The Frenzied Savior - Chapter 46

Fu Qingya looked helplessly at the thick-skinned man standing before him.

“Luo Mingyuan, the Luo family is a massive dynasty. How is it possible you have nowhere to stay? Stop teasing me.”

Luo Mingyuan secretly observed Fu Qingya, moving closer with a grin. “Those assets are all my old man’s retirement fund. I’m just a lowly forensic doctor. How could I afford a house in a city where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold?”

“The place I’m living in now belongs to the old man.”

“And when you live under his roof, he can kick you out whenever he feels like it. I have no say in the matter, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“So, right now, I am truly a pitiful, homeless soul.”

Luo Mingyuan spread his hands, looking completely innocent. “If you don’t believe me, well, there’s not much else I can say.”

Fu Qingya: “…Your skin density might not actually match human biological data.”

It certainly seemed much thicker than that of an average person.

Noticing that Fu Qingya’s complexion was even worse than when he had been discharged from the hospital, Luo Mingyuan’s mood soured instantly. Is this guy seriously diving back into his black tech before he’s even finished recovering?

Having learned from his father that Fu Qingya’s consumption of mechanical parts had skyrocketed recently, suggesting non-stop work day and night, Luo Mingyuan frowned inwardly.

Does this guy really think he’s made of iron?

He had started pushing himself the moment he left the hospital, without a single pause. To prevent this kid from working himself into an early grave, Luo Mingyuan decided he had to stay here, no matter what.

“You’re right about everything, so can I stay?”

“I’m arrogant, sharp-tongued, and I usually don’t have any friends. Right now, you’re my only life jacket.”

Luo Mingyuan spoke with a handsome, slightly rakish face, but his words were a stark contrast to his appearance.

“At least you know you’re sharp-tongued and thick-skinned,” Fu Qingya remarked, a rare bit of dry humor escaping him while being “harassed.”

“Of course, I have excellent self-awareness. So…”

Luo Mingyuan tried to drape an arm over Fu Qingya’s shoulder, but after the boy dodged it, he pulled his hand back naturally. “Take me in, Papa Fu.”

Fu Qingya: “…”

What?

Since his rebirth, Fu Qingya had suddenly become the youngest person in his social circle. “I suppose I could take you in, but there are conditions.”

The lazy Luo Mingyuan immediately straightened up, his eyes shining as he looked at Fu Qingya. “What conditions? As long as it doesn’t involve murder or arson, just name it.”

“First, the underground laboratory is strictly off-limits.”

“Naturally. I wouldn’t dream of going near a mad scientist’s lab. God knows if there’s some high-yield lethality inside, if I accidentally touched something, I’d be lucky to escape with a permanent disability.”

“Second, when I am in the lab, you are not to disturb me unless it is a dire emergency.”

Fu Qingya relied on flashes of inspiration during his experiments and required absolute concentration. He detested being interrupted.

Luo Mingyuan signaled his understanding. His second brother was a scientist, so he was well aware of the taboos regarding research.

Fu Qingya thought for a moment. “Third, you are not allowed to bring outsiders into my house. If I see anyone else here, you’ll be leaving along with them.”

Luo Mingyuan leaned in closer, undeterred. “I told you, I don’t have any other friends besides you. You can rest easy on that point.”

Fu Qingya wanted to clarify that they weren’t exactly “friends,” but looking at the grinning face in front of him, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“If that’s all, you can leave now.”

“I’ve already finished packing.”

Luo Mingyuan smiled triumphantly at Fu Qingya, who was wondering why he hadn’t moved yet.

Fu Qingya: “…”

So he had planned this all along. He’s certainly calculated.

Fu Qingya felt helpless, he was truly ill-equipped to deal with someone like this. “Since you’ve already packed your bags, then come in.”

Fu Qingya conceded.

Luo Mingyuan nimbly pulled a suitcase out from behind the door. He followed closely behind Fu Qingya as they walked into the villa.

“Extend your right hand.”

Fu Qingya suddenly stopped in front of a decorative stone pillar and looked back at Luo Mingyuan.

Luo Mingyuan reflexively reached out.

“Open your palm and place it on there.”

Luo Mingyuan obeyed.

A familiar mechanical arm abruptly sprouted from the rounded stone pillar, plunging into Luo Mingyuan’s wrist with a sharp shing.

Beep, beep, beep—

“Biological DNA collection complete. Master, shall I include the DNA owner in the authorized access list for the villa?”

“Include him.”

“Understood, Master. Please specify the access permissions for the internal areas.”

“Grant all permissions except for the underground laboratory.”

“Command received. Permissions granted.”

As Luo Mingyuan’s access was activated, the cold, mechanical voice softened. “Hello, Guest. I am the villa’s intelligent system, Seven. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

The mechanical arm withdrew from Luo Mingyuan’s wrist, waving at him in a friendly manner while still carrying a few drops of blood.

Luo Mingyuan glanced at the wound, which was clotting with unnatural speed, and replied warmly, “Hello, Seven. Nice to meet you, too.”

“I’ve given you access. From now on, you can go anywhere except the lab,” Fu Qingya said.

He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off Seven’s mechanical arm. “Let’s head inside. I’ll be counting on you to keep things running, Seven.”

After speaking, Fu Qingya continued forward at a quick, steady pace.

Luo Mingyuan lagged a few steps behind, caught between curiosity and surprise. Fu Qingya’s tone when speaking to the AI was far gentler than his tone toward Luo Mingyuan.

Is this the mark of a true science fanatic? He loves his research and its products to the point of obsession.

Luo Mingyuan lamented that a human was apparently less important than a machine, then waved to the mechanical arm and hurried to catch up with Fu Qingya.

“So, what’s the plan now?” Luo Mingyuan asked curiously.

“Sleep.”

Fu Qingya’s answer was concise. He led the man into the villa and immediately turned to leave.

“Hey, hey! You’re just going to dump me here? Where’s your hospitality? It’s my first time here, at least show me around.”

“I apologize, but please make yourself at home.”

“I’m exhausted. I don’t have the energy to entertain you.”

Fu Qingya had intended to rest after lunch. If Luo Mingyuan hadn’t arrived, he would be asleep by now.

“Fine, fine. Go get some rest. I’ll entertain myself. Who told me I have such a good personality?”

Luo Mingyuan noticed the dark circles under Fu Qingya’s eyes were quite prominent. His theory about the non-stop research was essentially confirmed.

Fearing Fu Qingya might drop dead from exhaustion, he didn’t dare pester the boy further. After a few more nagging reminders, he let Fu Qingya go and set off in a good mood to prepare the guest room.

Fu Qingya told him to pick any room he liked, so Luo Mingyuan naturally chose the one right next to Fu Qingya’s.

Luo Mingyuan moved quickly. In less than half an hour, he had tidied the room, organized his belongings, and donned an apron, intending to whip up some snacks in the kitchen.

“Guest! Guest! Please stop! Cooking is Xiao Yuan’s job. Guests should just wait to be served.”

When the round robot, Xiao Yuan, saw Luo Mingyuan entering the kitchen in an apron, it was so startled that its short legs seemed to stretch as it scrambled over.