Yang Wanqing took the opportunity to snag two more pieces of pork ribs.
"Master, were you getting struck by lightning every day during those four-plus years on Mars?"
"Not every day."
"So you've passed all nine stages of nirvana?"
"Yes."
"Then what realm are you in now? Dao Venerable True Body?"
Yang Wanqing's eyes lit up. "Master, how many Xiao Wuwangs could you beat now?"
"Eat."
"Oh."
Dinner ended.
Chen Siyao sent Yang Wanqing off to wash the dishes. Chen Hao returned to the study and continued reviewing the information from the past few years.
Eleven o'clock.
Chen Siyao knocked on the study's doorframe.
"Brother, I'm going to the office tomorrow. Want to come take a look? A lot has changed over the past few years."
Chen Hao turned his head. "Sure."
Chen Siyao nodded and turned to leave. After two steps, she came back.
"Brother."
"Yes?"
"...I'm glad you're back."
She left after saying that, her steps noticeably lighter.
Chen Hao watched her disappear at the end of the hallway.
At some point, Xiao Yue had slipped into the study and fallen asleep at his feet. Xiao Qing was curled into a little green ball on top of the bookshelf, head tucked beneath a wing.
Chen Hao switched off the projection.
Glad I'm back.
It really is good to be back.
The next day. Pengcheng Super Headquarters Base.
The Haoyue Si Group building had changed its name.
It had once been called the Haoyue Si Biotechnology Tower. Now, the sign at the entrance read "Haoyue Si Group Headquarters."
The building itself had been expanded, too. Its original ninety floors had grown to a hundred and fifty, and a circular aircraft docking platform had been added at the top.
Chen Hao followed Chen Siyao into the building through a private