Chapter 273: Some Things Transcend Time and Space

This novel is translated and hosted only on Bca Translation

Elon Musk’s confident smile remained as he released Lin Xian’s hand, leaving a wax seal stamped with the Genius Club’s emblem in Lin Xian’s palm. He straightened his slightly ruffled collar and shrugged, turning to join the jubilant crowd without another word.

Behind him, clusters of young entrepreneurs gathered, their eyes lit with excitement, all eager for a chance to snap a photo with him.

It was a rare opportunity for these aspiring business leaders to interact with the world’s wealthiest person—a philanthropist who had just generously donated $500 million to the Donghai City Science Development Fund.

For most, the chance to meet such an influential figure was a distant dream, let alone having a conversation with him. Usually, such a figure would be surrounded by bodyguards and assistants, making personal interaction nearly impossible.

However, Elon Musk was not your typical billionaire. He moved freely without bodyguards, except in situations deemed dangerous. His openness made him exceptionally approachable, a rarity among people of his status. Online, numerous photos showed him at various events, interacting casually with people on the streets.

Now, seeing him in person at the same event, these entrepreneurs—who admired him greatly—couldn’t resist the urge to get closer, to capture a moment with the legend.

Musk, as the guest of honor at Chu Shan He’s banquet, mingled effortlessly with the crowd, his laughter mixing with the clinks of glasses and the buzz of excited conversations.

Meanwhile, Lin Xian stood apart, his expression unreadable. He settled into a chair at a nearby table, resting his clenched right fist on the surface. Hidden from view, he slowly uncurled his fingers to reveal the wax seal—the emblem of the Genius Club, identical to the one on the counterfeit invitation given to Zhao Ying Jun by Yellow Finch.

The seal’s familiar details—the circular ring, the stylized gesture, the English letters—were all exact matches.

He glanced toward Musk, who was now center-stage, surrounded by admirers snapping pictures. Lin Xian pondered the demeanor of these Genius Club members.

Are they all this laid-back? What exactly have I been opposing all this time?

He had always imagined the Genius Club as a shadowy organization, like something out of a thriller—operating with deadly purpose. To remain undetected for 600 years, they would have to be ruthless, like a criminal syndicate dealing with traitors or threats.

But the reality was starkly different.

Yellow Finch was always relaxed, engaging him in light-hearted banter and mind games; Musk, a significant figure within the club, was nothing but congenial, making public appearances and speeches; even Kevin Walker, a brilliant hacker, had only momentarily alarmed him before disappearing without further interference.

What are they really up to? What’s their endgame?

Lin Xian had always seen the Genius Club as an adversary, yet he lacked solid proof of any malevolence.

Reflecting on the clues that had led him to suspect the Genius Club, he realized they were thin at best:

1. In his initial dream, Big Cat Face had accused the Genius Club of murder based on his own investigations—claims Lin Xian now questioned, considering the source’s credibility.

2. His second dream had cast a sinister shadow over the moon—an act seemingly out of character for any benevolent group, though it had caused no real harm.

3. Subsequent dreams and suspicions—including those about the club’s surveillance of Zhao Ying Jun, suppression of technological advances, and the mysterious elder—were all based on conjecture.

Could I have misjudged them? Is the Genius Club actually a force for good?

Lin Xian shook his head, troubled by the contradiction.

Seven Deadly Sins and Copernicus.

Undoubtedly, the crimes committed by Ji Xin Shui were under Copernicus’s directives. Copernicus’s involvement with the Genius Club was clear, given his influence over Ji Xin Shui and his display of the invitation—proof enough of his malevolence.

So, was the Genius Club inherently evil or good? Beneficial or harmful?

Lin Xian was utterly confounded.

The idea that such an organization, riddled with internal discord and contradictions, could have persisted for centuries seemed improbable—it should have imploded long ago.

“What is the truth?” he muttered to himself.

Just when he felt he was getting closer to understanding the Genius Club, it seemed he knew less than before. The more he uncovered, the more elusive the truth became.

If only I could secure an actual invitation from the Genius Club.

He remembered Yellow Finch’s words from their first encounter: “You can skirt around the edges of this mystery forever, remain passive, let life sweep you along like an ant caught in a current. But you can’t escape being drawn into the grander scheme of things... History is relentless that way. To discern the truth—to understand right from wrong, justice from evil—you must see it for yourself, through your own eyes.”

“I didn’t think too deeply,” Zhao Ying Jun replied. “I just feel that if I were to say this, it might just be literal, without any deeper meaning. After all...”

The music in the ballroom was long and drawn out, gradually ending with the violin’s tremolo. The dance steps stopped, and the lights brightened, making Zhao Ying Jun’s blue earrings sparkle. “After all...” She smiled. “I wouldn’t lie to you, would I?”

Splash, splash—the bathroom faucet ran with a swift stream of water. Lin Xian cupped some water and splashed it on his face, rubbing it several times. He grabbed a few paper towels to dry his face before leaving the restroom. He looked up. The large mirror covering the entire washbasin wall reflected Lin Xian, who, like him, was wiping water off his cheeks and chin, fixing his tousled hair.

“Lin Xian,” VV’s voice, which had been silent for a while, spoke through the Bluetooth headset. “You were right; meeting someone face-to-face is different. Today was my first time seeing Zhao Ying Jun, but I’ve seen many photos and videos of her online and through surveillance. Still, it’s completely different from meeting her in person.”

“What’s the difference?” Lin Xian was surprised. “Did it remind you of something?”

“No,” VV’s voice was low. “But... you said I don’t understand emotions or human feelings, right? After observing Zhao Ying Jun for so long today, especially when she talked to you and looked at you, I could feel something I never felt before.”

“What is it?”

“Loneliness.” VV’s voice slowed. “I find it hard to describe, but every time I saw Zhao Ying Jun looking at you, I could only feel loneliness. Suddenly, I realized... Have you noticed? Zhao Ying Jun is always alone, whether at work, in life, or even during breaks. She’s always alone.”

“She is so independent and confident, unlike Chu An Qing. Chu An Qing has loving and gentle parents at home, many friends and classmates at school, she dares to love and hate and expresses all her thoughts, she’s adored everywhere, and Donghai City is her playground.”

“But... Zhao Ying Jun, although seemingly wealthy, has nothing. I always thought Chu An Qing was the one who needed protection, but now I think it’s Zhao Ying Jun. Even though she’s 25, glamorous and heroic, she’s still as lonely as a child.”

“Wait,” Lin Xian realized something. “Zhao Ying Jun is 25?”

“Yes, yesterday was her 25th birthday,” VV answered.

Lin Xian looked at the date on his smartwatch—January 16, 2024.

“Ah...” He sighed deeply, closing his eyes. Holding his forehead. A day late... He had completely forgotten Zhao Ying Jun’s birthday. Recalling the third dream, in the Rhine Museum, the brand-new blue Bentley GT sports car, with the crumpled, vibrant plastic roses on the back seat, fresh for 600 years.

“Why didn’t you remind me...” Lin Xian whispered. “You keep reminding me that Chu An Qing’s birthday is March 28th, but you never mentioned Zhao Ying Jun’s birthday.” Saying that, Lin Xian felt he was being unreasonable. VV had no memories related to Zhao Ying Jun; it was just a CP robot for Chu An Qing. Forgetting Zhao Ying Jun’s birthday was his fault, not VV’s. But. Time couldn’t be turned back. This was the cruelest reality. Even if he could traverse 600 years, even if he could relive August 28, 2624, he could never turn back time by a single second.

“What can I do now?” Lin Xian straightened up, looking at himself in the mirror, as if asking himself, or inquiring...

“Show me the flower.” VV suddenly spoke through the Bluetooth headset. “Let’s set off fireworks for Zhao Ying Jun!”

“Ugh.” Lin Xian was both amused and exasperated. “Why do you always think about fireworks? Can’t you think of something else?”

“Because all girls love fireworks!” VV giggled. “No girl can refuse fireworks! Whether young or old, no woman can resist a sky full of fireworks!”

“But it’s so late...” Lin Xian spread his hands. “Where can we get fireworks now? It’s too late.”

“Disneyland!” VV shouted. “Donghai Disneyland has a nightly fireworks show, controlled electronically, with extra fireworks prepared each night. Even though Disneyland is closed and the lights are off now... but with me around! It’s not a problem!”

Lin Xian was still hesitant. “Do we really have to do something so childish? Disneyland doesn’t match Zhao Ying Jun’s style at all.”

“Let’s do it, let’s do it!” VV pleaded through the Bluetooth headset. “Although I still support An Qing, seeing Zhao Ying Jun today gave me an indescribable feeling. It’s like I can’t stand seeing her so lonely.”

This novel is translated and hosted only on Bca Translation

“Please, Lin Xian, I’ve never been so eager to do something. I feel like this is a lingering thought, an obsession. I want to set off fireworks for Zhao Ying Jun!”

Suddenly. Lin Xian blinked. Recalling the last night, the last moment of the third dream. That rusty, old trashcan robot seemed to come to life, gripping his ankle: “If you can see Ms. Zhao Ying Jun again, please send her my regards—VV... misses her very much.”

“Sigh...” Lin Xian slid his finger into his tie knot, loosening the tie that had been like a collar all night. “Zhao Ying Jun just said I’m not good at rejecting people, soft-hearted, and a pushover.”

“But... fine.” He turned, looking at himself in the mirror. “VV.”

“I’m here!”

“Get me...” Lin Xian pursed his lips. “The fastest car in Donghai City.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation