Visitor is from the USA, named Charlie. He is a Doctor of Biological Research for the International Alliance and is quite knowledgeable in astronomy and geography.
After a brief introduction and pleasantries, they left a great impression on each other. It was evident that Charlie was a witty American, humble, reserved, and responsible.
Matt, accompanied by Charlie, was on his way to meet someone whom he suspected to be Charlie's superior. Perhaps this person was also a witty American, and even Wu Yi, who was usually fearless, felt a bit anxious.
Matt and Charlie walked briskly, while Wu Yi, curious about everything around him, had to almost jog to keep up.
In the laboratory, they were greeted by an elderly man with graying hair. He was Chu Xiong, Ph.D., the highly respected superior and mentor that Charlie had mentioned.
Chu Xiong, Ph.D., was Chinese. As Charlie had just described, his teacher was composed and experienced in his demeanor, kind and peaceful in nature. He approached everything methodically and patiently, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and resilience, adept at overcoming challenges with gentleness.
Matt felt that Chu Xiong's credentials could rival those of Professor R; if it came to character, the former had a slight edge.
Regardless, Wu Yi was very curious about who knew about them both. When Chu Xiong's gaze fell upon him, the question that had been troubling him leaped into his mind. Unable to control himself, he blurted out, "I am just a nobody named Wu Yi. I would like to ask you a question that has been bothering me."
Chu Xiong nodded and smiled gently, "Feel free to ask."
Although Wu Yi sometimes acted disrespectfully towards Matt, he felt it necessary to maintain some decorum in front of Chu Xiong. Moreover, the question he was struggling with was related to Matt as well. So when Chu Xiong agreed to take questions, he felt compelled to consult Matt's opinion.
Matt knew what Wu Yi wanted to ask; he smiled silently but his eyes indicated that Wu Yi could go ahead.
"I just want to know why you thought of finding us and what your intentions are in bringing us here?" After expressing his thoughts, Wu Yi smiled apologetically and added unnecessarily, "Is it too abrupt for me to ask this question?"
Chu Xiong's expression turned serious as he nodded towards Matt and Wu Yi. "Follow me."
Matt and Wu Yi exchanged glances but said nothing further as they trailed behind Chu Xiong, Ph.D.
A three-dimensional cube-shaped automatic door seamlessly integrated into the wall opened slowly as Chu Xiong stood still. A high-tech thermal sensing door? Wu Yi felt sweat on his brow; this was the first time he had seen such advanced technology in person.
"I heard everything you said in the screening room just now," Chu Xiong suddenly smiled at Matt and said, "Regarding the question of how the universe was formed, it's a topic that colleagues around the world are discussing and exploring. Various theories and opinions are merely arbitrary conclusions."
Wu Yi looked at Matt, who was nodding with a smile as he conversed animatedly with Chu Xiong, Ph.D. "There are historical records that long ago, astronomer F. Drake first initiated the Ozma Project to search for extraterrestrial civilizations. The tool was a massive antenna, resembling a radio telescope, aimed at receiving signals from alien civilizations. However, even as of 2020, the largest project, Batoo, has yet to find any radio signals from extraterrestrial life."
"Of course, technology is advancing. We can now use high-intelligence radar scanners to intercept encrypted messages from Extraterrestrial Beings. However, these are company secrets, so I cannot disclose them all."
The conversation reached an impasse. Matt deliberately changed the subject, saying, "Ha! When I saw that plaque at the entrance just now, I thought I had come to the wrong place." Seeing he had successfully diverted the topic, he pressed on with another question: "You’re not just doing biological research, are you? You also work in biochemistry..."
"You're quite perceptive for someone in this field," Chu Xiong nodded appreciatively and gave a thumbs up. "The situation is chaotic, and the future looks grim. Have you heard about the lifeforms from the Blue Star System?"
As they spoke, they had already walked into a disinfection chamber where a large cloud of white disinfectant mist was spraying from above. Charlie was joking with Wu Yi while Matt continued his conversation with Chu Xiong.
"Blue Star System?" Matt felt that this trip was worthwhile; he had heard about the Blue Star System long ago but had never seen its overall interface and data.
After exiting the disinfection chamber, Charlie had been respectfully listening to his teacher's words. Unfortunately, Chu Xiong's responses were often brief and to the point—those kinds of conversations that didn't say much but got straight to it. Wu Yi secretly admired him; what a real man! If given the chance to get to know him better, perhaps they could become close friends despite their age difference.
Once out of the disinfection chamber, Chu Xiong led them into a sealed laboratory. Inside the lab was a Cryogenic Chamber-style cabinet filled with mist.
Charlie used a special towel to wipe away the mist on the cabinet's tempered glass, revealing a strange lifeform inside. Its shape resembled an insect known as a mantis on Earth.
"What is this?" Matt exclaimed in surprise, his eyes wide as he focused intently on the creature inside the cabinet and asked Chu Xiong, "This can't be the Blue Star Lifeform you mentioned earlier, can it?"
Chu Xiong smiled subtly and nodded. "Yes, it comes from the Blue Star System."
"That's incredible! How did you capture it?" Matt felt a surge of excitement and wanted to join Chu Xiong's research team. However, he was still a guest and didn't know who had introduced him to them. His heart raced with anticipation while maintaining a scholarly demeanor as he awaited their response.
"First answer me one question: what do you think about the Mass Extermination plan?"
Matt shook his head ambiguously, a bitter smile on his face. "I'm not really sure about the pros and cons of Mass Extermination, but it has left me feeling like a beggar. Living in hiding is not easy."
"I understand. This creature was discovered during the Mass Extermination. Do you believe that?"
"Wow! Is it really that impressive?" Matt remained silent, while Wu Yi exclaimed in surprise.
"You didn't invite us here just to show me this Extraterrestrial Being, did you?"
Chu Xiong's eyes flickered. "Of course not." He then gestured to Charlie, saying, "You can bring him out now."
Under the focused gaze of Matt and Wu Yi, they watched as Charlie walked over to a wall and pressed a hidden mechanism. The three-dimensional cube wall shifted, its surface gleaming softly as it slid open.
Before Matt and the others stood a person standing motionless in front of the wall—Xiao Qiang? He gasped and started to move closer, but was pulled back by Chu Xiong. Chu Xiong spoke into the air, "Cancel the surveillance lines and defensive weapons."
That was close! Wu Yi secretly gasped. If Chu Xiong hadn't pulled Matt back, as soon as he approached Xiao Qiang, the hidden automated weapons would have annihilated him.
At the same time, he wondered what this place really was. How did Xiao Qiang end up here? Did this have anything to do with Professor R?
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