o— How did this suddenly involve the Fictional Historians and the fate of the universe?
And that talk of surging Imaginary Energy…
Emily glanced down at the perfectly intact Herta Coin, and then at her own, equally intact hand.
What even was Imaginary Energy?
It was the great power that surged along the Paths, the very medium of spacetime, a rule above the rules wielded by Aeons, their Emanators, and the Pathstriders.
The conceptualized Imaginary system was once even considered the tree of the cosmos, the sole component of the universe.
Even though the theory had been disproven, that didn’t diminish its sublimity.
If such a great power had truly flowed beneath the palm of an ordinary person like herself, how could she possibly still be standing here unharmed?
Emily decided to just treat it as Hua Yi joking around.
As an ordinary researcher at the station, she wasn’t about to get hung up on the fate of the universe.
As for the Fictional Historians, even if that group had a poor reputation among scholars of factual history, they were still followers of that mysterious Aeon.
Furthermore, Imaginary Energy was related to the Paths.
The Herta Space Station had always maintained neutrality in all matters involving the Aeons.
“I don’t care about any [Schrödinger’s Cat].
I’m keeping this [Hua Yi’s Coin].
I’ll trade you two…
no, ten Herta Coins for it.” “You don’t have to trade; just keep it.
Even if this means you now hold a grudge, I’ll just have to watch my back so you don’t knock me out from behind.” “Tsk, it’s not a grudge!
Do I really sound that aggressive?
Fine, fine, I just want to keep this Herta Coin as a souvenir.” “Greetings.
Meal-ordering robot [Fried Rice Genius No.
123] at your service.” A small, flying meal-ordering robot arrived, conveniently changing the subject completely.
Emily was about to order, ready to pay extra Herta Coins for one of the deluxe meals, but then she remembered that she had lost the coin toss—three times in a row, a total defeat.
She was suddenly torn between honoring the bet and letting Hua Yi pay, or insisting on treating him herself.
She had already accepted [Hua Yi’s Coin].
Would it be going too far to renege on the bet now, even if it was for the sake of treating him?
“Identifying user information.
Please do not move your ID card or face—Identification successful.
The meal plan currently available to you is the Station Business Lunch.
Friendly reminder: To enjoy more delicious options, please increase your researcher level or spend Herta Coins or Credits for additional items.” “Don’t get the Station Business Lunch.
It sounds nice, but it’s really just sustenance made from solidified purified water and basic ingredients.
It has no particular flavor and only serves to fill your stomach.” “Understood.
Since I’m treating, I certainly can’t order the regular business lunch.” Hua Yi took out a Herta Coin and handed it to the small robot, which was hovering in mid-air with a smiley face displayed on its electronic screen.
“Two Great Cosmos Fried Rices.
Emily, do you want a red bean pastry or shumai on the side?” “The fried rice is enough.” “Then add two bottles of Kaly-White Soda.” “Current number of people in queue: 0.
Your meal is now being dispatched.
Please wait patiently.” The meal-ordering robot flew away before Emily even had a chance to stop him.
Great Cosmos Fried Rice and Kaly-White Soda was considered a perfect combination by many researchers, but the problem was its slightly high price.
“Have you already gotten your salary?
You’re being so generous with this treat.
Don’t end up with no money for food in ten days, or even just a few.” “It’s fine.
I can get the business lunch for free every day, anyway.” “Whoa, are you really about to run out of money?
You’ll get sick of eating the business lunch every day.
I’ll treat you from now on.
I’ll come find you at mealtimes.” “Actually, I have some savings.” As he spoke, Hua Yi showed Emily the Herta Coins in his pocket and the Credits in his mobile wallet.
It was a rather large number.
“…You’re that rich?” “I gave a few colleagues in our department a little help earlier, and they forced this ‘hardship fee’ on me.
Also, a junior researcher from the Department of Universal Things fell while carrying a huge stack of files.
I helped him pick them up and reorganize them.
He found my account later and transferred me some Credits.
Oh, and the database for the Department of Star-Field Species was a bit complicated to navigate, so I submitted a suggestion to simplify the layout.
They adopted it and gave me a bonus.” “So, you, a newcomer to the Department of Lumina Archives, have already dealt with the Department of Universal Things and the Department of Star-Field Species?” “Actually, I’ve also had some contact with the Department of Galactic Jurisprudence and the Department of Cosmic Geography.
After all, each department represents a vast field of research, encompassing countless precious stores of knowledge.” At that moment, the young researcher didn’t know whether to say Hua Yi was popular, capable, and actively absorbing the wisdom of the Herta Space Station, or to simply be in awe of the results he had achieved in such a short time.
Why did it feel like it wouldn’t be long before he got promoted and became her superior?
Emily thought back carefully.
Just from what she had seen of Hua Yi’s actions, his bearing and eloquence when dealing with others, she knew he was no mediocre person.
From his interpersonal skills to his professional abilities, and what seemed to be a terrifyingly fast learning speed, he was practically perfect.
Someone like him would make a name for himself on the Herta Space Station in no time.
In fact, he already had.
“What planet are you from?
It can’t be some nameless place, right?
It must be a planetary civilization that’s quite famous across the cosmos, isn’t it?” “Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s just a remote, unrenowned planet in the cosmos.
In terms of appearance, it looks quite similar to the azure planet that the Herta Space Station orbits.” “Is that so…
Well, it doesn’t matter.
You’re in the Herta Space Station now.
One of the most prominent stages in the universe has already opened its arms to you.” “You’re already so good at encouraging people.
Not bad, Emily.” “Mmph…” “Meal delivery successful.
Great Cosmos Fried Rice and Kaly-White Soda have been served.
Enjoy your meal.” It was hard to say if the meal-ordering robot was being considerate or clueless.
It returned, controlling a food trolley that served up the golden, aromatic fried rice and the popular cosmic soda.
The girl quietly shifted in her seat.
She moved from the diagonal position she had taken earlier—to prevent Hua Yi from influencing the coin—back to sitting directly opposite him.
Even though it was just a simple movement, she did it stealthily and with great care.
After succeeding, a strange sense of joy bubbled up in her heart.
For some reason, this Great Cosmos Fried Rice tasted better than usual.
Much better.
Could it be that the station had changed its chefs?
No, the fried rice robot’s programming must have been optimized.
Huh?
And what was with this Kaly-White Soda?
It tasted exceptionally good, too!
Did the Interastral Peace Corporation improve its production line?
—o—