Genius Club

Lin Xian stared at Old Wang, feeling an icy shiver crawl down his spine. In a recent dream, Big Cat Face’s father had been awarded the Fields Medal for his work on “Introduction to Universal Constants” before his untimely death at the hands of the Genius Club. If the Genius Club was still operational in this dream, and Big Cat Face’s father had indeed recalculated the Universal Constant, there seemed little doubt they would target him.

The invitation to enter New Donghai City now appeared less of a privilege and more of a deadly snare.

Lin Xian glanced at Big Cat Face. “You said it was impossible to enter New Donghai City.”

“That’s absurd!” Big Cat Face responded, a mix of bewilderment and denial in his voice. “For years, no one has breached the gates of New Donghai City! Not even in myths! My dad’s just an elementary school math teacher. Why would they invite him? Our world and New Donghai City are realms apart. Surely they’ve already solved whatever he’s working on. What could he possibly offer them?”

Old Wang looked over dismissively at the troubled duo. “Look at you two, panicking. You’re never going to amount to anything!” He then turned to Big Cat Face. “You should be thrilled. Maybe your dad will bring the whole family over once he’s back. Soon you’ll be looking down at us from behind those steel walls!”

He reached into his pocket and threw something.

“Catch!”

Big Cat Face caught it—a set of keys.

“Your parents left these with me before they left. They’ll return tomorrow and asked me to look after the dog and pig. But since you’re here, you might as well handle it. Make sure they’re fed until your folks are back.”

Big Cat Face and Lin Xian looked at the keys in silence.

“This is unbelievable,” Big Cat Face muttered, shaking his head. “If my dad has really been invited to New Donghai City, it’s a monumental honor—the first in centuries!”

Lin Xian remained quiet, not wanting to stir further worry in his friend, yet aware from his earlier dream that Big Cat Face’s father was probably in grave peril. Expecting his return tomorrow? That seemed unlikely. The circumstances suggested a dire outcome.

Lin Xian had not reached Big Cat Face’s father before the Genius Club. Worse still, Big Cat Face’s parents were taken early in the morning, while Lin Xian had only entered the dream past noon. By then, Big Cat Face’s father would already be in New Donghai City, beyond any help.

“What exactly is the Universal Constant?” Lin Xian pondered aloud.

He was almost certain the reason for the father’s abduction was his work on the Universal Constant, with the Genius Club likely involved. Understanding the Universal Constant was now critical.

“I’m not sure,” Big Cat Face admitted, still dazed. “Dad has been poring over this ‘Introduction to Universal Constants’ for years. It’s an ancient manuscript found in a tomb, dating back over 600 years. He’s dedicated so much time to it.”

Lin Xian eyed the tightly shut curtains on the second floor. What was the Universal Constant? What did it signify? Why did it terrify the Genius Club so much?

“Can I go inside? I want to check your father’s room,” Lin Xian requested.

“Sure,” Big Cat Face replied, fitting the key into the lock. “Normally, we can’t enter my dad’s room. It’s always locked, and no one is allowed in. But since he’s not here, you should take a look.”

They ascended the stairs, and Big Cat Face led the way.

“Dad has been absorbed in this research for years, never revealing any findings, so I have no clue what he was studying. But about half a month ago, he suddenly claimed to have solved the Universal Constant. After that, he became erratic, shouting and repeating one phrase to anyone who’d listen.”

“We’re here,” Big Cat Face announced, pointing to a closed wooden door. “This is his room. Go ahead and look.”

Lin Xian nodded and pushed the door open, the rusty hinges groaning.

Stepping back, Lin Xian’s eyes widened.

“42… 42… 42…” Everywhere—on the walls, ceiling, furniture, even the floor—the number 42 was scrawled in various sizes. Large 42s encased smaller 42s, and within those, even tinier 42s filled the curves and lines.

“This is…”

A chill ran through Lin Xian as he cautiously entered the room, surrounded by millions of 42s. Big Cat Face’s father had descended into madness, marking the number everywhere, even on the bedsheets.

Lin Xian felt engulfed by the endless 42s.

“See? I told you he’s gone mad,” Big Cat Face remarked, his expression somber as he followed inside. “Lately, he’s been grabbing everyone, obsessively repeating—”

Big Cat Face’s expression blanked, his gaze distant.

“42… It’s everywhere.”