Chapter 78 The Soul of the Doll
Han family.
In the magnificent hall, several people sat opposite each other.
The butler served tea to the guests gracefully, bowed slightly, and retreated a few meters away, leaving ample space for them to talk.
Han Shangyan, sitting at the head of the table, was wearing a well-tailored suit. Under the gorgeous lighting, he looked almost unreal and refined. He spoke in an elegant tone, "Welcome here, my dear guests. We are gathered here today to discuss our common plan."
A man in a dark red religious robe couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. "We all know why we're here, so let's get down to business."
The man opposite, wearing a low-key brown suit, also smiled. "Bishop Greg is right. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, we should quickly distribute the obligations and subsequent benefits."
The two men made no secret of their disregard for Han Shangyan. Han Shangyan's expression darkened for a moment, then he smiled perfectly. "You two are right. Then, Bishop Gregor, Professor Femon, you can state your demands."
Gregor, the Cardinal of the Mother Goddess Church, came to the Mechanical City to plunder profits carrying the Queen's will.
As one of the only three cardinals under the Queen who is in charge of discipline and judgment, Gregor's appearance represents that the church attaches great importance to what exists in the Mechanical City.
Gregor: "Everyone has come here for the Mechanical City. I believe the existence of the Necronomicon is no secret to you two. It is precisely because of its existence that the Mechanical City is independent of the alien space and was not observed by the mainland until it was damaged."
"The technological level of this city is vastly different from that of the outside world. Ultimately, it's all due to the existence of the Necronomicon."
"And we are here precisely for the Book of the Dead."
Han Shangyan had a question that had been nagging him: "We've lived in this city for as long as we can remember, and many years have passed. The Necronomicon is our sacred object, but no one knows its origins. I want to know what it truly is to the outside world."
"It's a book of occult knowledge that contains mysteries beyond human comprehension and understanding. It's a divine manual. Its mere existence possesses immense power. It's an extremely rare occult tool."
Professor Fei Meng sighed and said regretfully, "I can't believe that such a rare book was destroyed so rudely by you. This is the first time I've encountered such a thing in all my years."
The Truth Society is different from the church. Several professors are management staff, and there is only one honorary president above them. They rarely get involved in activities, but they can be seen active in occasions related to art, academia, etc.
Rather than pursuing power and strength, the society is more like a fraternity. Of course, we cannot forget their pagan and evil nature just because they are purely pursuing art and truth.
It is not surprising that the existence of the Book of the Dead attracted them to come here on their own initiative.
"The Necronomicon has now been split into three parts. One is in the Central Building, one is most likely taken away by Bionic Man No. 1, and the whereabouts of the third is unknown."
Han Shangyan: "It was because of Bionic Man No. 1's attack that the Book of the Dead was damaged. Now they have seriously affected the order of the Mechanical City. If we let them continue, everything in the Mechanical City will be destroyed."
"According to intelligence, the members of this organization are basically androids who have destroyed their identity codes. It's really interesting that such an organization can grow to this extent even though it's just a city."
Greg sneered, not sure if he was looking down on the security of the Mechanical City or something else.
Professor Femon seemed unaware of the awkward atmosphere and said in a good-tempered manner, "There's a vast, chaotic urban area surrounding the Mechanical City, home to slums and refugees. This cancer has long been deeply ingrained and difficult to eradicate."
"What's more, the outermost areas often experience unstable spatial fluctuations, so it's understandable that they are difficult to manage."
He changed the subject and said, "However, since we are here, we must naturally take action to solve the problem. However, how much effort we put in and what results we achieve will depend on your sincerity."
Although Han Shangyan's expression wasn't very good, he could only endure it in front of the two high-ranking members of the cult. "I invited you two here with full sincerity. The Book of the Dead belongs to your organization. I just need it to continue producing chips for the puppets and keep the puppet factory running."
"I believe you two are fully aware of the value of puppets. As long as you can protect the puppet factory and keep it running, it will bring endless and immeasurable benefits to your organizations in the future."
Greg was interested: "You want to expand the puppet factory to the mainland?"
Han Shangyan said as a matter of course: "Of course, after all, it is a broader market full of unlimited potential."
Femon: "Mr. Han may not be familiar with the situation on the mainland. If the puppets appear on the mainland, it will inevitably subvert the existing order and cause huge impacts and consequences. At that time, the University of Michigan will send investigators to investigate and intervene in the subsequent development of this incident."
Han Shangyan frowned: "Michigan University?"
What kind of organization can bring them together and still be afraid of them?
Femon: "Michigan University is somewhat similar to the Mechanical City. It is also located in an alien space. It is a school that specializes in training investigators. They stand in opposition to all religious orders in the world and try to expel the great gods."
He commented: "Although the purpose of protecting humanity is good, it is still foolish not to understand the greatness of God."
Han Shangyan: "Then..."
Fei Meng: "It costs extra money."
Han Shangyan was not surprised by this answer, and Archbishop Gregor obviously meant the same thing.
As long as there are enough benefits, these pagans will be tempted.
Han Shangyan's mood gradually brightened, and he smiled and said, "As long as the organizations behind you two are willing to provide support, 70% of the profits of the puppet factory will belong to you. You will also enjoy the highest authority within the factory. We will provide you with perfect service."
Gregor tapped the table lightly with his fingers. "The distribution of benefits also needs to consider who can make the greatest contribution. With all due respect, although Professor Femon is powerful enough, the society's combat power still cannot compare with the church."
"Your contribution to the cooperation is not greater than ours. I believe that the benefits should be divided according to contribution."
This was no longer Han Shangyan's home turf. He just stood by and watched, enjoying the tit-for-tat confrontation between the two high-ranking members of the cult.
Femon didn't seem offended by Gregor's words. He smiled and said, "I agree with your view on distributing benefits based on contribution, but I beg to differ on the amount of contribution. Strength has many uses. Simply dividing it by combat effectiveness is no different from being a gorilla with a brain full of muscle."
He said politely, "I think you remember that besides Bionic Man No. 1, we are facing more than one enemy."
Greg was stung by his words and sneered, "Are you talking about the Archives? Even if Bionic Man No. 1 chooses to join forces with the Archives, what good will that do? What kind of waves can a little-known organization cause?"
Fei Meng said slowly, "Be careful not to capsize in the ditch. After all, the current personnel composition of the Mechanical City is complicated."
"Bishop Greg, since we are sitting here, why don't we work together to suppress all destabilizing factors."
Gregor's smile was a bit playful: "Can I trust you, Professor Femon?"
They are all pagans, and they know each other very well. Backstabbing and taking advantage of others' misfortunes can be regarded as entertainment for the cult.
Fei Meng said very sincerely: "Of course you can."
The two smiled at each other.
Han Shangyan watched a good show. After they discussed the follow-up matters, he personally sent the two out the door. As soon as Gregor and Femon disappeared, his face became gloomy.
The housekeeper stood in the corner as a background board and was unmoved when he saw his master's change of expression.
Han Shangyan single-handedly facilitated the cooperation with the two major religious groups, which gave him more say in the family. Running for president was also part of his plan.
"Those two arrogant guys..."
Han Shangyan gritted his teeth. It had been a long time since his face had been trampled on like this. Although he was not directly humiliated, the two people's indifference to his words and actions had severely touched his bottom line.
"All of this is done to completely control the Han family, to expand the family's interests, and to make the puppet factory bigger and stronger. These are nothing. One day I will take everything back, and those bastards who look down on me will beg for my forgiveness!"
The situation began to become slightly turbulent.
…
Shortly after Rong Le's last visit to Alice, he received another invitation to the mansion.
Rong Le was wearing a shirt and vest with a coat on the outside. He looked gentlemanly and energetic. He was carrying a suitcase in his hand, as if he was a person who had traveled from the Middle Ages to the postmodern era.
When he arrived at the mansion, the servant respectfully opened the wrought iron gate for him.
He also came to help Xu Yuan and them complete the mission this time. One of the players in the team chose the difficult mode. Compared with the survival mode of normal mode, the increased difficulty is more inclined towards exploration, and the copy they are circling around is this mansion.
"..." Rong Le couldn't help but feel emotional when she thought about the difficulty of passing the level.
But since the cooperation has been reached and it has been decided to protect the players, Rong Le doesn't mind helping out. After all, if nothing unexpected happens, these players will become his people in the future.
Their core mission is to explore the young master's secret, and before this mission they need to explore the secret of this mansion. When the perspectives of completing the mission are different, the situations they are in are also different.
The cute and obedient maids around Rong Le are equivalent to a group of monsters in the eyes of the players. The servants of this mansion treat outsiders like them with a chilling attitude.
It seemed that if they were not careful, this magnificent mansion would turn into an abyss and become their grave.
Every time this happens, they will feel the gap between themselves and Rong Le.
Rong Le was able to thrive in the mansion and was very popular among the servants, while they were just poor laborers who could hardly move an inch in the mansion.
Having taken the opportunity of sending new bionic dolls to establish connections, the players also successfully established relationships with several servants in the mansion.
But the greatest achievement was just being in the same room with Uriel, separated by a loyal butler and many male servants, and getting a few glances from Uriel from afar.
Although they could forcibly investigate the mansion, there would be considerable risks. Now that they had a ready-made big brother to cling to, Xu Yuanhe quickly did so.
The housekeeper of the mansion smiled brightly. "Dear Mr. Mechanic, Alice is recovering well now. She can communicate with others and is willing to go out."
"The master admires your talent very much. In addition to the agreed marriage fee, we also owe you a favor. The master would like to invite you to dinner. Please be sure to come tonight."
"You're so polite! I also have something to say to Mr. Uriel."
Rong Le smiled slightly: "There is still time now, I will go see Alice first."
Alice's condition was indeed as the housekeeper had described. The blonde girl looked much better, and her eyes had regained their spirit.
When she saw Rong Le, she put her hair back a little embarrassedly and said gently, "Thank you, Mr. Rong Le. I have figured out a lot of things. I won't make you worry anymore. I really caused you a lot of trouble during this period."
Before Rong Le could say anything, the maids around her, who were very kind-hearted towards their kind, began to chatter and refute her.
"I'm not causing any trouble. You are one of us, one of our kind."
"I'm so glad you're feeling better. We were all so worried about you."
Rong Le couldn't help but smile faintly when she saw Alice surrounded by the maids.
The bionic dolls here are like family members, trusting each other. Alice is in this environment day after day, and sooner or later she will be softened by their attitude.
"By the way, Mr. Rong Le."
Alice suddenly remembered something, pulling Rong Le back to his senses. She said to him seriously, "You asked me the other day if dolls could also experience love. I didn't know the answer at the time, so I didn't answer you."
"But now I understand that puppets can have love."
"Because if it weren't for that, I can't explain what I've gained. Whether it's the love he gave me or the care I enjoy now, it proves that dolls have feelings."
She said firmly, her emerald eyes incredibly bright in the sunlight: "So, I believe that dolls must also have souls."
Rong Le's expression was blank for a moment.
He blinked very slowly, and the familiar gentle smile appeared on his face again: "Your feelings must be correct, Alice."
"The soul of the doll..." he whispered softly.
The knowledge recorded in the Book of the Dead is far more taboo than he imagined. What kind of mystical knowledge can create such a magnificent creation?
After meeting Alice, Rong Le did maintenance on the puppets in the mansion as usual, such as lubricating the joints and other small things.
At first, he just did it casually and didn't ask for money. Later, the free consultation led to a larger and larger audience, and the puppets in the entire mansion liked to come to him.
After hearing about it, the housekeeper approached Rong Le and wanted to pay him for the consultation, but he refused. So now all the puppets in the mansion know that as long as the repairman comes to the mansion to ask Alice for treatment, they can take the opportunity to get some maintenance.
...Although they don't lack this maintenance fee.
But this repairman is unexpectedly popular with the dolls.
"Maybe it's because he looks at us like he's a human being."
This statement was quickly recognized by all the puppets.
Although the puppets didn't give any money, they would bring some small things as gifts to Rong Le every time they went there. Sometimes they were flowers with dew on them, some were parts with collectible value, and some were simply one-day work coupons for Rong Le.
——The general meaning is that I don’t have anything valuable, and the most valuable thing is myself, so I might as well treat my labor as something that can be given away.
Rong Le returned the doll with a smile and tears in her eyes. Her tone was gentle and not embarrassing. "Thank you for your gift. I feel your sincerity, but your value cannot be sold, so take it back."
The servant's face flushed red, and he hesitated to look at him. After a while, he hummed.
Rong Le had not come into contact with many puppets, but he felt that this group was indeed innocent and cute. Even in this mansion full of secrets, the puppets were still so sincere towards the people they loved.
Activating the talent skill [Appraisal], Xu Yuanhe, frightened by the high-risk signs all over the screen, was traumatized: ...
Damn it, this is what you call innocent and cute?
Xu Yuanhe had no doubt that if they aroused the suspicion of these puppets in any way, these seemingly harmless puppets would instantly transform into cruel demons.
However, around Rong Le, these dolls were indeed as obedient as sheep, and they were eager to show their most harmless and charming side to please the mechanic.
Perhaps the puppets were making too much noise, and the butler also heard it.
“…”
What's the matter with the subtle feeling of inviting a wolf into the house?
But this did not affect the butler's respect for Rong Le. He went to the kitchen to keep an eye on the ingredients for dinner, making sure to give Yuriel and Rong Le a perfect dinner.
Rong Le has already sent out team-up invitations to Xu Yuanhe and others, and temporarily bound them as teammates, so that his progress will also be fed back to the players.
Soon, the dinner party will be here.
Only Uriel and Rong Le were at dinner. The long table in the restaurant was covered with a white tablecloth. Rong Le was seated to the left of the main seat, not far from Uriel.
There were exquisite tableware in front of him. Rong Le looked at the scene and suddenly remembered that when he was in the Polish Special Model Group, he had also had a meal in Harry's house like this.
Although their identities and positions are slightly different, their purposes are basically the same, which is to obtain intelligence and uncover the secrets hidden by the host.
If it seems natural for a detective to have a bad habit of digging out secrets, Rong Le's character setting at this time should not have been as shameless as she is in the future, and she should still have sincere shame in her heart.
——Although it’s not much.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Rong Le. Alice is gradually coming out of her shell thanks to your guidance, and the servants in our house all like you very much. It seems that hiring you was the right decision."
Uriel said politely, sitting in the main seat with his arms folded.
Obviously, he had heard about the situation in the mansion. The culprit in front of him did have a body that was enough to confuse people's minds. He had a perfect appearance and a temperament that could not be imitated by a puppet. He was like a sweet poison, exuding a fragrance that led people to death.
"My job is to serve the Bionic Dolls. This is just my job."
Rong Le smiled faintly: "It is you, Mr. Uriel, who really surprises me. It is amazing that there are so many puppets in this mansion. You are very different from the image in the rumors."
Uriel has a bad reputation outside. He treats androids badly and relies on his noble status to act lawless. Although he bought many dolls into his mansion, most of them disappeared as soon as they entered, which makes people wonder.
Who would have known that these dolls did not suffer terrible torture, but lived a happy life instead.
Outsiders rarely set foot in Yuriel's mansion, and no one has ever stayed in the mansion for such a long time. He is even quite popular among the servants, which led to the fact that only Rong Le discovered this secret.
Uriel said calmly, "It's just a rumor. Anyone who believes it is a fool. I never said I would abuse a doll."
Rong Le: "Mr. Uriel not only never abused the puppets, but treated them like family. If you tell others about it, it will shock outsiders. You are probably the most special person I have ever met."
The handsome young man with blond hair and cat-like eyes raised his chin slightly and looked at the mechanic opposite him with a somewhat arrogant look: "You are the first person to speak to me like this. Others don't have such a good opportunity to spy on me."
"You have wronged me."
Rong Le sighed helplessly and spread her hands. "I'm just curious. After all, both the puppets in this mansion and you yourself have attracted my attention."
Uriel snorted in question.
The black-haired, green-eyed mechanic complimented, "Mr. Uriel, you appear to be so superior on the outside, but in reality you are so gentle and caring towards your puppets. This contrast makes me very curious. Please forgive this small offense."
When Rong Le really wants to please someone, almost no one can resist and will soon fall under his offensive.
Uriel did the same, his expression slowed down a bit, and he warned in a low, cold voice: "Don't ask questions that you shouldn't ask."
Rong Le had already gotten the information she wanted from his reaction and tactfully changed the subject.
The two of them had dinner in the magnificent hall. At the end, he politely said goodbye and Uriel personally left with him.
Under the night sky, the two of them understood each other tacitly and stayed alone in silence for a while on the road leading to the gate.
Rong Le walked out the door and said goodbye to him again. Yuriel nodded slightly and watched his back gradually disappear into the night.
Afterwards, Rong Le recounted what happened today to the players.
Although he didn't say it directly, Xu Yuanhe was an old man who had been working in the module for a long time. After giving him some information that he didn't have access to before, he immediately noticed Uriel's abnormality.
"What secret does he want to hide..."
Xu Yuanhe hesitated and didn't dare to say the overly shocking guess.
Rong Le: "Don't worry too much about Uriel. He is an important character in the module and will soon play a role. Then the last piece of the puzzle of your mission will be completed."
He already knew Uriel's identity, but revealing this conclusion at the moment would do him no good, so it would be better to let the chess piece develop freely.
Everyone has already been deeply involved in the game and is being swept forward by the torrent of fate.
And he will blend in and observe the key to breaking the deadlock.
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