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“My dad’s not himself these days,” he explained. “He’s been overwhelmed by his research. Mom says he locks himself in his room all day, avoids us, and doesn’t let anyone in. It’s like he’s somewhere else.”

“And…”

Big Cat Face glanced at his watch.

“And I promised my son I’d pick up a roast chicken for him today. Tell you what: why don’t you join us for dinner tonight? You don’t have a place to stay, so you can crash at mine. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see my dad on my motorcycle.”

“Let’s make it today, Brother Face!” Lin Xian tugged at his arm.

“It won’t take much time. Just drop me at your dad’s, then you can go get your son’s chicken. You don’t need to stick around.”

“I’m really curious about math and have some questions for your father. It’ll be quick, okay?”

“Alright.”

He scratched his armpit absently.

“I did promise I’d make it up to you. As your big brother, I can’t break that promise.”

“Ah Zhuang, take this thief to the police. I’m taking Lin Xian to meet my dad.”

Ah Zhuang approached, giving Lin Xian a quick glance, and whispered,

“Boss, what about tonight…”

Big Cat Face gestured dismissively.

“Business as usual. We’ll be back soon.”

…

Big Cat Face led Lin Xian back home and uncovered his motorcycle, an old model yet meticulously clean, showing it was well cared for. In this economically depressed and technologically lagging village, the motorcycle was a treasure.

“Put on the helmet.”

He tossed a helmet to Lin Xian.

“Really? This cautious?”

Lin Xian fastened his helmet, surprised by Big Cat Face’s insistence.

A former bank robber now worried about helmet safety?

“I need to set a good example for my kids!”

Big Cat Face adjusted his own oversized helmet, the straps dangling loosely.

“I always preach safety to them. I need to live by my own rules.”

Lin Xian smiled, recalling their last heist dream where Big Cat Face mentioned his daughter. He had said if she were still alive, he wouldn’t be the man he was. He’d still be attending parent-teacher conferences, giving speeches, mindful of his legacy. It was clear now; Big Cat Face’s world hinged on his daughter’s presence. Alive, he was a devoted and gentle father; absent, he became a bitter criminal.

It seems everyone’s life might follow such a pattern.

…

The motorcycle roared down the uneven dirt road, leaving the village for an endless stretch of field. The cluttered, makeshift homes faded behind them, replaced by the open sky and fresh air. Lin Xian looked ahead, spotting the imposing structure of New Donghai City, a behemoth rising between earth and sky.

It appeared alien—a massive, foreboding structure spanning vast, with iron walls stretching endlessly, skyscrapers piercing the clouds. Some towers were so high they vanished into the sky, perhaps reaching thousands of floors.

Despite the clear day, the exterior walls revealed rust marks—a stark contrast to the city’s inner grandeur. To those inside, these blemishes were invisible, negating any need for upkeep.

Lin Xian estimated these walls to be around 200 meters high, considering the comparison with the city’s tallest buildings. It was a marvel of industrial might, the scale of which was unimaginable.

Neither Lin Xian nor Big Cat Face could fully grasp the extent.

As Big Cat Face put it, the iron barriers were as divisive as the Milky Way itself, with both sides viewing each other as alien.

…

“We’re here, little brother!”

Screeeeech—

Big Cat Face braked with his slippered foot, stirring up a cloud of dust. The journey was not brief; even speeding, it left Lin Xian sore.

They stopped outside a two-story house. Big Cat Face pointed to a second-floor room with drawn curtains.

“That’s where my dad’s holed up, buried in his books.”

He parked the motorcycle and knocked on the door.

“Mom!”

Big Cat Face called out.

…

No answer.

Bang bang bang!

“Dad!”

…

Silence continued.

“This isn’t right!”

Big Cat Face looked baffled, turning to Lin Xian.

“Mom going out is one thing, but Dad never leaves. Since he figured out that Universal Constant, he’s barely left his room, except for necessities!”

He shook his head in disbelief, then inhaled deeply, puffing up his chest—

“Dad—”

“Keep it down, Big Cat!”

An elderly man appeared from the next house.

“Uncle Wang?”

Big Cat Face recognized the man.

“Where are my parents?”

“You silly boy… your folks were picked up this morning. Your family’s heading for big times!”

Big times?

Big Cat Face and Lin Xian exchanged puzzled looks.

“Uncle Wang, who took my parents? Why wasn’t I told?”

“They had to leave quickly. Someone invited your dad to a scholarly forum. Your dad’s about to bring great honor to your family!”

“Hah…” Big Cat Face snorted. “Uncle Wang, you made it sound like a lottery win! He’s just going to a forum. You got me all excited over nothing.”

“Haha, you naive boy!” The old man fanned himself, chuckling with glee. “This is better than any lottery, a million times better! For the first time in centuries, someone from here is invited into New Donghai City!”

“What?! New Donghai City?”

Big Cat Face and Lin Xian were shocked.

New Donghai City.

Lin Xian frowned. It was believed that no one from their area could enter that sprawling, futuristic city, separated by 200-meter-high iron walls.

“But… Uncle Wang! Are you serious? This isn’t a joke, right?” Big Cat Face was incredulous.

“Why would I lie?” The old man’s expression turned solemn, pointing to the distant, towering city. “This morning, around seven, several cars descended from the sky! They courteously collected your parents! By now, they’re probably enjoying a lavish feast over there!”