Chapter 2910 - 1380: Interlude · Final Countdown (II)_2

Jiawen briskly summarized her perception of old man Merlin, paused for a while, and then casually asked, "You might not believe it, Ah Qing, but I think I’ve found Merlin’s identity in reality."

Ah Qing was taken aback immediately: "Huh?"

"Mu Changchun, sixty-four years old, was awarded the title of Academician seventeen years ago, modest and gentle, has impressive achievements in molecular biology, physics, and genetic engineering. In recent years alone, he has published eleven heavyweight papers. Although he might not appear spectacular compared to other Academicians, he stands firmly in academia."

Jiawen took another sip of tea and continued, "He is currently employed at the Science Academy University in City B, has his own lab with a low threshold, has trained many students over the years. While there might not be any outstanding talents, they are all solid contributors. If my guess is right..."

Ah Qing’s eyes widened so much that her small mouth opened wide enough to swallow an egg: "Are you saying that Academician Mu Changchun is the Merlin we know?!"

Jiawen nodded slightly: "Very likely."

"My goodness, an Academician!"

Although Ah Qing may not know much about the academic world, her understanding of the business world is quite substantial. Nevertheless, she knows very well the weight carried by the word ’Academician.’ Especially someone who has their own lab in Science Academy University in City B, someone who should be far out of reach, she’s actually met them, caught her off guard somewhat.

Moreover, according to Jiawen, Academician Mu Changchun is considered a good researcher in terms of reputation, character, and personality. But the Merlin Ah Qing knows...

Let’s put it this way, the first time she met the old man, he was in a dazed workshop, happily dancing around a tank full of flesh and blood while countless ’test subjects’ wailed around him.

Even recalling the hellish picture today still makes Ah Qing feel unsettled.

"So as they say, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover..."

Jiawen chuckled lightly, saying in a relaxed tone, "I have nothing to be dissatisfied about working as a colleague with such a figure, at least for now."

Ah Qing sharply caught the keyword within this sentence and immediately repeated: "For now?"

"Yes indeed, since I’m not completely sure, Mo does have the ability to manage us. Although his current performance is flawless, it takes more than short-term perfect behavior to make people like Merlin sincerely convinced."

Jiawen swirled the tea in her cup, smiling ambiguously, and said, "Nobody is perfect, I refuse to believe the boss has no weaknesses. In fact, this special commission he gave me is somewhat..."

"Easy?"

Ah Qing, who knows her lady’s personality well, replied timely.

"You can’t say it’s easy, but it indeed lacks challenge. For someone like me, doing too many non-challenging tasks, it’s easy for such work to affect psychology."

Jiawen smiled subtly, then reverted back to her usual self, took off the priest robe customized by Ah Qing, and with a playful smile said, "However, there’s something intriguing, perhaps I’m getting closer to the boss’s secrets."

Ah Qing made a funny face: "I think the boss is full of secrets."

"Yes, so hopefully it isn’t something he truly cares about."

Jiawen gazed at the tea leaves, using her usual elusive tone: "Otherwise, it may indeed become rather dull..."

...

At the same time

Academy City Central District, Mirehaus Avenue No. 11 [Looking Forward Inn], Hall

"Yo, isn’t this our Hei Fan Great Commander."

Phyllis Graham, sharing a newspaper with Yu Chen, turned and playfully winked at Motan, who had just come down the stairs: "Recovered?"

"Almost recovered."

Motan, who had earlier claimed to be unwell, resulting in forfeiting the final rounds of the [Warfare League], responded sheepishly, then pulled out the chair next to Phyllis, and in Yu Chen’s gentle gaze, quietly pushed it back, obediently sitting next to their Dawn Saintess.

"Today is the finals, as a formal delegate, I’m quite busy. You two don’t plan to check it out?"

Phyllis sighed, weakly fell onto the chair, and moaned: "No business opportunities! No business opportunities! Gold Coin Commerce Association and Steam Consortium are too greedy, I feel so wronged! Bawl!"

Motan glanced at this Wealth Saintess, who had just closed a huge deal with ’Link Zelda’ and who would soon be counting money till exhaustion, and teased: "Phyllis, you represent the Holy Church Union, not the Wealth Church... Getting just enough is fine, right?"

"Holy Church Union doesn’t need money? Who do you think manages the squeezed public funds?"

Phyllis glared fiercely at Motan, raging, "Each one is stingy as hell, especially your Church of the Dawn and those hooligans from the Justice Sect! Asking for money from you is like asking for your life! Were it not for our Wealth sect’s consistent support, the City of Light’s sanitation workers wouldn’t even have money for salaries!"

Motan and Yu Chen simultaneously shrank their necks, they knew their sect’s style very well, envisioning scenarios like Xia Lian stepping on the table and shouting for money, no money, life is one...

"Oh, at least the Sun Sect is generous, often adding another fifty to eighty thousand."

Phyllis sighed deeply, then suddenly stood up and opened her arms toward the staircase entrance: "Quick! Kids from rich families, hurry into sister’s arms, let me pamper this lovable little kid!"

"Hmm... Okay."

The Sun Saint Son, who had just gotten up not long ago, paused for a moment, then nodded under the shock-filled gaze of Motan and Yu Chen, wobbling down the stairs, took a couple steps, and directly —

Dove into the arms of Elisa Logan, who had just stepped through the door.

"My silly brother woke up muddled."

The princess turned and smiled at the dumbfounded Holy Church Union trio, then pulled out the chair next to Phyllis and sat down, while firmly keeping the struggling boy in her embrace, she chuckled: "Good morning, all three, how’s the Black Vatican Priest’s health?"

"Already fine."

Motan scratched his cheek, then proactively surrendered: "Honestly, about being sick or not... Princess should know I just don’t want to appear in the limelight anymore."

Elisa smiled knowingly, nodding: "Makes sense, after defeating Foster Ward, you’ve sufficiently proved yourself, no need to fight with that Ramorok Chief Priest."

Phyllis chuckled dryly and spread her hands: "Who would’ve thought Ramorok would also withdraw, really amusing, newspapers already claim this year’s competition might be the most gold-laden [Warfare League] ever, yet simultaneously the one with the least weighted champion [Warfare League], but I’m really curious who’ll finally win the championship, Hei Fan, what do you think?"

"Batty Arthur."

Motan replied without hesitation, catching everyone off guard.

"Batty Arthur..."

Yu Chen blinked her eyes, whispering: "I recall him participating in the team competition of the Duel Tournament."

Then suddenly, Elisa clapped her hands lightly, exclaiming: "Ah, I remember now, during the audience seating, that handsome lad from the Fox Tribe came to invite me for dinner!"

"Oh oh!!"

Phyllis immediately became excited, first casting a meaningful glance at Black in Elisa’s arms, then curiously asked: "Then what happened then?"

"Then probably because the weather was too hot..."

The handsome Zhengtai, tightly hugged by Elisa, innocently smiled and shrugged his thin shoulders.

"He suddenly fainted from heatstroke."

Chapter 1380: End