Chapter 100 Sleeping with Fans: "Biting your lip in public counts as fighting, right?"

Bai Yinhe walked into the laboratory and brought up a virtual screen: "In recent years, we have made some progress in gravity research and can provide a powerful gravity technology..."

"Come and see this."

With a wave of her hand, a dynamic simulation appeared on the virtual screen: "A graviton weapon that can fire a beam of gravitons. Tidal forces will tear apart the enemy fleet, and all surrounding aircraft will disintegrate due to structural stress overload. The disadvantage is that it requires an enormous amount of energy and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. The advantage is that because it acts directly on space, all energy shields are ineffective against it."

Yu Long was somewhat shocked: "How did you develop controllable gravitons? This...this requires an unimaginable amount of energy. I know you already have antimatter reactors, or even black holes..."

"Yes, we are researching black hole engines."

Yu Long opened his mouth, then closed it again.

While the known universe is still racking its brains trying to create a light-speed engine, this group of travelers has already begun studying black holes.

"Now you should understand why we are unwilling to interact with humans or get involved in any conflicts." Bai Yinhe spread his hands: "Those who can endure loneliness will not be enamored with worldly affairs. If these technologies fall into the hands of ambitious humans, the universe will only become riddled with holes. To be honest, I really don't want to give this weapon... but considering the widespread use of consciousness stripping technology is an outcome I don't want to see even more, I'll choose a more acceptable one."

Lin Nan and You Long remained silent.

"Alright, my warship will enter the solar system in three days at the latest, but it can only launch once. Now, do you have any other weapons you want?"

Bai Yinhe appeared very generous.

Both of them shook their heads. To be honest, even carrying this so-called graviton weapon in their pockets felt like a hot potato. Luckily, Bai Yinhe was willing to contribute his time and effort; otherwise, You Long was afraid his hands would shake while operating it…

Bai Yinhe suddenly smiled maliciously: "Actually, there is another way to nullify the consciousness stripping away from the light wheel."

"When the star was still alive, the technology for uploading consciousness wasn't mature, so she only retained a portion of her thoughts, which became Guardian One. But now we can upload them more completely..."

Lin Nan shook his head: "At this stage, humans still need to exist in the form of flesh and blood. Can I ask for two more things? One for me and one for her, as a gift from you, as an elder, to the younger generation."

You Long was shocked by her shameless remarks. In her memory, Lin Nan was a proud and aloof person. How did she suddenly become a shrewd businessman...?

Bai Yinhe also looked surprised and raised an eyebrow: "You're even more shameless than Xingxing. Back then, she also had the same gentlemanly face, and then she cheated people out of money and sex..."

Unfortunately, she had no other choice. She had given him money and sex, but she still couldn't escape it, and in the end, she even had a child.

"I don't use sex to deceive you." Lin Nan shook his head honestly. "It's just a small gift. Mother won't begrudge it, will she?"

“There’s nothing I’m reluctant to part with, but…” Bai Yinhe drawled, “What’s your relationship with her? Why do I have to share the gift with her?”

Lin Nan: "Ex".

Yu Long: "My partner."

Bai Yinhe: "Inconsistent caliber?"

Yu Long changed his tune: "We're both right."

She was willing to go to any lengths for money.

Bai Yinhe: "Alright, elders can give red envelopes, but you two came to visit without bringing anything?"

Lin Nan thought for a moment, and since she really didn't have anything worthwhile to offer, she simply said, "Rice, flour, cooking oil..."

Yu Long subconsciously replied, "Sunflower seeds, peanuts..."

Bai Yinhe was so angry she laughed.

Lin Nan's request was indeed very simple: "I just need some nanobots."

Bai Yinhe: "Okay, what about you, daughter-in-law?"

Yu Long: "..."

"What...what would you like to order?"

It was so sudden that she didn't know what to do for a moment, and subconsciously looked at Lin Nan.

Lin Nan, with an expression of indifference, said, "Think about it yourself."

Yu Long was at his wit's end when a sudden inspiration struck him: "May I discuss some issues related to consciousness technology with you?"

"Sure."

Yu Long steadied himself and brought up a virtual interface: "We've captured a signal receiver and want to study its principles, but since I only have the receiver and not the transmitter, we've encountered some problems..."

Bai Yinhe gestured for her to continue.

"My initial idea is to install this signal receiver on the enemy commander to achieve reverse control."

Lin Nan's eyes flashed, and she knew that she really did have accomplices.

Bai Yinhe immediately noticed the problem: "Your idea is unrealistic. This is just a one-way receiver. The distance is too far, and it is impossible to receive a signal."

Yu Long interjected, "So I want to turn it into a two-way system that can actively send complex instructions to the brain."

Bai Yinhe glanced at her sideways: "You're not a researcher in the field of consciousness. You think you can complete a technological upgrade with just a signal receiver?"

Yu Long turned the page: "It is indeed very difficult. You see, directly causing the opponent to lose their self-awareness on the battlefield is too obvious. The opponent will immediately notice that something is wrong. It requires simulating the brain's own motor commands and subtly making the target believe that 'this idea was generated by myself.' I have now analyzed the corresponding neural code. In terms of energy, I plan to directly collect bioenergy. The command chip is also ready. However, there are still issues with individual neural differences and interference from free will."

For the next full hour, Lin Nan sat expressionlessly to the side, listening to their rapid-fire academic discussion, even feeling drowsy. She had never delved into scientific research and had no interest in it; by the fifth minute, she was completely lost. But the two women spoke faster and faster, sometimes even simultaneously uttering an "Eek!" Then Bai Yinhe would say, "Skip this part, let's continue."

Yu Long rummaged through her pockets, pulled out her replica signal receiver, and began a new round of questioning.

Bai Yinhe's eyes lit up, showing no intention of seeing her off: "You're more like my own daughter than she is. You have a genius-level keenness and thinking when it comes to scientific research. Join us, and Qunxing will help you grow to a whole new level."

Lin Nan: "?"

Yu Long was clearly still eager to continue: "A great suggestion..."

Lin Nan: "You are a soldier."

Yulong's eyes darted around: "Yes... I have a more important task now..."

Lin Nan: "Mother, are you even trying to undermine your daughter's relationship?"

Bai Yinhe bluntly told Lin Nan to shut up, then looked at You Long with a loving expression: "You have a genuine passion and talent for scientific research. Are you going to let this talent go to waste? Don't you want to do what you truly love?"

Lin Nan: "I have to interrupt—"

You Long raised his hand to stop her, and thought about it carefully: "I really can't get away right now."

Bai Yinhe: "We welcome you to join us anytime."

Lin Nan: "Youlong—"

Yu Long raised his hand for the second time: "After the war, I will reconsider your proposal."

Bai Yinhe stood up with satisfaction: "I hope your thoughts won't change because of mundane matters."

You Long shook hands with her respectfully: "Thank you for your help. You are the most amazing scientist I have ever met."

Lin Nan scoffed, "You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth."

Yu Long paused for two seconds: "You are the most amazing and demanding scientist I have ever met."

Lin Nan: "..."

They returned to the Star River. The warship set sail again, and Yu Long, holding a cup of hot coffee, stood by the porthole, lost in thought.

Lin Nan walked in with a surprised look: "You didn't go straight to the lab as soon as you got back."

Yu Long snapped out of his reverie: "Hmm—I don't want to work yet."

Lin Nan was silent for a moment: "If you want, it's not too late to go back now."

"What are you thinking about?" Yu Long turned around: "Should we stay on the Starship?"

"Hmm." The colonel nodded almost imperceptibly and slowly put his hand into his pocket.

You Long is no longer a fully healthy person; the war could very well destroy the last vestige of her humanity. Lately, Lin Nan's ominous premonitions have grown stronger; she feels something bad is about to happen—what could it be? The war? Or You Long?

She had a premonition that something worse than death was about to happen, as if this person would be destroyed before her eyes.

Now is the time to let her get away from everything and focus on the research she loves...

“I don’t think I should be suited for that place.” Yu Long looked down at himself, puzzled. “They’re too rational. I see my companions from the White Galaxy sitting in chairs, never smiling, wandering in the dark for hundreds of years. I just don’t think this is the kind of lifestyle I should like…”

Lin Nan was a little surprised: "Then why did you hesitate back then?"

“Because…” Yulong frowned, “I always feel… as if, in some mysterious way… this is my destiny…”

Lin Nan's expression became even stranger.

"Ms. Yu, an atheist, believes that she has a destiny in the dark."

You Long glared at her: "I'm going to the lab."

Lin Nan quietly watched her retreating figure, then took out the nanobot she had obtained from Bai Yinhe.

＊

What do you think of the concept of interstellar travelers?

Qin Lan brought the water glass to her lips, thought for a moment, and said, "I always find it hard to imagine that kind of lonely life. Maybe one day in the future, when we get used to space, we won't find it so scary anymore."

"If you lived in that era, would you want to become an interstellar traveler?"

Qin Lan shook her head firmly: "I don't have such lofty ambitions. I still prefer a mundane life. What about you? What do you want to do?"

“Continue acting and experience different lives.” Jiang Yan leaned back, her eyes vacant. “I didn’t choose this path voluntarily at first… Teacher Qin gave this job its first meaning.”

This was the first time Qin Lan had heard of this, and she was both curious and a little smug: "Really? Looks like I'm incredibly charming!"

"Yes, Teacher Qin is the most charming. She has me completely bewitched."

Jiang Yan nodded with a smile, looking at her with seductive eyes: "I am Teacher Qin's most loyal fan."

"Then does this count as... sleeping with fans...?" Qin Lan exclaimed in shock: "My professional ethics!"

"No, no, I'm going to expel you from the fandom." She paced around twice. "You're not allowed to say you're my fan anymore, or what will happen to my reputation?"

"Then what should I say about you?"

Jiang Yan smiled and quietly watched her while hugging her knees.

"Colleagues, friends, exes—just pick one." Qin Lan sat down again. "I see you don't dislike acting anymore; do you kind of like this profession now?"

“Of course, otherwise it wouldn’t last long,” Jiang Yan said. “Right now, I plan to keep acting like this until I win the three Golden Horse Awards for Best Actress, then I can relax a bit.”

"A triple crown actress? Teacher Jiang has lofty ambitions." Qin Lan grinned. "Coincidentally, that's my goal too."

"Really? See you on the awards stage then." Jiang Yan casually licked her lips: "I'm just afraid that we'll fight over the spots. It seems like other fans are always looking forward to seeing us tear each other apart in public."

Qin Lan thought for a moment: "Biting your lip in public also counts as fighting, right?"

Jiang Yan clicked her tongue.

"Teacher Qin is really open-minded now. What are you planning to do after winning the three gold medals? Aren't you going to inherit your family's billions?"

Qin Lan waved her hand: "Our group doesn't practice that kind of family succession."

"So what do you want?"

“Ah, my life plan is to enjoy life.” Qin Lan glanced at her sideways: “Recently, I’ve added one more thing: to enjoy life with someone.”

Jiang Yan blushed slightly: "What if she's still not with you by then?"

"Then I'll enjoy life as planned."

Qin Lan stretched, feeling an even brighter future ahead. "And while I'm at it, I'll continue pursuing the person I like."

"Will your life be very exciting then?" Jiang Yan asked with interest. "In novels, the rich kids are always racing cars, sailing on cruise ships, having lavish parties and clubbing until dawn, surrounded by beautiful women, living a life of debauchery..."

Qin Lan rolled her eyes: "Those are idle rich kids. I'm different from them. I'm a rich kid with a proper career."

"I believe you." Jiang Yan glanced at her lightly: "If I find out you're keeping a young beauty as a mistress..."

Qin Lan really wanted to protest: "I'm very loyal!"

＊

"Reporting to Boss Long, the left wing fender is severely damaged!"

"Boss, the right flank has been ambushed!"

"Boss Long, let's retreat!" his subordinate, Blade of Annihilation, shouted anxiously in the channel. "We've already lost, there's no need to sacrifice ourselves!"

Dragon Ball's face turned ashen: "Tell everyone to prepare to evacuate!"

The Dragon King Pirates were forced into retreat under the pressure of the Skull Pirates. In space, the Skull Pirates' dark hulls blended into the deep space, and their massive skull emblem gleamed with a chilling light.

Dragon Ball gritted her teeth in anger, but there was nothing she could do. She lowered her head, tears streaming down her face: "Father! I'm afraid I can't avenge you!"

Two stars away, a massive warship glided silently through space.

The Star River is currently compiling information: "The Dragon King Pirate Crew was founded twenty years ago by the Dragon King, who belonged to the Federation's Deep Sea Star. Three years ago, the Dragon King was ambushed and killed by the Skull Pirate Crew, and his daughter, Dragon Pearl, succeeded him as the leader of the pirate crew. He has eight guardians under his command: the Blade of Annihilation, the Dark Netherworld, the Bloodthirsty Saint, the Death God Dominator..."

Lin Nan frowned as she watched.

Yu Long: "The quality of pirates these days is so low."

Galaxy continued reading: "Ms. Long was focused on revenge, but did not commit large-scale crimes. Based on the overall assessment, the credibility is over 60%."

"Our target is her pirate crew?" Yulong asked curiously.

“Yes.” Lin Nan unconsciously stroked the ring, flipping through the files with his other hand: “I’ve read her file carefully. She’s not a bad person at heart, just a bit arrogant. This pirate group is very loyal to the people, while the Skull Pirate Group is infamous in comparison.”

“I’ve heard of that too.” Yu Long shook his head boredly, trying to control the urge to suddenly salute: “The second-ranked pirate group in space, they commit all sorts of atrocities, including burning, killing, and looting.”

"Starship, proceed to designated coordinates." Lin Nan quickly typed a line: "Enter stealth mode."

"Preparing for jump... Jump complete."

Lin Nan did not directly enter the battlefield, but instead silently lay in wait under the cover of the nebula fragments. Three minutes later, she switched to manual control and began calculating the flight path.

Yu Long felt the warship suddenly lighten, and the Star River leaped into the next shadow. After repeating this five or six times, a small fleet suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Fire,” Colonel Lin said calmly.

The fleet's flagship was precisely decapitated.

With the Starship exposed to the sights of both sides, Lin Nan used the thrust to quickly glide backward and enter the warp portal.

Caught off guard by both sides, the Skull Pirates' flagship immediately ordered, "Analyze the jump point!"

The moment the calculation results were displayed, the Starship appeared like a ghost, unleashing a barrage of fire—

The Dragon King Pirates were still in a daze; their soldiers were clearly the worst in terms of quality.

The cold, hard lines of the military warship flashed across the dark depths of the sky. This massive warship, like a free-flying bird, moved freely in and out of the battlefield, and so far, not a single mark has been left on its hull.

"Prepare the torpedoes," Lin Nan said.

The intelligent torpedoes were launched in succession, with nine out of ten hitting their targets.

The Dragon King was still in a daze. Dark Nether muttered, "Saviors have descended from the heavens."

Dragon Ball was the first to react: "Cooperate with them! Communicate with them!"

The Bloodthirsty Saint King personally sent the request. Seeing Lin Nan busy, You Long casually answered the call: "Who is it?"

"I am the Dragon King's Protector, the Bloodthirsty Holy Lord! Who are you?"

You Long glanced at Lin Nan, and seeing that the other party had no intention of speaking, he said in a deep voice, "A... chivalrous person who stands up for justice."

Dragon Ball shoved aside his hot-headed subordinate: "Thank you for your help! I wonder if you could..."

Lin Nan: "Stop talking nonsense."

Dragon Ball: "Huh? Who's talking?"

You Long glanced at Lin Nan again: "My boss told you to stop talking nonsense. Do you want to turn the tide? If you do, cooperate with us and beat them to a pulp!"

Dragon Ball was overjoyed and put the retreat aside: "May I ask how you want us to cooperate, Boss?"

Lin Nan smiled slightly.

Since that mysterious warship entered the battlefield, the tide of battle has subtly turned. The Skeleton Legion's flagship keenly sensed this and began to consider retreating. Experience told him he should temporarily withdraw from the battlefield, leaving sentries to observe closely, but he was reluctant to give up this golden opportunity to annihilate the enemy in one fell swoop…

While they hesitated, the enemy launched a new offensive.

The colonel calmly gave orders: "Reconnaissance ships, advance to lure the enemy. Destroyers, remain silent on the right flank. All remaining reconnaissance troops, deploy buoys, and monitor the entire airspace."

"Attention all formations, report immediately upon being attacked."

Soon, a loud shout came through the channel: "We've encountered the enemy!"

Lin Nan pulled up the live feed, his eyes fixed on the enemy forces that had already locked onto the stern of the warship: "Immediately fly in a crisscross pattern towards them!"

These pirates are incredibly unprofessional; the two warships almost collided. Fortunately, at the last moment, the pursuing warship managed to create a perfect firing angle. The partner excitedly slammed his fist on the control panel, his voice coinciding with the mysterious man's calm voice: "Fire."

“Well.” Lin Nan had already turned to the next screen: “Bait report!”

"These mad dogs are chasing us and biting us! They're about to catch up!" came the pirates' howls over the channel.

"Give me something useful!" the colonel snapped. "Report the numbers, the distance, and the enemy's equipment!"

Dragon Ball paused, then murmured, "So professional..."

After listening to a jumbled report, Lin Nan personally joined the ambush team. She ordered our warships to line up in a row according to the battlefield terrain. Once the enemy ships entered the ambush zone, they were subjected to widespread attacks, while the enemy's angle of retaliation was extremely narrow.

The Star River launched a powerful attack, annihilating the enemy forces.

"The enemy has expert command and is constantly wearing down our manpower." The Skull determined that it was not advisable to continue fighting at this point: "A very cunning tactic, and that mysterious warship is top-notch in technology... We have already suffered more than half our losses, let's retreat!"

Lin Nan silenced the Dragon King Pirates, who were eager to launch a counterattack, with a single sentence: "Want to die?"

Dragon Ball suddenly realized what was happening and pressed down his excited subordinate: "May I ask what the boss's name is?"

Lin Nan: "If you want to know, you might as well come and see for yourself."

Dragon Ball said, "Then I'll trouble you to guide me!"

Ignoring her subordinates' attempts to stop her, she boarded the Star River with the Bloodthirsty Saint, Dark Netherworld, and the Demon-Transferring Master.

Contrary to expectations of the enigmatic figure behind the high-backed chair, there were only two people on the entire warship: one was playing in the sand, and the other was carefully sprinkling sugar granules into a cup of coffee with a measuring spoon.

"Would you like your coffee with sugar?" the tall woman standing asked, looking up.

Dragon Ball was stunned by this bizarre scene: "Uh, just a little bit, thank you."

Three minutes later, the four pirates, each holding a cup of coffee, stood blankly in the hall.

"Sit down," Yu Long said, tossing away the space sand in his hand. "Don't just stand there."

The pirates obediently sat down.

Dragon Ball attempted to speak: "Thank you both for your help. May I ask who you are...?"

Lin Nan gave her a strange look: "Don't you two recognize us?"

Yu Long: "Didn't you see clearly because of the dim light?"

As she spoke, she walked under the overhead light, letting the beam of light illuminate her face, which was ranked number one on the wanted list.

The pirates' expressions changed.

You Long chuckled: "This is my boss behind me. We like to help out when we see injustice, so I'm just helping you out. Don't be shy. Want to eat something before you go? I'll take you back later so the Skull Gang won't bother you again."

Within ten minutes, the four pirates were completely captivated by the two wanted criminals. Longzhu, remembering how she almost lost her life trying to avenge her father, realized that she would probably be a prisoner by now if it weren't for the intervention of her two benefactors. Feeling ashamed and unworthy of her position, she bowed her head and acknowledged Lin Nan as her leader: "As long as you can ensure the safety of the Dragon King Pirate Crew from now on, I am willing to give up this leadership position!"

Lin Nan went along with it: "You flatter me, I don't deserve such praise. Star River, prepare some wine, let's have a drink."

She got the four pirates slightly drunk and then let them go back. The Starship turned around and followed the pirate crew, heading towards their base.