife—a middle-aged woman with a gentle, virtuous appearance, her face filled with gratitude and a touch of nervousness, holding the hand of their little daughter Nannan, who bounced and skipped while curiously scanning her surroundings.

"Sir!" Xia Tian immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Qin Feng.

"Mr. Qin, hello! We're truly grateful!" Xia Madam also bowed quickly, her tone brimming with sincere thanks.

Little Nannan looked up at Qin Feng and mimicked in a childish voice: "Thank you, Uncle Qin!"

Qin Feng's face softened slightly; he nodded gently to Xia Madam. "No need for formalities. This is what Xia Tian deserves." His gaze swept over the family of three, finally settling on Xia Tian. "Are you settling in well here?"

"Very well! Extremely well!" Xia Tian nodded eagerly, his face lit with satisfaction. "The environment is good, safe, the work is fulfilling, and my family is all together—there's nothing better!"

Xia Madam smiled in agreement. "Yes, Mr. Qin, it's like paradise here. We truly don't know how to thank you enough."

At that moment, the office door was gently knocked and then pushed open.

It was Xia Wan.

She had clearly just come from a laboratory, still wearing her white research assistant uniform, her hair simply tied back, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. Seeing her parents and sister present, she paused, then quietly entered and stood beside her mother.

"Xiao Wan, thank Mr. Qin," Xia Madam gently tugged her daughter's arm.

Xia Wan lifted her head, gazing at Qin Feng. Her calm eyes remained unruffled; she bowed slightly as instructed, her voice clear and melodious: "Thank you, Mr. Qin."

Her manners were impeccable, flawless—but that excessive stillness and detachment clashed oddly with the liveliness expected of someone her age.

Qin Feng looked at her, his gaze lingering a moment on her research assistant uniform and fingers faintly stained with reagents. He asked softly: "Helping out in the lab?"

"Mm." Xia Wan gave a slight nod. "Learning in the Biological Group."

Seeing Qin Feng seemed interested in her daughter, Xia Madam quickly stepped in with a mother's warm, slightly probing tone:

"This child's just a bookworm—she came straight to the lab. Mr. Qin, don't mind her." She lightly patted Xia Wan's back, half-reminding, half-joking:

"Xiao Wan, still calling him 'Mr. Qin'? That's too formal! Mr. Qin has been so kind to our family—you should call him..."

She paused, her smile growing warmer, her eyes flicking over Qin Feng's youthful yet authoritative face, as if weighing her words, then finally choosing the term she believed conveyed closeness without overstepping:

"... you should call him 'Uncle'."

The moment "Uncle" was spoken, the air in the office seemed to freeze.

Xia Tian's face turned awkward; he subtly tugged his wife's sleeve. Su Wenqian, standing behind Qin Feng, faintly furrowed her brow.

Xia Madam also realized the term might be inappropriate; her smile stiffened. But the words were out—she couldn't take them back.

Little Nannan blinked her big eyes, glancing between her mother and sister, confused.

As for Xia Wan, the instant her mother told her to call "Uncle," a faint, almost imperceptible ripple passed through her otherwise still eyes—not shyness or embarrassment, but something far more complex: a blend of resignation, understanding, and a touch of quiet mockery.

She lifted her gaze again, meeting Qin Feng's.

Qin Feng's slight warmth had vanished; his usual indifference returned. He did not look at Xia Madam—his gaze remained fixed on Xia Wan, as if waiting for her response.

Xia Wan held his gaze for about two seconds.

Then, she took a slight breath. Her face showed no trace of the shyness or compliance her mother expected—instead, her stillness grew even more defined.

She bowed slightly toward Qin Feng again, her voice still clear and melodious, yet now carrying unmistakable distance and boundary:

"Mr. Qin."

She did not say "Uncle."

She chose the most formal, safest form of address.

This response instantly darkened Xia Madam's face, though she dared not react.

Xia Tian was so embarrassed he wished he could vanish into the floor.

Su Wenqian's eyes flickered with barely visible admiration. This girl understood boundaries far better than her mother.

Qin Feng looked at Xia Wan. Her answer didn't surprise him. He gave a quiet "Mm" in acknowledgment, then turned his gaze to Xia Tian, shifting the conversation back to work, asking a few questions about the Sea-floor City's structural maintenance.

Seeing this, Xia Madam realized her mistake and stayed silent, pulling her daughter close and nodding meekly alongside her husband.

After a few more brief exchanges, Xia Tian politely led his family to take their leave.

Outside the office, in the corridor, Xia Madam couldn't help whispering to her daughter: "Xiao Wan, what's wrong with you? I told you to be more familiar—why didn't you..."

Xia Wan stopped walking, turned to her mother, her eyes calm and unruffled, her voice soft yet carrying a weight that made Xia Madam's heart tremble:

"Mom, some boundaries shouldn't be crossed."

Without another word, she ignored the conflicted, flushed expression on her mother's face and turned, walking alone toward the laboratory.

Her silhouette remained slender, yet straight as bamboo.

Inside the office, Su Wenqian spoke softly: "Sir, Xia Gong's wife..."

"It's fine," Qin Feng interrupted, his tone flat, his gaze returning to the report on his desk.

Just a minor incident.

But that girl named Xia Wan...

His fingertip tapped lightly on the report.

Growing more interesting.