260. The Correct Way to Communicate with Wendy
Yun Ling tried to touch the Desire Gem using his Domination forcefully.
"Ah~!" Wendy's body suddenly trembled, a blush rising to her cheeks.
Then, her face filled with disbelief. Just a moment ago, she seemed to have truly felt the warmth of Yun Ling's fingers.
"Did you feel anything?" Yun Ling asked, feigning surprise.
"It seems... I really do!"
A look of joy appeared on Wendy's face. Did this mean there was a real possibility she could be cured?
"Have you found the cause?" Himeko asked impatiently.
Yun Ling looked into Himeko's eyes, then shook his head, indicating no.
He couldn't say anything; pointless words would only arouse suspicion.
Yun Ling tried massaging it a few more times, but didn't try to touch the Desire Gem again.
This time, Wendy didn't react at all; the previous movement had seemed fleeting.
This stirred a slight ripple in Wendy's heart, but also a glimmer of hope.
"We'll come see you again in a while," Himeko waved goodbye to Wendy.
Wendy smiled gently at the two of them and waved back.
Back on the spaceship, Himeko suddenly grabbed Yun Ling by the neck.
"You scared me to death! Thank goodness Wendy isn't angry." Himeko punched Yun Ling's head a few times.
"Sister Himeko, your approach to Wendy is flawed," Yun Ling pointed out Himeko's mistake calmly.
"Hmm? What's wrong with my approach?" Himeko raised an eyebrow, intending to punish Yun Ling if he didn't give a clear explanation.
"Your approach to Wendy is incorrect. You're communicating with Wendy from the perspective of an able-bodied person; that's a pity. Although I don't fully understand Wendy's personality, I know she definitely has her own pride."
Yun Ling explained.
Becoming an A-rank Valkyrie before the age of fourteen, the most promising candidate to become an S-rank Valkyrie, the most outstanding Valkyrie in the Oceania branch, the captain of the Oceania Valkyrie squad... so many accolades made it impossible for Wendy to accept this disparity.
Treat her like a disabled person; it would only cause her more pain.
"Didn't you notice? Wendy's attention was actually on me afterwards. You guys occasionally talked about me, but that's because Wendy felt I didn't treat her like a patient. In my eyes, she's still Wendy."
Yun Ling's words made Himeko fall into deep thought. Yun Ling's actions truly seemed to indicate that he didn't treat Wendy as a patient.
He wasn't a glutton; why would he covet the fruit he gave Wendy?
His actions were a way of showing Wendy his attitude, demonstrating that they were equals, without distinction between able-bodied and disabled.
This was why Wendy's attention gradually shifted to Yun Ling, even when he was staring blankly at her sheets. Yun Ling didn't shy away from mentioning Wendy's legs, not to rub salt into her wounds, but rather to offer genuine concern as a 'friend.'
Of course, the prior establishment of equal standing was essential.
Although it was just a simple meeting, there was a lot to learn.
What you perceive as happiness may not be true happiness, and what you perceive as indifference may not actually be indifference. Humans are emotional beings; they can lie.
Hearing Yun Ling's explanation, Himeko's mouth slightly opened. She seemed not to have genuinely thought that far ahead; she simply wanted to show concern for Wendy.
But wasn't that also a form of 'arrogance'?
Himeko released her grip on Yun Ling's hand. Today, Yun Ling had taught her a lesson.
However, Yun Ling's insight into human nature was truly remarkable; even Himeko was ashamed of herself.
He's so young; where did he learn so many tricks of the trade?
"By the way, Sister Himeko, I've finished that quantum component. Our promise, you remember it right…" Yun Ling whispered a reminder.
"…Who knows if it was you or Bronya who finished it?" Himeko blushed and retorted.
"Sister Himeko, you're not trying to back out, are you?!" Yun Ling suddenly shouted.
"W-What are you talking about! I'm Murata Himeko! I can afford to lose! It's just… going to the hot springs together…"
Himeko's voice trailed off, clearly lacking confidence.
"Don't force yourself," Yun Ling said cheekily.
"Okay then, I won't go." Himeko seized the opportunity, going along with Yun Ling's words.
"Huh?"
Now it was Yun Ling's turn to be stunned. This wasn't what he expected.
How could someone as strong-willed as Himeko go back on her word?
Seeing Yun Ling's dazed expression, Himeko finally felt she had won a round.
"Hehe, just kidding. I'm not one to go back on my word. Let's go this weekend," Himeko teased, pinching Yun Ling's cheek.
"Phew, you scared me," Yun Ling exhaled.
Although developing the quantum components wasn't entirely for a date with Himeko, he wouldn't easily miss such an opportunity.
"Once the headmistress resolves the machine issue, the quantum components will be able to achieve small-scale mass production. Then we can equip your Valkyrie armor with them."
"My Valkyrie armor is so outdated. Can I still equip it?" Himeko asked doubtfully.
Her Valkyrie armor was at least two or three versions behind the newer ones.
However, because the old armor greatly enhanced her combat power, she hadn't replaced it.
Her Fusion Armor: Crimson was equipped with the unique Nexus system. Once connected to the Hyperion, it could gain power comparable to the Godsbane-class Armor.
Of course, each connection worsened Himeko's condition, so this was her last resort, something she would only use as a last resort.
"Don't worry, this quantum component, designed by Bronya and me, is compatible with over 90% of machines. Your Valkyrie armor will definitely be fine," Yun Ling said confidently.
Even if it wasn't, he could modify it slightly. His limitations were never his internal designs, but rather external factors like money, materials, and environment.
"If I have the chance, I'll also get a suit of armor to study. Maybe I can even help Himeko upgrade her armor in the future."
"You should upgrade Kiana and the others first. My armor is still usable."
After this incident, Himeko no longer doubted Yun Ling's practical abilities. After all, as far as she knew, that quantum component wasn't so easy to tinker with.
She had also discussed it with her mechanical engineering professor; the difficulty was no less than building a skyscraper in a day on a vacant lot.
Even with Anti-Entropy quantum components as a reference, modifying them into a miniature chip was incredibly difficult.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to Yun Ling's promise.
Want to go to a hot spring with Yun Ling...?
Should we buy a nice swimsuit?
...