That coincidental date...

Just the right distance from the descent of the all-consuming white light...

Precisely 601 years remaining.

The air conditioner in the bedroom hummed.

Lin Xian sat up in bed, recalling the final gaze of the trash can robot.

That...

Didn't seem like a robot.

Didn't seem like a program.

More like a real person... a real life.

He didn't know what had happened.

Just as he recited the line, "Life is but drifting clouds," the Rhine Sky City pulsed like a heart, suddenly beating.

Suddenly...

It had life, as if with flesh and blood.

Lin Xian believed that this was definitely not a deliberately left-behind code or a deliberately hidden program.

Because there was really no need.

In the world of the Third Dream, Zhao Yingjun had painstakingly concealed such an unpredictable backdoor for herself over 600 years; achieving that was already no easy feat.

Given this premise, hiding a meaningless poem was obviously unwise and unsafe.

Then what was going on with the trash can robot from just now?

Lin Xian recalled what he had heard in the dream:

"I've only been here for an hour. It was after you shouted the 'vv' sound and said the correct password that I was activated into this trash can robot. Although I am talking to you using this trash can robot, we are actually two completely different things."

"It was the one who accompanied Ms. Zhao Yingjun in her later years, the one who played the paper-ball-picking game with Ms. Zhao Yingjun, and the one who accompanied her in the car.

"Ms. Zhao Yingjun told me this story... The stars Shen and Shang, one rises in the east and the other sets in the west; they can never appear in the same night sky. That is the farthest distance... life is but drifting clouds."

...

Lin Xian suddenly understood somewhat.

Just as the super central brain VV said, it was actually not very familiar with Zhao Yingjun.

The one who had been accompanying Zhao Yingjun all along was this worn-out, outdated trash can robot, model VV.

It accompanied Zhao Yingjun in her later years, playing the paper-ball-picking game.

It accompanied her in the Bentley, listening to her tell stories.

And after Zhao Yingjun's death, it circled the white jade statue, guarding it for 200 years, rusty and weathered, yet consistently protecting her, picking up trash for 200 years.

Therefore.

The "person" who spoke with Lin Xian at the end was this VV, who had always accompanied Zhao Yingjun.

Lin Xian was very certain of this.

Because...

The other drama-queen artificial intelligence VV would never use mechanical clamps to lock its own ankles.

That was a move only the trash can robot would make.

It was clearly stupid, lacking intelligence.

Yet in the end, it gained life, learned to think, and even transformed the entire Rhine Sky City into its own pulsing heart, turning the city's vibrations into fierce heartbeats.

"Can't figure it out..."

Lin Xian yawned.

Was it the awakening of the trash can's consciousness?

The fusion of two VV consciousnesses and intelligences?

Or was it that the drama-queen super artificial intelligence VV had, on a whim, staged a good show again, fooling him?

Just like before, when everyone knelt down and shouted, "King of the Rhine City?"

"Never mind."

Regardless.

It could be considered a farewell.

Farewell to a friend, farewell to the Third Dream, farewell to that failed future.

From this moment on...

He would reverse this failed world line.

Rewrite fate!

Lin Xian stood up, walked to his desk, and stroked the closed laptop's outer shell.

The unfamiliar sensation gave him the illusion of stroking the top of a trash can's head.

"Wait a little longer, VV."

"I will deliver your greeting for you."

...

Boom--

The small Gulfstream G550 aircraft took off from the Shanghai Pudong Airport's business aviation base.

This was Chu Shanhe's private plane.

The procedures and processes had been reported, reviewed, and approved long ago, and it took off on time on the morning of August 30, 2023.

Destination: the Imperial Capital.

They would land at the Imperial Capital Airport in four hours, then, after a short rest, get into a vehicle arranged by Chu Shanhe and head to the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences to meet with Gao Yan, the president of the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences.

This was Lin Xian's first time on a private plane.

The experience was indeed quite good.

But Chu Shanhe explained that these things were actually not very practical, the maintenance costs were extremely high, and the routes were not very free. Whether or not takeoff was permitted often depended on luck.

"It's only for the sake of face in the business world that one buys this. Of course, its greater use is on international routes."

Chu Shanhe told Lin Xian.

For long-distance international routes, private planes were actually better—safer, more reliable, and the people on the plane were all well-known and trustworthy. This not only avoided information leaks, but also made personal safety a primary consideration:

"Foreign countries are not as peaceful as Dragon Country. There are many kinds of incidents. It is best not to go abroad lightly unless it is absolutely necessary."

Lin Xian also nodded, agreeing with Chu Shanhe's idea.

He looked through the Gulfstream's window toward the distant west… toward 112 Marshall Street, Princeton, which he cared about very much and wanted to visit.

Actually, he didn't know which way to look.

Was the U.S. actually east or west of their current position?

That was hard to say.

After all, the earth was round; looking in either direction wasn't wrong.

Under the current circumstances.

Lin Xian certainly wouldn't risk going to the U.S. He also didn't know when the right opportunity would arise.

If…

If the Dragon Country could provide him with protection, he would feel more at ease.

But that was impossible to imagine.

What was his status?

What qualifications did he have?

Even this trip to the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences in the Imperial Capital was only to hand over the manuscript of cold fusion to President Gao Yan and have him study it secretly, without revealing any information to the outside world…

In any case, cold fusion technology couldn't be realized in the short term, within a few decades, so there was naturally no need to announce it to the world; they could just make a fortune in silence.

President Gao Yan and Professor Xu Yun had different goals and starting points. From the country's perspective, President Gao Yan would definitely not disclose the technology; he would even keep the progress secret.

If asked, he would say, "I don't know? How could Dragon Country have a nuclear fusion engine! I'm about to retire; I don't have access to these things. Oh dear, what cold fusion? Seeing too much?"

This was what Lin Xian hoped for.

He only wanted to do President Gao Yan a favor and didn't want to get rich or seek fame and profit by relying on cold fusion technology, so the more hidden it was and the more he could disassociate himself from it, the better.

Therefore.

In the eyes of everyone except President Gao Yan, he was just a small company owner, whose greatest achievement was designing a bestselling Rhine Cat doll.

And such a small fry wanted the country to send a special person, plane, and car to protect him?

He was thinking too much.

...

At 7:00 p.m.

In the office of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences, President Gao Yan saw Chu Shanhe and Lin Xian walk in and stood up smiling.

"Shanhe, long time no see."

Chu Shanhe stepped forward and shook hands with President Gao Yan, smiling slightly.

"President Gao, hope you are well."

With that, he turned to the side.

"This is Lin Xian, whom I mentioned to you. He is a very outstanding young man. He assisted in solving the case of the murder of a group of scientists some time ago! At the city's commendation meeting, Lin Xian was awarded the titles of 'Youth of Courage and Righteousness' and 'Top Ten Citizens.' He is truly a heroic young talent!"

President Gao Yan nodded and smiled, patting Lin Xian's shoulder.

"Young man, you certainly have an outstanding appearance and both intelligence and wisdom. I like dealing with young people like you."

After President Gao's secretary poured tea for the three of them, he closed the door and left, leaving the three of them to chat in detail in the office.

President Gao Yan and Chu Shanhe chatted about their recent situations.

Lin Xian could tell from their conversation that their private relationship was indeed very good, as Chu Shanhe had said.

How should he put it?

Chu Shanhe respected President Gao Yan very much, looking at this old gentleman with the eyes one would use to look at a celestial being, full of admiration.

This was understandable. After all, Chu Shanhe's attitude toward scientists had always been very respectful, and President Gao Yan, as a living fossil of Dragon Country's scientific development history, naturally made Chu Shanhe even more admire him.

And President Gao Yan's attitude toward Chu Shanhe...

Was also one of appreciation, praise, and respect.

It wasn't like the attitude one would generally have toward a junior; it was a more intimate kind. Chu Shanhe had always treated President Gao Yan as an elder, but Gao Yan treated Chu Shanhe as a peer.

This could also be considered a kind of…

Unexplained mutual appreciation.

Lin Xian also understood the reason for this.

Zhao Yingjun had told Lin Xian long ago that Chu Shanhe had a very high status in the Dragon Country scientific community. Donating money, materials, and building research institutes was secondary… He also relied on his own power and connections to help many Dragon Country scientists who encountered difficulties abroad and assisted those scientists who encountered difficulties returning home to return safely to Dragon Country.

On the plane ride over, Chu Shanhe had told Lin Xian several rather legendary stories… This Gulfstream plane had actually "rescued" Dragon Country scientists from foreign countries.

For people like President Gao Yan, who had lofty ideals and beliefs…

No matter how wealthy a businessman or how powerful a big shot, he might not even look at you.

But Chu Shanhe, this hero of a peaceful era, especially one who was also a hero of the scientific community, he truly respected him very much and regarded him as a friend.

This was also why Lin Xian was able to come here today; it was all thanks to Chu Shanhe's reputation.

During their chat, Lin Xian also observed President Gao Yan from head to toe.

His clothing and attire were very simple, clearly from the hard-working generation.

His hair was mostly white, but the quality of his hair was very good; there wasn't much hair loss, and it was neatly combed.

His complexion and spirit were good, much better than those of the average 70-year-old. But inevitably, a trace of fatigue could be seen from his eye sockets, indicating that he had been busy and tired with his work recently.

After Chu Shanhe chatted with President Gao Yan for a while, the topic naturally turned to Lin Xian.

They both knew that President Gao Yan was very busy and didn't want to waste too much of his time, so Chu Shanhe directly stated their purpose.

Lin Xian had cooperated with Donghai University to establish a joint laboratory and had some ideas about a controlled nuclear fusion project that he wanted President Gao Yan to take a look at, assess, and give some guidance.

At the same time.

Lin Xian also took out the manuscript he had prepared in advance from his briefcase and handed it to President Gao Yan, placing it on the wooden desk.

President Gao smiled, opened his glasses case, took out his reading glasses, and put them on, then looked at the two people in front of him.

"Since it's a young man recommended by Shanhe and is so outstanding and interested in scientific research, investing in the construction of a laboratory… I am indeed very gratified and happy. Especially since you, young man, are also a 'Youth of Courage and Righteousness.' This is also the main reason why I made time to see you today. But…"

President Gao put away his smile, changed his tone, and said earnestly.

"But, there is specialization in skills, and there is an order to knowledge. Controlled nuclear fusion is currently only being researched by a few major powers. It is indeed not something that a university laboratory can handle. More importantly… there are many difficulties in the field of controlled nuclear fusion now. Material limitations, temperature control issues, stability issues… There are no good solutions or ideas."

"Therefore, young man, let's say the unpleasant things first. I will definitely read your manuscript carefully, but if I point out the incorrect parts, the illogical parts, or even… the fanciful parts, don't try to argue. I have been researching in this field for many years. Although I dare not say that I am an absolute authority, if I can see that something is wrong, then it must be wrong. I hope you understand this."

…

Lin Xian just nodded and smiled, without saying anything.

It was clear.

President Gao Yan didn't believe in his abilities at all. Although he hadn't started reading the manuscript yet, he was already certain that there were problems with his manuscript.

Therefore, he was "saying the unpleasant things first" to give a preemptive warning.

The meaning he wanted to express was very simple.

Since you were introduced by Chu Shanhe, I will definitely read the manuscript carefully.

But if I point out where it's wrong, don't argue or debate here. Just accept it honestly and give up on this project.

Today, I am only responsible for grading the paper, not for teaching.

That was what President Gao Yan meant.

Lin Xian also understood this kind of thinking… If he were in President Gao Yan's position, a young man in his 20s holding a manuscript saying "I want to do controlled nuclear fusion" would be no different from saying "I want to build Ultraman."

Not being swept out the door directly was already giving him enough face.

When the gap in knowledge and learning was too great, teaching was meaningless.

It was like explaining the problem of how many legs chickens and pigs have in total to an elementary school student. It was very simple to use a system of two linear equations in two variables, but without using a system of two linear equations in two variables… Even a college student might not know how to explain it clearly to an elementary school student.

"I understand, President Gao."

Lin Xian nodded, responding politely.

"Don't worry, if there are any mistakes, I will never refute anything, nor will I waste any more of your time. I naturally believe in your authority; I believe in your judgment."

After hearing this, President Gao Yan smiled and nodded affirmatively, looking at Chu Shanhe.

"You see, young people today are just smart. They understand as soon as you tell them."

He lowered his head.

Adjusted his reading glasses.

And opened the first page of Lin Xian's manuscript.

"Then I will… start reading."

…

President Gao Yan read the first page while picking up his white porcelain teacup, taking a sip of tea, humming, and nodding.

There was a slight hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"It seems that you have indeed done some research."

Then.

He put down his teacup and turned to the second page of the manuscript.

After reading a few lines…

His brow furrowed slightly.

He pursed his lips.

His eyes were fixed on those few lines, unable to look away.

*Whish*—

He suspiciously returned to the first page and looked at the last part.

*Whish*—

Then returned to the second page and looked at the first part.

He looked up even more suspiciously, looked at Lin Xian, looked at Chu Shanhe, and looked back and forth several times… before finally lowering his head and continuing to read the manuscript.

This…

This scene left Chu Shanhe completely clueless.

What was going on?

What did President Gao's eyes mean just now?

Was he complaining that he had brought over a complete layman?

Or was it that what Lin Xian had written was so bad… that President Gao couldn't bring himself to teach him, not knowing where to start?

He turned his head to look at Lin Xian.

But he discovered…

That among the three people in the entire room, Lin Xian seemed to be the calmest!

This young man was sitting upright in his chair at this time, slightly shaking his legs, relaxed and at ease, and completely unaffected by President Gao's eyes just now.

Strategic and composed!

"Hiss…"

Suddenly.

President Gao Yan let out a sound of drawing in a cold breath.

His brow furrowed even tighter.

He rubbed the white porcelain teacup left and right with his right hand, but had no intention of drinking tea at all, as if to express the turmoil in his heart.

He was an authority.

So he could also understand clearly.

The first few pages of this manuscript were truly the bible of the field of controlled nuclear fusion. Many of them were the experiences and theories that had only been summarized after the Dragon Country's artificial sun was launched a few months ago.

They hadn't even been announced to the public yet; they were absolutely state secrets!

But this manuscript in front of him…

Not only had he written out those top-secret theories, but he had also streamlined and optimized them, explaining clearly many of the problems that the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences had not yet figured out… Although it hadn't been verified by experiments yet, at least it made sense theoretically, and it was also in the same direction as his previous guesses!

Flipping through the pages.

It was getting more and more confusing!

The controlled nuclear fusion part in the front could still be understood, within the scope of his knowledge.

But the part in the back!

What did this cold fusion technology mean?

President Gao Yan's current feeling was like reading a wuxia novel with missing pages…

On the previous page, he had just learned the sweeping leg and the two-punch combo.

The next page directly:

"This is Zhang Sanfeng; go kill him."

Wasn't the leap too big!

Gao Yan freed up a hand and wiped his forehead…

Actually, there was no sweat on his forehead at all.

But this habitual action was a human instinct, and he couldn't control it.

This manuscript.

How should he put it?

The parts that he could understand were definitely 100% correct.

He couldn't understand the parts that hadn't been verified by experiments, so he naturally didn't know whether they were correct or wrong.

This young man had come all the way from Donghai to ask him questions.

He couldn't even give him a correct or wrong judgment!

But…

Based on his years of experience in researching the field of nuclear physics…

The theoretical part of this manuscript about cold fusion should be roughly correct.

Even if it wasn't correct, this direction provided very valuable ideas and clues for the current controlled nuclear fusion research, which had encountered a bottleneck!

This manuscript…

Was undoubtedly a real treasure!

Moreover.

Flipping to the last page of the manuscript.

It was actually a complete experimental report.

All kinds of parameters, experimental processes, and experimental conditions were available, and with the current equipment conditions of the Dragon Country Academy of Sciences' nuclear physics laboratory, experiments could be conducted immediately to verify it!

*Thump*—

President Gao Yan slapped the table with his palm and stood up!

His face was solemn.

As if facing a formidable enemy.

Chu Shanhe saw this posture…

Good heavens!

He had known President Gao for so many years, and he had always been a very good-tempered and easy-going person. He had never seen him with such an expression!

What kind of out-of-line content was written on Lin Xian's manuscript that it had angered this academic giant to such an extent!

He was just short of slapping Lin Xian in the face!

"Pr… President Gao."

Chu Shanhe stood up with a smile.

"Calm down. He is a young man; education is the key, education is the key…"

However.

President Gao Yan directly bypassed him, walked to Lin Xian's side, and took Lin Xian's hand.

"Young man."

His tone was excited and difficult to calm down.

"Come with me!"