Chapter 42: Xia Yunge

The "inside old dog" incident was like a stone thrown into a lake, stirring brief ripples, but under Lin Xuan's thunderous "Cleanup," the surface quickly returned to stillness—even more lifeless than before. The mastermind behind it seemed shaken by this ruthless and eerily efficient retaliation, temporarily retracting its claws.

All negative online remarks about Qin Feng were swept away, replaced instead by a quiet but growing narrative of "Qin Feng Venture Capital" deploying five billion U. S. dollars in massive funding toward future technologies, sparking greater attention and discussion within elite circles.

Qin Feng paid no mind to these minor disturbances. At this moment, he was meeting in a reception room within his estate—renovated to the highest security standards—the brilliant scientist who had extended the olive branch: Dr. Isabella Rosen.

Isabella herself was even more…unconventional than her resume photo suggested. She was around thirty-five or thirty-six, with thick, slightly disheveled chestnut curls, deep green eyes gleaming with a mix of intelligence, obsession, and fervor. She wore oil-stained overalls and a T-shirt emblazoned with complex mathematical formulas, utterly out of place against the room's opulent decor—but she showed not the slightest concern.

"... So, Mr. Qin, traditional brain-computer interface concepts have completely gone astray! They only think about how to more precisely 'read' brainwaves or 'stimulate' neurons with electric currents—this is too crude, too primitive!" Isabella spoke at breakneck speed, gesturing wildly with her arms, radiating the Germanic blend of rigor and passion, "My theory's core lies in 'resonance' and 'consciousness field modulation'! We don't invade the brain—we seek the 'information field' that resonates with specific conscious activity frequencies, and by modulating that field, achieve non-invasive, high-bandwidth, bidirectional information exchange! This isn't merely a technological breakthrough—it will be another leap in human evolutionary history!"

Her theory was dismissed as fantasy by mainstream academia, but as Qin Feng listened, the foundational knowledge within his "Source Technology Imprint" regarding the nature of energy and information flickered faintly, resonating strangely with Isabella's seemingly mad concept. Though Isabella's theory remained crude and primitive, far from the high-dimensional information exchange described in the "Imprint," the direction… seemed to vaguely brush against the threshold.

"A fascinating theory, Dr. Rosen," Qin Feng nodded slightly, offering approval. "Your project—'Qin Feng Venture Capital' is investing. Initial funding: one hundred million U. S. dollars. Subsequent funding will be unlimited, contingent on R&D progress. I will establish an independent research institute for you, equipped with all the resources you require."

Isabella froze. She had anticipated skepticism, mockery, even polite ejection—but never such swift, unprecedented support.

"You… you truly understand and believe in my theory?" she said, disbelieving.

"I believe in possibility. And I believe in your talent." Qin Feng offered no further explanation. "My secretary, Su Wenqian, will handle the details with you."

After seeing off Isabella, who was nearly dancing with excitement, Qin Feng returned to his study. He had barely sat down when Su Wenqian knocked and entered, her expression tinged with something peculiar.

"Boss Qin, there's… a lady outside who wishes to see you."

"Who?" Qin Feng looked up, surprised. His whereabouts and residence were highly confidential.

"She says her name is Xia Yunge." Su Wenqian paused, then added, "She's… the hottest rising pop star in the country right now, and also… the sole heir to the Xia Group."

Xia Yunge? Qin Feng had a faint recollection of the name—he'd occasionally seen her youthful, vibrant face in news feeds or street advertisements. The Xia Group was one of the nation's top private enterprises, involved in real estate, retail, and other sectors. A top-tier heiress, a pop idol—why had she come to him?

"Did she state her purpose?"

"She said…" Su Wenqian's expression grew even stranger, "she's here to thank you—and, incidentally… to invite you to dinner."

"Thank me?" Qin Feng was more puzzled than ever. He was certain he had never met this Miss Xia, let alone done her any favor.

"Let her in." Qin Feng felt a flicker of interest. He vaguely suspected that Xia Yunge's sudden visit might be connected to his newly acquired "God-Level Music Mastery." The activated system ability seemed to be stirring surrounding "causality" in unexpected ways.

Moments later, the study door opened again.

A woman stepped in gracefully. She differed slightly from her radiant screen persona: no makeup, dressed in a simple white dress, fresh and natural as morning dew. Her beauty was exquisite, carrying an otherworldly purity—but what drew the eye most was her eyes: clear, bright, as if holding starlit oceans, now fixed on Qin Feng with curiosity, gratitude, and a hint of barely concealed tension.

"Mr. Qin, I apologize for the intrusion. I am Xia Yunge." Her voice, like her name, was ethereal and melodious as a song drifting through clouds.

"Miss Xia, please sit." Qin Feng gestured politely, his demeanor calm. "What is the source of your 'thanks'?"

Xia Yunge sat elegantly opposite him, her hands lightly clasped on her knees. She gathered her thoughts, then spoke seriously: "Mr. Qin, perhaps you don't remember. About a week ago, at the Blues Cafe in the city center, there was a girl wearing a baseball cap and mask, playing an old piano in the corner."

Qin Feng's gaze shifted slightly. He had indeed visited that cafe and paused there briefly—he'd… perhaps adjusted a few keys on a piano with slightly off tuning? There had been a figure playing in the corner, but he hadn't paid attention.

Xia Yunge continued: "That day, I was stuck in a creative block, feeling low, and played randomly. Later… you passed by and seemed to casually touch a few keys, making an adjustment?" She looked at Qin Feng uncertainly.

Qin Feng remembered. He had, indeed, instinctively corrected several subtle pitch imperfections in the piano using his newly acquired "God-Level Music Mastery," without caring who was playing.

"I merely did it by chance," Qin Feng said lightly.

"But to me, it meant something entirely different!" Xia Yunge's tone grew animated. "After you touched it, the piano's tone seemed instantly infused with a soul! When I played afterward, I felt… the entire world became clear! The creative block that haunted me for so long vanished in that moment! I even had a surge of inspiration—I composed a piece I believe is my best work to date!"

She looked at Qin Feng, her eyes brimming with sincere gratitude: "I later checked the surveillance footage and discovered your identity. So today, I came uninvited—first, to thank you in person for what seemed like a casual gesture, but meant everything to me. Second…" a faint blush rose on her cheeks, "I hope to have more opportunities to discuss music with you. I can feel that your understanding of music far surpasses anyone I've ever met."

Qin Feng gazed at the girl before him, glowing with passion for music. He understood now. The "God-Level Music Mastery" not only granted him ability—its very presence emitted an invisible "field" or "realm" that held a deadly allure for those who truly loved music and possessed talent.

Xia Yunge had clearly been drawn by that attraction.

"No need for discussion," Qin Feng declined calmly. But seeing her eyes instantly dim, he added, "However, I accept your thanks. As for dinner…" he paused, watching her gaze reignite with hope, "I can spare you ten minutes—in the estate's dining room."

He had no special interest in Xia Yunge. He merely thought this pure girl, drawn by music, might one day serve as a useful… diversion? Or perhaps the system had granted this ability with deeper intent?

At his words, Xia Yunge's face lit up with a smile brighter than any stage performance—as if she had received the most precious gift in the world.

"That's wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Qin!"

Watching the exuberant Xia Yunge, Qin Feng's gaze grew deep. Business, technology, security, special research… now even figures from the entertainment world were appearing at his side. His path to the summit was becoming increasingly interesting.