Chapter 30: Special Treatment

“Mr. Yan, your decision was very wise.” Under Yan Guofeng’s puzzled gaze, Zhong Yuxiu smiled gracefully, her confidence evident. “Goudan is a robot that recognizes its master. If you forcefully take it away, it will still perceive you as a thief, intending harm to its owner.”

Yan Guofeng’s eyes flickered. “Will it explode as well?”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded gently. “If anyone tries to take it away, it will inevitably retaliate. There is no room for luck.”

“You’re impressive,” Yan Guofeng admitted with genuine admiration. Young people these days were truly remarkable.

He inquired further about the sensor and the chip but did not ask for the research materials in Zhong Yuxiu’s hands. Instead, he left with the little robot, reminding her before he departed, “I’ll submit these things once I return. Your research is of great importance, and the higher-ups should respond soon. In the meantime, do not reveal your results.”

“Understood. I value my life,” she replied. She would not risk it needlessly.

He nodded.

The group exited the courtyard. Before getting into the car, Yan Rushan glanced back at her, then joined Yan Guofeng in the back seat. The two guards boarded, and the car drove away.

Her heart relaxed, Zhong Yuxiu stood in place, watching the red-flag car disappear into the distance. If one wishes to do as they please, they must first find the right support—and the greatest, most reliable support in this world is the nation.

She closed the courtyard gate and returned to the main room.

“Master.” Goudan stood in the corner, only speaking once its sensors detected no strangers present.

“They’ve left,” she said, settling comfortably at the table.

Goudan shuffled forward as it spoke. “Goudan was terrified! They actually wanted to take me away. Goudan belongs to Master; no one else can have Goudan.”

“They won’t take you. There’s a little robot blocking the way—you’re safe.” If not for that, she would not have put so much effort into researching sensors and chips. “Remember—never slip up.”

“Master treats me best. I’ll remember—never act out of line in front of outsiders.”

With the weight lifted from her heart, Zhong Yuxiu felt entirely at ease. “Is the food ready?”

“It’s ready. Would you like it now?”

“Bring it out. Heat some water for my bath. After dinner, I’ll wash and rest.” She hadn’t slept soundly for a long time because of her research. Now, she no longer feared that the authorities would overlook her work.

“Yes.”

Goudan brought out the meal. After Zhong Yuxiu finished eating, it fetched hot water for her. Once she had bathed and gone to bed, it tidied the kitchen before returning to its room to recharge.

Life returned to its peaceful routine: classes, the library, home—her days formed a neat triangle. Three days passed in a flash. The authorities handed the little robot over to researchers. They made some headway with the sensor, but the chip remained an enigma; no one knew where to begin.

This situation reached the highest leader, who issued strict orders for Zhong Yuxiu’s protection, classifying her as a confidential person. From Yan Rushan, they learned she neither cooked nor cared for household chores. To allow her to focus on research, they proposed assigning guards and a housekeeper to attend to her daily needs.

Yan Rushan arranged a meeting to inform her of these decisions and told her that his grandfather would come to see her.

On the third evening, after class, she arrived home to find Yan Guofeng, his grandson, and two guards waiting outside. The red-flag car was parked at the gate.

“Comrade Zhong Yuxiu, we meet again,” Yan Guofeng greeted her, no longer stern as before; his eyes crinkled kindly. “I’ve already submitted your results. Shall we talk inside?”

“Please,” Zhong Yuxiu said, opening the gate and inviting them in. The guards closed the gate, shutting out the world.

“Goudan, tea,” she instructed, then turned. “Mr. Yan, Student Yan, please come in.”

“Thank you.” Yan Guofeng nodded, entering the main room with Yan Rushan’s support. The guards remained on watch in the courtyard.

Goudan appeared from the kitchen, carrying a tray, and followed them inside. It set the teacups on the table and quietly retreated to a corner to stand by.

Zhong Yuxiu personally served the tea. “Mr. Yan, Student Yan, my resources are limited. The tea isn’t the best—please forgive me.” She had found the leaves only after rummaging through her storage ring and given them all to Goudan for hosting guests.

“It’s nothing,” Yan Guofeng replied.

Zhong Yuxiu sat, sipping her tea. “Since you’ve come in person, the higher-ups must have made a decision. I’m not interested in any rewards. I have only one request: never interfere with me, no matter what.”

“It’s only right,” Yan Guofeng said after a pause. “The leader wants to meet you.”

“I’ll decline for now. I’m just a student—there’s no need. You can send someone to liaise with me, and I’ll trust you with the safety of my home.” She had met emperors and federal royals in past lives; such an audience held no special meaning for her.

Her lack of excitement, her calm indifference to favor or disgrace, made Yan Guofeng’s estimation of her rise once more.

“Very well. It’s up to you. The higher-ups respect your wishes.”

“Excellent.” Zhong Yuxiu nodded with satisfaction. “Don’t let too many people disturb me. I value peace and quiet.”

Yan Guofeng nodded amiably. “That’s no problem. However, for your safety, the authorities want you to move into the military compound. You know it’s the safest place. They’ll assign you a small building—you may do as you like. It’s both to protect you and your research, which is now classified. You’ll also receive two rewards.”

“You have a lot of faith in me. I’ve only developed two little gadgets.” Zhong Yuxiu arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a slight smile. “You’re investing quite a lot.”

“Comrade Zhong, you deserve it. Your sensor has broad applications—for aircraft, weapons, even warships. As for the chip, with further development, its uses are immense. For these alone, you merit the privileges.”

Zhong Yuxiu was nonchalant. “As long as my conditions are met, I don’t care about moving.”

“Please, state them,” Yan Guofeng said, composed and attentive.

“I’ve said them: Don’t force me, don’t interfere, don’t let anyone disturb me.”

Yan Guofeng waited, but when that was all she said, he couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. “Those aren’t even real conditions. If you think of more, come to me. The building prepared for you is ready. What are your plans?”

“I’ll move as soon as possible. I have new research to conduct.”

“Good. How about now?” Yan Guofeng tested.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded calmly. “That’s fine.”

Relief softened Yan Guofeng’s features. “Do you need to pack? I can have the guards help move your things.”

“I only have a few sets of clothes, bedding, and some food from the kitchen. Nothing else needs to be touched. I might come back to stay occasionally. Goudan and my computer from my room must come with me.”

“Of course.” Yan Guofeng exchanged a glance with his grandson, and Yan Rushan understood at once, rising to go out.