Genius Club

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.

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.”

Looking back, many things had been foretold by that woman. Or rather, it was predestined by history. Lin Xian would inevitably reach this point, contemplate these questions, and take action.

“Lin Xian, what are you looking at? What did Elon Musk give you? Let me see! I can’t see!” VV’s voice urged through the Bluetooth headset.

Since Lin Xian had been shielding the wax seal with his hand and the angle was so tricky, no cameras in the hall could see it. VV, being a computer program, had no eyes and could only observe the world through visual equipment. So, anything out of the camera’s view was a blind spot for VV.

Lin Xian took out his phone and pointed the back camera at the seal in his palm.

“VV, have you seen this seal anywhere else?”

“No,” VV responded quickly. “Besides seeing it with you, I’ve never seen this seal anywhere else I can reach. However… with my updated capabilities over the past few months, I’ve analyzed that there are numerous traces of deletion and modification in this era’s internet. This indicates certain individuals or organizations are secretly planning, tampering, and hiding something.”

“As you said before, the world has been unusually calm, both in reality and online. Kevin Walker and the cyber attackers who once surrounded this country have all disappeared without a trace. This feeling… it feels like a prelude to something major, as if everything is waiting for a critical moment to erupt!”

“We still know too little,” Lin Xian rested his chin on his hands. “VV, can you monitor Elon Musk 24/7 without leaving any traces or being detected?”

“No problem, as long as there are networks and electronic devices, I can monitor. But if he enters a bathroom without his phone or a room without any electronic signals, there’s nothing I can do. That’s the limitation of AI. And if there’s a risk of exposure or leaving traces, I’ll pull back.”

“It’s fine, that’s good enough,” Lin Xian nodded. “From now on, monitor Elon Musk 24/7. Report to me immediately if you find anything unusual or related to the Genius Club. While we strengthen ourselves, we must quickly figure out the Genius Club’s purpose. This might be a new race, a new cat-and-mouse game. But this time, there’s no need for hide and seek; everyone’s cards are almost on the table. It’s about the goals now.”

“Of course, the most direct and efficient way is to get a Genius Club invitation. Although I have no clue how to do it now, I have a hunch it’s related to that painting ‘Sad Einstein’ and the time-space particles Liu Feng is looking for. We should proceed on multiple fronts.”

And then… Lin Xian rubbed the wax seal in his palm. What was Elon Musk’s purpose in coming to Donghai to find him? On the surface, he didn’t seem like an enemy, acting relaxed and not treating him as an adversary. But he had encountered too many smiling tigers recently; a handshake didn’t make a friend. Moreover, what did that cryptic “see you in the sky” mean? Did the Genius Club members have their own language? Couldn’t they speak plainly?

Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed, interrupting Lin Xian’s thoughts. He looked up. While he was lost in thought, Elon Musk had already left the hall, and the sound of a cello began to play, marking the start of the inevitable ball.

“Hey, Mr. Lin Xian~” A soft, coquettish voice came from behind. Lin Xian instinctively clenched the red wax seal in his palm and turned around. He saw a stunning woman with a tall figure and a perfectly fitting off-shoulder red evening gown, revealing her graceful collarbones and white neck. It was a bold dress, as fiery and passionate as its color. The slit at the thigh hinted at her elegant curves.

“Hello,” Lin Xian said softly.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Lin Xian. I’ve been watching you for a while.” The woman blinked, her lashes fluttering. “May I have this dance?” She extended her hand, reaching for the fist Lin Xian had placed on the table.

Tap!

“Sorry.” A blue figure with a pleasant fragrance stepped in between them, her sharp heels landing decisively. With a spin, her blue dress twirled, and Zhao Ying Jun crossed her arms, smiling at the woman. “We have some matters to discuss.”

The woman showed a surprised expression, then turned and left.

Zhao Ying Jun pulled out the chair beside Lin Xian and sat down. “Did I interrupt your fun?”

“No, not at all,” Lin Xian shook his head. “I wasn’t planning to dance anyway.”

“But looking at you…” Zhao Ying Jun gazed into his eyes. “You don’t seem good at rejecting people, which isn’t a good habit.”

“Indeed.” Lin Xian nodded and smiled. “During school, people often said that about me. My childhood friend Gao Yang, the one who ran around with a lobster shell at last year’s MX company celebration… he always said I was a pushover, easily persuaded by persistence.”

“Kind-hearted people are often like that,” Zhao Ying Jun said softly. “Gentleness can be a double-edged sword.” She smiled, crossing her legs, the teardrop-shaped earrings on her cheeks reflecting the ballroom lights, sparkling in Lin Xian’s eyes like stars. “Just now, you disappeared in a blink. When I found you, you were here frowning. Is something bothering you?”

Lin Xian stared at those swaying blue earrings and at this flawless woman. At this moment… Yellow Finch’s image inexplicably overlapped with Zhao Ying Jun’s. Even though their appearances weren’t alike, with different facial features and shapes, under the dim lighting and changing spotlights of the ballroom, they blurred into the same light and shadow.

“Someone gave me a riddle,” Lin Xian tapped the table with his fingers. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time but haven’t found the answer.”

“Oh?” Zhao Ying Jun was intrigued. “Such a tough riddle?” She adjusted her posture, sitting up straight. “What is it?”

“It’s like this.” Lin Xian also turned, looking at Zhao Ying Jun. “Someone told me to look in the mirror more often because the answer I seek is in there… What do you think it means?”

Zhao Ying Jun was stunned, not expecting such a riddle. She thought for a moment, then shook her head. “This question is too vague; I can’t quite grasp it. I think the answer might vary from person to person. Such subjective riddles are usually closely related to the questioner’s personality, thoughts, and mindset.”

“What if… it was you?” Lin Xian looked at Zhao Ying Jun. “If you asked me this mirror riddle, what do you think the answer might be?”

Zhao Ying Jun pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “If it were me…” She paused, then said softly, “I think the answer might really be in the mirror. You might need to look in the mirror more often.”

Lin Xian laughed. “Why such a simple answer? I’m quite surprised.”

“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.”

“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.”