Chapter 178

Chapter Fifty-Three: The Maid Riddler

This... This is asking Rita how Shen Gonglin is doing lately. What is Rita talking to me about? Who asked if his skin is okay lately? And what's with the taste? How does Rita know about his taste? What exactly does Shen Gonglin taste like? Durandal wants to know too!

Durandal was immediately bewildered. Although Durandal, as the strongest Valkyrie Durandal, was the epitome of almost all Valkyrie, she couldn't even come close to Rita in this matter. For some reason, Durandal's eyes started to dart around. What the hell was going on? Rita must have gone on a mission, right? And what was with the taste of Shen Gonglin?

"Durandal? What's wrong?"

Seeing Durandal at the communicator, the maid kindly inquired. It seemed this was still too early for Lady Durandal. Rita appeared to be trying to help them mend their relationship, but Rita had no idea how. Durandal's inquiry about Shen Gonglin's condition revealed that she still couldn't let go of Shen Gonglin. In that case, she needed to be brave; being shy over something so trivial wouldn't do.

"No, it's nothing... Rita, I want to know why you let that humanoid machine go. This isn't like you when you carry out missions."

After adjusting her state, Durandal took a deep breath and regained her composure. She had long known that Shen Gonglin and Rita had a close relationship. If Shen Gonglin had spoken, she probably would have immediately rebelled against Schicksal. However, since she had still completed the mission, it meant that she was still Schicksal to Schicksal. Subordinate to Schicksal and obeying Shen Gonglin was a double-dealing behavior that Durandal found incomprehensible. Why didn't he say anything when Rita acted this way, while she had only tried to save him, yet ended up causing such a mess in their relationship?

Durandal didn't understand. In terms of combat power, she could easily outclass Rita, but in terms of emotional intelligence, it seemed that this maid was stronger.

"Durandal, you know the answer. Of course, it's to improve my relationship with Lord Rin. If I were to carry out this kind of killing mission in front of him, my favorability would undoubtedly drop. Lord Rin doesn't like this kind of mission-carrying style, so as his personal maid, I can't do that."

Knowing Durandal would ask this question, Rita made no attempt to hide it. She openly admitted her reasons for doing so. If Shen Gonglin wasn't present, she would have executed the mission flawlessly, but with him there, things were different. Rita didn't want Shen Gonglin to think of her as a cold-blooded battle maid. She knew Shen Gonglin's preferences; he wasn't a cold-blooded or ruthless character. On the contrary, Shen Gonglin always yearned for beauty and was willing to strive towards it. So, as his maid, Rita naturally wouldn't do anything to spoil the mood in front of him—that was perfectly normal.

"... Just for this?"

Durandal couldn't understand it. Rita really was different from before. She couldn't figure out this change.

"That's enough, Durandal. People have two hands, one for taking and one for giving... I believe you understand this principle."

Rita, now a riddle teller, smiled as she looked at Durandal on the screen. Lady Bianca was just too rational. Sometimes, being completely rational wasn't a good thing.

"Alright, no matter what, Rita has finally done something good. We'll have to wait until we get back to the Hyperion android girl analyze the situation in detail before we can reach a conclusion. Let's take her back to the Hyperion first."

On the other hand, Theresa, who found nothing wrong with the android girl, could only attribute it to Rita's momentary kindness. It was hard to believe that the woman could actually show mercy, but it was still a good thing. Looking at the person in front of her, Theresa decided to take her back to the Hyperion to make further plans. There was no equipment here and it was very dangerous. Only by returning to the Hyperion could she feel at ease.

"I'm not a humanoid machine, call me 2B."

The android girl wearing a mask... no, 2B calmly corrected Theresa's mistake. This white-haired dwarf is really problematic; she can even get other people's names wrong. And calling herself a humanoid machine is so impolite.

"Fine, 2B, is 2B not enough... Shen Gonglin, look what you've taught her, you bastard... I'm speechless. Let's go, let's go back to the Hyperion first."

Listening to the righteous correction from the android girl, Theresa rolled her eyes at Shen Gonglin helplessly. The moment she woke up from the formatting was the moment of personality reshaping, but Shen Gonglin suddenly interfered and implanted this information into her. Now this child really thinks her name is 2B and her master is Shen Gonglin. Sigh, there's nothing to say.

"Huh? I have to go back to the Hyperion too? But what about Kiana? She doesn't want to go home now. I'm worried about leaving her out there alone."

"Shen Gonglin said with a worried expression, and then Theresa and the other two looked at him with even more worried eyes. This guy really has no sense of self-awareness. It's more worrying for him to stay by Kiana's side. Neither of them can take care of themselves. Shen Gonglin has lost weight. Mei and Bronya have both noticed this. They were even thinking of taking him back to the Hyperion to help him recover properly."

"Come back with us first. Kiana should be better off without your interference... It's only for a few days. The android... 2B may have been formatted, but we might still be able to recover some data. Your hacking skills are no less than Bronya's, so you should help with this as well."

Theresa also wanted to bring Kiana and Shen Gonglin back together. It was alright if she could only bring one back now. She had a lot of things she wanted Shen Gonglin to tell Kiana. That girl was going through a rebellious phase, and she would never be able to find her if she didn't get any information. But Shen Gonglin could convey her feelings to Kiana.

"Shen Gonglin, Bronya wants you to go back too. Come back to the Hyperion with us first. I'll prepare lots of delicious food for you. You must have had a hard time being away for so long."

Mei gently patted Shen Gonglin's head. Kiana and Shen Gonglin had been worried about her the most during all the time they had been away. Now that they had finally found Shen Gonglin, how could they let him continue to wander outside?

Chapter Fifty-Four: A Temporary Separation

They've all said that, how can I refuse? Maybe... I should really go back for a few days? Would that be disloyal? It's like running away from home with your friends, and then getting called home by your mom for dinner. It's not a pleasant thing to say, is it? I'd go back and enjoy all the good life while Kiana is left out alone...

Shen Gonglin really is capable of doing something like this.

"Yes, Mei, you guys are right. Let's go back. I haven't had anything good to eat lately. But before we go back, let's wait a bit. I need to leave a message for Kiana."

It was easy to seduce Shen Gonglin. A long time ago, when Himeko first met Shen Gonglin, she had used hamburgers and cola to lure him. Shen Gonglin knew Mei's cooking skills all too well. The thought of going back and having a feast made Shen Gonglin immediately forget about Kiana. This wasn't betrayal; he was just going back to eat before running away from home. Kiana was in Sky City; he was just going back to the Hyperion to help them out a little. No problem.

"Leave a message? Don't you not know where Kiana is? Or has Shen Gonglin remembered the name of your place? Take us there quickly!"

Theresa's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. If Shen Gonglin knew where Kiana was, that would be wonderful. They wouldn't have to go through all that trouble trying to find Kiana through the humanoid machines. But this guy was hopelessly directionally challenged. He couldn't remember where Kiana or his nearest base was. Was he trying to prove that he had a way to find Kiana?

"You're overthinking it. I already said I don't remember where that place is, and if Kiana knew we were together, she would have already moved. There are many ways to leave a message; as long as Kiana sees it, it's fine."

Shen Gonglin shook his head, admitting his terrible sense of direction with a straight face. People always grow, like Shen Gonglin. He would never have revealed his terrible sense of direction before, but now he can openly admit it. That can be considered progress. As long as Kiana knows what he's doing, she must still be within the territory of Sky City, which will make things much easier.

Shen Gonglin turned her gaze to the 2B girl android on the side. Gray Serpent had used her to collect information about the entire city, which meant that all the network ports in the city were virtually linked to her in her head. Before, she received all the information, but now, she only needed to do the opposite.

He waved to the android 2B girl, and the girl who recognized Shen Gonglin as her master obediently came to him. Shen Gonglin reached out and pressed her forehead, and a faint electric current emanated from her body. Just as he thought, although the original stored information had been formatted, the virtual port connecting the entire city was still there, so there was no problem.

"Ahem... Kiana, did you get it? This is Shen Gonglin. My mom told me to come home for dinner... no, Mei told me to come home for dinner. I'll come back to play with you after I've eaten. While I'm gone, you stay here and behave yourself. If anything happens, listen to Fu... If you encounter any danger, don't listen to her. Just use the Arts Committee member's power without worry. Don't worry about causing anything irreversible. I'll take care of everything... That's all for now. I'll bring you a little cake when I come back."

With lightning flashing in her eyes and controlling the power of electromagnetism, Shen Gonglin posted the video on the entire Sky City network through the android girl. In an instant, the video was received by every place with internet access, whether it was a television, a computer, a mobile phone, or even a huge electronic billboard. Shen Gonglin's presence saved the need for hacking. In that case, Kiana should be able to see her message.

"You... you're really being reckless, Shen Gonglin! Are you afraid that Schicksal won't know where we are? Mei, Bronya, take Shen Gonglin and retreat immediately!"

Now they finally knew what Shen Gonglin was up to. This guy was as reckless as ever, lighting up the entire city. There was no point in saying anything now. Helpless, Theresa could only grab 2B's hand and quickly retreat. Schicksal was worried about not being able to find their whereabouts, and then Shen Gonglin exposed himself so openly. Could he be a traitor too? It's no wonder Theresa thought that way, after all, she had seen far too many traitors.

"Wait, wait a minute, I'm not finished yet... Anyway, Kiana, remember to eat well and sleep well, or you'll get thin... I'll personally check on you when I get back..."

Seizing the opportunity, Bronya and Mei quickly pulled Shen Gonglin along to follow Theresa to the evacuation point for a personal inspection. How exactly was she planning to personally inspect it? Was she going to start doing it herself? It seems Shen Gonglin and Kiana have gotten along quite well during this time; it's gotten to this point!

That's typical of him, using such a method... You'd better come back soon, or I won't forgive you.

Standing atop the high-rise, Kiana watched as the billboard next to her played the words spoken by Shen Gonglin for almost half an hour on a loop. The technicians still hadn't been able to resolve the issue. Gazing at the distant horizon, Kiana wore a faint smile. It was good that Shen Gonglin was going back for a while; she could use this time to work on her own. With him by her side, she always unconsciously wanted to rely on him.

Kiana, did you hear that? Shen Gonglin told you to listen to me. I hope you won't continue to ignore me. In the coming days, I will teach you...

Fu Hua's voice echoed in his mind. The Class President's voice sounded somewhat helpless at this moment. What does "Ah Fu" mean? This name sounds really strange. He really doesn't know what Shen Gonglin is thinking.

[Don't listen to her. Didn't that guy say that if anything happens, use my power? He said it himself, come on, Kiana, use my power!]

The voices in her mind started playing mahjong again. Kiana took a deep breath. She didn't intend to listen to either of them!

Chapter Fifty-Five: Hyperion, the Master is Back

"My Hyperion, your master has returned!"

Riding in the aircraft arranged by Einstein, Shen Gonglin, who had been lying on Bronya's lap the whole way, was full of energy as soon as he got off. Looking at the Hyperion parked on the sea, he sighed with nostalgia. Seeing this warship reminded him of the time he had spent on the Hyperion. As expected of his own warship, it looked especially cool just sitting there.

"Shen Gonglin, you're not the owner of this Hyperion. Himeko is the captain of the Hyperion. Don't be so arrogant."

As Theresa helped Bronya out, Theresa glanced at Shen Gonglin's arrogant figure and muttered irritably behind him. This guy is so energetic now, as if he wasn't the one trembling with fear on the spaceship before. He even had Mei massage Bronya's legs while she was resting her head on them, and now Bronya's legs are numb and she has trouble walking. They actually missed Shen Gonglin while he was gone, but as soon as he came back, he started causing trouble again.

Bronya's leg has only recently fully recovered. Theresa is always worried about her walking even a little, and yet he so brazenly asks her to provide a lap pillow. What if there's something wrong with her? If she needs a lap pillow... no, there are other people too.

"What belongs to Himeko is also mine. She entrusted everything to me before, so this Hyperion is also mine... What kind of look is that? Don't look at me like that, I'm a little scared."

Shen Gonglin smiled smugly. He pulled a red bank card from his pocket and waved it in front of them. Himeko had given it to him before the last battle, so it wasn't wrong for him to say that the Hyperion belonged to him. Moreover, the Hyperion was now integrated with the Moonlight Throne's engine, and the Moonlight Throne was also his. So, rounding it up, he was indeed the owner of the Hyperion.

The Hyperion belongs to Himeko. The Moonlight Throne was originally meant to be given to Kiana, but now it's ended up being hers. She's really living off a woman.

"Please do not approach Master. Master, danger detected. You run first, 2B, I'll hold them off."

Just as Theresa Mei and the others were about to rush to Shen Gonglin's side, the quiet 2B girl robot blocked Shen Gonglin's way. This girl, who had undergone a master recognition ceremony in Shen Gonglin's formatted state, really regarded Shen Gonglin as her master. Shen Gonglin was very pleased with this. Now she finally acknowledged that her name was 2B. That's great.

"Shen Gonglin, what do you mean by saying that Teacher Himeko has handed everything over to you?"

Bronya, who had been letting him sleep until his legs were numb, asked this question with a blank expression. She knew that many people had feelings for Shen Gonglin, even the Herrscher Shen Gonglin, but as far as she knew, no one had ever done anything more intimate with him than a kiss. Yet Shen Gonglin had said such a thing. Could it be that Teacher Himeko felt her time was coming to an end and had a deep conversation with Shen Gonglin somewhere before the final battle?

Even if she is Teacher Himeko, this won't work.

"Shen Gonglin, do you know anything about Himeko? What's going on with her?"

Theresa was concerned about this issue, while Mei wanted to know about both things. Miss Mei, who had missed the earlier ones, also cast an expectant glance at Shen Gonglin Mei. Bronya and the headmistress were both very quick, as if she was always one step behind everyone else.

"It literally means that you've handed everything over to me. Bronya, you were in the same situation before, like you were."

Shen Gonglin was completely baffled. Why were they so excited? Bronya had done this before, thinking she was about to die, so she left everything to Shen Gonglin, including Heavy-duty Rabbit. Shen Gonglin still shared control of Heavy-duty Rabbit with her. What was so strange about that?

"Don't look at Bronya like that. Bronya is still a girl. Bronya hasn't had a chance to give herself to Shen Gonglin... She hasn't even kissed him yet, which is infuriating."

Theresa and Mei turned their surprised gazes to Bronya again, but the little girl clarified expressionlessly that this was completely nonsense. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but rather that Shen Gonglin seemed to have no such intention. Even Kiana had kissed Shen Gonglin, but she had only let him bite her thigh. Bronya felt very angry when she heard this, as the progress of the conquest was too slow.

Mei blushed slightly after hearing Bronya's words. Speaking of kissing, she and Shen Gonglin before, so did that mean she wasn't so far behind? She was a little happy.

"So that's what you mean?"

Theresa looked at Shen Gonglin suspiciously. This girl completely disregarded the school rules. The school rules explicitly prohibited students from dating, but it seems that not only Shen Gonglin, but even Bronya didn't take the school rules seriously. What a bunch of disobedient students... Although even the headmaster seems to have broken the school rules.

"Otherwise, Himeko, like Bronya, seemed to have a death wish back then, and left everything to me, and then a very complicated thing happened... In short, Headmaster, you don't need to worry too much. She should be in some Imaginary Space. When I have mastered the Herrscher of the Void's abilities, I will be able to bring her back."

Speaking of which, Theresa and the others don't seem to know about Himeko's situation. Shen Gonglin felt it was necessary to explain to them that Himeko should be alright. Although she underwent Valkyrie transformation a bit late and her body had been experiencing strong rejection reactions, her blood had helped correct the problems that had been bothering her. In addition, she hadn't suffered any major injuries in the battle with the Herrscher of the Void. Therefore, Shen Gonglin believed that Himeko was currently sleeping peacefully in a corner of the Imaginary Space, waiting for her to come and get her.

"Really? I see... That's great, that's wonderful."

Upon hearing this news, Theresa finally felt relieved and let out a long sigh of relief. For so long, she had been deliberately ignoring Himeko's situation because she was afraid of receiving bad news. Now, Shen Gonglin had given her peace of mind, and this outcome couldn't be better.

Chapter Fifty-Six: Makeup Etiquette

On the bridge, two women were walking side by side toward the Hyperion's landing port. After all, they were guests in a strict sense, and it was only natural for them to welcome their hosts back. It was hard to imagine that people who originally belonged to two different factions were now working together on a warship. And all of this was thanks to Schicksal, since Schicksal was known for producing traitors.

"Hey, Chicken Coop Head, what's with you secretly staring at me? Is there something strange on my face?"

One of the two, Dr. Tesla, with her fiery red twin ponytails, glanced at her nemesis with a displeased look. This guy had been staring at her since the beginning, and even though she had pointed it out, he still hadn't stopped. Tesla looked down at her own attire, which was the same as usual. What was so interesting about it? Did this guy have a problem with her?

She can voice her opinions if she has any; she won't change them anyway.

"Dr. Tesla, you must be wearing makeup."

With certainty, Dr. Einstein stated the fact accurately. After observing Tesla along the way, she was absolutely certain that Tesla was indeed wearing makeup. Her skin was even whiter than usual, and her pink lips were now adorned with red lipstick. Hmm, even her mascara was applied. Although Tesla was not exactly sloppy, she had never dressed like this except when attending public events. Was there any special meaning behind her sudden change today?

"... Yes, so what if I wear makeup? Isn't it normal for me to wear makeup? In this day and age, it would be surprising if a woman didn't wear makeup. Really... is it really that obvious? Maybe I chose a lipstick that's too red?"

Caught off guard, Tesla's fair face flushed slightly, but she still stubbornly maintained her composure. What's wrong with putting on makeup? It's a very normal thing. It's not because she suddenly found out that Theresa and the others brought Shen Gonglin back that she put on makeup. It's just that she happened to have nothing to do and that her lipstick, eyeshadow, and powder were all nearby, so Tesla put on a little makeup. It's a very normal thing.

"To be fair, Dr. Tesla, your makeup is perfect right now, but are you sure Shen Gonglin likes women wearing makeup? In today's climate, many men think they prefer to go makeup-free."

Einstein, speaking from the heart, knew Tesla's cosmetics smelled wonderful. She was naturally beautiful to begin with, and now, with makeup, she was becoming even more beautiful. He didn't quite understand Tesla's thinking, but the only thing he was sure of was that she was putting on makeup because she was going to see Shen Gonglin. Well, this behavior was just like a high school girl preparing for a date.

"Do you believe it? Maybe, but Shen Gonglin isn't that kind of person. He said that makeup can make a pretty person even prettier, and this kind of makeup is just an embellishment, not... Hey! When did I say that I put on makeup because of Shen Gonglin? This is just my daily preparation. Don't you know that makeup is also a kind of etiquette?!"

Tesla accidentally let slip that her secret was out. Covering her mouth, she glared angrily at Einstein beside her. The girl's cheeks flushed red, looking as if her secret had been exposed. What on earth did that messy Chicken Coop Head mean? She had already said that it was just a normal social etiquette. Why was she bringing it up with Shen Gonglin? It was utter nonsense.

"Suit yourself, but Dr. Tesla, if you keep shouting like this, your lipstick will run. I'm just giving you a friendly reminder."

Einstein remained calm. Perhaps he would have another research topic in the future, and he could study Dr. Tesla when he had free time. As for her current state, it should be... the period of unrequited love, right?

I don't quite understand it, since I haven't experienced these things myself, but that's precisely why it's worth studying.

"Oh no! Will it really smudge? This makeup is really bad quality, it looks like it's already smudged... What do you think of my Chicken Coop Head now?"

Tesla was startled and quickly took out her makeup mirror to touch up her makeup. The cosmetics she had brought were far inferior to the high-end ones she usually used, but she figured it wouldn't make much of a difference with her skill. She carefully drew her lips and Tesla, asking Einstein to check if there were any problems. Why was she suddenly a little nervous?

"Very good, perfect, Dr. Tesla. You have already used nearly half of the Anti-Entropy mechs as dowry, so you don't need to worry as much as you do now. Besides, I don't think Shen Gonglin is the kind of person who would care about this kind of issue."

Einstein was speechless. Was Tesla sure he was alright? He had only been joking, and she had actually become worried. How strange.

"Sigh, you don't understand. This makeup isn't just for others to see. It also shows your attitude. If you don't do it because the other person doesn't care, it shows that you don't value it. It's a process, from wearing makeup at the beginning to not wearing makeup at the end, and then to being able to wear makeup or not at all as you please. This is very important... Why am I telling you this? And let me say it again, I'm not wearing makeup because of Shen Gonglin!"

Tesla glared angrily at Einstein, for some reason, wore a look of surprise, which quickly turned into disbelief and then admiration. What was wrong with this guy? Why did he seem to have suddenly gone mad?

"I've learned a lot, Dr. Tesla. You're really amazing. I think I understand now."

With great respect, Einstein bowed his head to Tesla. He was now absolutely certain that Tesla in this state was indeed worthy of study. Although he still didn't quite understand what she had just said, Einstein found it very reasonable. He was now very interested in Tesla and decided to put studying Tesla on the agenda. He felt that studying her was even more interesting than studying Honkai. He realized that so much could be derived from something as simple as makeup. There was still so much for him to learn.

"Hehe, of course I'm good... Wait a minute, what's so good about me? And you said you almost understand, what do you understand? You Chicken Coop Head, what's wrong with you? Why do I feel like something's off about you?"

It was quite rare to receive praise from an opponent, and Tesla subconsciously became arrogant and conceited. But after realizing what was wrong with her, she wondered what was wrong with him.

Chapter Fifty-Seven: You Have a Problem

Tesla couldn't understand what this "Chicken Coop Head was thinking. No matter how furiously Tesla questioned her, she always seemed to accept it, which infuriated Tesla. Finally, Tesla simply gave up. After all, this "Chicken Coop Head had been acting strangely for a while now; let her be. She figured she was just doing the makeup specifically for Shen Gonglin, so let her think that. She had a clear conscience... or rather, she had a clear conscience...

As Tesla walked out of the bridge with Einstein, she immediately spotted the blond figure. Shen Gonglin was indeed a very strong presence; he was the kind of person you could spot in a crowd at a glance, even in a group photo. Everyone Tesla knew shared this feeling. After not seeing him for so long, he seemed to have lost some weight. Tesla took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and not show any joy. She should just treat it with a normal attitude.

"Why are you taking so long? I was worried you'd run into some trouble again. How's the mission going?"

Deliberately avoiding speaking to Shen Gonglin, Tesla adopted a businesslike demeanor. Shen Gonglin and the others who were talking turned their heads upon hearing the voice. When Tesla met Shen Gonglin's gaze, he couldn't help but subtly shift his gaze. He should be able to tell that she was wearing makeup, right? He had already checked and found that her lipstick and other makeup hadn't smudged.

"Godzilla!"

Upon seeing those familiar figures, Shen Gonglin shouted excitedly and ran towards Tesla. Shen Gonglin had missed them terribly after not seeing them for so long, and she was so happy to find them on the Hyperion.

Why is it Godzilla again? This guy clearly remembers my name but always deliberately calls me by the wrong name. Seriously, is he just teasing me like this? Don't call me Godzilla, call me Tiga... Oh well, considering how long it's been since we last met, I'll forgive him a little. He's rushing over so eagerly, wouldn't it be too rude of me to just run away? I'd better not move, that way I'll appear more reserved.

Tesla took a tense breath and watched as Shen Gonglin ran over, extending her hand slightly to hug him. However, the girl ran right past him and hugged Einstein instead. Tesla's face froze. What was going on? Had the girl's mental problems gotten worse? Before, she was just calling him by the wrong name, but now she was even mistaking him for someone else. There was such a beautiful girl standing right there, and he still managed to wander off?

Ahem... As for the issue of beautiful girls, as long as someone looks like a beautiful girl, then they are a beautiful girl. For details, you can refer to Theresa.

"Hey, how did I end up here... Oh well, it's all the same. Blue Hair, I remember clearly, you took advantage of me while I was sleeping before, let me get my revenge now."

She felt like she was running towards Godzilla, but why did she end up in this blue-haired guy's arms? Looking at the astonished girl in front of her, Shen Gonglin ignored her and kept rubbing her head against him. Anyway, they were all acquaintances, so it didn't matter.