Chapter 104: The main project of the British Retro-Style Women's Academy is not open to the public...

"This building is closed to visitors after seven o'clock."

Shiho, a female university student, is still trying to use rules to frame her partner, but she is clearly a rule breaker. Naive, isn't she?

Is this calm tone a final act of stubbornness?

"Well, well, classmate, do I look like a visitor to you?" Vermouth approached, each step unhurried and elegant, her retro high heels tapping on the laboratory tiles as she approached step by step.

This aura is a declaration of sovereignty. Indeed, she is not a visitor, but a "hunter." (bushi)

"My name is Chris Wynyard. But you can call me Vermouth."

She introduced herself. It seemed a bit redundant, considering this was a fusion of their two consciousnesses, but she just took off her Hollywood enchantress persona and revealed the name of the winery?

Is this the official start of the "strategy"? The hidden attribute Flirting Master is now online.

Shiho narrowed her eyes.

She is not naive, she is analyzing the situation.

“Just like the name of that wine?”

"It's like a puzzle." Vermouth smiled and took off her gloves one finger at a time.

The act of taking off the gloves was so intense. What an ultimate temptation.

Isn't a puzzle just a secret? This little devil is so obsessed with the idea that secrets make women more feminine, even in the second dream. I have to mention her introduction line.

"Ms. Miyano, you're such a hard-to-find person."

Subtext: But I still found you. For you, I am willing to spend time. See where you can run~

The tone of voice was doting but also had a hint of determination.

Plot prediction: Will Vermouth say "But I always find what I want" next? Here's a bunch of domineering quotes.

"Most people will read a hint from this difficulty in finding it."

Shiho: I'm hinting that you should leave me alone. (Tsundere face)

Little Shirley's mouth was still as hard as ever. The little hedgehog had its quills erected. Cute. But the hard, dented expression on her face definitely gave it away.

Moreover, Vermouth is an American, so she probably doesn't understand the Japanese culture of reading the air.

"I'm not most people." Vermouth walked to the laboratory table and slid her neatly manicured fingers along the tabletop.

"And you're not most people. That's why I'm here." She smiled at Shiho.

Is this a statement of "We are one kind"? The goal is clear, and it goes straight to the heart. Vermouth, the arsonist of hearts.

When Vermouth says, "Ms. Miyano, you're such a hard-to-find person," what is her true subtext closest to the truth?

A. "Kitty, playing hard to get won't work on me~" (Fishing-style speech, implying that everything is under control)

B. "For you, I almost searched all of Beika Town." (Slightly exaggerated to show that the search was difficult, but the determination was great)

C. "Looking for you? It's just 'Schrödinger's cat' becoming 'Vermouth's Shiho'." (Academic slang is forced into romance, hinting at Shiho's uniqueness and locked-in fate)

D. "No matter how hard it is to find, it's worth it, because... you are the only solution to my 'self-solving equation.'" (echoing the imagery at the beginning, hinting at Shiho's special meaning to her)

Q: When Vermouth said, "I'm here to find you, Miyano Shiho," what Shiho was most likely thinking was:

A. "Oh no! It's the organization! Is my cover going to come off?" (Standard Kitten Alert Mode)

B. "Who is this woman? She has a nice voice... No, what am I thinking?" (The face-chasing voice control is instantly shaken)

C. "Oh, you're finally here? I want to see what tricks you have up your sleeve." (Another anticipation, though cold on the outside and warm on the inside)

D. "I have to redo the lab slides again... so annoying." (Who understands the pain of a top student?)

Shiho removed the slide from the microscope, her movements as precise as ever. "I still have work to do."

This skilled movement shows the pain of overtime for researchers. "Work makes me happy" (not really).

"Friday night? When your charming Mr. Kudo is holding his winter ball over in town?" Vermouth leaned on the long table, looking at Shiho openly.

"When I told him I was coming to see you, he seemed disappointed," he added.

Oh no? Winter Dance? Kudo? Too many elements.

What's with "Charming Mr. Kudo"? Is Bayonetta fanning the flames? (dog head) "He seems disappointed"... Bayonetta, the tea master. This is a blatant attempt to sow discord.

The melon field in the Ke school district has been enriched, and the washing machine has received a basket of vinegar.

Kudo Winter Ball VS Microscope, Shiho: I choose the latter.

At the mention of Kudo Shinichi, Shiho's body tensed slightly. "Do you know Kudo?"

The alert look in his eyes is worthy of being a member of the organization.

"Well, of course I know him. A campus detective, the pride of the noble boys' school next door, Archer, and hopelessly infatuated with the talented and cold Miyano Shiho." Vermouth blurted it out, and the smile on her beautiful lips deepened.

"He'll tell anyone who's willing to listen that you 'just want to focus on your studies,' and won't admit that it was you who rejected him." Vermouth added, precisely attacking Kudo's dignity.

As for "Campus Detective, the Pride of the Boys' College"... this title makes my middle school spirit burn.

The truth is out, the washing machine was just rejected. "I just want to focus on my studies"... it's really a universal rejection template.

"My relationship with Kudo is none of your business." Shiho turned around and deftly arranged her equipment. "How I spend my Friday night is none of your business."

Shiho-sama said coldly three times: "It's none of your business." "It's none of your business." "It's still none of your business."

(Inner thoughts: How do you know so much?)

This mechanical and skillful operation is a sign of a confused mind.

“Perhaps.” Vermouth moved closer, so close that Shiho could smell her perfume. A vintage French scent, a blend of jasmine and rose. Beijie had excellent taste. This perfume was definitely not ordinary.

Distance warning. Is Miss Bay about to start flirting? After all, French perfume is not serious at first glance.

"I have a suggestion for you." This is the standard opening line for a villain to stir up trouble.

"I'm not interested in your advice."

Shiho: If someone shows unwarranted attention, he's either a traitor or a thief. (Beware.jpg)

A textbook "mouth says no, body says no" preparatory posture.

"You haven't heard me yet."

Bei Jie: Kitty, don’t be so quick to get angry~

"I don't need it." Shiho snapped her notebook shut, a typical reserved Oriental gesture before concluding a meeting. "Whatever you sell..."

“I’m not selling anything.” Vermouth reached into her Hermès Kelly handbag and pulled out a small leather-bound diary that looked at least a hundred years old.

"I'm giving you a puzzle. I think only you can solve it."

A century-old diary. A science fiction set prop set is now online. Are there similar scenes in the Sherlock Holmes stories?

"Only you can solve it"... Miss Bei, a PUA master (in a positive sense). Precisely preying on the curiosity of researchers.

The temptation that directly hits the soul of the scientific girl.

I thought she was here to chat me up, but actually she was here to give me a dungeon quest.

Switching from the love line to the reasoning line in a second, it feels like a legitimate sequel to Conan.

Shiho's eyes were fixed on the diary. Her scientific curiosity, a weakness she had always harbored, was piqued.

No one can resist a scientific mystery, especially Shiho-chan.

Scientists have a firm grasp of their curiosity.

Shiho-chan: Damn, my XP was hit.

There is no way. Belmore’s strategy is an open one, there is no solution.

"What?"

The fragrance is late but it arrives. "Woman, you have successfully caught my attention." (Miyano Shiho Limited Edition)

"Eleanor Beckman's diary, 1890. Like you, she was a brilliant biochemist. She was developing a biological cell formula... a groundbreaking invention."

He just talks about the matter and secretly praises the other person as a genius. He is very talkative and has maximum emotional intelligence.

Vermouth placed the diary on the long table between them. "She recorded everything in code."

1890. The era when Sherlock Holmes was active. It belongs to the Dream Link.

Biochemist, groundbreaking invention, cryptography... elemental perception. Isn't this the prequel to APTX4869?

The fact that Bayonetta can get hold of such antiques shows that her intelligence network is comparable to the combined power of CIA+FBI+MI6.

This wave is a Sherlock Holmes universe Easter egg. A coded diary + a scientific researcher + a century-long love story. Bayonetta is packaging her heartbeat as a scientific breakthrough.

"Why should I, a 21st-century scientific researcher, care about an old 19th-century formula?"

Tsundere Shiho: Although it smells good, I still have to be reserved.

Subtext: Hurry up. What the hell.

"Because, dear, this may be the missing piece in your current research." Vermouth narrowed her eyes. "The piece about cell regeneration."

Cell regeneration is the rhythm of APTX0000. Sure enough, it's related to Shiho's research.

Bei Jie's eyes saw through everything, including Shiho's thesis topic.

Shiho's heart was filled with alarm, but she remained calm on the surface. "How do you know about my research?"

The organization's intelligence capabilities are terrifying. (Although Sister Bei has always been both good and evil)

"I make it my mission to meet outstanding women." Vermouth pushed the diary closer, "especially those who could change the world."

Oh my AUV, sister is really good. This compliment is worn firmly.

"Meet outstanding women," especially those who are beautiful and talented (dog head).

Sister Bei: My fish pond, no, my talent pool, is still missing you.

She said "outstanding woman", and Shiho heard "I'm attracted to you"

When Shiho reached for the diary, their fingers brushed against each other, and an electric current was clearly generated... probably an electric current of mutual recognition, the kind of electric current that comes from matching minds and full of dangerous curiosity.

Electricity. It's the feeling of a heartbeat. The physics of love have been successfully triggered.

"Why do you want to give this to me?" Shiho asked, her tone deliberately restrained.

Is this question the last line of defense or the beginning of a test?

"Because only you can appreciate its value." Vermouth leaned closer and whispered, "And because I want to see if you are as charming in person as you appear on paper."

It's hard to find a soulmate. Who can resist this?

Sister Bei is fishing. No, fishing for sorrow.

Tiger and wolf words. Is this a confession? Right, right? It means I could give this to many scientists around the world, but you're the best looking, so it's you.

This is called intellectual flirting. You think she's talking about science, but she's actually flirting.

Shiho, facing Vermouth's "Scientific Research + Romance" double buff attack, will:

A. Take on the dungeon and get some Centennial CP archaeological candy.

B. Reject her, but secretly study his diary at night and dream about her.

C. Do the opposite, get her to work as an assistant in the lab, and test your emotional foundation at the same time.

D. He slammed the table and said: Vermouth, have you ever become smaller?

Sometimes the romance of love is not about going through the motions of dining, watching movies, and dating, but about reading a diary written a hundred years ago together.

Q: What is Vermouth's real purpose in taking out this century-old diary?

A. I really want to help Shiho with her scientific research. After all, “outstanding women” should support each other.

B. It’s just an organizational task, no emotions involved, everything is for your own KPI.

C. I envy her talent, and by the way, I want to see if we can develop some kind of "super friendship" (dog head). The diary is just an introduction.

D. Actually, the diary contains the encrypted plan for the Black Organization's hot spring team building in the next quarter. They want to get Shiho to go with them (physics).

Shiho opened her diary and scanned the intricate code covering the pages. It was a code of exquisite beauty... complex, elegant, and impossible to decipher for the uninitiated. But for Shiho, molecular patterns immediately surfaced in her mind.

"This will take time," she said, closing the diary.

"I have plenty of time." Vermouth sat up straight, took out a high-quality business card from her pocket and placed it next to the diary.

"When you make progress. Or if you just want some company that's more... interesting and exciting than a microscope... then give me a call."

“I work alone.”

"So did Eleanor." Vermouth's smile held a hint of warning. "Until she stopped working alone. It was her partner who finally cracked the secrets of her work... and then claimed it as his own."

Shiho narrowed her eyes and said, "History is full of examples of men stealing the achievements of women."

Of course, let's be honest: there are plenty of cases of men taking advantage of other men's achievements, like Maori and Conan. Of course, being pricked with an anesthetic needle is legally considered personal injury, so it should be considered reasonable compensation, right? (The text then abruptly shifts topics.) In the world of science, let's not be too logical.

“So history needs women like us.” Vermouth drew a wave of value, then walked to the door, placed his hand on the doorknob, and paused. “We must understand that the most dangerous formula is the formula between two people with the same mind.”

“Is this what they call historical responsibility?”

“This is just the beginning, Miyano Shiho.” Vermouth looked directly at her, a look that was both provocative and intimate. As expected of a two-generation movie queen, she hadn’t lost her eating skills in the simulation. “The question is, do you have the courage to discover it?”

It's a provocation, but it works.

For someone like Miyano Shiho, whose IQ is 200, playing tricks and scheming is useless. She will be seen through at a glance and then coldly despised. However, this kind of overt conspiracy is indeed unsolvable even with an IQ of 200.

After she left, Shiho stood still, the diary feeling cold against her fingertips.

Outside, snowflakes continued to fall, and silence separated the laboratory from the real world.

She should have called campus security. She should have thrown away her journal. She should have returned to her microscope, to the safe, predictable world of molecular structures.

However, she opened the diary again and traced the mysterious symbols with her fingers.

She told herself it was just scientific curiosity…nothing more.

But the lingering scent of Vermouth perfume shows that this is not the case.

Three days later.

Shiho sat in the rare book room of the college library, surrounded by various books and reference materials.

The rare book library, a romantic nest for intellectuals, is filled with a vibrant academic atmosphere. I can smell the first hint of a love-hate relationship between abstinent academic elites (which they don't). #高智人設永过時#

The antique grandfather clock in the corner was ticking.

She translated Eleanor Beckmann's diary page by page, working diligently on each page.

Outside the window, the sound of bells is long and leisurely, as if foreshadowing the appearance of a certain blonde beauty later in the story.

"You're not eating lunch."

Here he comes, here he comes, the male supporting role in the yuri line, comes with the standard "care makes chaos" script. However, the tool man attribute has begun to show its edge.

The title protagonist of the scientific world, the popular campus idol of the boys' university next door in the Logos simulation, Kudo Shinichi, stood at the door with a boyish handsome face and a worried look.

He was carrying a paper bag, which undoubtedly contained the meal he had carefully prepared.

Well, it’s quite handsome, but Miss Shiho doesn’t like this style.

"I'm busy," Shiho replied softly without looking up.

The Queen spoke. Three words, resoundingly powerful, with the subtext: "Stay away."

"You're always busy." He came over and put the bag on the table. "But even the most brilliant scientists need to eat."

Subtext: "Miss, why don't you look at me?" Tsk, this strong smell of resentment towards the husband, what a pity it was sent to the wrong studio. Turn left on the Xinzhi BG line and go to the next studio. This is Beizhi, dear.

Scientists need to eat, but they don’t need the BG love in the yuri line, Kudo-san.

Shiho: I was busy in love (with other women).

Shinichi: Even the most outstanding scientist needs food. Commentary: Even the most subtle yuri can't resist the forced upper rank of you, the male protagonist.

"Thank you. You can go now."

Goodbye, I won’t say goodbye. This is the 2.0 version of the order to leave, a step further than “I’m busy”, and can be regarded as a textbook example of anti-PUA in the social world.

Kudo didn't move, picking up a reference book. "Nineteenth-century biochemistry? That has nothing to do with your thesis."

“It’s just a side project.”

The main project is scientific research, and the secondary project is... studying "her"?

"What does this side job have to do with that blonde woman who was asking about you on campus?" His tone was casual, but Shiho could still hear the jealousy hidden in his heart.

The jealous king Kudo is online, but he is not jealous of an ordinary rival, he is jealous of the flag bearer of the yuri flag.

A blonde woman, a coded diary, a mysterious background... a typical "male protagonist who arrives a step late vs. the female protagonist whose fate has already been locked" Shura field composition.

She raised her head and looked at him coldly: "Chris Wynyard is my research colleague."

Classic cover stories: "Just a neighbor," "Just a friend," "Just a partner." Those who understand will understand.

But Shiho had only met Sister Bei once, and they had been quite confrontational before, so how come they were just colleagues now? Tsk tsk tsk.

"It's strange that she didn't mention this when we were talking." Kudo leaned on the table. "She seemed more...focused on her personal interest in you."

Kudo is a detective after all, and his reasoning ability is always online, so he can easily find the truth.

Her "personal interest" is precisely this ice queen in front of her. #MemeKingExcavator# has already hit upon the brilliance.

Let's talk about it. What personal interest is this? Is it Shiho's hand writing? Or the angle at which she tucks her hair behind her ear?

"What exactly do you want to say, Kudo-kun?"

The Queen grew impatient. The subtext: "Speak quickly if you have anything to say. My time is precious. I have to go back and study the 'token of love' the blonde woman gave me."

"I want to know why you're suddenly so fascinated by an old diary that a strange woman brought to you."

Then, his voice softened, "I'm worried about you, Shiho."

"I've noticed your concerns." She continued reading her notes, "and they're unnecessary."

"I noticed it, but I refuse to accept it." Three consecutive rejections, one level after another.

"The Winter Ball is this weekend. Come with me." He reached for her hand, but she pulled away before he could touch her.

"Just a few hours. Get out of the lab, get away from...whatever this is," Kudo insisted.

Holding hands. Oh no, it's back. Beautiful. #Keep yourself clean Miyano Shiho#

"Whatever this is" ... He was anxious, he was anxious. He didn't even know what he was jealous of, but he knew that thing (that person) was very important to Shiho.

"No."

Shiho's refusal, delivered in a single word, was concise and powerful. It was colder than "I'm busy," more decisive than "You can go now." The academic master, engrossed in scientific research, went berserk.

"Shiho..."

The powerless redemption sounds very much like the classic lines of the second male lead in idol dramas.

"I explained this to you carefully last time." Her voice was precise and calm, just as it was when she was conducting experiments. "I have no interest in being a detective's girlfriend. I have no interest in formals, cricket games, or any of the early college dating rituals you might think constitute a romantic relationship."

The Queen is just so cool, she doesn't like those worldly definitions of "relationships". They are all routine and boring.

The male protagonist thought she didn't want a relationship, but in reality, she just didn't want a "man" to fall in love. What college etiquette? How could it be as exciting as deciphering the encrypted diary left by a blonde beauty?

“That’s not fair.”

Kudo, a handsome and ambitious man who had just entered college and had many suitors, had never encountered any setbacks in his relationship.

At this time, he still didn't know that there is no fairness in love. It's just about being happy or not.

However, there is no way to change physiological likes and dislikes.

"You've never been able to accept rejection, which is just as unfair." Shiho solemnly closed the reference book and prepared to go back to her apartment to study. "Goodbye, Kudo."

A farewell with a full sense of ritual. It is a farewell to this conversation, and also a farewell to this (unilaterally defined) relationship.

Kudo stood there for a moment longer, a look of hurt and confusion on his face. Then he sighed, and that sigh, carrying with it the depth of his years of unrequited love, left.

Shiho lowered her head and continued to study Eleanor's diary, but the symbols in front of her became blurry.

Indeed, she was being unfair to Kudo. He was smart, kind, and genuinely cared about her. By any objective standard, she should be attracted to him.

Especially in the girls' school where she attended and the boys' school where Kudo attended, people around them thought that they were definitely a perfect match.

Kudo had secretly printed out some of their public photos together, framed them, and given them to her. Judging from the photos, Shiho admitted that, from an objective heterosexual perspective, they did look well-matched.

But, when has love ever been objective? If it were objective, would there still be so many BE aesthetics in the world?

What's more, when the orientations don't match.

This is a textbook example of yuri literature: "Logically, I should love him, but my heart tells me there's someone else."

It’s not that she can’t see his good side, it’s just that her body betrayed her “logical view of love” first. Love is not a logic problem, it’s a chemical reaction problem.

Moreover, objective measurements could not explain why Vermouth's pulse quickened when she walked into her laboratory.

It was inexplicable why she spent three days obsessively studying a code brought by a stranger.

It was impossible to explain why she put the woman's business card in her pocket. The edges of the business card had become blurred from being taken out and looked at repeatedly.

This is not a business card, it is clearly a token of love, a love bean, a cinnabar mole.

The phone in the rare book library rang, joking her out of her thoughts.

No one knew she was here.

The librarian was not there, so I asked her to answer the phone before going to lunch.

The telephone ring in the science world = a plot-advancing artifact, those who understand will understand.

She sighed and picked up the receiver: "Hello?"

"You, haven't called me yet." This was Vermouth's voice, confident and at ease, and it could be heard clearly even over the crackling telephone line.

Sister Bei, even the old telephone line can't stop her flirting skills.

"How do you know where to find me?"

Even the FBI is not as accurate as her. A woman in love can defeat all the intelligence agencies in the world.

"I told you... I make it my career to meet talented women." Here's another arrogant English expression.

Vermouth: Doctor of Sex Management, majoring in "Younger Men Studies".

There was a moment of silence, with jazz music playing in the background. Vermouth asked slowly, "Have you made any progress?"

Shiho glanced down at her notes: "There are a few."

"Is it enough to earn a reward?"

Sister Bei has released a welfare notice, and the lottery is being drawn online.

"I'm not doing this for any reward."

"No, you do this because you can't resist the temptation of puzzles." Vermouth smiled knowingly, "Just like I can't resist watching you solve puzzles."

Mutual attraction PUA, on the equivalent exchange of love and reasoning.

"Have you been watching me?"

"Does that scare you?"

"That would bother me."

"Then let's say I... noticed you." On the phone, the background music became louder and louder, with a hint of melancholy and retro atmosphere.

What Vermouth really meant by this sentence is:

A. A love-struck surveillance maniac.

B. Stalking is a kind of romance.

C. Emotional Google Maps.

D. I have been wanting to see you for a long time.

"I want to take you to a place where Eleanor Beckman used to go when she was a student at Fairhaven College."

A historical re-enactment romance, where the next step is either sex or a grave (not true)

"You're not the first to be taken, but I hope you're the last."

The language art of a love master.

"I'm working."

"You've been working for three days straight. Even a chemical molecule needs a break, Shiho."

Vermouth: Attacking the heart is like attacking a city, even biochemistry is used to seduce people.

Scientists also need social sleep. Sister Bei is a professional advocate of learning and carries out the scientific style to the end.

Hearing her call her name affectionately, Shiho couldn't help but feel his heart beat faster: "Where are you going?"

"Yew Slope. It's a jazz club in London. Very interesting, and very…historically significant for your research."

Zishan Slope = New plot map, the main quest has been refreshed, please accept it in time.

"Do jazz clubs have any historical significance for biochemistry research?"

"Eleanor didn't just work in the laboratory. Some of her most important experiments were conducted in a secret room then known as 'Blue Hill.'" Vermouth's voice dropped. "It's said that the formula you're decoding was actually completed there."

Easter egg. London + Chamber of Secrets + formula, Sherlock Holmes meme.

"There is no such record in the diary."

"Not all history can be written in books, dear." The sound of ice hitting glass came from the phone. "I'll send a car to pick you up. At nine o'clock."

"I haven't agreed to come yet."

"But you will." A confident, charming and magnetic voice came from the phone, "Because you want answers. And because you are curious about me."

The starting point of love in the world of science: curiosity kills the cat, and the fangirl kills herself.

She said "answer", but Shiho heard "I" (bushi)

Beilu Modou’s overbearing logic chain: You want to solve the puzzle = you miss me = you want to see me = let’s go on a date.

Get Fatal Attraction, curiosity in the world of science is equal to flag.

Before Shiho could answer, the call was disconnected.

It's the style of a domineering CEO. But it also depends on the person. If it's Shinichi Kudo, the school idol from the neighboring boys' school, who uses this trick, he will definitely not show up at 9 o'clock.

Shiho stared at the receiver, then sighed and slowly put it back in its place.

Outside the library window, the shadow of the clock tower extends across the snow-covered courtyard.

She knew she should go back to the apartment and continue cracking the code.

In fact, she'll do anything except meet a mysterious woman in a mysterious London jazz club.

Sanity was online for three seconds, and then everything collapsed.

Instead, she gathered her notes, carefully placed Eleanor's diary in her bag, and walked back to her apartment to change.

But it's noon now, and it's still a long time before 9 o'clock. Do I need to change into clothes for the afternoon?

Shiho secretly told herself that this was for scientific research purposes.

Classic self-brainwashing method: Scientific researchers don’t fall in love, love is the subject of research.

Every science girl has to have a reason, "I'm doing this for data," before she's willing to go out.

Essence: Science is fake, love is real, being tough is a disguise, and being moved is the real fragrance.

Shiho's pulse quickened, indicating she wasn't ready to test a...hypothesis.

Friendly reminder from the Ke School District: The assumption has not been verified, but the excitement is clear.

This isn't about going to the Zishan Hill Club to listen to jazz; this is about going on a field trip to find love.

Unfortunately, love is not like solving a crime, it is a variable that cannot be reproduced.

Life is like solving a puzzle, and you will always encounter unexpected variables on the road of reasoning.

Some answers are not in the library or in a notebook, but in a glass of iced wine and a heart-pounding London night.