Reborn : Space Intelligent Woman

”We do not know her actual name, but while we were detaining her, we heard her repeatedly shouting that she just wanted to see her boyfriend. She even went so far as to claim that our research centre was holding him prisoner here against his will.” The security guard replied, looking slightly awkward at the absurdity of the claim.

”We also explained to her that only legitimate researchers and authorised personnel work inside this facility. Absolutely nobody is being locked up here. Every scientist is free to leave whenever their shift ends.” Another security guard quickly chimed in, eager to clear the facility’s reputation.

”You did a good job preventing an unauthorised outsider from breaching the perimeter.” Yu Qi nodded approvingly, her voice warm. ”In the future, if someone comes to the gate claiming they want to meet a person inside, simply record their full name along with the specific name of the employee they wish to see. Once that particular researcher comes out or takes a break, inform them about the visitor and let them handle it outside.”

”Yes, Miss Tang. Understood.” The security guards nodded respectfully in unison.

Yu Qi turned and walked deeper into the modern building. She tapped her card against another high-security biometric reader to gain further access, stepping through the secondary airlock before finally entering the restricted inner area of the research centre.

Everything inside remained exactly the same as usual. The quiet hum of computers, the scent of chemical reagents, and the orderly movement of assistants.

She quietly walked down the corridor toward her private office.

”Oh, Yu Qi! You’re finally here!” Su Ziqing called out loudly the exact moment she spotted Yu Qi turning the corner.

”Ziqing, how have you been lately?” Yu Qi asked casually, leaning against the doorframe.

”I am doing fine physically... but mentally, I am completely stuck right now. My current synthesis experiment keeps failing over and over again, and I cannot find the flaw in the formula.” Su Ziqing sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping in pure, academic frustration.

”I see. A mental block, then.” Yu Qi nodded thoughtfully, a small smile playing on her lips. ”Well, it has been quite a while since all of us gathered together outside of work. Why don’t we round up everyone who is free right now and go out for a massive dinner tonight?”

”Yes! That is the best idea you have had all week! Let us call everyone who is available right this second.” Su Ziqing agreed enthusiastically, her frustration instantly evaporating.

Without waiting for Yu Qi to reply, she immediately scurried toward the central announcement room, pushing open the door and picking up the PA system microphone without a shred of hesitation.

”Attention, everyone! Whoever is free right now, drop your beakers and let us go out for dinner together! Our big boss is officially in the building, and she is ready to waste her hard-earned money on us!” Su Ziqing announced cheerfully, her voice echoing loudly through every single speaker in the facility.

Yu Qi was instantly rendered completely speechless, massaging her temples.

After putting the microphone back onto its cradle, Su Ziqing bounded back into the hallway, turning toward Yu Qi with a bright, triumphant grin plastered across her face.

”You really know how to make an unforgettable announcement.” Yu Qi commented helplessly, shaking her head.

”Hehehe... That is only because you are a very generous and wealthy big boss, and we love you for it.” Su Ziqing grinned shamelessly, nudging her shoulder.

Not long afterwards, the bait of free food worked like magic. Dian Yi Qihan, Teng Li, Mo Huizhong, Hu Tingfeng, Tan Xiaosheng, Zhao Yongzhung, and Deng Jianguo all gathered together in the main lobby surprisingly quickly, discarding their lab coats in record time.

”Wow, you all came running very fast.” Su Ziqing commented, amused by the crowd.

”Of course we did. Wherever there is high-quality, free food involved, our legs naturally move faster.” Mo Huizhong declared proudly, puffing out his chest.

”Where is Ling Xuan? Did he not hear the call?” Zhao Yongzhung asked curiously, looking around the group.

”He is at a critical juncture and cannot leave his experiment midway without ruining the samples, but he already explicitly told me to pack some premium takeout for him to eat at his desk later.” Teng Li explained with a chuckle.

”Well then, since the gang is all here, let us go.” Yu Qi said, turning toward the exit. Then, she suddenly remembered her logistical situation. ”Oh... wait. My car is still parked over at the hospital garage, so let me ride shotgun with one of you instead.”

”Sure, no problem at all! Hop in with me.” Su Ziqing nodded immediately, casually jingling her car keys with a bright, triumphant grin plastered across her face.

Since there were nine of them in total, the group naturally ended up dividing themselves into three separate vehicles to ensure everyone could travel comfortably without feeling cramped. In the end, after a brief round of coordination, Su Ziqing’s, Teng Li’s, and Mo Huizhong’s cars were selected as the official transport for the evening.

The restaurant selected by Su Ziqing was a bustling, high-end establishment nestled in the heart of the city’s commercial district, well-renowned for its luxurious private dining suites and exceptionally fresh, premium ingredients. It was truly the perfect, secluded venue for a group of mentally exhausted researchers and scientists to finally let their hair down, relax, and unwind without having to worry about their rowdy conversation disturbing the other patrons around them.

Unfortunately for the passengers, whoever ended up sharing the ride with Su Ziqing was forcefully subjected to her endless, animated, and highly technical complaints regarding her failed experiments for the entire duration of the drive.

***This novel is a contracted work with .com. If you do not read this novel on .com, that means it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***