“‘[The Hunt] to the left, [The Harmony] to the right, [The Erudition] within the heart, [The Preservation] before the chest’—what fine characters.
I never thought Hua Yi’s calligraphy would be so exceptional.” In the Department of Lumina Archives, the senior staff from all the major departments were crowded around Hua Yi’s workstation.
Although Station Master Asta had ordered them to return to their posts, she never said they couldn’t leave after finishing their work.
As long as they temporarily handed off their duties to a colleague, they could come to the Department of Lumina Archives, carrying the hopes of their entire department, to continue extending an olive branch to Hua Yi.
And so, a group of experts and scholars—veritable titans in the academic world—had gathered to scrutinize Hua Yi’s workstation.
They didn’t dare touch anything, simply observing meticulously from left to right, top to bottom.
“It’s more than that.
The content itself is profound!
It reflects the author’s homesickness…
ah, no, it reflects Hua Yi’s reverence for the Aeons.” “That’s the Department of Cosmic Geography for you, just spouting nonsense.
Homesickness?
Been doing too many reading comprehension tests, have you?” “Well now, you office-sitters from Universal Things actually dare to provoke us, the ones who venture deep into the cosmos to do hands-on research?
You looking for a fight?” “That’s enough.” Guen, the founder of the Department of Galactic Jurisprudence, signaled for everyone to quiet down.
“No matter how much we argue here, the decision rests with Hua Yi and Station Master Asta.
Let’s just wait patiently for the notification.” The ordinary office of the Department of Lumina Archives now presented an extraordinary scene.
Numerous bigwigs from the five research departments were huddled together, standing by Hua Yi’s empty workstation.
Surrounding them was another circle of senior staff, and only beyond them were the ordinary researchers.
Some were there simply for the spectacle, while others hoped Hua Yi would transfer to their department.
Emily from the Lumina Archives had a tense expression.
She knew the people from the other departments were trying to snatch Hua Yi away, but she couldn’t loudly condemn them.
A mere Level II Researcher had no voice in such a gathering.
The young girl from Universal Things, Wen Shiling, had a look of anticipation in her eyes, hoping to work alongside her idol.
Lamina from the Department of Star-Field Species pursed her lips, her mind heavy with thoughts.
She hoped Hua Yi would transfer to her department.
If he did, she perhaps could recommend herself as his assistant, and by achieving something at the space station, she could finally justify her sister’s sacrifice.
Beep.
One of the department heads’ terminals was the first to chime with a notification, followed by a cascade of chimes that rang out almost simultaneously.
The notice was here!
The senior figures glanced at each other, feeling a rare sense of nervousness, as if they were young again, waiting for the results of a critically important examination.
A senior member of the Lumina Archives gritted his teeth and was the first to open the message interface.
He had already made up his mind: if Station Master Asta assigned Hua Yi to another department, they would absolutely not accept it quietly.
They had to protest.
“In light of Hua Yi’s outstanding performance since joining the space station, his rank is hereby promoted to Level IV Researcher, applicable to the Department of Lumina Archives…” “Yay!” Hearing this, Emily let out a cheer and jumped for joy.
Now that is a loyal vassal of my Lumina Archives!
The higher-ups from Lumina Archives cast looks of approval at Emily, their faces filled with relief.
But then, their expressions froze as the person reading the notice continued with the second half of the sentence.
“Ap-applicable to the Department of Lumina Archives, the Department of Galactic Jurisprudence, the Department of Universal Things, the Department of Star-Field Species, and the Department of Cosmic Geography.” “Huh??” “Yay!!” This time, it was Wen Shiling from Universal Things and Lamina from Star-Field Species, along with a few other young researchers who weren’t as shrewd, who burst into cheers.
This likewise earned them appreciative nods from their respective department heads.
So we have loyal vassals who care about our department’s future over here, too!
“Does Station Master Asta mean for Hua Yi to first familiarize himself with the work of each department before choosing one to join?
It’s impossible for him to belong to all five departments forever, right?
A person’s energy is finite; spreading himself too thin won’t work.” “Indeed.
Once Hua Yi has a thorough understanding of the unique characteristics of each research department, he will certainly make the correct choice.” “Wait, there’s one more sentence at the end of the notice—’The relevant situation has been reported to Lady Herta’.” “?!” “L-Lady Herta already knows?” “Don’t tell me Station Master Asta told Lady Herta that our departments were acting recklessly and violating station regulations…” The expressions on the faces of the senior staff were a sight to behold, shifting unpredictably.
“I didn’t!
It wasn’t me!
Don’t talk nonsense!
We have always strictly abided by all station regulations and never attempted to cause trouble.
Our eagerness to recruit Hua Yi stems purely from our appreciation of talent.” “Us too!” The department heads looked at each other with guilty consciences, their voices losing their earlier confidence.
The Department of Cosmic Geography and the Department of Universal Things, who couldn’t stand the sight of each other, no longer showed any signs of confrontation.
They were terrified that Lady Herta would suddenly appear controlling one of her puppets and they’d make fools of themselves in front of the genius.
As for whether Hua Yi becoming a Level IV Researcher with a scope covering all five major fields was a temporary measure or a final decision, no one dared to speculate wildly anymore.
The only sound was the flutter of anxious breathing.
Herta.
That member of the Genius Society, the true master of the space station, possessed an absolute authority that no one could question.
It was at this moment that Hua Yi walked into the crowd.
“There’s no need to worry, everyone.
Station Master Asta understands your feelings and has faith in your work ethic and character.
The space station is thriving right now.
The Station Master will only report the diligent contributions of each department to Lady Herta.” “You’re back!” The eyes of the Lumina Archives’ senior staff lit up, and they hurried forward to greet him warmly.
“The Station Master…
your conversation with her went well, I trust?” “Yes, Miss Asta was very friendly.
She treated me to an extremely lavish breakfast, so there’s no need for everyone to bring me any more food.
I really can’t eat another bite.” “Hahaha.” Hua Yi’s feigned look of distress as he clutched his stomach drew a round of good-natured laughter from the crowd.
Many of the old scholars stroked their beards with kind and benevolent expressions.
“That’s good, that’s good.
It’s always easy for young people to find common ground.” “Regarding the ‘Calyx (Simulated): Bud of Erudition’ experiment, I’ve also prepared my thesis and am ready to answer everyone’s questions at any time.
I was wondering what the situation is at the laboratory?
If possible, I’ll give my report on-site right there.” “Excellent, excellent!
Your laboratory has been kept exactly as it was.
We are always ready to listen to you share your academic insights.
But must we start right now?
Why don’t you sit down and rest for a bit first?
Don’t overwork yourself.” —o—