Marching Ant Company – First Building
On the transparent LCD screen in the lab, Mo Nu's charming figure appeared—fully three-dimensional to the naked eye.
This was the first internal test of the miniature holographic projection technology, and naturally, it took place in Chen Mo's laboratory. Although full air-projected holograms consumed too much electricity for daily use, this demonstration used a transparent liquid crystal display for cost efficiency. Full 3D projection was reserved for higher-end experimental modeling only.
"Brother Mo, the prototype of the miniature holographic projector is complete," Mo Nu reported cheerfully.
Right after she spoke, a robot stepped forward and handed over a compact, phone-sized device to Chen Mo—the fruit of his recent research: the miniature holographic projector.
Having already developed the medium-sized holographic projector, Chen Mo was intimately familiar with the technology. Much of what he had learned before was repurposed and adapted, allowing the design of the miniature version to progress faster than expected.
Although miniaturization required a more refined fabrication process, none of it was beyond his capabilities.
Chen Mo carefully inspected the device, nodding in satisfaction.
Five circular micro-laser projectors were arranged on the device like an array of mini-turrets—this was the heart of the holographic projection system. Each was paired with a nail-sized holographic projection chip that handled microlaser coordination and image control.
In this palm-sized instrument was the most advanced holographic technology on Earth. If word got out, the tech world would erupt in shock.
After his detailed check, Chen Mo placed the device on the testing platform and connected the power supply.
"Activate it," he instructed.
"Okay."
As Mo Nu responded, the projector lit up. In the blink of an eye, a palm-sized holographic figure floated above the projector—Mo Nu herself, in miniature form.
The projection was crisp and vibrant. The resolution was astonishingly high. If someone didn't look closely, they'd mistake the floating figure for a real tiny fairy.
"Status check," Chen Mo said.
"The projector is functioning normally."
Chen Mo smiled.
The miniature holographic projector was officially a success. That left only the large-scale version. Once that was complete, he could return to the Science and Technology Library to unlock the next technology.
That mysterious library still held countless secrets he was itching to explore.
"Now let's begin designing the holographic phone," Chen Mo said.
From the start, he had envisioned using the miniature projector for smartphones. A fully holographic phone—something out of science fiction—was finally within reach.
This technology wouldn't just change devices; it would redefine how people interacted with information.
"Okay," Mo Nu replied.
Even during the design phase of the projector, Chen Mo had already mapped out its role in a phone. That's why the device was shaped like a phone—rectangular, compact, modular. The projector would become the core of the phone's display system.
Once deep in research mode, Chen Mo lost track of time.
By the time he finally looked at the clock, it was already 6:30 PM.
With a contented smile, he packed his things and left the lab.
Back at the villa
Just as Chen Mo stepped inside, Xiao Yu came to greet him, gently taking the backpack off his shoulder.
"Why didn't you call me to come pick you up?" she asked softly.
"Mo Nu said you were still working, so I didn't want to disturb you. I wasn't sure when you'd be done, so I came back early to make dinner and wait for you," Xiao Yu said with a smile.
Chen Mo felt a pang of guilt in his chest.
He hadn't been involved in the company's partnership with Roche or the business end of things recently—his whole focus had been on finishing the projector. He'd often lose himself in the lab until late, barely realizing how much time had passed.
And yet, Xiao Yu never complained. She quietly took care of his daily needs, never asking for anything in return. She simply waited, cooked, and made his life easier—without making a fuss.
"I've been so caught up with the miniature projector that I haven't had much time to spend with you lately," Chen Mo said, his tone apologetic.
"I know your work is important. I'm not a clingy kitten—I don't need you with me every second," Xiao Yu replied gently. "Come eat before it gets cold."
They sat down at the dinner table. Xiao Yu ladled a bowl of soup for him, the warm aroma instantly soothing him.
Back in college, whenever Chen Mo lost himself in study, Xiao Yu would bring food to the little apartment he rented. Now, years later, not much had changed—she still made meals with care and waited for him to come home. The scent and taste were exactly the same.
A soft smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
To the world, it might seem like Xiao Yu was lucky to be with him. But to Chen Mo, meeting her was the greatest fortune of his life.
"Thank you, wife," he said, taking the bowl.
"Don't be so mushy."
Xiao Yu's cheeks flushed slightly, but her smile deepened. This guy—always corny at the wrong times—but she liked it. Sometimes, he was like a big kid, and she loved that about him.
"By the way, you should consider hiring a housekeeper. You work too hard," Chen Mo said.
"No way. What's so hard about this? The robots handle most chores. Cooking is the one thing I can do for you every day. If you take even that away from me, I'll be obsolete! If you get tired of my cooking, then sure, go hire a chef," she pouted.
"How could I ever get tired of your cooking? It's better than anything a chef could make," Chen Mo said sincerely.
"Hmph, I'm not a chef. Now eat more."
Xiao Yu beamed. Her eyes curved into crescent moons as she kept piling food into Chen Mo's bowl.
He had suggested getting a nanny or helper many times before, but she always refused. In the end, Chen Mo didn't press it. As long as Xiao Yu was happy, that was all that mattered.
"I have good news for you," Chen Mo said between bites. "The miniature holographic projector passed testing today. It's officially a success. So this weekend, I'm taking some time off—to go out with you."
"Really?" Xiao Yu's eyes widened in delight.
Of course she missed having him around. No woman wouldn't want her partner to spend more time with her.
But she understood how exhausting his work was. She couldn't help him with the research, or much of the company operations either. So she did what she could—took care of him in the background, never once asking him to sacrifice work for her.
Now, hearing he wanted to go out together? That was a surprise she hadn't expected.
"When have I ever lied to you?" Chen Mo chuckled, seeing her light up like a child.
He hadn't realized how long it had been since they'd had a day off together. Seeing her this happy over something so simple only made him feel more guilty—and more determined to do better.
"Then I want to go shopping, watch movies, and buy a ton of stuff—until your wallet cries," Xiao Yu grinned.
"Deal."
After dinner and a quick clean-up, Xiao Yu excitedly changed into fresh clothes. Hand in hand, the two of them left the villa, ready for a simple, long-overdue evening together.