Chapter 105: Ruan Mei and Mobius's Shura Field? Bronya's Home Base Infiltrated Again?
To be noticed... no, targeted by Lord Otto... Su Mu was currently in a situation that could best be described as "deep water and scorching fire."
Half an hour ago, introduced by Himeko, he had met her circle of friends: Herta, the figurehead owner of Herta Game Studio; Ruan Mei, a member of the Genius Society; and Mobius, a member of the Golden Courtyard.
Su Mu was no stranger to these three names. But as the saying goes, "hearing about someone a hundred times isn't as good as meeting them once." Seeing three legendary beauties appearing before him simultaneously in a single private room was a scene more "fragrant" than words could describe.
Herta did not appear in the puppet form from the game; her true self was a woman with refined features, looking like a porcelain doll of a girl. However, according to what Himeko said beforehand, she was actually older than Himeko... one truly couldn't judge by appearances.
As for Ruan Mei, she lived up to her name—cold and elegant, like a plum blossom blooming in the bitter frost. That temperament was something one wouldn't forget after a single glance.
But the one who shocked Su Mu the most was, naturally, Mobius. "The Snake" truly lived up to her reputation; that water-snake waist of hers was dangerously alluring. Especially when she shed her white lab coat to reveal her fiery figure, Su Mu realized that this woman was essentially a tempting "snake spirit" personified.
Due to the hot weather, everyone was dressed in short sleeves and hot pants. A casual glance revealed a row of fair, long legs. It was paradise. Su Mu, with eyes that appreciated beauty, took it all in, feeling that he had definitely made the right choice in coming. No man dislikes looking at beautiful women, after all.
"You're Su Mu? You look like a total brat. Was Honkai Impact 3rd really made by you?" Herta was true to her character. She never beat around the bush and immediately began sizing Su Mu up with blunt criticism.
"Hey, hey, Herta! Are you judging people with your colored lenses again? And where is this kid 'bratty'? He's so handsome, are you blind?" Himeko complained indignantly.
Herta's eyes flashed with a hint of pity. "Don't tell me you've fallen for him, Murata? I didn't think you were thirsty enough to go after such a young boy."
Himeko snapped back, "My personal life is none of your business, you old woman."
Herta huffed, "I have no interest in such things. Do you think everyone is a 'romance-brain' like you?"
Su Mu watched the two bicker, guessing this was a frequent occurrence. Herta was blunt and often said harsh things, so it was only natural for Himeko to clash with her. But Su Mu could tell they were actually close. Otherwise, with Herta's personality, she wouldn't waste time arguing; she'd rather spend that time testing the Simulated Universe.
"They're always like this, don't worry." Ruan Mei wore a gentle smile. Compared to Himeko and Herta, she seemed more like a well-bred, refined lady from a prestigious family.
Of course, Su Mu knew that in Star Rail, Ruan Mei appeared this way on the surface, but she was a total madwoman at her core—someone who wanted to create an Aeon and even harbored the mad idea of becoming one. It was fair to say that no one in the Genius Society was "normal"; it might as well be called the Freak Society.
"Hello, I'm Ruan Mei. I've often heard your name from Himeko..."
Su Mu nodded. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ruan Mei."
Mobius had been sizing him up since he entered the room. She spoke up now: "Mobius—you probably already knew my name, didn't you?"
In fact, Mobius had heard Su Mu's name quite a bit recently. Not just from Himeko, but from her companions at the Golden Courtyard.
"Brother Su Mu? He's a hero! My role model!" Kosma would light up whenever Su Mu was mentioned. "The game he made, Honkai 3rd, is so cool! Valkyries fighting for all that is beautiful in the world, sacrificing themselves as shields... it's amazing!"
"Big Brother Su Mu is a good person," Griseo would say. "His scent is comforting. Griseo likes being held by him."
"Su Mu? He's truly something else. Even I, Elysia, have to admit that..." Elysia would sigh. "If only Su Mu were a girl, I'd be the first to pursue her! Hee-hee!"
"Hmph, not bad," was Kalpas's evaluation.
Even Eden had joined miHoYo as Music Director. All of this made Mobius curious about this man's presence. Of course, the expression on Mobius's face was one veteran Captains would recognize: the "Green Elf," and the heavyweight title of "Hardest Mouth in the Realm." There was a joke that if the entire Elysian Realm exploded, only one thing would remain intact: Mobius's stubborn mouth.
"He's a bit different from what I imagined. It seems Elysia only knows how to exaggerate."
Even when complimenting him, she had to take a jab at Elysia. Her toxic tongue was sharp, but it was clear she was satisfied with Su Mu; otherwise, her awkward personality wouldn't have allowed her to say anything at all.
Su Mu understood this and reached out his hand. "Hello, Mobius. Happy to meet you."
Mobius furrowed her brow. She didn't refuse him, but her attitude wasn't exactly warm. Herta and Himeko's bickering eventually fizzled out. Himeko's main goal today was partly to show off her recent fame from Honkai 3rd and partly to introduce Su Mu to her circle.
Though her friends' personalities were eccentric—Mobius lived on the edge of the law and used people for experiments, while Ruan Mei didn't even realize her actions were "bold" because she lacked a standard sense of ethics—they weren't truly evil. Mobius's experimental subjects all signed contracts, and her moral floor was arguably the highest among them. She just had a mouth as hard as iron.
After the introductions, the five of them took their seats. Under Himeko's lead, they raised their glasses together.
Himeko laughed, "Mobius, you're the host today, right? I'm going to drink my fill, so don't you dare back out when the bill comes!"
Mobius glared at her. "Even wine can't shut your mouth?"
Herta snorted, "Just don't get so drunk that someone has to carry you back."
Ruan Mei maintained a faint smile throughout, saying little. After a few rounds of drinks, Su Mu began to open up with Herta and the others.
"Hey! Su Mu! You're quite capable. Ever thought about working at my studio? I'll have Asta give you a million-dollar salary!" Herta was blunt, attempting to poach him on the spot.
"Hey! Herta! Are you trying to poach my student's talent? Don't even think about it!" Himeko immediately grabbed Su Mu's head and pulled it against her chest. "Keep drinking! You want to steal my people? Not a chance!"
Su Mu noted that she was indeed "large"; his face was pressed against the side. A smaller person—like Fu Hua—would have just felt like they were on a skating rink, "whoosh," sliding right off.
"Hah, so protective? I see you're getting old and lonely, playing the 'old cow eating tender grass' trope."
"Heh, I'm bigger than you!" Himeko straightened her posture, and the dazzling "headlights" were indeed hard to look away from.
"Just two lumps of fat..."
"I'm bigger than you."
"Are you a broken record? Can't you say anything else?"
"I'm bigger than you!"
Herta's expression didn't change, but with lightning speed, she reached out and gave Himeko's chest a firm squeeze! "This kind of fat is just a burden! Exactly, a burden! I see your spine is doing poorly; let me help you cut them off and lighten the load!"
"Herta, have you ever experienced neck and shoulder pain? Sigh, it's truly a struggle!"
"..."
While those two continued their spat, Su Mu chatted with Mobius. The more they talked, the more startled Mobius became. She had never met him before, yet Su Mu seemed to know her inside out. Talking to him wasn't unpleasant; in fact, it was incredibly comfortable.
"How strange... if you know me, you should know how others view me." Mobius looked suspicious; her public reputation was far from good.
"I think Dr. Mobius is an interesting person. As for what others think, that isn't important," Su Mu smiled. "I've always believed that seeing is believing. You shouldn't judge things by their surface. People think you're cruel, but to me, you're a good person."
Mobius almost laughed. "Heh, to think someone would call me a good person. You're insane. Little lab rat, we haven't even known each other for an hour. Why do you think I'm a good person?"
Su Mu thought for a second and replied, "Intuition."
"Intuition, hahahaha!" Mobius laughed as if she'd heard a hilarious joke. "Your intuition... how interesting! I've never heard a more amusing explanation! Tell me, are you Elysia's lover?"
Su Mu shook his head. "Just friends."
"Is that so? I think you two are quite a match—equally annoying." Mobius couldn't help but think of her first meeting with Elysia. Elysia was the first person who didn't look at her with suspicion or fear. It was like she had a mental illness; she knew Mobius was dangerous but greeted her as if nothing were wrong, even trying to get close. Sometimes Mobius really wanted to see what was inside Elysia's head.
Su Mu wanted to thank Mobius's stubborn mouth for the "rocket" of a compliment; being compared to Elysia proved she didn't dislike him. The slight upward curve of her lips said everything.
"By the way, I'm interested in Dr. Mobius's lab. Can I visit sometime?" As a veteran Captain, there were certain "must-visit" locations. Mobius's lab was one of them.
"The lab? Come if you want. I'll be well-prepared to treat you like a precious little lab rat on the exam table." Mobius sounded unfriendly, but it was just her way of being stubborn. If anyone else had made that request, she wouldn't have bothered to respond.
"If possible, please do visit my lab as well." Ruan Mei suddenly spoke with a smile, extending an invitation.
"Don't you understand the order of arrival? If the lab rat is going anywhere, it's my place first." Mobius suddenly looked like she was facing a great enemy. She shifted her body closer to Su Mu.
Ruan Mei remarked, "Dr. Mobius, you don't seem that interested in Su Mu, do you? If that's the case, there's no harm in him visiting my lab first."
"Hey, lab rat, you are not allowed to go to her lab, do you hear me!" Mobius looked at Su Mu and warned him. "If you dare go to her lab, I'll turn you into my experimental specimen!"
She wasn't entirely joking. While she was stubborn, she knew Su Mu's importance to the Golden Courtyard group. A woman like Ruan Mei was dangerous even in Mobius's eyes. If something happened to Su Mu there, she wouldn't be able to explain it to Elysia... or rather, Griseo. If Griseo knew Su Mu was hurt, she would be heartbroken. Mobius wouldn't allow that.
Herta joined in the fray: "No! If he's going anywhere, it's my place! Su Mu, my Simulated Universe is at a critical stage; I need someone talented like you to test it! I'm begging you, come test it!"
Murata Himeko immediately hugged Su Mu's arm. "You three, don't you dare try to steal my student! If you take him away, how am I supposed to explain it to those girls at home!"
Herta, not to be outdone, grabbed Su Mu's other arm. "I'm not poaching him, just asking him to participate in a test! Why are you so worked up!"
Su Mu realized that while "large" has its benefits, "small" has its own unique charms. A warm breath brushed against his neck; Mobius had appeared behind him at some point. "Little lab rat, if you break your word, hehehe..."
Ruan Mei stood up and walked to the front of Su Mu. Her fair legs were highlighted by her high-slit qipao. She hooked a finger under Su Mu's chin. "Dear, what do you think?"
The temperature in the room seemed to rise several degrees. Four different fragrances filled the air. Perhaps because of the alcohol, the four women were flushed and breathing slightly heavily. They were clearly a bit tipsy.
"I knew it." Su Mu sighed. Anyone who was a drinking buddy with Himeko wouldn't have a good "alcohol character."
— "Mobius! Did you miss me? I heard you were treating everyone to dinner. It's too much not to invite Ellie!"
Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Elysia appeared in the room, bringing Griseo and Pardo with her. Little Griseo blinked her eyes and asked innocently, "Big Brother Su Mu, what are you all doing?"
Pardo immediately covered Griseo's eyes. "Griseo, don't look! You didn't see anything! Nothing at all!"
"Aaaah! ♪" Elysia was both shocked and delighted. In her excitement, she couldn't help but let out a small squeal.
Their arrival made Mobius instantly let go of Su Mu. Elysia's sudden appearance snapped Mobius out of her tipsy state. A blush immediately flooded her face. Guh... dammit, Elysia saw us! Now I'll never hear the end of it!
"Su Mu, you're so mean! Having dinner with so many beautiful sisters and not calling Ellie! Aren't we best friends!" She walked forward with a light step and a warm smile. "Hello, everyone! I'm Elysia!! ♪"
Himeko, Herta, and Ruan Mei didn't feel embarrassed. Himeko was simply shameless, Herta was fearless, and Ruan Mei didn't care as long as her goals were met. Mobius gnashed her teeth at Elysia: "Elysia, why are you here!"
Elysia explained with a grin, "Oh, little Griseo hasn't seen you in forever and missed you. You're always in the lab and never come home, and I heard today you were treating people to dinner, so I brought little Griseo to see you!"
Pardo, still covering Griseo's eyes, was speechless. Sister Ellie was certainly good with words. She hadn't lied, but she certainly hadn't told the whole truth either. It was true that Griseo missed Mobius, but the second goal—as a "romance expert"—was clearly to catch some drama.
"Who knew... Brother Su Mu would be this popular." The scene from a moment ago made Pardo's cheeks feel hot. If she and Ellie had arrived a step later, who knows what would have happened.
Mobius wanted to kick Elysia out, but hearing that Griseo missed her, she gave in.
"Auntie Mobius, have you been busy lately?" "How many times do I have to tell you, call me Big Sister." "Auntie Mobius, what were you just doing with Big Brother Su Mu? Were you playing a game?"
Griseo's innocent questions made Mobius feel incredibly embarrassed. How was she supposed to explain? She couldn't say that she saw her friends using "honey traps" and used the same tactic to protect Su Mu for the sake of the Golden Courtyard group, could she?
"We were just playing with Su Mu." "Really! Then can Griseo play with Big Brother Su Mu too?"
Griseo's innocent remark left Mobius speechless. Beside her, Elysia covered her mouth, trying her hardest not to laugh out loud. "Griseo, be good. Adult games aren't for children, okay?" "Then can Griseo play with Big Brother Su Mu when I grow up?"
Su Mu's mouth twitched. He had kept his composure when surrounded by the four of them, but Griseo's two sentences almost broke him. He didn't want to end up in prison!
Fortunately, because little Griseo was so cute, she was quickly doted on by everyone present. Even Herta couldn't escape. Using Griseo as a bridge, everyone gradually got to know each other, and the atmosphere became quite pleasant. Watching the group of women chatting and laughing—Elysia, Mobius, Griseo, Pardo, Himeko... seeing them living well here, enjoying a peaceful daily life and making new friends—Su Mu felt a genuine sense of happiness.
After all, everything happening before him was exactly the kind of life the heroes of that world desired most.
"The future is full of hardships, Sister Bronya." Pardo Felis let out a long sigh from the side. "New rivals have appeared. If you don't work harder, Sister Bronya, Brother Su Mu really will be snatched away..."
Sigh. Pardo Felis, Vice-Leader of the "Bronya Romance Special Research Group," felt deeply concerned about Bronya's road ahead.
END OF CHAPTER
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