Zhao Min stared at the robot in front of her, wide-eyed, as it calmly poured a glass of water. She hadn't been inside Chen Mo's lab before and had only been vaguely aware that he was working on something "technical." Usually, she just arranged logistics and appointments per his requests.
Now, stepping into his office, the sight of this humanoid robot—straight out of a sci-fi movie—left her genuinely stunned.
"This is the 'little toy' you mentioned?" she asked, accepting the water from the robot's outstretched arm, her expression still stuck in disbelief.
Chen Mo nodded casually. "It was finished yesterday. Just started walking today. Xiao Yu came up this morning to help test its motion data."
Zhao Min blinked, still studying the robot. "Your toys are something else. Is the technology even stable?"
"Not yet," Chen Mo admitted. "It's still in the data testing phase. Right now, it's just my lab assistant. A robot assistant."
Zhao Min took a seat, eyes still on the machine. "Once it's mature, how much would it cost?"
"Hard to say," Chen Mo said. "So far, development's cost around twenty million. That's not even counting the brainpower it drained. But with mass production, maybe around one million per unit."
Zhao Min whistled low. "You ever think about bringing it to market?"
"Not yet. It's not ready. Too many unknowns—component lifespan, environmental response, system reliability. I don't want to slap our brand on something half-baked."
"Well," she said thoughtfully, "when it's ready, let me know. If we can mass-produce these things at a million apiece, I'll personally make you the richest man in the world."
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "You sound like I already am."
Zhao Min smirked. "Let's just say... your current value puts you comfortably in the top ten on the national wealth list."
He waved dismissively. "I stopped caring about money after the third zero. Besides, with the Technology Library, wealth is just a side effect."
"Speaking of wealth," Zhao Min said, handing him an envelope, "I need you to do something for me while I'm out of the country."
Chen Mo opened it. An invitation card.
"Heisha Charity Night?" he asked, recognizing the upscale event. "This is one of those parties."
"It's being held right here in Binhai this year. Our company got invited, naturally," Zhao Min said. "I'll be in Europe talking with telecom operators about bringing Butterfly Eye overseas. So I need someone to represent us. That someone is you."
Chen Mo leaned back. "You know I'm terrible at networking. I'll just end up in a corner eating snacks."
Zhao Min chuckled. "That's the classic scientist excuse. But you're the chairman, and your presence has weight. Public exposure helps our brand. It's for charity too—good PR."
"I still think you're tricking me into this," Chen Mo muttered.
"If you won't go, I'll have to ask Xiao Yu to take her boyfriend instead," Zhao Min teased with a mischievous grin.
Chen Mo narrowed his eyes, then sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll go."
"Excellent," she said, standing. "I'll have a custom suit prepared for you. The event's in a week."
"Do you even know my measurements?"
"Xiao Yu does," she said over her shoulder as she walked out. "Oh, and if you ever want to launch the robot, tell me first."
"Got it."
Chen Mo glanced at the invitation once more before placing it aside and returning to his book. Social events weren't his thing, but if it was for charity, he didn't mind.
"If one can't help the world with wealth or wisdom, what use is either?"
The saying lingered in his mind.
Charity scandals had made the public skeptical over the years, but this event was more transparent. Donations were given directly to verified causes. That kind of model, Chen Mo respected.
The Night Before the Event
Chen Mo and Xiao Yu were lounging on the sofa, watching a movie, when the doorbell rang. Wang Hai entered with two garment bags in hand.
"Chairman, these are the custom outfits Ms. Zhao had made—for tomorrow night's event."
He placed the bags on the table and left quietly.
Chen Mo opened one and handed it to Xiao Yu. "This one's yours. Try it on. If it doesn't fit, we've still got time to fix it."
"Mine?" Xiao Yu blinked.
"You didn't know? I thought Zhao Min told you. We're attending the Heisha Charity Night together."
"Zhao Jie only said you were going. She never mentioned me."
"Well, I figured I'd need a date. Unless... you're okay with your boyfriend finding someone else to take?" Chen Mo grinned.
"You dare?" she huffed and grabbed the dress, heading for the bedroom.
Minutes later, she stepped out.
Chen Mo looked up—and froze.
Silk. Flowing, ivory white. A subtle V-neckline revealed just enough of her collarbone to hint at elegance. Her hair was tied up in a loose knot, and the soft sheen of the fabric made her skin glow.
He didn't speak for a few seconds.
"You're staring," Xiao Yu muttered, face flushing.
"I mean... wow. Clothes really do make the person," Chen Mo said, half-joking, still admiring her.
"Be serious. Help me check if it fits properly."
Chen Mo circled her like a tailor. "The dress fits perfectly. But... something's missing."
"What?"
"Heels," he said, snapping his fingers. "You don't have any, do you? We'll go buy a few pairs now."
"I'll pass," she said, waving it off.
"Xiao Yu, you've gotten way too casual with me," Chen Mo said, grinning as he suddenly swept her off her feet.
"Put me down!" she yelped, blushing.
"Too late."
He carried her into the room, ignoring her protests.
Ten Minutes Later
Xiao Yu emerged, cheeks red, her eyes soft and shimmering.
"You're terrible," she muttered.
"Terribly charming, maybe," Chen Mo said with a sly grin. "And if we keep going at this pace... you'll be the one dried up."
"Stupid."
They teased each other all the way out the door, the evening calm and the stars bright.
Tomorrow, they'd step into a new world together—one of flashing cameras, polished shoes, charity bids, and whispered power plays.
But tonight? Just laughter, warmth, and quiet companionship.