Inspection

Chen Miemie secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had almost blurted out what he really thought—that the selection committee was nothing but a shameless tabloid.

Moon Library was Chen Miemie’s territory. The Scholars’ Institute was not directly under his control, but it was closely tied to him and could be considered half his own domain.

“Then tell me—what research achievements do you have?”

Niu Dun was truly a top-tier scientist. He rattled off his accomplishments without hesitation.

“I designed the entire energy and power system of [Wavefoam Harbor]. I invented underwater wind turbines that collect the kinetic energy generated by the ebb and flow of the tides and use it to supply power to the whole city.”

That achievement alone made Chen Miemie’s heart jolt.

Damn. He was literally harvesting the tides to power an entire city. This guy was unquestionably a super heavyweight.

Of course, on the surface, Chen Miemie continued to look as though it was nothing special.

“What else?”

“I also invented shell constructs. The smaller ones can eavesdrop and record conversations, while the larger ones can replace humans in certain high-risk tasks, such as exploring the deep sea.

“The upper limit of my shell constructs isn’t particularly high. Their greatest advantage is that ordinary people can use them, too.”

“What are you currently focusing on?”

“[Wavefoam Harbor] is facing the disaster of citywide destruction. My current project is called ‘Wave-Splitting Technology.’ Before the sea ridge collapses and the giant waves arrive, I want to create a massive blade-shaped structure along the waves’ path, dispersing their force and protecting the city from impact.”

If Chen Miemie hadn’t needed to maintain the dignity of an interviewer, he would have applauded on the spot.

He clasped his hands behind his back and paced a couple of steps, pretending to deliberate.

At last, he clapped his hands.

“You do have some ability. Very well, I’ll make an exception and give you a chance. Come inside with me.”

Chen Miemie opened the door, and Niu Dun followed him in.

“Niu Dun, what you’ve told me had better be accurate. Someone will verify everything later. If you’ve deceived me, the consequences will be severe.”

Niu Dun nodded. “I never falsify my academic achievements. Go ask anyone on the street. Most locals should know who I am.”

“If you’re really so capable, why do you want to join us? And why have you been forced to hide?”

Niu Dun glanced at Loop.

“Family,” Chen Miemie said. “Speak freely.”

“Actually, I don’t know what this new species is all about. I came to find you because I had no other choice.

“I’m currently wanted. My positions at the school and the Academy of Sciences are both gone.

“While researching Wave-Splitting Technology, I needed to conduct an experiment. Things got out of control, resulting in a major safety accident that killed quite a few people.

“I was the person primarily responsible. I can’t deny my responsibility for those deaths.”

“Be specific. What kind of experiment was it, and how many people died?”

“I designed a small blade-shaped structure, which I named the Wave-Splitting Blade. I attempted to place it in the sea to counter small waves and currents.

“But it couldn’t withstand them. The Wave-Splitting Blade was swept away by the water and turned into a massive underwater meat grinder. Every boat that happened to pass nearby, along with the explorers beneath the sea, was shredded. Four ships were involved. There were forty-one confirmed deaths and twenty-seven people left disabled.”

Chen Miemie frowned. “The casualties were indeed severe, but this was an accident during an experiment, not intentional murder. It shouldn’t have been enough to get you stripped of your position as a university dean and put on a wanted list, should it?”

“That’s right. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have been. I was still considered useful. But I didn’t give up. During the period when the Tidal Palace had explicitly forbidden further experiments, I conducted a second one anyway. This time, I chose a location farther away, but the experiment still failed. More than a dozen people died.”

“With your intelligence, after learning from the first accident, you couldn’t possibly have chosen a location where people were still present.”

“I did my best to choose a remote area. I conducted multiple surveys beforehand to make sure there were no ships nearby. But I had no way to detect the explorers beneath the sea.

“To make matters worse, because I chose a location far from [Wavefoam Harbor], most of the people killed or injured this time were demonfolk from [Bivalve Ruins]. They put diplomatic pressure on [Wavefoam Harbor] and demanded that I pay with my life.

“We were already on the verge of war with [Bivalve Ruins], so the diplomatic pressure wasn’t insignificant. But the incident completely blew up. What was supposed to be handled quietly became known throughout the entire city. Under the pressure, I had no choice but to resign and accept responsibility.”

Chen Miemie was very familiar with the typical behavior of research fanatics.

“After resigning, you conducted a third experiment?”

Niu Dun paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

“I wanted to, but unfortunately, without an official position, I could no longer mobilize any resources. So I secretly used certain unauthorized permissions. I was discovered before the experiment even began, and that was when they put me on the wanted list. They said I was dangerous.”

“You’ve explained clearly enough how you became wanted. But even if you join us, I still can’t let you continue your experiments. Where would we even find a research department among the anomalous beings?”

Niu Dun’s eyes lit up.

“Look at it from another angle. This is my opportunity. I can establish one myself.”

Chen Miemie thought about it, but still shook his head.

“It’s not that I don’t value scientific research. I recognize its importance to every species. But at present, this isn’t the time for us to pour resources into research. The initial investment would be enormous, while the returns would be far in the future. I don’t think we’ll be able to see much progress in the next few years.”

Many people assumed that research fanatics were only good at conducting research. In reality, anyone capable of leading a major project also needed exceptional negotiating skills. They had to secure resources when there were none and reassure investors when there were no results.

“Chen Miemie, I understand what you mean. But the project already exists. I’ve completed every theoretical stage of Wave-Splitting Technology, and I’ve even conducted two experiments, giving me a solid foundation of data. Success isn’t far away.

“I’m willing to hand over all future profits to the organization. If we can save the city, the returns will be extraordinary.”

Ten minutes later.

Niu Dun left Chen Miemie’s room.

After he departed, the anomalous beings began discussing what had happened.

Loop, who had heard everything most clearly, sighed.

“How could someone so talented, someone who worked so hard for the city, end up as a wanted criminal?”

The Forbidden Fruit Bestiary flapped its tiny wings.

“People have two sides. I’ve met many scholars who were obsessed with academic research to the point of madness. They would stop at nothing to achieve their goals—including sacrificing themselves and the lives of others. I didn’t hear any remorse for the dead in Niu Dun’s words. He may simply not care.”

Pure Water nodded in agreement. “His sense of duty toward the city and his personal obsession with the experiment have become completely intertwined. It’s difficult to judge him from only one perspective.”

Qinghua looked toward Chen Miemie. “Is this why you said you wanted to observe him for a while, Miemie?”

Chen Miemie didn’t put on any airs with his companions.

“I honestly didn’t think that deeply. I just believe in one principle: whenever a researcher comes to you with a project, says it’s almost complete, and asks for funding, you’re looking at a bottomless pit. It’s even less reliable than the stories those vendors make up at [Pearl Night Market].”

This was an argument the anomalous beings had never heard before.

Black Hole rolled over to his feet and gently bumped against him.

“Did you make that principle up yourself? How reliable is it?”

Chen Miemie picked up Black Hole and gave it a vigorous rub.

“Idiot. If he were really close to success, would those officials at the Tidal Palace issue a warrant for him when the city’s survival was at stake? Even if the chances of success were slim, as long as there was still a chance, they’d probably put a knife to Niu Dun’s neck and force him to keep going.”

Qinghua immediately understood what Chen Miemie meant. “You’re saying that this Niu Dun has been hiding something important?”

“I'm afraid so. We can’t just listen to his side of the story.”

Just then, Dentist arrived.

“Chen Miemie, let’s go. This afternoon, we’re going to visit the shipyard.”

Chen Miemie stood up. “Perfect. I’ve been hearing about the Ship King for ages. Today, I’ll finally see what he’s really like.”