Xu Qian's expression grew darker. It was indeed a迷幻阵 (Míhuàn zhèn - Illusion Array).
She wasn't from ancient times; even if she rack her brains, she wouldn't be able to get out.
Suddenly, she heard voices.
Xu Qian's brow furrowed, and she pulled open a nearby door, slipping inside.
The room was pitch black. Xu Qian concentrated, pressing herself against the doorframe to listen to them speak.
"Hao Ge! Do you think the new batch of mutated insects will work?"
"If not, we have to release them anyway. It's been too long since we've had new mutated insects out there. We need to release more to let them stretch their muscles."
"Heh heh, that's right. We've been researching this for over half a year. The eggs are all in the incubation chambers. If we speed up their growth a bit more, they can crawl out on their own."
"Mm, let's adjust the data today and release them tomorrow."
"What about the application?"
"Don't worry, I submitted the application last night. They've already approved it."
Xu Qian lowered her gaze, concealing the expression in her eyes.
If only she could capture one alive…
"Who are you?"
Xu Qian froze. By the time she turned around, the office light had been turned on.
The sudden light stung her eyes.
She saw a sleepy-looking man sitting up on a folding bed. He had delicate features but a very pale complexion.
Xu Qian narrowed her dark eyes, a hint of killing intent flashing in their depths.
Might as well go all the way…
The man's eyes, however, lit up. It was the first time he had ever seen such a beautiful woman.
The women in the laboratory were all cold and distant. Except for his mother, very few women ever spoke to him.
The man stood up, tidied his bangs, and asked with a smile, "Hello, older sister, are you new? My name is Ming Letong."
Xu Qian raised her eyebrows in surprise, sizing him up.
Ming Letong felt a little uncomfortable under her scrutiny and hastily took two steps back.
A smile played on Xu Qian's lips. He looked easy to deal with… this man.
Xu Qian opened her mouth and began to spin a tale: "Mm, my name is Xiang Qian. I just arrived not long ago and don't know my way around. Sorry to disturb your sleep."
Ming Letong blushed and quickly waved his hands.
"It's okay, it's okay. I usually wake up around this time anyway."
Xu Qian smiled faintly, her already ice-flower-like face becoming even more endearing.
Ming Letong's gaze was fixed on her, not even blinking. She was so beautiful!
"Xiang Qian, why don't I show you around?"
Xu Qian's dark eyes brightened, then she quickly lowered them to hide her emotions, saying softly, "But… I'm shy around strangers."
Ming Letong suddenly understood. No wonder he hadn't seen her before.
Normally, the senior researchers would introduce new lab assistants one by one. Perhaps it was because she was so shy that she hadn't been formally introduced.
Ming Letong patted his chest and said, "I know these paths well. I'll make sure to avoid them. Don't worry."
Xu Qian glanced at him from the corner of her eye, deliberately softening her voice.
"Brother Letong, thank you."
Ming Letong was overjoyed and quietly reminded her, "But you should go back to your dorm and change into a lab coat first. If any of the senior researchers see you, they'll definitely scold you."
Xu Qian's eyes flickered, and she gave an awkward smile.
"Brother Letong, could you lend me one? I finally mustered up the courage to come out, and I'm afraid that if I go back…"
Ming Letong smacked his forehead. That made sense. If Xiang Qian was that shy, she wouldn't want to go back and then come out again after finally managing to leave her room.
He immediately took a white lab coat, a mask, and goggles from a nearby cabinet.
Ming Letong, his face flushed, handed the clothes to her.
This was the first time he had ever lent his clothes to a girl.
"You can… wear mine for now."
Xu Qian took them, biting her lip, and thanked him in a small voice.
"Do you… have a changing room here?"