Genius Club

“Of course not,” CC blinked through the holes of her Ultraman mask. “Why would you think that’s my name? Your question is really odd.”

“Do you have clear and continuous memories from birth until now?” Lin Xian pressed on. “For instance, do you know who your parents are, their names, where you were born, where you grew up? Do you have consistent memories of all the events in your life over the past few years?”

CC showed no particular reaction to the name Chu An Qing, which Lin Xian had anticipated. If she truly was Chu An Qing, who had traveled six hundred years into the future via a hibernation pod, she wouldn’t recognize the name, considering Professor Xu Yun had mentioned that severe memory loss was a major side effect of hibernation.

Under such conditions, questioning CC about Chu An Qing, Chu Shan He, or events from six hundred years ago was futile. If she had indeed undergone hibernation for six centuries, she would have forgotten everything prior. Therefore, it was more sensible to assess the continuity and completeness of her memories.

If CC was unsure about her memories from birth to adulthood, it could indicate hibernation. A significant gap would suggest this possibility. However, if CC had a complete and continuous recollection of her life, understanding her connection to Chu An Qing would necessitate a different approach.

CC chuckled. “Yes, I know who my parents are, where I was born. Do you find my name strange, prompting these questions?”

“I wasn’t born here. My parents are overseas immigrants, and I grew up abroad. Brooklyn, that’s my birthplace and home.”

“I came to New Donghai City seeking Lin Xian’s safe.”

“I’ve always lived in Brooklyn, adjacent to New New York City. In terms of living conditions, Brooklyn is similar to Old Donghai, but New Donghai City is obviously more thriving and modern than New New York City.”

Lin Xian was familiar with Brooklyn, the largest of New York City’s five boroughs and a significant community hub for immigrants in the U.S. Although he wasn’t sure what Brooklyn would be like in this alternative reality six hundred years later, from CC’s description, it resembled Old Donghai—a modest village next to a futuristic metropolis like New Donghai City, New New York City.

Lin Xian wasn’t concerned with these specifics. Since CC claimed to have a complete memory of her childhood and knew her parents, it suggested she was likely native to this futuristic world, possessing intact and continuous memories from birth to the present.

She had been born into Brooklyn’s immigrant community over a decade ago and had grown up there. Thus, it seemed unlikely that CC was Chu An Qing or that she had traveled from six hundred years in the past via a hibernation pod.

Lin Xian paused to consider, then addressed CC again. “Are you certain you’ve never used a hibernation pod? Think carefully because it’s known to cause memory loss. You might have used it and forgotten about it.”

“How could that be? I’m not foolish. If I had used something like that, wouldn’t I know?” CC retorted. “Besides, those pods are only found in the new cities, right? How would I have access to one? It’s probably just a myth that they exist in the new cities… What odd questions are you asking?”

“Do you have any circular scars, indentations, or marks on your left arm?” Lin Xian inquired further.

“No, I’ve never been injured. I don’t have any scars on my body.”

“Do you no longer receive BCG vaccines?”

“What’s that?” CC shook her head. “I’ve never heard of such a vaccine… I thought you’d ask me something more significant. Why all these personal questions?”

Lin Xian noted CC’s growing impatience. Nonetheless, even if the conversation soured, they could reestablish understanding another day. Today’s fallout wouldn’t significantly impact him.

Thinking to himself, Lin Xian deduced that since CC denied hibernation and lacked the BCG scar characteristic of Chu An Qing, two things were likely:

CC and Chu An Qing were probably not the same person, at least biologically.

CC might have many scattered memories not originally hers, yet this did not interfere with her ability to recall her own complete and continuous life memories.

The mystery of why two entirely unrelated girls, separated by six hundred years, resembled each other precisely down to moles and dimples, remained as perplexing as the universal constant 42. While Lin Xian knew the origin of this constant, thanks to Big Cat Face’s father, the puzzle of CC and Chu An Qing remained unsolved.

Could the solution also be linked to that aluminum alloy safe? Likely. The bearded man seemed well-informed about CC, which was why he wanted her to open the safe.

Lin Xian sighed internally. How many secrets were concealed within that troublesome safe? Thankfully, he had pinpointed its location. Otherwise, with New Donghai City encased by towering steel walls, finding his safe would be daunting.

“Alright, I have no further questions for tonight.” Lin Xian stretched, eyeing the fence of Garbage Factory No. 221 before them. “Anyway… tonight, our goal at this garbage disposal plant is the same.”

Lin Xian crossed his arms, observing the drones buzzing over the high walls. “At least concerning the safe, our interests coincide.”

“Why are you after that safe?” CC questioned.

“I need to verify something very important,” Lin Xian responded cryptically, gazing at CC. “How about we share our motives? Let’s exchange what we’re each looking for.”

“Sorry, I’d rather not disclose,” CC refused bluntly. “It’s personal, my secret. I don’t want to share it with anyone. Besides, as long as you don’t obstruct my access to the safe, I’m indifferent to your reasons. You can have whatever’s inside the safe. I just need to see what’s there.”

Lin Xian didn’t press further. CC’s response was expected; she was not easily swayed. It would be wiser to seek an opportunity to “improve favorability” later. In this second dream, increasing CC’s favorability seemed simpler than in the first, due to her mysterious nature and retained memories, which included familiarity and goodwill towards Lin Xian. If he could enhance her trust, she might eventually confide in him fully.

“Alright,” Lin Xian replied nonchalantly, having gained substantial information and insights this evening. “Happy cooperation.”

“Hey—!”

Big Cat Face spun around, looking startled. He glanced between CC and Lin Xian.

“What are you two discussing? And why are you standing so close? What’s going on here?”

Big Cat Face pointed accusingly at Lin Xian. “I’m warning you, buddy, don’t get any ideas about Ning Ning! She’s the boss’s daughter. And she’s only eight or nine years old. Keep your distance!”

“What?” Lin Xian was shocked by the revelation. “Li Ning Ning is only eight or nine?”

So mature, yet with such an enticing gaze. Is she naturally charismatic?

“She appears that way at just eight or nine?” Lin Xian still couldn’t believe it.

“Humph! It’s all thanks to my sister-in-law’s natural beauty and good genes!” Er Zhuzi boasted proudly. “Ning Ning’s attractiveness is all inherited from my sister-in-law! You, stay away from her! You were practically leaning on her!”

Ah Zhuang also scoffed, glaring at Lin Xian. “That’s disgraceful, Lin Xian. How could you? It’s disappointing! San Pang, what do you think?”

San Pang wisely shook his head. “I don’t think it’s right.”

Three votes against.

“You guys are really nosy…” Lin Xian muttered, stepping to the right to distance himself from CC.

“Focus! We’re approaching the surveillance blind spot! Get ready!” Big Cat Face’s shout quieted everyone down. Ah Zhuang, Er Zhuzi, and San Pang resumed their positions, either stretching or warming up, preparing for the upcoming action.

Big Cat Face also got ready, beginning to stretch his muscles. As the central figure of the human pyramid, he bore considerable pressure and responsibility. Despite his flaws, Big Cat Face was a reliable leader for the group. He kept a vigilant eye on the patrolling drones, watching as they approached, intersected, and moved away.

He checked his watch.

00:04.

“Now!”

The surveillance blind spot appeared!

Big Cat Face yelled, his face reddening with exertion.

“Form the human pyramid!”