Chen Mo thought for a moment, then deliberately let out a sigh and teased in disbelief,
"The imagination of the people in the Xuanwu Division is really something. Just a simple blackout, and they've already linked it to advanced technology? If they don't write sci-fi novels, that's a real waste of talent."
"…" Tian Tian fell silent for a moment, then said, "I also think they're making a mountain out of a molehill. But regardless, you should come back to school for now. We need to cooperate with their investigation."
"Alright, I'll head over now." Chen Mo nodded. The Xuanwu Division was an official agency—there was no use trying to avoid them. Doing so would only make him look more suspicious and bring unnecessary trouble.
"Okay. Hanging up."
"Oh, right. I've been busy all day today for Black Domain Tech. I recruited over twenty people and rented a building as our office headquarters. I think the Hatsune APP just needs a bit more optimization before we launch. There's no intelligent assistant on the market right now as powerful as this. Once it goes live, it'll definitely be a game-changer."
Tian Tian had originally planned to hang up, but suddenly remembered something and quickly continued speaking.
"Nice job! Don't worry about small matters like that—you can make the calls." Chen Mo nodded approvingly, even giving her a thumbs-up—though she couldn't see it over the phone.
His focus remained on the nuclear power station. Black Domain Tech was just a money-making tool. As long as Tian Tian managed it well and the overall direction was right, success was inevitable.
With his technological backing, Black Domain Tech would eventually become a massive juggernaut.
"...Thanks for trusting me." Tian Tian chuckled, then added, "The new employees at the company said they'd like to meet you. Do you have time to come by and say hello?"
Chen Mo thought for a moment and shook his head. "Not for now. I'll come by when Hatsune officially launches—we can throw a celebration then."
"Alright then!"
"You're such a busy guy—just dumped Black Domain Tech on me and now spend your days all mysterious. I never realized you were this secretive before."
Hearing Tian Tian's half-complaining voice on the other end, Chen Mo chuckled.
After a few more casual exchanges, he hung up.
When Chen Mo arrived at Qingmu University's School of Computer Science, he ran into his roommate Zhang Dawei, coming from the opposite direction. Zhang Dawei—nicknamed the Love Sage—was extremely skilled at flirting and had a sky-high EQ. His only flaw was that he was a total player. Over the past two years, he had left a trail of broken hearts behind him.
"Chen Mo, where've you been? Everyone in our dorm has already been called in for questioning. You're the only one left. Go on, get in there!" Zhang Dawei waved his hand while keeping his other arm wrapped around the waist of a curvy and provocatively dressed girl—clearly heading off to, well, release some hormones.
"I was on leave. Just got the message and came back."
Chen Mo nodded, then glanced at the girl beside Zhang Dawei. As something crossed his mind, he leaned in close and whispered, "You mess around so much every day… better be careful. Don't end up catching something."
"Get lost! Don't curse me! One more word and this beautiful friendship of ours is over," Zhang Dawei replied, his face slightly souring before quickly hurrying away with the girl.
Chen Mo made his way through the academic building and up to the second-floor office. He knocked gently on the door, making a "knock knock knock" sound.
"It's not locked."
"Come on in!"
Hearing that, Chen Mo pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The office was square, containing only an oval conference table. Around it sat five individuals in plain clothes.
At the head of the table was a woman.
She wore a green long dress, her hair tied up in a bun. She had a commanding, heroic presence. The other four men around her kept subtly glancing her way, clearly deferring to her.
So, the people from the Xuanwu Division weren't that mysterious after all. They didn't look much different from regular people.
"Hello, you're Chen Mo, right? We've been waiting for you," said Long Xiaoyun, fixing her gaze on Chen Mo with a faint smile.
"Yes, I'm Chen Mo."
"Chen Mo, this is just a casual conversation. No need to feel pressured," Long Xiaoyun said as she pushed her credentials across the table.
"Before we begin, let me introduce myself. My name is Long Xiaoyun, and I'm the director of the Xuanwu Division here in Haicheng. We're similar to the National Security Bureau, but we mainly handle unexplainable supernatural phenomena."
Thud!
So this is the Xuanwu Division?
They handle unexplainable supernatural events?
Chen Mo fell silent, expressionless as his eyes darted around. No one could tell what he was thinking.
Although he had heard of the Xuanwu Division before, this was the first time he truly understood that they dealt with "special incidents."
Looks like…
This world I've lived in for over ten years isn't as simple as I thought. There are a lot of secrets hidden under the surface.
Chen Mo clicked his tongue silently in his mind.
"Alright. Ask whatever you want. But I probably don't know anything. I was sleeping in the dorm when the blackout happened," Chen Mo replied calmly, not defensive at all.
"Okay." Long Xiaoyun nodded and switched into interrogation mode.
"What were you doing when the blackout occurred?"
"In the days leading up to the blackout, did you notice anything unusual around your dorm building?"
"What do you think caused the blackout? Or rather, what do you suspect? Feel free to guess boldly."
…
Chen Mo brushed off each question with ease.
Ever since he got his golden finger (system), his mental fortitude had skyrocketed.
No matter how Long Xiaoyun asked, he remained composed, never giving anything away.
"Alright, Chen Mo. That's all for today. Here's my card. If you recall anything—or notice anything strange—don't hesitate to call me." Long Xiaoyun handed over a business card. It was pink and carried a light, elegant scent.
"Okay."
"Goodbye, then."
Chen Mo waved, walked out of the office, and thought for a moment. Since he was already at school, he might as well head to the library to study more about nuclear energy.
Long Xiaoyun sat in silence, watching Chen Mo's departing figure, lost in thought. His answers had been flawless—no slips, just like a regular student. But there was one thing that troubled her: Chen Mo was too calm. His demeanor was so composed it was as if he had predicted all of this.
Most students, when faced with the Xuanwu Division, would show at least a little panic.
But not Chen Mo.
That wasn't normal.
Could it be that his mental strength is just that exceptional?
Forget it.
Maybe I'm overthinking things…
A few minutes later, Chen Mo arrived at the library and returned to the same spot as last time.
After grabbing a few books on nuclear energy, he glanced around the packed room, searching for an open seat. With exams coming up, nearly all the spots were taken—except one beside a beautiful girl sitting in the center.
Huh?
Isn't that Su Qin?
Top of the Ten Campus Belles.
He had run into her last time he was here.
And now, here she was again.
What a coincidence!
Chen Mo didn't overthink it. Holding his stack of nuclear energy books, he walked over and plopped down next to her.
He didn't feel anything was out of place.
An empty seat is meant to be sat on—it's public space, no need for permission.
Su Qin wore a blue dress, her twin ponytails tied up behind her head. Seeing a stranger sit next to her, she instinctively frowned and blushed slightly, scooting to the left. But when she recognized him as the guy who had flipped through books rapidly last time, she couldn't help but feel a bit curious—was he just flipping through pages, or was he really that fast at learning?