Days passed one after another. Apart from getting cozy with Natarle, Zhou Tianming spent all his time optimizing the [Mental Resistance Device] and [Mental Energy Collector]. The first batch of [Mental Energy Collectors] were just large, boxy iron containers. When Zhou Junguo saw them, he nearly spat blood while glaring at Tianming. Tianming had no choice - the collection speed from White Rabbit alone couldn't keep up with consumption. He needed to gather sufficient Mental Power quickly, hence the crude design.
Level 1 Mental Power was too precious to waste on trivial matters unless absolutely necessary.
Still, he always carried a specially made Storage Device with him just in case.
Faced with this fait accompli, a helpless Zhou Junguo racked his brains to come up with a plausible reason for unmanned cars to transport these boxes.
When Ying Shaojun learned of this, he could only laugh bitterly, leaving behind the instruction: "Optimize it as soon as possible."
In the following period, the capital's unmanned car service suffered major setbacks as complaints flooded in.
"Why has the speed slowed down?"
"This huge box takes up so much trunk space, I can't even fit my luggage."
Tianming's room display was bombarded daily with complaints from the unmanned car operators until he was forced to resolve the issue by paying compensation.
Seizing this opportunity, White Rabbit rose to the top of the unmanned car service rankings thanks to its unique design, empty trunk space, and fast speed.
Seeing the rankings made Tianming's temples throb, feeling like his blood vessels might burst.
To solve this problem, he buried himself in upgrading the [Mental Energy Collector], optimizing its internal structure to increase storage capacity while miniaturizing it. Meanwhile, in Zhou Junguo's study at home...
Zhou Hanxiang hurriedly pushed the door open and strode in, leaning forward with her arms on the desk. "Dad, hasn't the data been retrieved yet?"
Zhou Junguo put down his book with a helpless expression. "Hanxiang, the team was just dispatched. It won't be that fast."
"I've wanted to ask for a long time - why couldn't we retrieve the data in previous attempts?"
Glaring at Hanxiang, Junguo replied, "Isn't this your doing? After that incident, GARMR&D Institute not only tightened security against all East Asians but also upgraded their protection protocols multiple times."
"Ordinary people can't get in at all, and I couldn't just send anyone to retrieve such important materials."
"Since this is a private matter, I couldn't directly ask Wei Tong for personnel. I could only privately have people attempt it when it didn't interfere with their own duties."
"This time is different because Tianming has made significant contributions to the nation. The nature of the matter has changed from private to official, so we could send a specialized intelligence team to retrieve the data."
Junguo comforted her, "They're professionals, there won't be any problems. Don't be impatient - calm down and prepare yourself. Once the data returns, you can begin research immediately."
Hanxiang nodded reluctantly.
Knock knock knock.
A knock sounded at the door, drawing both their gazes.
Natarle stood framed in the open doorway.
"I apologize—I overheard your conversation just now while passing by."
She bowed slightly in apology.
Zhou Junguo's eyes showed a trace of approval: "No matter. It wasn't anything confidential. Blame someone here for leaving the door open."
Ignoring Zhou Junguo, Zhou Hanxiang hurried to Natarle's side with concern. "Natarle, why are you back? Is Tianming alright?"
"He's fine. Still working on the Mental Energy Collector. He asked me to retrieve some research materials for him."
Hanxiang exhaled in relief, her expression softening. "That's good."
"Um... about that..." Natarle hesitated before continuing, "Zhou... Zhou..."
Hanxiang took Natarle's hands in hers. "Just address us the same way Tianming does."
Blushing faintly, Natarle gave a small nod. "Grandfather... I want to help too."
Zhou Junguo shook his head. "Unnecessary. The dispatched team consists of professionals. Your presence might hinder them."
Natarle strode to the desk and stood at rigid attention. "I believe my unique qualifications could provide valuable support."
He eyed her. "Elaborate."
"First, you mentioned the targets are highly wary of East Asians. As an Atlantic Federation citizen, I have inherent advantages. Moreover, I've received professional training—I'm not completely inexperienced."
"I don't intend to participate in the mission directly, only to serve as additional insurance. Should unexpected complications arise, my presence could prove decisive."
"Why would a rookie who just enlisted think she could handle situations even specialists couldn't?" Zhou Junguo's tone turned stern.
Natarle met his gaze unflinchingly. "Because I have resolve! I love Tianming—I will bring those materials back!"
Zhou Junguo stared, then burst into laughter. "Good! Very good!"
Hanxiang watched Natarle with gentle warmth.
Having spoken her piece, Natarle's ears burned crimson.
"You're a free agent—I can't dictate your decisions. I'll provide the team's contact signals. The choice is yours."
"Thank you."
"Determination is commendable, but don't act recklessly. We don't want you harmed. Retrieving the materials at the cost of your safety would defeat the purpose."
"Understood."
"Since you've undergone Atlantic Federation military training, I won't lecture you on protocol. Remember your role—you're strictly backup support. Don't interfere with the team's primary operations."
"Yes sir!"
Later, Hanxiang accompanied Natarle to Tianming's bedroom to gather materials.
As Hanxiang tapped a stack of documents against the desk to align them, she said, "Natarle... you really don't have to go. That place is..." A shudder passed through her at some memory.
Natarle carefully packed sorted files into a black backpack. "Staying here is pointless. I can't assist his research or provide medical care. I—"
Hanxiang set down the papers and grasped Natarle's hands tightly. "Don't say that. Your presence alone is Tianming's greatest motivation. Thank you for always being by his side."
Natarle's face showed emotion, her eyes filled with determination: "But I still want to help him in some way, even if it's something trivial." Zhou Hanxiang met Natarle's gaze directly, seemingly sensing her resolve, and said nothing more, only tightening her grip slightly.
Shipyard Maintenance & Production Area 1
Zhou Tianming, who had been modifying details on a blueprint with a red pen, looked up in surprise at Natarle: "You're going to Mendel?"
"Yes. Aunt Hanxiang hid some documents related to you back then. They're being retrieved now, and just in case, I want to assist."
Documents related to me?
Could it be about the Ultimate Coordinator?
The thought brought a flicker of excitement. He had assumed all the data had been destroyed back then—perhaps there might be a way to treat his condition within those files. His gaze drifted to the heavy, bulky Mental Resistance Device beside him, and he sighed.
"I can't leave right now. I wish I had gone to retrieve them earlier."
"Grandfather said that because of your significant contributions to the nation this time, they've specially dispatched an intelligence team to retrieve the documents."
Tianming nodded, then frowned in confusion: "If the nation is handling it, they'll definitely get them back. So why do you still need to go?"
As he spoke, Zhou Tianming pulled Natarle into his arms: "Wouldn't it be better to spend the extra time with me?"
Natarle's voice was somber, devoid of any joy: "Precisely because I've been with you all this time that I need to go."
Understanding dawned on him instantly. Tianming kissed her forehead gently, his voice soft: "Being with me isn't useless, you know. Every time I was about to give up, it was because of you that I kept going. You're far more important than you realize."
Breaking free from his embrace, Natarle turned to face him squarely: "Tianming, I want to help you."
Zhou Tianming immediately knew he couldn't stop her.
"Silly."
He leaned in to kiss her lips, but Natarle tilted her head back to avoid it.
"Stop fooling around, we're talking seriously."
"This is serious—a farewell kiss."
Natarle froze for a moment, and Tianming seized the opportunity to press his lips to hers.
After a lingering moment, they parted.
"Make sure you're fully prepared for Mendel. There was a virus leak there before, so bring protective suits, gas masks, everything. If there's any danger, retreat immediately..."
As Tianming listed the precautions, Natarle lay in his arms, listening quietly.
Their fingers intertwined tightly, each feeling the other's warmth.