Chapter Six: The Fingerprint

"Miss," the bodyguard said, her voice laced with unconcealable anxiety, "are you truly certain you want to be discharged now? Isn't it far too early?"

Shen Liangxin, however, had already donned her white coat, her eyes firm. "My research has reached a critical stage; I cannot afford the slightest relaxation now."

As the VIP ward door swung open, Li Fengyin caught sight of Shen Liangxin, who stood in a crisp white coat. Her perfect figure, the heroic cast of her features, her dark hair, and those beautiful eyes framed by purple-rimmed glasses left him momentarily breathless.

In truth, he had recently concluded that truly beautiful women possessed a natural, effortless grace.

"Stop staring and follow me!"

Shen Liangxin grabbed Li Fengyin’s hand and headed out of the university hospital. If she were to conduct experiments, she couldn't leave her subject to roam free—and after nearly being kidnapped the previous night, she felt it safer to keep him by her side. Security within Huaqing University, at least, was reliable.

"I have a student coming for guitar lessons today. Even if I am your experimental subject, at least treat me like a human being!"

Li Fengyin felt a sense of resignation. As a pauper, if not for this income, he would have likely starved on the streets. Furthermore, without those expensive medications, he feared he would slowly lose his grip on reality.

In fact, he knew that overcoming schizophrenia through sheer willpower was nearly impossible. His own experience had led him to the conclusion that his brain’s normal functions were compromised, even if modern MRIs and CT scans failed to detect any organic lesions.

"Are you a schizophrenic?" Shen Liangxin was evidently well-versed in medicine and showed no prejudice. "How long has it been?"

The two had reached the edge of the campus's largest body of water, known as Fulong Lake. Shen Liangxin let go of his arm, but the eyes of every male student nearby seemed to burn with jealousy. Shen Liangxin was Huaqing University’s hidden goddess; though she rarely made appearances, every glimpse left those who saw her spellbound. No self-proclaimed campus beauty could compare to her. Yet, here she was, accompanied by a man.

Li Fengyin noticed the murderous glares from both men and women and realized he had become a public enemy. Instead of answering her question, he proposed a condition: "If you let me hold your hand, I’ll tell you."

With a playful smile, he hoped to add fuel to the fire, relishing the thought of the surrounding men suffering in frustration. The idea that a peerless, dream-like goddess was being claimed by an unknown commoner was intoxicating.

"Fine."

Without hesitation, Shen Liangxin extended her slender arm, her fair hand and fingers exceptionally delicate.

Li Fengyin remained calm as he gently took her hand. Inside, however, his heart raced, filled with excitement and delight.

"Can you tell me now?" Shen Liangxin glanced at the onlookers before turning her gaze to the man holding her hand. She realized, in that moment, that she had hardly ever held hands with a boy in her entire life.

"Eleven years," Li Fengyin answered softly. He felt the fair hand in his tremble ever so slightly.

"Have you ever attempted suicide?" Shen Liangxin stopped walking. "I have some understanding of the illness. The literature on schizophrenia notes that patients endure immense suffering."

"Well..." Li Fengyin turned his left hand over, revealing two crisscrossing scars on his wrist. "The wrist-slashing failed. But the hardest part was the pain it caused my parents when they took me to the hospital."

"I can provide you with the best medication," Shen Liangxin changed the subject. "Consider it payment for your participation in the experiment."

"Deal."

Li Fengyin nodded, and the two fell into a brief silence. They walked hand-in-hand along the lakeside, the long branches of the willow trees swaying in the breeze while the morning sun danced on the water. Nearby, a crowd of single men watched in agony, their eyes wide with rage, some even snapping photos. This, however, was exactly what Li Fengyin had anticipated. As the saying goes, one needs a legitimate reason to act; by establishing a public perception of their relationship, he could pave the way for further developments.

"By the way," Shen Liangxin said, breaking the silence, "thank you for saving me last night."

"It was nothing." Li Fengyin asked, "The grenade must have had fingerprints on it. Have you identified them?"

"The code name is 'Falling Feather,'" Shen Liangxin said, her eyes deep in thought. "This matter is not simple. I suspect there are other factors at play."

"I see..."

Li Fengyin did not press further. They soon arrived at the gates of the Huaqing Research Institute. Though located within the university, it was surrounded by an additional outer wall, complete with real-time surveillance and armed guards. Shen Liangxin entered a code, the gates opened, and Li Fengyin followed her inside. Seeing the soldiers on duty, he realized the facility likely housed something of immense importance.

Li Fengyin did not know that beneath this institute lay the world’s first, and currently only, quantum supercomputer.

They didn't head upstairs but instead stepped directly into an elevator. As they descended, Li Fengyin calculated that they were at least twenty meters below ground. Finally, as he felt the increase in gravitational pressure, the elevator stopped. Entering a glass chamber, Li Fengyin asked, "Is there no one else here?"

Shen Liangxin smiled, gesturing toward the quantum computer outside the glass. "Those who operate it do not have direct contact. This is my private laboratory."

"Your private laboratory?" Li Fengyin was astonished. This was the most advanced computer in the world; why would it be reserved for her?

"Because the Shen family covered half the costs," she said with a hint of pride. "And I am the lead designer."

"That’s impressive!" Li Fengyin admired her sincerely. "Does this mean I can join the research?"

"That depends on whether you have the capability." Her expression turned serious, radiating an air of authority. "The ancients said, 'Take half of a one-foot rod every day, and it will never be exhausted.' Do you believe this holds true? And if so, explain why."

"If my answer satisfies you, will you let me join?"

Li Fengyin’s lips curved upward; he had already formulated the answer.

Shen Liangxin chuckled softly. "I didn't realize you were so confident."

"It’s alright," Li Fengyin replied. "This question reminds me of one of the four beasts of physics: Zeno's Tortoise."

He paused, meeting the girl's gaze of growing appreciation, and continued.