"A Terrible Situation! The Psychic Esper from the Most Advanced Proctology Region!"
"Good ability, but don't misuse it here," Yi Bai said, taking a deep breath as he closed the talent data screen. His voice was stern as he continued, "You're the first esper in our base. Your ability is indeed special, and no one here would be able to counter it."
"But that doesn't give you the right to use it recklessly. You must follow the rules of the base and not abuse your powers to infringe on others' rights."
"I understand, boss! Don't worry about it!" Lu Nianxin gave Yi Bai a knowing look, patting his chest in reassurance. "You're worried I might form a faction, right? Don't worry, I'm absolutely loyal to you, and I won't misuse my powers!"
"No, no... it's not about forming factions." Yi Bai shook his head, hesitating a little before speaking. "I'm worried you might... train 'pets' or something."
The base was full of young women, many of them quite attractive. Given Lu Nianxin's previous profession, Yi Bai couldn't help but worry that one day he might give in to temptation and do something unspeakable.
"What's wrong with that? As long as you don't ask me to, I won't use my ability for such things," Lu Nianxin shrugged nonchalantly, not taking the matter seriously.
Yi Bai was still a bit uneasy. While Lu Nianxin was undoubtedly useful, his potential hidden risks were also considerable. If he started to build a harem in the base, who could stop him?
Just as Yi Bai was lost in thought, the door suddenly opened. Jiang Xiaoci walked in, glancing curiously at Lu Nianxin, though she wasn't surprised. It wasn't uncommon for new faces to appear in her boss's room.
"Boss," she greeted with a respectful nod, standing to the side. "The new resource plan has been finalized, and Lin Yue has returned with Chen Qiuren. I plan to have Lin Yue lead the team to execute the new plan. As for Chen Qiuren, he says the experiment can begin, but it requires the use of the research lab."
"He thinks Li Ya might object, so he hopes you can step in personally."
"Got it," Yi Bai replied, still keeping a wary eye on Lu Nianxin.
But Lu Nianxin wasn't paying attention to Jiang Xiaoci at all. His gaze casually swept over her before he continued to eye Yi Bai's room, clearly more interested in the sci-fi aesthetic of the space than in the people inside it.
"Is this all fake? Or are you immune to beauties?" Yi Bai wondered internally, noticing a slight flicker of distaste in Lu Nianxin's eyes when he glanced at Jiang Xiaoci. Was that just his imagination?
"I'll speak to Li Ya myself. Research on the cannibal fungi is crucial. Don't worry about Chen Qiuren," Yi Bai said, turning back to Jiang Xiaoci, still focused on business.
Before Jiang Xiaoci could nod in acknowledgment, a loud voice came from the hallway: "What did I tell you? The boss will definitely step in!"
"Dr. Zhao, you really don't believe the bond between me and the boss?"
"I've been saying, the bond between the boss and me is like that of ancient emperors and their ministers! Whatever I say, the boss will take action!"
As Chen Qiuren swaggered into the room, behind him trailed the clearly irritated Zhao Siqi, keeping her distance. If it weren't for the boss ordering them to collaborate on the cannibal fungus antidote research, she wouldn't want to deal with this man.
As they entered the room, both doctors immediately noticed Lu Nianxin, who was standing in the center. Zhao Siqi observed him with interest, but Lu Nianxin didn't seem to pay her any attention. Instead, his eyes locked onto Chen Qiuren, his gaze so intense that he couldn't look away.
"Hmm? New recruit?" Chen Qiuren asked, noticing Lu Nianxin's gaze. He smiled and nodded.
"Hello, I'm Chen Qiuren, the chief doctor of the base. If you ever feel unwell, come to me for free treatment."
"Of course, of course. Nice to meet you, I'm Lu Nianxin."
Lu Nianxin seemed a bit nervous, taking two steps forward, eagerly extending his hand to shake Chen Qiuren's.
"Dr. Chen, right? You're quite the handsome and impressive man!"
"Hahaha, I love hearing that!" Chen Qiuren laughed, clearly pleased by the compliment.
However, there was something odd about the way Lu Nianxin kept holding onto his hand. It lingered a little too long.
Yi Bai, noticing the exchange, gave them both a sharp look, then asked, "Lu Nianxin, where are you from?"
"I told you already, boss, I'm from the Great Qin National Alliance."
"No, I meant where exactly. Which city are you from?" Yi Bai pointed to the map of the country on the wall. "Where's your hometown?"
Lu Nianxin pointed to the southwestern region of the map, the Sichuan area.
Yi Bai's expression immediately changed, his smile faltering. "Oh, Chengdu, huh... that explains a lot."
"Chengdu? What's so special about it?" Lu Nianxin asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Yi Bai glanced at Chen Qiuren, a subtle smile forming as he explained, "Well, Chengdu is known for its advanced proctology field."
Proctology?
Chen Qiuren froze, his eyes widening. He quickly glanced down at Lu Nianxin's still-gripping hand and immediately pulled away, his face pale with realization.
He understood now.
This newcomer wasn't interested in women—he liked men!
"Ah, Dr. Chen, what's wrong?" Lu Nianxin asked, surprised by Chen Qiuren's reaction.
Chen Qiuren quickly stepped back, his expression serious. "Mr. Lu, men should keep their distance. Please respect boundaries."
"I... didn't do anything..." Lu Nianxin mumbled, feeling slightly wronged, though his eyes gleamed with something unreadable.
Chen Qiuren's expression softened a little as he realized his overreaction. "Oh... I was just joking, don't take it seriously."
"Dr. Chen certainly has a great sense of humor. Anyway, would you mind showing me around the base?" Lu Nianxin asked, his bright smile never fading. "I'm still new here, and I want to get familiar so I can help the boss more."
"Of course! It's on me!" Chen Qiuren responded enthusiastically, slapping his chest like a true man of honor, all the previous caution gone. He eagerly walked over to Lu Nianxin and began introducing the people in the room.
"Look, this is Miss Jiang Xiaoci, the boss's personal secretary, the brains behind the base's operations... sort of like the VP. She's also probably the boss's current girlfriend."
"This is Dr. Zhao Siqi, a major beauty and expert in poisons. She's deeply involved in pharmaceutical research."
"And this is Lin Yue, the commander of the military. She's just come back from handling some military matters. Don't let her modesty fool you—she's a big deal."
Lin Yue, just entering the room, quickly waved her hands in modesty, embarrassed by the praise. "I'm not a marshal or anything. I'm just temporarily handling the military's management."
As Chen Qiuren continued introducing everyone, Lu Nianxin smiled at each person, though his gaze never strayed far from Chen Qiuren.
"Great... now I'm really worried," Yi Bai thought, burying his face in his hands. He wasn't concerned about the women in the base anymore; now, he had to worry about the men, including himself.
"Xiaoci," Yi Bai suddenly said, his voice quiet but firm.
Jiang Xiaoci, still confused, looked over at him. "Yes, sir?"
"From now on, don't stay up too late. Come back early at night."
Yi Bai paused for a moment, then added with a deep sigh, "I'm afraid of the dark... I need you."
"Sir..." Jiang Xiaoci's face flushed at the unexpected personal request, especially in front of everyone. But she nodded softly, her voice gentle. "Of course, sir."