Even encountering kidnappers wouldn't surprise MEI. After all, her father was a world-renowned electromagnetic physicist. As his daughter, although MEI might not be as valuable as the children of wealthy tycoons, she was still enough to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.
But—
"Let's do something more convincing, how about that?"
When that strange girl, who called herself Elysia from Fire Moth, whispered these words in her ear with an incredibly ambiguous tone, MEI had to admit, this was the most flustered she had ever been.
Oh my god, a lesbian!
She never expected to encounter this term she had only occasionally heard of, especially since she was so focused on her studies!
H-How should she react?
No matter how intelligent MEI was, she was at a loss facing Elysia's advances.
"As expected, MEI is cuter when she's shy~"
"I've taken a picture of this. The future Dr. MEI's bashful look is quite rare."
Moving nimbly from behind to in front of MEI, the girl framed her with her hands in the shape of a camera, capturing this moment in a "photo." This seemingly playful act was Jiang Qiao's application of the Herrscher of Origin's power.
But more than that, a word from his mouth caught MEI's attention, causing her blush to quickly fade.
In terms of self-control, even though she was still young, she already showed glimpses of the MEI who would later lead humanity against the Honkai.
"Future?"
"Hmm~ If I said I came from the future, would you believe me, MEI~"
The pink-haired girl sat down next to MEI familiarly. Perhaps due to the previous action, with the close proximity, MEI's face couldn't help but flush again, but she said very seriously:
"…Emotionally, I feel like you're telling the truth, but rationally, I know it's impossible."
She was willing to believe the sincerity Jiang Qiao displayed, but she couldn't believe such a thing could exist.
Because it completely overturned everything she had learned.
"Eh, is Dr. MEI actually so rigid?"
"I don't know what you mean, but I'm just a human, after all. Human knowledge is finite."
MEI wasn't affected by this somewhat flattering statement, remaining humble and objective.
Then, she asked in return:
"However, you addressed me as 'Doctor,' meaning… are we colleagues?"
"Meaning, you believe what I said?"
"…Perhaps. There are too many unsolved mysteries in this world."
The bespectacled girl looked up. Although it wasn't night yet, she could already see the faint stars through the setting sun. Gazing at those stars, she said:
"Although according to the knowledge I possess, reversing or traveling through time is impossible, the universe is so vast. Trying to judge infinite possibilities with known knowledge is an extremely shortsighted act."
"Your name is… Elysia, right?"
"Hmm~ You can call me that."
The pink-haired girl smiled.
The… consciousness? Soul? Or core of this body should indeed be called Jiang Qiao.
But it didn't matter if she used the name Elysia. After all, this body was indeed Elysia.
Although it wouldn't matter even if she revealed more details.
However, it would be more interesting to keep some things mysterious, wouldn't it?
"Then I'll call you Elysia…"
"Eh, wouldn't calling me Ely be more intimate? I don't mind~"
"Alright, then I'll use that."
Although such a form of address was considered quite intimate according to Far Eastern customs, Dr. MEI wasn't one to adhere to conventions and didn't mind these small details.
"Although I know nothing about the future, if you're from the future and deliberately sought me out now, it means… in your judgment, you need my current power?"
"I must remind you, I might not be the MEI you have in mind. My current self can't do the things my future self can. If you're seeking something from my present self, you're likely to be disappointed, Ely."
She accepted the information and the reality much faster than Jiang Qiao had anticipated.
She had even preliminarily deduced his purpose for coming here and offered a warning and her personal opinion.
But Jiang Qiao didn't mind MEI's self-deprecating words and said frankly:
"It's alright, you're just an important piece of the puzzle in my blueprint."
"And if I waited for everything to happen naturally, it would be too late."
"It seems our future isn't very optimistic."
With her intelligence, MEI naturally understood the underlying meaning. She rubbed her forehead and said:
"Tell me a little, but you don't have to reveal too much."
She didn't ask Jiang Qiao to tell her everything he knew.
After all, it wasn't always better to know more.
In fact, knowing some information could be harmful to some people.
As the sky darkened, MEI, who prioritized studying over exercise, wasn't in very good physical condition.
As autumn approached, she subconsciously rubbed her shoulders, clad in thin clothing.
But the next moment, a warm garment was draped over her.
Meeting the pink-haired girl's smiling eyes, although she didn't know where the clothes came from, she didn't ask, but instead invited:
"It's getting late, let's go to my place and chat."
"Okay~"
There was no reason to refuse. Who could refuse a beautiful girl's invitation to her home?
Walking side by side, the two left Chiba Academy, looking especially close under the dim streetlights.
Coincidentally, this scene was witnessed by a certain shy, white-haired boy passing by.
He subconsciously wanted to go up and greet them, but stopped when he saw MEI accompanied.
"Isn't that the beautiful girl Su and I met at the concert the other day?"
Kevin had good eyesight and memory, recognizing Jiang Qiao at a glance. He scratched his head.
Earlier, he had wanted to stay by MEI's side, but she had to write her paper.
Naturally, he couldn't disturb her.
So Kevin thought that, with MEI's personality, she would definitely stay on campus until very late.
He could wait and then pretend to run into her and walk her home.
Unexpectedly, someone had already beaten him to it.
…But it was okay—
—It was just a girl.