Screwllum nodded when he heard Bai Luan say that, a hint of pleasure in his tone:
"I share the same vision and expectation for this."
Then, Screwllum continued:
"Besides discussing Jarvis with you during this visit, there's one more thing."
"What is it?"
"I'm currently conceptualizing a new sub-project based on the simulated universe architecture, tentatively named 'Divergent universe'."
Screwllum looked at Bai Luan and asked:
"Question: Mr. Bai Luan, are you willing to join my new project and participate in the construction of the 'Divergent universe' together?"
Divergent universe?
Hmm... although he had always tried his best to avoid projects related to the simulated universe before, this time it seemed he could really get involved.
Bai Luan's willingness to participate was neither a change of heart nor a result of him underestimating the simulated universe after a shift in mindset.
The pain brought by the initial development of the simulated universe was too profound; he would probably never forget it.
The reason he was willing to actively join this time was because this project could help Ark.
The Divergent universe contains many Path equations, and these Path equations all involve multiple Blessings and Paths.
This means that in the subject of multi-Path intertwining and fusion, the depth and breadth that the Divergent universe will explore will far exceed the original simulated universe and any of its DLCs.
This perfectly overlaps with what Ark is currently working on; Ark is trying to extract experience from all Paths to write a brand new Path.
If Ark could be secretly placed into the Divergent universe... it should provide a lot of help in writing Ark's Path.
Bai Luan's logical thinking was very clear.
The smoother Ark writes the Path → the stronger Ark will be when 'born' in reality → the stronger Ark is, the stronger he is → the stronger he is, the safer Herta is.
There was truly no reason not to do it.
As for being tired?
If being tired could ensure his lover's safety, then he would gladly be tired. If he couldn't even do that, Bai Luan would be too ashamed to say he loved her.
Facing Screwllum's invitation, Bai Luan nodded and said:
"I'd be happy to help."
Just then, Herta's voice came from the side.
"Why did you agree so readily this time?"
Both Screwllum and Bai Luan looked towards Herta, who was slowly approaching.
Behind Herta followed a Herta Puppet holding a camera, still a bit confused, not knowing why she was there.
The Herta Puppet was originally discussing with Herta which photo was taken best.
But then Herta suddenly frowned, took out her phone, and sent a message—the program she left in Bai Luan's phone had heard something not so good.
Although she received Bai Luan's reply, Herta, sensing something was wrong, decided to make a special trip for this matter, so she got up and left.
Evidently, she hadn't explained what was going on to the Herta Puppet, so even now, the Herta Puppet following her was still completely bewildered.
However, when she saw Bai Luan in the laboratory, that bit of confusion was immediately thrown out of her mind.
Never mind, it's not important anymore, it's good enough to see Bai Luan.
The Herta Puppet subtly and naturally switched her position from behind Herta, silently slipping to stand behind Bai Luan, as if that were her inherent place.
Herta walked over to Bai Luan, looking at him with a hint of suspicion.
"You usually avoid the simulated universe like the plague, so why did you agree so readily the moment Screwllum spoke?"
"Because I see that doing so will help our future, yours and mine. I never hesitate when it comes to things that benefit you."
The Herta Puppet looked at Bai Luan upon hearing this.
She suspected the man before her was seducing her,
and she (in her opinion) had ample evidence.
Bai Luan: Just stating the facts.
The Herta Puppet: He's seducing me, and he's very skilled at it.
"..."
Herta was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Screwllum.
"You can let him help, but remember, Screwllum, don't steal my things."
"Statement: I am very satisfied with our current cooperative relationship and situation, and I have no intention, nor do I believe there is any need, to alter our established harmonious working and personal relationship."
"I know, I was just making a statement to you."
Screwllum chuckled lightly:
"That is indeed your style."
After Herta finished speaking, she looked at Bai Luan and found him interacting with the Herta Puppet.
The Herta Puppet tugged at his sleeve, and Bai Luan then slightly crouched down, looking at the Herta Puppet and listening to her speak.
Herta narrowed her eyes when she saw this scene.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving; I still have things to attend to."
She strode towards the door, and as she passed the Herta Puppet, she reached out very naturally, grabbing the puppet by the back of her collar with precision, like picking up a disobedient kitten, lifting her away from Bai Luan and taking her along.
Looking at the Herta Puppet's expression of "I don't want to, but I'm powerless to resist," a look of utter despair, Bai Luan couldn't help but laugh.
He stood up and then waved at the Herta Puppet being carried away.
The Herta Puppet's eyes lit up, she picked up her camera to capture the moment, then broke free from Herta's grasp and actively followed her.
Screwllum looked at that Herta Puppet.
He had a feeling... this Herta Puppet seemed special, different from the previous Herta Puppets.
Bai Luan keenly noticed Screwllum's gaze. He felt that Screwllum already had a high enough opinion of him, so it would be better not to let him discover the Herta Puppet's peculiarity.
Wall-E was still going to make an appearance later... so he proactively started a topic, asking:
"Mr. Screwllum, do you have any ideas about the Divergent universe yet?"
Then Bai Luan and Screwllum began discussing the Divergent universe.
As a player who had seen, played, and even stood guard at the front lines of the Divergent universe, he was naturally very clear about its mechanics.
Although miHoYo couldn't actually create it for him, with the perspective of having seen the finished product and the practical experience of participating in the underlying development of the simulated universe, Bai Luan could now indeed deduce the possible reasons and key technical Paths needed to achieve these effects based on known results.
After some discussion, Screwllum left satisfied.
Originally, the Divergent universe was just an idea in his head, but after talking with Bai Luan, he felt like he could start working on it at any moment.
However, feeling is one thing, reality is another.
The immediate priority was to set up the internal test group for the Divergent universe and gather the first batch of core developers.
That's right, the Divergent universe project was currently less advanced than creating a new folder; not even a new folder had been created yet.
However, Bai Luan didn't find this surprising at all; geniuses push project progress extremely fast.
Perhaps a folder hadn't even been created that morning, but then inspiration struck at 11 PM, and they finished the project in twenty minutes—it was all possible.
Hmm... though the simulated universe certainly wouldn't be that fast.
To be thought of and invited by a rigorous and outstanding genius like Screwllum at the very first moment he had a new idea, this in itself was a great affirmation of one's ability and value.
Setting aside his personal preference against working overtime, Bai Luan felt he was quite impressive to achieve this.
Hmm, thinking this, Bai Luan put his hands on his hips.
I really am the best assistant. (Smile)
Just then, a burst of music suddenly played in Bai Luan's ear.
『Now playing - "I Am the Best Little Lamb" background music』
...
You're still so good at picking background music.