Chapter 213 Mobius: Do You Know How Long Snakes Mate For?
"Sister Bronya, are you sure we won't attract attention like this?"
"Relax, Seele. People always have a psychological illusion that others are watching them. In reality, everyone is busy; who has the time to specifically focus on you?"
"I-is that so? But why do I feel like a lot of people are looking at us..."
Seele and Bronya stood by the roadside, both wrapped up tightly in peaked caps, black masks, and black sunglasses. At this moment, Bronya was holding a pair of binoculars, observing from a distance. Pedestrians passing by cast strange glances at these two people bundled up like zongzi.
"Mom, mom! What are those two doing? Are they playing spies?"
"Shush! Dressing like that in broad daylight, they definitely aren't good people! They might be kidnappers; they'll snatch you away if you get close!"
A mother nearby hurried away with her child, but their conversation drifted clearly into Seele's ears. Seele tugged at Bronya's sleeve. "Sister Bronya, we seem to be being treated as very suspicious people."
Bronya did not put down the binoculars. "Seele, don't get distracted. This is the critical moment... I see Su Mu, Mobius, and Griseo walking into the HOMU Restaurant..."
"They actually ordered the HOMU Park Set Meal I've always wanted to eat! It even comes with a special HOMU pendant as a souvenir; I've wanted that for a long time!"
"They even ordered the HOMU Restaurant's signature 'Shake-Shake Joy' Milk Tea? Staff in HOMU mascot suits will personally make the tea in front of them, casting 'magic' to make it taste better!"
Bronya's eyes were practically glued to the binoculars. These were all the things she wanted to experience! Yet now she could only stand here in the cold wind with Seele, holding binoculars like a voyeur! Seeing Su Mu, Mobius, and Griseo chatting and laughing while eating the set meal, Bronya felt a surge of indignation!
Although she had initially come with the intention of seeing how Seele would react to Su Mu "dating" another woman, in this current situation, her own fists were the first to clench! Torture—this was absolute torture! In such cold weather, watching her boyfriend chat and laugh with another woman... Bronya felt a wave of jealousy burning within her! The one sitting opposite Su Mu enjoying the HOMU set meal should have been her!
"Sister Bronya, are you... are you okay?" Seele asked with concern, noticing Bronya's body trembling uncontrollably. she felt as though Bronya's emotions were on the verge of spiraling out of control. Could it be that seeing Brother Su Mu take Griseo out with Dr. Mobius made Sister Bronya burst with jealousy? But didn't Brother Su Mu report this to her and get permission? What's going on...
Seele took the binoculars from Bronya's hands and looked into the HOMU Restaurant. This look truly gave her a shock. A staff member in a HOMU suit walked to the trio's table. After saying something, Su Mu stood up and sat on Mobius's side. Because the seat wasn't spacious, Griseo sat on Su Mu's lap, while Mobius and Su Mu's bodies were pressed together.
The staff member held a camera and said something else. Mobius seemed a bit dissatisfied but ultimately leaned closer to Su Mu, hugging his arm. From this angle, it looked like Su Mu's arm was being completely engulfed by her startling softness.
Seele froze. Her eyes went wide, and her fists clenched.
"What are they doing? Hugging so intimately? Could it be... could it be that Brother Su Mu really is having an affair?!"
Seele instantly stowed the binoculars and grabbed Bronya's hand. "Sister Bronya! Let's go! we can catch them red-handed right now! we absolutely can't let them escape! I won't let anyone who hurts Sister Bronya off! Not even Brother Su Mu!"
Looking at Seele's face, which was flushed red with anger, Bronya found herself unable to distinguish things clearly. she couldn't tell if Seele was indignant on her behalf, or if she was overcome with jealousy because of the intimate actions between Mobius and Su Mu.
Once suspicion begins, it cannot be stopped. Bronya's heart became very complicated. she had originally come to test Seele's reaction, but now she realized this method wouldn't yield any proof. Unless she witnessed and captured evidence of Seele and Su Mu being intimate, everything could be attributed to Seele's reactions being for Bronya's sake.
Anger was for Bronya's sake. Speaking up for Su Mu was to help maintain Bronya's relationship. Even getting along with Su Mu could be justified as not wanting to make things difficult for Sister Bronya. Therefore, observing Seele's performance alone provided no solid evidence for Bronya.
Unless... Bronya took a deep breath as an idea formed in her mind. Perhaps the method was despicable, but as Elysia had said, she had to know the answer. Otherwise, she wouldn't have peace for the rest of her life.
"Forget it, Seele. Let's go."
"Ah... eh?" Seele was startled by Bronya's sudden statement, her face showing confusion. "But, Sister Bronya, shouldn't we..."
Bronya shook her head and said, "What you saw just now was likely the photo-commemoration segment the HOMU Restaurant has for lucky customers. I've seen it in review videos, so it's probably just a misunderstanding."
"But..."
"I think I might just be too suspicious. Seele, I think you're right; Su Mu wouldn't lie to me about something like this. He isn't that kind of person."
"Well, since Sister Bronya says so, then let's go back."
"No rush. It's rare for us to come out, and we even managed to get tickets for HOMU Park. How could we not have a good time?" Bronya gave Seele a slight smile. How long had it been since just the two of them came out to play? It had been a long time... Since she had made up her mind, she would spend today playing to her heart's content with Seele.
After all, Bronya herself didn't know if, after getting the answer she wanted, she and Seele would ever have another chance to come out and play like this.
By the time the HOMU Park day trip ended, it was already night. Su Mu stretched his somewhat aching body and looked at Griseo, who had started dozing off against Mobius on a nearby bench. After a day of wild play, even the high-energy little Griseo was so exhausted she could barely keep her eyes open. Just moments ago she was eating snacks; now she was falling asleep.
Mobius wiped the corner of Griseo's mouth with a handkerchief, a trace of gentleness appearing on her face. she looked like Griseo's actual mother, her eyes full of doting.
"It's almost nine o'clock. The park is closing soon; we should head back." After checking his phone, Su Mu saw it was getting late. It was time to take Mobius and Griseo back to the Golden Courtyard. He walked over to them and, seeing Griseo's drowsy state, reached out to pinch her little cheek. "Griseo, wake up. It's time to go home."
Griseo opened her eyes dazed, slowly climbed down from the chair, and reached out her hands toward Su Mu. "Brother, piggyback."
Looking at Griseo, Su Mu froze for a moment, then helplessly flicked her little nose. "Alright, alright, Brother will carry you." Su Mu crouched down, supported Griseo's body with both hands, and with a light lift, he had her on his back. Griseo was very small and light, like a little swallow. Her hands wrapped around Su Mu's neck, her face leaning against him, and she went still again.
"This child fell asleep again," Mobius smiled helplessly. "That's how kids are; they sleep once they're tired from playing," Su Mu replied with a laugh. "Let's go to the parking lot. I'll take you and Griseo back to the Golden Courtyard first... Are you going to the lab tonight?"
Mobius shook her head. "Not tonight. But are you okay? You're very tired today too. Maybe Griseo and I should just take a taxi back."
"It's fine. I can't feel at ease letting a beautiful woman take a child in a cab alone."
"Hmph, it seems you really aren't tired if you still have the energy to be smooth-tongued."
The two chatted idly as they walked to the parking lot. After placing Griseo in the back seat, Su Mu got in. Mobius sat in the passenger seat, her snake-like pupils staring directly at him.
"Is there something on my face?"
"No." Mobius crossed her arms. "I just think this face looks stupid when it smiles. It's annoying."
"Really? Seele says I look quite good when I smile. Your aesthetics are lacking, Doctor."
"What are you standing there for? Drive. You don't want to stay the night here, do you?"
Under Mobius's eye-roll, Su Mu started the car and drove out of the HOMU Park parking lot. On the way to the Golden Courtyard, Mobius didn't talk much to Su Mu, but she kept staring at his face. It was impossible to tell what those deep snake pupils were thinking. Su Mu drove the whole way while she watched the whole way, making even a grown man like him feel embarrassed.
"I say, Dr. Mobius, although I know I'm quite handsome, it makes me shy when you stare like that."
"Someone as thick-skinned as you can feel shy? You already have Seele as a girlfriend, yet you hooked up with Bronya. I think you're the most shameless person in the firm."
"Explaining that is complicated. I have my reasons."
"What reasons? It's nothing more than being led by your lust."
"If I said I was forced by Seele, would you believe me?"
"..." Mobius glared at Su Mu, then sighed. "I only hope I don't see a news headline one day about a man in Arc City being 'boat-knifed' by his girlfriends for two-timing."
"Uh, Doctor, you're already cursing me to death... I think I can still be saved."
"Hmph, watch your own life. I wouldn't want Griseo to be sad if she hears you were hacked to death."
"Mhm... how should I answer that? Thank you?"
"Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for your concern."
"From which sentence did you gather that I was concerned about you?"
"Mhm... every sentence?"
Mobius felt like she was punching cotton; she had strength but nowhere to apply it. This guy truly could talk nonsense!
"Of course, my thank you is sincere."
"Is it because of that incident with Seele last time?"
"Partially, but more because of today."
"Today?"
"Mhm. Mobius, I had a great time today. Thank you for inviting me."
Mobius froze. she looked at Su Mu's profile. his expression was incredibly sincere, without a hint of falsehood.
"Hmph... don't get it wrong. I never thought about inviting you; it was all that guy Elysia's doing."
"Even so, thank you, Mobius."
"...Can you not understand human speech, you brat?" Mobius's tone became somewhat awkward. Such a blunt expression of gratitude, twice in a row, made her feel uneasy all over.
"How should I put it? I've learned a lot from Seele. One of the most important points is that some things won't be understood unless they are said. Don't make the other person guess your thoughts; that mode of interaction is very tiring."
"Tch... isn't that just Elysia? That guy says whatever comes to mind without thinking... I think you're a perfect match for her."
"I don't like the sound of that. I think Elysia's personality is quite good. A 'social terrorist' like her is liked by many people."
"Are you mocking me for being unpopular, awkward, and unwilling to speak my true feelings? Anyway, compared to someone like me, someone like Elysia is obviously better."
As Mobius said this, a trace of self-deprecation appeared on her face. From childhood to adulthood, she had always been viewed as an outlier. Always.
Mobius was born in a small town hospital. Her mother died during a difficult birth, leaving her earrings to her and naming her "Mobius." Her father was a doctor in his early years. After her mother left, he frequently hit and scolded Mobius, believing she was the murderer who took her mother away, a jinx who brought misfortune. The so-called "home," the so-called "parents"... brought Mobius nothing but painful memories.
In school, because her grades were too excellent, she was constantly skipping grades. Those around her were always a circle larger than her. Mobius shared no common language with them and had no interactions. Thus, she had no friends growing up, let alone any romance. Accustomed to being alone and being too different, Mobius naturally had to endure more gossip.
In school, some people thought she didn't fit in and tried to ostracize her. But Mobius ignored all the mockery and cynicism. she only found it childish. Until one day, her hard work on a research project was trampled upon. The person who did it was gloating and bragging to their companions. Mobius didn't scream or show any sadness. she only did two things.
First, she walked up to that girl. Second, she grabbed the girl's head and smashed it through the classroom window glass. Throughout the process, her emotions didn't flicker once. That bone-deep indifference made the surrounding students back away in fear. From then on, no one dared approach Mobius. Rather, just mentioning her name made many shiver. she became increasingly withdrawn, increasingly out of place, absorbed only in her research.
Why must one fit in? Probably because mammals are like that—craving the warmth of mutual touch, yet fearing being burned. But a snake doesn't need that. A snake is cold-blooded. Warmth is meaningless to it. Those painful pasts were wounds, but they were all covered by Mobius with scales named "indifference." As long as one doesn't approach the fire, one won't be burned. As long as one doesn't covet warmth, then... one won't be covered in wounds.
Because of this, Blanca's departure left her confused. Blanca being "tricked away" by that man made her angry. The smile Blanca wore when she was with that man, her happy appearance when she had Griseo, the way she bragged to her with a silly smile... it made Mobius feel disgusted. she didn't know why she felt that way.
But seeing Blanca's family of three appear before her, seeing little Griseo surrounded by happiness under their care, Mobius finally understood. It turned out she too craved such warmth, craved such fire. she wasn't disgusting Blanca; it was a purer emotion. It was envy.
Once, she thought that because Blanca left her lab to marry and have children, she would end up with nothing. But later, Mobius realized that perhaps she was the one with nothing. she researched desperately, constantly rising to the top, becoming famous. But aside from her research, there was nothing. Aside from herself, there was nothing. Her research was respected, her achievements were looked up to; she armed herself to the teeth with these honors as her weaponry against the world. But that warmth, that fire—none of it belonged to her.
Why was she so good to Griseo? Probably because Mobius saw in Griseo the "self" she had once dreamed of. Happy people heal their lives with their childhood; unhappy people heal their childhood with their lives.
"It's not like that." The man's words brought Mobius back to reality. she looked up at him. "Although a 'social terrorist' personality like Elysia's is indeed good, she's a bit too noisy, and that guy has too many tricks... and Mobius, I don't think the standard for judging whether a person is good or bad is related to their popularity."
"In primary school, as long as you run fast enough, you're popular. In middle and high school, it depends on your brain—though not necessarily; if you're an athlete, you're just as popular. In university, if you're the one person who brings meals for the whole dorm, everyone calls you 'Dad.' But after graduation, it changes to whoever has a family background, money, or power being the most popular."
"But is the boy who ran fastest in primary school necessarily a good child? He might just run fast, but at home he's a bully who defies teachers, and the reason he runs fast is because he's afraid of being beaten by his own dad."
"The university meal-bringer is a true hero, no doubt about that."
"After graduation, someone with a background, money, and power—everyone wants to flatter him. But what if his money was embezzled? What if his prosperity is built on countless broken families? Do you think such a person counts as a 'good person'?"
Mobius opened her mouth. Her expression was dim as she spoke softly: "True, the things you mentioned might not be standards for judging good or bad. But someone who is hated, ostracized, and avoided like the plague—can such a person be considered 'good'?"
The light turned red. Su Mu stopped the car, shook his head gently, and turned his gaze toward Mobius. that gaze was sincere, without a hint of a lie.
"Being hated or ostracized might be because she is too dazzling. Being avoided like the plague might be because they know she isn't a soft persimmon to be toyed with. The standard for judging a person is never hearsay—it's seeing with your own eyes, listening with your ears, and feeling with your own heart. Mobius, in my eyes, you aren't actually different from Elysia. Because both of you are ordinary, kind, good girls."
"—!" Mobius stared blankly at him. his words and his voice lingered in her ears. she saw a flicker of fire from this man, a warmth that was deeply endearing. she should have avoided such fire like the plague; she should have felt such warmth was a fatal poison. But...
Mobius smiled. she didn't know why she was smiling, but that laughter was mixed with many complex and nameless emotions. Yes. It turned out that all she ever wanted was this simple recognition. And with this recognition, she no longer needed to arm herself with research achievements. she wasn't a jinx, a madwoman, or a cold-blooded animal... nor was she some genius scientist. she was just a girl. Craving warmth yet fearing being burned, craving happiness yet fearing loss. Fretful, imperfect, occasionally feeling lost and uneasy. Just that—an ordinary girl.
"What's this?" Mobius laughed in spite of herself. "I never expected to receive a 'good person card' from a lab rat like you. You really think quite highly of yourself." Though she spoke with mockery, the gloom in her eyes had long since vanished, replaced by a softness she couldn't have imagined herself. "Heh, rather than my affairs, you should worry about yourself... I find it very interesting to imagine what kind of expression Bronya will make after I reveal the secret between you and Seele."
The light turned green. Su Mu stepped on the gas, following the car ahead through the intersection. "You aren't that kind of person."
"Oh?"
"If you wanted to leak the secret, you wouldn't have brought it up again and again. As the saying goes, 'a barking dog doesn't bite,' right?"
"Little lab rat, you have quite the nerve to compare me to a dog. I think I won't wait for Bronya to find out; I'll just dissect you now... you're going to die sooner or later anyway!"
"Doctor, please spare me. I'll do anything."
A glint of mischief appeared in Mobius's eyes. Her lips curled upward as her whole body leaned toward Su Mu. Even the lab coat couldn't hide Mobius's mature and enticing body; a simple leaning motion evoked a sense of "landscape."
"Oh~? You'll do anything? Are you serious?"
Su Mu answered solemnly: "On the condition that it doesn't violate my character and doesn't break the law!"
"Tch... that's too boring," Mobius said with blatant disdain.
"Miss Mobius, you weren't actually planning to make me do something illegal, were you?"
"I originally wanted to see you running naked down the street shouting that you're a pervert."
"Are you trying to commit 'social murder' on me?"
"If all else fails, being my live specimen is also quite good."
Su Mu brought the car to a stop. The Golden Courtyard was already close at hand. Because it was private property, there were no other vehicles around.
"So Miss Mobius, you mean I must die no matter what, right?" He spread his hands with a wry smile.
"Yes~ you guessed it~ as expected of a smart lab rat~" Mobius looked at Su Mu with a smile, seemingly delighted by his awkwardness.
"Then at least let me choose the way I die."
"How do you want to die then?"
"I want to die of old age."
"..." Looking at the serious Su Mu, Mobius found it hilarious. "I won't scare you anymore. I wouldn't want little Griseo to be sad." she opened the car door, got out, and stretched. Her water-snake-like waist twisted with her movements, making it hard to look away. "However, don't forget you promised to do one thing for me."
Su Mu leaned against the car door and said with a wry smile, "So what is it exactly?"
Mobius's lips curved, her eyebrows turning into little crescents. "I haven't thought of it yet. I'll tell you next time. But you'd better be fully prepared, okay? I won't be soft-hearted with you, lab rat~"
Her voice carried a hint of playfulness. That girl-like posture made Su Mu daze for a moment. In that time, Mobius had already woken Griseo from the back seat. After taking little Griseo and saying goodbye to Su Mu, she whispered as she brushed past him: "I had a great time today too. Thank you, Su Mu."
The scent of her perfume drifted past as she spoke. The words were very soft; Su Mu only snapped out of it after Mobius and Griseo had walked away. Yes. The bickering throughout the journey had almost made him forget that "Snakey," besides being manipulative and a tsundere, also had a playful and cute side. For a split second just now, he almost thought the "tsun" was gone. Mhm. Maybe the "dere" part had finally put in some work?
Su Mu shook his head, drove his car around, and left the Golden Courtyard.
What he didn't know was that a pair of snake pupils was watching him depart. After Su Mu's taillights disappeared completely, Mobius took out the photo from the bag. It was the one taken at the HOMU Restaurant because they were chosen as lucky customers. Looking at herself, Su Mu, and a happy Griseo in the photo, they looked exactly like a harmonious and happy family.
Mobius lightly stroked the photo with her finger, a trace of softness in her eyes. "Family..." Her finger grazed the Su Mu in the photo; a sensation like an electric shock made her withdraw it. Mobius looked at the man's silly smiling face in the photo and closed her eyes. "Blanca... you didn't hesitate to ruin your bright future for a man, remaining obstinate even if it meant being shattered. I once viewed such resolve as stupidity." Mobius opened her eyes, mockery in her gaze. "If someone like you counts as stupid, am I not also irredeemable now?"
Unfortunately, life is not like a math problem; there are no absolutely correct answers or choices. she didn't know if she was doing the right thing, but she knew it was something she had to do.
Mobius opened her phone and found Su Mu on WeChat. After composing a text, she sent it.
[Mobius: Do you have any research in biology?]
[Su Mu: ?]
[Su Mu: Driving, I'll reply later.]
[Mobius: You can reply later.]
[Mobius: Question: Do you know how long it takes for snakes to mate once?]
[Su Mu: ???]
[Su Mu: Elysia Sticker - Shocked.jpg]
[Mobius: I'm very interested in this question. Next time, come be my assistant.]
[Su Mu: Oh, you want to study reptile reproduction...]
[Su Mu: Is that so?]
[Su Mu: ...]
[Su Mu: Why are you not talking? Say something, Mobius?]
[Su Mu: ??]
END OF CHAPTER
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