Chapter 2: Zhu Yiqiao
The Huifu Gardens apartment was one of the perks offered by the university to retain faculty.
Three years ago, when Ming Fei graduated with her doctorate, the top four companies in the industry had extended offers, each with exceptionally generous salaries. To bolster its competitiveness, the university added a new incentive: a four-bedroom, two-living room apartment in the newly developed district for those who chose to stay on.
Ming Fei hadn’t deliberated for long, as she was already inclined to remain at the university.
Taking the elevator to the 18th floor, she unlocked the smart security lock with her fingerprint, and the electronic door smoothly slid open. Before she could even change her shoes, she heard a tiny, milky voice threatening her.
“Freeze!”
Ming Fei looked up to see Ming Yi, dressed in a white bunny outfit and with her hair in two little buns, standing at the entrance, trying to maintain a stern expression on her adorably round face.
The warm lighting bathed the interior in a cozy glow, illuminating the small figure of Ming Yi, clutching a toy gun.
“Give Baby a kiss, then you can come in.”
Hearing this, Ming Fei’s lips curved into a smile, readily complying.
“Alright, little officer.”
She placed the cake on the entryway table and crouched down to meet the little officer’s eye level. Ming Yi, nicknamed Zaozao, was just two years and two months old. Her favorite toys were various guns, building blocks, and dolls.
Before Ming Fei could even move, Ming Zaozao rushed into her arms.
“Mama.”
“Mm.” Ming Fei kissed her right cheek. “Zaozao, what’s wrong?”
Ming Zaozao blinked her eyes, remaining silent. Her round, cat-like eyes clearly held a hint of guilt. Ming Fei could guess part of the reason. She’d seen on the home surveillance cameras, while on her way back, that the robotic dog was motionless.
After five seconds of silence, Ming Zaozao confessed.
“This afternoon, Baby was drinking milk, and Quanquan wanted some too. Baby gave some to Quanquan, and then Quanquan stopped moving.”
Finishing her explanation, Ming Zaozao pouted sadly. “Sorry, Baby wanted to share, Baby’s not a bad kid.”
The two-year-old’s language skills were still limited. Ming Zaozao couldn’t express long sentences in one go, sometimes resorting to animated gestures when words failed her.
Ming Fei understood her daughter well.
She changed her shoes, picked up the beautifully packaged cherry cake in her right hand, and cradled her soft daughter in her left as they walked inside.
“How did Zaozao know Quanquan wanted milk?”
Ming Zaozao’s expression was serious. “Quanquan circled Baby, woof woof woof woof.”
Ming Fei chuckled, first gently telling her daughter that Quanquan didn’t drink milk, then patiently comforting her that it was alright because Quanquan’s drive system had malfunctioned yesterday. Finally, she promised her daughter that she would fix Quanquan the robotic dog soon.
Ming Zaozao looked up at her. “Really?”
“Mm.” Ming Fei made a pact with her. “I’ll fix it tonight.”
“Mama’s the best!”
Clearly delighted, Ming Zaozao showered her mother with kisses before asking to be put down. Once on the ground, she hummed a newly learned nursery rhyme, the lyrics jumbled, the tune entirely her own.
Ming Fei was a supportive audience. “Zaozao sings so beautifully.”
Even more enthusiastic than Ming Fei was robot 008, the latest home service intelligent robot developed by the research institute, not yet widely available on the market. To better care for and accompany Ming Zaozao, Ming Fei purchased one at a discounted price for personal use and upgraded some of its functions after bringing it home.
At this moment, a crying cartoon face appeared on 008’s square display screen, as if it had been moved to tears by the beautiful singing.
008’s robotic female voice, much like a cartoon character’s, declared, “Baby, you are the best singer! You must participate in the next National Children’s Music Competition because humans and robots cannot live without your singing!”
Ming Zaozao was a bit shy, but earnestly promised, “Okay! Baby will work hard!”
Suppressing a smile, Ming Fei placed the cherry cake on the dining table. After cutting it into four pieces and giving the smallest one to Ming Zaozao, the little girl, who had just finished her performance, jumped for joy.
“Wow~”
Little stars sparkled in Ming Zaozao’s eyes. “Mama, Baby loves Mama.”
“Thank you, Mama. Baby likes cake.”
Suddenly remembering something, Ming Zaozao let out a little gasp and immediately dropped her toy gun, running into her bedroom. Ming Fei didn’t follow but handed the other two portions of cake to Aunt Wang, who was coming in from the balcony.
Aunt Wang was a housekeeper Ming Fei hired from a domestic service company. She usually looked after Ming Zaozao when Ming Fei went to work. It was a relatively easy job, considering Yi Meng Independent State had a four-day work week and three days off, with everyone except public officials working seven hours a day. Furthermore, the capable robot 008 was also there to assist.
In addition to all this, Ming Zaozao herself was a very well-behaved and polite child, capable of many basic tasks independently.
“Thank you, Professor Ming,” Aunt Wang said with a kind smile. “I’ll be going home now. See you next week.”
“Mm, be safe on your way home, Aunt Wang. See you next week.”
008, perfect in social etiquette, added, “See you next week, Aunt Wang. I look forward to working with you again and wish you a wonderful weekend.”
Under the early autumn downpour, a mist began to rise over Xi He City. The potted plants on the balcony, sheltered from the rain like flowers in a greenhouse, bloomed brightly against the misty backdrop.
When Ming Zaozao reappeared from the bedroom, she had both hands hidden behind her back, clearly concealing something.
Before the 5’8″ Ming Fei, the 2’3″ Ming Zaozao looked like a tiny doll-sized sprite. Even with her attempts at secrecy, there was nothing covert about it. Ming Fei could easily see what she held behind her.
Nonetheless, she played along, gently asking, “What were you doing in the bedroom, Zaozao?”
Dimples appeared on Ming Zaozao’s cheeks as she smiled. “Mama, guess!”
“Alright, let Mama guess.” Ming Fei poured herself a glass of water, taking a small sip. “Were you checking on Quanquan?”
Ming Zaozao shook her head. “Nope.”
Ming Fei guessed again, “Were you building with your bunny blocks?”
“Guess again, Mama.”
Finally, Ming Fei gave the correct answer: “Did Zaozao go to prepare a present for Mama?”
Ming Zaozao’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Mama’s so smart! Mama guessed right!”
“Ta-da~” Ming Zaozao brought out the drawing hidden behind her back, holding it high. “It’s Baby’s drawing for Mama. Baby worked on it for a long time, it was hard work!”
Then, lowering the drawing slightly, she explained it to her mother. “The one in the middle is Mama, the one on the left is Baby, and the one on the right is Quanquan and 008. We live in the house, Baby loves Mama, likes Quanquan, likes 008, likes strawberries, peaches, cake…”
Ming Fei’s heart melted.
Having grown up surrounded by love, Ming Zaozao was adept at expressing affection. Every day, she told Ming Fei how much she loved her, a love unique in the entire universe.
Before Ming Fei could speak, the ever-sentimental 008 started playing a medley of songs — “Baby,” “Thank You,” “I Like You Too,” and “Good Friends Walk Together Forever.”
Just as Ming Fei was about to order it to stop, 008, displaying good judgment, paused the music and quietly assumed the role of an attentive robotic audience member.
After finishing her rambling explanation, Ming Zaozao looked up and asked, “Mama, do you like Baby’s drawing?”
“Yes, I like it very much.” Ming Fei picked her up, gazing at the rather abstract artwork, and complimented her wholeheartedly. “Zaozao, you’re so talented! You draw so well!”
“Mama’s talented, and Baby’s talented too.”
An idea sparked in Ming Fei’s mind. “Mama has the weekend off. Is there anywhere Zaozao wants to go?”
“The zoo! Baby wants to see the little sheep, baa baa, they’re so cute!”
“Alright.”
Mother and daughter watched a documentary together for a while. Ming Zaozao ate her cake while watching. Afterward, Ming Fei went to prepare dinner, and Ming Zaozao went to play in her toy room. By the time Ming Fei finished cooking and went to get her, 008 had entered standby mode, and Ming Zaozao was fast asleep on the play mat, her round tummy peeking out, her cheeks flushed pink.
She carried her daughter into the bedroom, tucked her into the soft bed, and covered her with a blanket. Then, putting on her black-rimmed glasses, she began to repair the malfunctioning robot dog, Quanquan.
In current society, half of household pets were bionic robots, the other half real animals.
Bionic robots, like the robotic dog, not only possessed all the advantages of real pet dogs but also addressed some of their drawbacks, such as shedding, odor, and excrement. They were very suitable for families with children.
Of course, real, emotional dogs, cats, and other animals held an irreplaceable charm.
Not long ago, Ming Fei had realized that Ming Zaozao seemed to prefer real dogs and cats to the robotic dog. Upon noticing her daughter’s desire, Ming Fei had visited the most expensive pet store in Xi He City, inquired about various matters, and made all the necessary arrangements. After work on Monday, she planned to take Ming Zaozao to choose a dog and cat to bring home.
“September 8, 167 New Era, 09:33, apparent temperature 23°C, humidity 80%, visibility 14km… Rain expected after 17:30. The Meteorological Bureau advises citizens to carry umbrellas or raincoats when going out… Yi Meng Independent State wishes every citizen a pleasant day.”
The in-car broadcast ended. As it approached the Ganghuan Bridge, the self-driving car slowed down.
In the back seat, Ming Zaozao was drowsy. After a yawn, she buried her face in her clothes, seemingly about to fall back asleep.
“Zaozao.”
“Mm!” Like a startled kitten, Ming Zaozao’s hair seemed to stand on end as she looked up. “Mama, are we there yet?”
The Xi He City zoo, prioritizing the animals’ ecological environment, was located in the suburbs far from the city center and didn’t charge admission.
Ming Fei glanced at the time. “It’s still another half hour.”
“Okay.”
Ming Zaozao nodded, shifted closer, and snuggled into Ming Fei’s embrace, finding a more comfortable sleeping position.
“Mama, Baby will sleep for a bit. Wake Baby up when we get there.”
Ming Fei soothed her, “Alright.”
After crossing the Ganghuan Bridge, the self-driving car picked up speed, speeding towards its destination. Ming Fei’s gaze swept across the Yi He Lake outside the window. Occasionally, birds glided across the water’s surface, flying towards the dark maple forest in the distance.
This was the tenth time she’d taken Ming Zaozao to the zoo.
The first time, Ming Zaozao had been only one year and five months old and had cried upon seeing the lions in the lion enclosure. After a minute of comforting, Ming Zaozao’s tears stopped. Once her crying subsided, her courage returned. Not only did she insist on Ming Fei holding her hand as they approached the glass to “pet” the lions, but she even grumbled at them, calling them “bad kitties” when they came closer.
Recalling these memories, the tenderness in Ming Fei’s eyes deepened.
She lowered her head and kissed the sleeping Ming Zaozao. Only when her phone vibrated did she look away to check the message.
[Li Xing: Where are you now?]
[Li Xing: Have you and adorable Zaozao had breakfast? They sell breakfast at the zoo entrance, including Zaozao’s favorite jujube cakes. Want me to bring you two portions?]
Ming Fei freed her right hand to reply.
[Just passed Ganghuan Bridge, on Minsu Road. Twenty minutes away.]
[Thank you, we’ve already had breakfast, no need.] Out of social courtesy, Ming Fei added a smiling emoji at the end.
[Li Xing: Okay.]
[Li Xing: Stop sending that smiling emoji. My mom doesn’t even use it.]
Ming Fei thought for a moment, then sent a little cat waving emoji, one that Ming Zaozao liked.
Their chat remained silent for the next twenty minutes. Arriving at the zoo, Ming Fei woke Ming Zaozao, who, with her sleep-mussed curls, looked at her with a sleepy expression.
“Zaozao, we’re at the zoo.”
Ming Zaozao mumbled an acknowledgment.
Three seconds later, fully awake, Ming Zaozao’s expression brightened. Getting out of the car, she held her mother’s hand, looking around excitedly. Spotting Li Xing, dressed in light green casual wear, she called out crisply, “Auntie Xingzi, good morning!”
Li Xing beamed. “Good morning, Zaozao! Haven’t seen you for half a month. Did you miss Auntie Xing?”
“Yes~”
Li Xing was skilled at entertaining children, keeping Ming Zaozao’s dimples constantly on display. By the time Ming Fei returned from the shop next to the zoo, Ming Zaozao was already feeding the koi in the pond.
The red and white koi clustered like a bed of Hippeastrum, seemingly a good omen for a smooth and enjoyable day, ideal for outings and amusement.
The Southern District Court of Xi He City.
As a privileged institution independent of the military and government, answering only to the current monarch of Yi Meng Independent State, the Court building had been brightly lit almost every night for the past half-month. This was due to the discovery that the SE Group was privately trafficking arms, implicating several high-ranking military and political figures, even officials from other countries.
“Meeting time, Lubai.”
Lan Lubai finished the last bite of her bread. “Alright, alright, I’m coming.”
Min Man pulled her directly from her seat. “Stop eating, let’s go. The boss is there too.”
Lan Lubai hurried after her. “The boss is back? Wasn’t she still in the North District last night?”
“The investigation results are out.”
Inside the ornately decorated yet dignified meeting hall, the main holographic display detailed the entire sequence of events of what had been dubbed the B2330 incident. Except for two executives who hadn’t arrived yet, everyone sat solemnly, waiting for the Chief Justice, seated at the head of the table, to issue final instructions.
With only ten seconds left on the countdown timer, the meeting hall doors opened again, and Lan Lubai and Min Man, arriving just on time, hurried to their seats.
Once everyone was present, Secretary-General Wei Lingyu announced, “All twenty-five members of the Court are present. This meeting officially commences. Now, I will present the complete details of the B2330 incident…”
“…Considering the involvement of several members of the Taiya Kingdom parliament, this investigation will be conducted in cooperation with the Taiya Kingdom police…”
“Furthermore, we have retrieved the original list of victims of the gene theft perpetrated by the SE Group. Please take a look—”
As the previously undisclosed list of gene theft victims was displayed, a chilling silence fell over the meeting room. Even Secretary-General Wei Lingyu, usually unflappable, was momentarily stunned.
Lan Lubai, whose mind had been wandering a moment earlier, noticed the frozen atmosphere and looked up at the list of victims, which was not supposed to be revealed in the meeting. The next second, she shot up from her seat like a spring, instinctively glancing at Chief Justice Zhu Yiqiao, seated at the head of the table.
Because at the bottom of the holographic display, clearly visible, was—
[*Number 0015 Zhu Yiqiao, Age 25, formerly served in the Ares Special Forces of the Yi Meng Independent State.]
And Zhu Yiqiao, the focus of everyone’s attention, their gazes carrying various unspoken emotions, appeared calm and composed, as if detached from the situation. Her slender, pale fingers stroked the calluses on her right hand, and a hint of a smile even played on her usually indifferent face.
Lan Lubai’s worry intensified.
The last time Zhu Yiqiao wore such an expression had been when they were still in active service. Back then, Zhu Yiqiao was known as the “Rose Gun” of Yi Meng Independent State. Sharp, rational, calm, decisive—she possessed all the qualities of an exceptional sniper.
Four years ago, during the deadliest battle, their squad had been pushed to the brink. Zhu Yiqiao, abandoning her usual composure, had used the last remaining, and worst, sniper rifle, a WIDS1741, to eliminate the remaining 46 enemy soldiers.
As the first bullet left the barrel, the enemy’s green military flag fluttered down like a falling leaf into the river. Every subsequent shot fired by Zhu Yiqiao found its mark—every single one a fatal hit.
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