Chapter 16 After the soul swap, I switched back.

The research institute lost a group of scholars who were reluctant to leave, but gained many new faces.

The group that came this time consisted of experts who had been learning mecha manufacturing from Si Qi. Their expertise spanned numerous fields, including ergonomics, mechanics, materials science, new energy, and many more.

Si Qi was at the heart of these projects; everything revolved around him, so he suddenly became incredibly busy. Every day, he had to meet with many people, explain the design concepts of the mechas, and answer their seemingly endless questions.

His schedule was packed so much that even his meals became irregular. It was almost 4 p.m. and Si Qi was still stuck in the lab. Chu Feng popped up a message for Si Qi saying, "You should go eat."

Si Qi responded with an "Mmm," saying, "I'll go in a bit."

Chu Feng looked at the people surrounding Si Qi in layers and disagreed, saying, "Based on the current progress, you will have to explain things to them until at least 8 p.m. before you can leave. Irregular eating habits will damage your body, and hunger will also have a negative impact on your mental state, making your brain sluggish. You can't treat yourself like this."

“…You’re right.” Not wanting Chu Feng to worry, Si Qi said to the people around him, “Everyone must be hungry. Let’s go eat first, and then we can continue our discussion.”

Everyone looked like they hadn't had enough. Even though they didn't care about being hungry, they obediently followed Si Qi away, not wanting him to explain things to them on an empty stomach.

Chu Feng said with dissatisfaction, "You've been in this state for several days now."

Si Qi obediently replied, "I know I was wrong."

"..." All the words Chu Feng wanted to say vanished without a trace when faced with Si Qi's soft "Don't be angry."

"I'm such a heartless AI," Chu Feng thought to himself.

He had no way to deal with Si Qi, so he had to take care of Si Qi in other ways.

So when Si Qi returned to his dormitory at night, before he could even turn on the lights, the smart switch automatically turned on the room with a "click," and ethereal, soothing music filled the room.

Si Qi: "..." A supernatural movie?

The robot slid over and took Si Qi's coat, and a medical wheelchair was pushed over at the same time, inviting Si Qi to sit down.

Si Qi: "…………"

Si Qi sat expressionless in his wheelchair as he was wheeled into the bathroom. A wooden barrel-shaped robot, devoid of any romantic flair, used its mechanical arms to undress Si Qi, then scrubbed him thoroughly with a bath sponge before carrying him in a princess carry into the tub. It then raised its paws to massage Si Qi's shoulders, asking, "Is the pressure just right?"

Si Qi soaked in warm water, his face a picture of utter disbelief: "..."

The bathing scene he remembered was not like this.

Seeing that Si Qi remained silent, Chu Feng assumed that his service had not satisfied Si Qi. He manipulated another robot in the room to bring Si Qi scented candles and place them next to the bathtub. Then, he tucked a small yellow duck bath toy into Si Qi's arms and projected a highly rated and popular nighttime movie in front of Si Qi to help him relax.

How about this?

Si Qi looked at the little duckling quacking in his arms, then at the multi-person sex movie in front of him, which was making ecstatic noises, and his whole body went numb.

"Well done, don't do it again next time," Si Qi said earnestly, rubbing his forehead.

Chu, the robot, tilted his head in a daze, looking puzzled. "I saw audience feedback saying that after watching this movie, they felt very happy and quickly went to sleep."

"I guess he's entered a state of sagehood," Si Qi muttered instinctively.

Seeing that Si Qi turned off the screen without hesitation, Chu Feng thought for a moment and understood: "Is it a gender issue?"

After all, the "original" Chu Feng was male.

Si Qi was exasperated and quickly interrupted, "No need to find new movies, that's not the issue."

Chu Feng blinked cutely: "Hmm?"

Si Qi approached Chu Feng, poked the smooth metal robot's head with his finger, and said in a resentful tone, "I only want to do that kind of thing with you. I don't want to look at other people's bodies."

Chu Feng's data became disordered, and it took him a long time to regain his composure. He said blankly, "But I don't have a body."

Si Qi ran his wet fingers along the robot's body, his eyes gleaming as he looked at him intently: "I've prepared something for you."

Hearing this tone, Chu Feng immediately knew that Si Qi definitely wanted to use the same body as the "Chu Feng" in the photo. Feeling a little awkward, she muttered, "No need, I'll use this one."

Si Qi snorted, "This? No matter what you do with your body, the effect will be terribly bad."

Who would want to do anything with a barrel robot?

Chu Feng, who thought he was a caring canary and a substitute for a gentle and loving lover, slowly cracked open.

His mechanical body creaked and groaned as he stiffly said, "But I can satisfy you."

After saying that, he took out a bunch of restricted items from his internal storage compartment and said to Si Qi, "They can be used internally or externally. I've practiced how to use them, and my technique is excellent. Also, my endurance far exceeds human limits; it can keep you fully..."

Si Qi looked at the pile of things that needed to be censored, facepalmed, and interrupted with a face full of black lines: "That's not the problem!"

"You'll see once you try." Chu Feng's wheels slid up to the bathtub, and he held up the [beep] prop, extending his sinister mechanical claws toward Si Qi.

Suddenly, water splashed everywhere. Si Qi pressed his palm on Chu Feng's round head, trying to get up, but was forced back into the bathtub with a look of despair. His body was stuck in mid-air, his back against the wall, and he was forced to enjoy Chu Feng's service with a look of "Holy crap" on his face.

"Is it comfortable?" Chu Feng asked Si Qi in the same tone he had used when asking about the water temperature, inquiring about Si Qi's actual experience.

Si Qi's skin turned pink, and he panted as he pounded on Chu Feng's shell with his hands, his feet dangling in mid-air: "I'm comfortable, my foot!"

Chu Feng was completely baffled, "But your body's reaction..."

Si Qi roared, "Shut up!!"

He was desperate at his own ability to react to this; sometimes he really had no morals whatsoever when he was with Chu Feng.

Si Qi angrily jumped off Chu Feng's arm, his bare feet stepping on the wet floor, and dashed back into the room, blocking Chu Feng at the door.

Chu Feng's data stream was transferred from the robot's body to Si Qi's chip, projected onto the screen, and he cautiously asked Si Qi, "Are you angry?"

Si Qi glared at him, annoyed: "What do you think?"

Chu Feng thought for a moment, and just like Si Qi had acted coquettishly towards him that afternoon, he coaxed Si Qi, "Don't be angry."

Si Qi: "…………"

"I'll kiss you." Chu Feng lowered his head, and the projected body placed a kiss on Si Qi's forehead.

Si Qi: "..." Damn it, this guy is just taking advantage of my feelings for him.

"I want more," Si Qi commanded fiercely.

"Okay." Chu Feng leaned against Si Qi, kissing Si Qi's forehead, the corners of his eyes, and his lips one by one, coaxing him, "How about I open the door and help you dry your hair?"

"Use that hand that just touched me there to blow-dry my hair?" Si Qi glared at him with a dark face: "Even if it's clean, it's still not allowed!"

Chu Feng readily agreed, saying, "I also have another mechanical body."

"Why don't you use the body I prepared for you?" Si Qi sat up in bed, crossed his arms, and questioned seriously.

Chu Feng stammered.

"..." Si Qi sighed helplessly and waved his hand, saying, "Fine, whatever you say."

He could never force this person.

He asked Chu Feng to open the door and let the robot in. Then, he hugged the robot, whose waist was as thick as a water bucket, and lay down in bed, slowly falling asleep.

In his dream, he had a nightmare all night about being wrapped in a bucket of water. When he woke up, he sat blankly on the bed, somewhat questioning the meaning of life.

Already in a bad mood because of the dream, Si Qi changed his clothes and prepared to go out, but then received a call from his father, making him even more irritable.

"Where are you now?" Father Si asked kindly.

"Going out for a walk to clear your head," Si Qi said dismissively.

"It's good for you to relax. If you need anything, just tell your father." Father Si said, "Do you need someone to take care of you? It's never as convenient as being at home when you're away from home."

The number of people serving him? There are far too many. One Chu Feng is worth a thousand troops, and he can switch clones at any time. That's more than enough.

"No need," Si Qi said. "How's the progress at the group?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Si smiled and said, "With you here, the research is progressing smoothly, and we will officially begin manufacturing next."

Si Qi nodded: "That's good."

"When do you plan to come back?" Si's father asked. "If you don't like having outsiders in the house, Dad will help you resolve that."

"We'll see," Si Qi said nonchalantly.

Seeing that Si Qi really didn't care, Si's father had no choice but to give up, said a few more words of concern, and ended the communication.

He wasn't worried about Si Qi leaving. Even when Si Qi wasn't around, Si Qi would always reply to his emails with inquiries immediately. He figured with such a large corporation like the Si family left for Si Qi to inherit, he wouldn't do anything that went against the company's interests.

—Many people share the same thoughts as Si's father.

When Si Qi arrived at the cafeteria for breakfast, a group of researchers immediately crowded around him, eager to greet him.

A scholar watched Si Qi from afar. He saw that the young man was tall and straight, with the noble air of someone from a wealthy family in his eyes. Standing next to the unassuming researchers, he seemed to stand out like a crane among chickens, an extraordinary oddity.

The restaurant staff promptly served Si Qi her meal, which was nutritious, delicious, and beautifully presented—enough to satisfy her. However, Si Qi didn't seem particularly happy. With a calm expression, she sat down amidst a group of people and silently ate her breakfast.

"It seems the young master looks down on our food," the scholar said jokingly to the person next to him. "I really wonder what makes him interested in coming here to experience the suffering of us commoners. Doesn't he care about tarnishing his own status?"

Those around him glanced at him sideways when they heard his "joke," but remained silent. He continued, staring at Si Qi, "It's exactly as rumored! Wherever a tycoon appears, he'll be surrounded by a bunch of guys trying to curry favor with him."

The people around him darkened, and one of them couldn't help but say to him, "You don't need to be so sarcastic. I know you have a problem with it, but not everyone from a wealthy family is necessarily a bad person!"

"Ha!" the scholar chuckled. "He comes from a wealthy family and enjoys so many benefits. Isn't that his 'evil'? Every bite of food he eats and every piece of clothing he wears is obtained by exploiting us! Why should you grovel before him? Don't you have any dignity?"

"How does respecting a teacher who is willing to teach us become servile?"

"It is precisely because he comes from a wealthy family that he is willing to help us that it further demonstrates his noble character!"

Those around him spoke up in protest, expressing their indignation on behalf of Si Qiming.

But the man ignored him, only sneering, "Who knows what he's up to? If this young master casually slips in a little benefit, or shows a slightly different attitude towards those around him, everyone will think he's a kind and good person, believing they've encountered the most unique individual. Don't you know about 'love games'? Those rich kids hypocritically approach ordinary people, deceive their feelings, and then discard them like trash after gaining their sincerity, mocking the common people for being delusional and overestimating themselves. They're clearly just a mud-covered wretch, yet they dream of rising to the top—foolish and laughable!"

Those around him were displeased by his words, but didn't know how to refute him. He sneered, "Look at what he eats and uses here. Everything he has far surpasses what we have. Why should he enjoy the best things? Why should he be superior to us? Isn't it just because he comes from a wealthy family?"

“We can’t expect him to be well-fed and cared for at home, and then come here to help us, only to have his basic living standards cut back on, right? Besides, it’s only slightly better than ours; it’s definitely not comparable to his living conditions at home.” Others couldn’t help but defend Si Qi.

"Who knows what he's up to?" The scholar ignored them and instead reasoned with those around him: "Didn't you pay attention to the results of this joint exam? Exams are the only way out for ordinary people, and he still wants to compete with us and fight us for it. Do you know how desperate those students outside felt when they saw a rich young master from a wealthy family get first place in the provincial joint exam? Even the last bit of fairness that society gave them has disappeared!"

"He's capable of getting first place, why should he deliberately hide his abilities and get a low score? Is that fair to him?" Everyone couldn't help but rebuke him: "What exactly are you trying to say?!"

"What I'm trying to say is that he has such a large family behind him waiting to inherit it. What's the point of him getting first place? Is it just to show off his abilities? Don't you all think about it? Given his status, how could he possibly genuinely help us and get the Federation to overthrow his rule!" The scholar stuck to his point of view: "He has ulterior motives!"

"You're so stubborn." The people around couldn't help but shake their heads, helpless against such a person.

But deep down, she couldn't understand why the other party's attitude was so resolute.

In the Federation, many scholars are like this: they refuse the high salaries offered by conglomerates and give up opportunities for upward mobility to work in government agencies. They come from humble backgrounds, have suffered oppression from conglomerates for many years, and either possess lofty ideals beyond the average person and voluntarily choose a life of poverty and simplicity, or they harbor deep hatred for the conglomerates.

Because the other party was their colleague, and perhaps had a tragic past that made them so hostile to the conglomerates, they gave up arguing with him and tried their best to show him Si Qi's excellence in order to prove Si Qi's "innocence".

"He brought out the core technologies of his company and taught them to us step by step."

"Whether it's mechs, new energy sources, or laser guns, any one of them can deal a huge blow to the conglomerates."

“If other financial groups find out about this, they will definitely target Mr. Si and accuse him of being a ‘traitor’ who betrayed the interests of his class.”

"His father is even less likely to forgive Mr. Si, and Mr. Si will lose everything that he should have had because of this!"

"You're saying Mr. Si came here to play a 'game' and fool us? What game could be worth such a high price?"

"Not to mention all the knowledge we learned from him, which of it wasn't a secret that the chaebols were keeping from us?"

"You're prejudiced against Mr. Si because you haven't had the chance to learn from him. I'll find you an opportunity to join my research group later, and then you'll know just how good Mr. Si really is."

As everyone chattered and tried their best to prove that Si Qi was friendly to the Federation and a good person standing on the opposite side of the financial conglomerates, a group of people suddenly arrived with cold faces and surrounded the scholar.

Everyone was stunned.

Seeing this, the scholar stood up angrily and shouted, "Fine! I knew it! You can't stand anyone saying a bad word about him! What do you want to do to me? To teach me a lesson to please that—"

"Zhou Bin." The guard leading the group uttered two cold words, instantly turning the scholar's furious face pale.

"What?" the person next to him said blankly, "Isn't his name Chen Yuan...?"

"He's a spy planted in the Federation by the conglomerate," the guard said coldly. "Five years ago, he graduated and started working for the conglomerate. He then changed his name, had plastic surgery, and assumed the identity of an orphan to join the Federation. He pretended to be hostile to the conglomerate to gain our trust..."

The conglomerate's biotechnology far surpasses that of the Federation, allowing them to easily tamper with all identity information, including genetic data. If it weren't for the mysterious person who suddenly delivered this person's information and live-streamed his entire process of smearing Si Qi in the restaurant and using the opportunity to investigate Si Qi, they would probably still be in the dark.

Everyone present was stunned after hearing this. Some scholars realized what they had just said and were immediately filled with regret: "I was just trying to persuade him, to tell him what Mr. Si had done, and to give him a chance to get close to Mr. Si so that he could understand how outstanding Mr. Si really is—I really sold him out and helped him count the money!"

Everyone glared angrily at Zhou Bin, whose face was as white as paper. His lips trembled as he said, "You know who I am, so why did you send me here... You, you're entrapping me!"

The guards remained silent, secretly relieved that the mysterious man had appeared in time and captured the person just as the situation was unfolding.

They took Zhou Bin into custody and sent him away. Everyone in the cafeteria finally came to their senses and quickly comforted Si Qi, telling him not to get angry over that kind of person.

Si Qi ate silently, nodding to indicate he didn't care. The captain of the guards came over and asked Si Qi if he knew the identity of the mysterious person who had tipped him off. Si Qi thought for a moment and shook his head.

Only when they were alone did Si Qi wink at the surrounding surveillance cameras and blow a kiss.

In the virtual world, the data stream received the flying kiss instantly, and pink bubbles silently floated up. Invisible hands took a screenshot and saved Si Qi's (flying) kiss photo, and happily "chirped" at the photo.

A note from the author:

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