CHAPTER 81

Qin Zhaoci heard the familiar voice and turned to look, only to find Bai Qingci had also arrived. She nodded and said, "Yes, I came specifically to see Ye Lianyin."

"Have you found a seat?" Bai Qingci looked around. "How about sitting with me and my instructor? The few Holy Maiden Fruit plants you gave me have all grown and produced fruit. A couple of days ago, my instructor went to the lab and curiously picked two fruits and has been asking me where the seeds came from."

"They've grown already? Besides the Empire's soil, how do the other two batches taste?" Qin Zhaoci was curious.

Bai Qingci blinked. "There's hardly any difference. They taste similar to the ones I ate before from the batch you gave me. My instructor also ate the fruits from those two plants."

"I see." Qin Zhaoci, who had already successfully harvested small white cabbage in the Pastoral planet, didn't feel surprised. "Did you tell him that I gave you the seeds?"

Bai Qingci nodded. "Yes, he said he wanted to talk to you. My instructor is exceptional in the field of Imperial Plant Biology. Look, do you want to talk to him? He's sitting in the fifth row."

"Oh, I see. That's fine." Qin Zhaoci thought about the nearly completed research institute and realized it was indeed appropriate to connect with relevant researchers. So she nodded and followed Bai Qingci.

"Instructor." Bai Qingci brought Qin Zhaoci to the fifth row. Qin Zhaoci looked up and saw two empty seats right in the middle of the row.

"The gentleman sitting on the right side of the empty seat is my instructor, Zheng Siwei." Bai Qingci pointed from afar. "You can sit in the middle later, and I'll introduce you."

"Okay." Qin Zhaoci nodded, taking a brief look at the young-looking man not far away, holding the flower in her arms. She took the lead and walked over, sitting next to Zheng Siwei.

Zheng Siwei sensed the movement beside him and turned his head, his gaze filled with curiosity when he saw Bai Qingci sitting next to Qin Zhaoci.

Bai Qingci immediately introduced, "Instructor, this is Qin Zhaoci."

"You're Qin Zhaoci?" The previously serious man suddenly raised his voice, grabbing Qin Zhaoci's wrist.

Qin Zhaoci awkwardly twitched the corners of her mouth and tightened her grip on the flower in her arms. She gently freed her hand from Zheng Siwei's grasp and nodded in response, "Yes, Instructor Zheng."

Zheng Siwei didn't mind Qin Zhaoci pulling away. He quickly asked, "Where did you obtain those seeds? I have been researching vegetables and fruits in the field of plant biology for so many years, but I have never come across something with such a great taste. Please tell me, which remarkable scientist created those?"

"No scientist created it." Qin Zhaoci shook her head. "If anything, it would be naturally occurring plants in their natural environment. I just happened to obtain them through certain means."

"I see." Zheng Siwei lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment. "Indeed, the genetic sequence is so natural, it doesn't seem like it was artificially engineered DNA."

"Have you already analyzed the genetic sequence?" Qin Zhaoci didn't expect Zheng Siwei to act so quickly and was somewhat surprised.

"Yes." Zheng Siwei adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "I've been studying it day and night for the past couple of days. These seeds you have are remnants from the Ancient Blue Planet period, right? I compared the remaining DNA sequences from the deactivated Ancient Blue Planet seed fossils, and they bear a high degree of similarity to this one."

"Ancient Blue Planet?" Qin Zhaoci furrowed her brow slightly. Could the Ancient Blue Planet they were referring to be Earth?

Zheng Siwei nodded, "Yes, you're not familiar with Ancient Blue Planet? It was a planet over a hundred million years ago, located in a distant light-year away. The Empire has incomplete historical records about it, and the Ancient Blue Planet people are the ancestors of the Empire."

"The records mention that Ancient Blue Planet experienced a cataclysmic biological mutation, where many plants and animals became highly dangerous."

"After years of struggle, as Ancient Blue Planet was on the verge of exploding and being destroyed, the surviving Ancient Blue Planet people used the last research achievement, a space station, to transfer the healthy Ancient Blue Planet population."

"Finally, the space station drifted randomly in space and ended up in the current Empire. The Ancient Blue Planet seeds preserved by the Empire are the ones left behind during that time, but unfortunately, they have lost their viability."

Biological mutation. When Qin Zhaoci heard this term, she vaguely understood that the Ancient Blue Planet they were talking about was probably referring to Earth.

No wonder she had crossed over to this planet after her physical death. So there was such a genetic connection. Could she be considered an ancestor descending upon them?

"Moreover, according to the historical records, the people of the past Empire didn't have ABO (Alpha-Beta-Omega) classifications. Their gender expression was primarily beta, without pheromones and such, just male and female."

"Later, in order to adapt to the Empire's environment and ensure the race's reproduction, the ABO gender gradually emerged."

"I see." Qin Zhaoci hadn't been aware of these details before. After listening to Zheng Siwei's explanation, she had a sudden moment of realization.

"So, are your seeds from the Ancient Blue Planet period?" Zheng Siwei finished explaining and couldn't help but ask Qin Zhaoci.

Qin Zhaoci couldn't reveal the truth and continued to stick to her previous statement, "I'm not sure about that. I obtained the seeds accidentally on a planet."

"After developing the ability to grow and harvest delicious fruits from them, I wanted to build my career based on this."

"Alright." seeing that Qin Zhaoci had no knowledge of the historical period of Ancient Blue Planet, Zheng Siwei dismissed his suspicions. "Can you give me some seeds for research, then?"

Qin Zhaoci still couldn't give the seeds to Zheng Siwei, so she shook her head without hesitation. "No, this involves my trade secrets."

"So, what do I need to do for you to give me the seeds for research?" Zheng Siwei was a research enthusiast and wasn't willing to give up on this opportunity so easily.

Qin Zhaoci thought for a moment. "I'm in the process of setting up my own private research institute for plants and animals. It's almost complete, but I haven't acquired the professional research equipment yet. If Instructor Zheng really wants to conduct research, you can only enter my research institute, sign a confidentiality agreement and work contract with me."

"Do I need to resign my job as a instructor at the Imperial Academy?" Zheng Siwei seriously considered this possibility.

Qin Zhaoci looked at Zheng Siwei. "If you can manage both, without resigning, it's also possible. However, everything in my research institute must be kept confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone."

Zheng Siwei nodded. "Alright, I will seriously consider it."

After a pause of a few seconds, Zheng Siwei spoke again, "I heard that you've been attending classes at the Imperial Academy recently, wanting to learn about plant biology. How about coming to my laboratory directly as an auditor? I can exempt you from the exams."

"No, thank you." Qin Zhaoci shook her head. "I want to see where my abilities stand, and I've been taking Teacher Bai's classes for quite a while now."

Zheng Siwei was persistent. "There's only a little over a month left until 'the auditor' exams. The Empire has relied heavily on auditor exams in recent years to improve the educational opportunities for students from humble backgrounds. Do you really think that with just three months of learning, you can confidently compete with those who have been studying for years?"

Qin Zhaoci furrowed her brow after hearing this. Her intention to learn was solely to better understand her own crops. So far, she had only acquired a moderate level of biological knowledge.

With just a little over a month left until the exams, there was no way she could compare herself to those who had been studying for many years.

Seeing Qin Zhaoci's increasingly uncertain expression, Zheng Siwei knew his words were making an impact. "If you enter my laboratory in advance, you can also learn things ahead of time. Your senior sister can gradually guide you as well."

Zheng Siwei glanced at Bai Qingci, who remained silent on Qin Zhaoci's left side.

Bai Qingci understood her mentor's intentions. He simply hoped that Qin Zhaoci would enter the laboratory and bring out some other types of seeds for research.

Finally, under Zheng Siwei's suggestive gaze, Bai Qingci could only nod. "What my instructor said is indeed true. Three months is not enough time for you to handle the auditor exams. However, you can continue to make up for the missed classes and then participate in the exams to assess your level. Start learning with the instructor in advance."

"Becoming a student of my instructor, you'll have a student ID card, which allows you to freely access the classrooms and laboratories in the academy."

After listening to Bai Qingci's words, Qin Zhaoci finally relaxed. She remained silent for a moment and then nodded. "That works too. After all, my ultimate goal is just to learn the relevant knowledge."

Zheng Siwei clapped his hands in satisfaction. "Then tomorrow, you can go to the administrative office to complete the procedures, and I will inform them about it."

Feeling happy, Zheng Siwei tilted his head and glanced at the thing in Qin Zhaoci's hands. "Oh, by the way, what kind of flower are you holding? I couldn't smell any fragrance at all. Ah, the audience seats are too dim, I can't see clearly."

"I can't tell you that." Qin Zhaoci held the thing in her arms even tighter. "It's a surprise gift for Ye Lianyin."

"Oh, young love can be so romantic." Zheng Siwei teased, winking. "Alright, alright, I won't ask anymore."

As soon as Zheng Siwei finished speaking, Qin Zhaoci felt a slight vibration in her optical brain. She raised her arm and realized it was Ye Lianyin asking if she had arrived.

She quickly replied, "I'm already in the audience seats. Which number are you in the lineup?"

Ye Lianyin: "There are a total of twenty performances, and I'm the second to last."

Qin Zhaoci raised an eyebrow in surprise. "The grand finale! I'm even more excited now."

After messaging Qin Zhaoci, Ye Lianyin turned her head and glanced at the backstage, noticing that a male and a female host had already taken the stage.

She replied, "Enjoy the show. The evening event is starting."

Once again, the familiar opening remarks echoed through the venue. Qin Zhaoci looked at the two hosts as they expressed their gratitude for the presence of the leaders, and the program officially began.

The students of the Empire were indeed talented, showcasing instrumental solos, choir performances, skits, and dramas.

As time passed by, with each performance coming to an end, Qin Zhaoci grew more and more eager to see what kind of performance Ye Lianyin would deliver.

Finally, as the hosts took the stage, Qin Zhaoci heard the name she was waiting for.

"And now, the next performance is the second to last, a solo performance by our outstanding student, Ye Lianyin."

"Wohoo!" Upon hearing Ye Lianyin's name, the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

This was a fervent applause that hadn't been heard for the previous performances, surprising even Qin Zhaoci. She knew Ye Lianyin was considered the campus belle, but she hadn't seen many people approach her in casual conversations. It was the first time she witnessed Ye Lianyin's popularity.

"I don't know either." Song Xinchu smiled and shook her head. "Just as you said, I'm..."

Before Song Xinchu could finish her sentence, the once bright stage lights suddenly went out.

The audience murmured in confusion, but soon they heard the sound of things being moved on stage. After a moment, the music prelude began to play.

It was a leisurely and pleasant melody, and as it started playing, the stage lights illuminated once again.

As the audience's gaze focused on the person standing in front of the microphone at the center of the stage, a series of audible gasps resounded throughout the audience.

Qin Zhaoci's own breath also caught, and she was left in a state of astonishment.

The person on stage stood before the microphone, with her face slightly turned to the side and her eyes cast downward towards the ground.

Enhanced by the stage lights and makeup, her profile became even more exquisite and captivating. A defined jawline connected to her beautiful swan-like neck, with a high and elegant nose bridge. Her features were as picturesque as a painting.

Her long black hair was partially tucked behind her ear while cascading in front of it. What surprised people the most was the pair of round-framed wire glasses perched on her nose bridge. The glasses' temples were adorned with matching chains that dangled perfectly at her chin, giving her a cool and composed aura.

Paired with a well-tailored black women's suit, it perfectly showcased her figure.

Underneath the suit was a collarless white shirt, with the front buttons slightly undone, revealing glimpses of her delicate and beautiful collarbone.

Moving downwards, the sleeves of the suit and the white shirt were rolled up to the elbows, exposing her smooth and clean arms. At her left wrist, she wore a silver diamond bracelet that swayed slightly as she raised her hand.

The length of the suit pants was just right to reveal her ankles, and below that, she wore a pair of black high-heeled shoes.

This outfit, combined with her face, flawlessly merged her sensuality with an icy coolness.

As the music played, the woman turned her full face towards the camera. Her enchanting peach blossom eyes subtly moved, meeting the gaze of the photographers from the Empire Academy. Then, her red lips parted slightly, and her alluring voice transmitted through the microphone to the ears of the audience.

"I have thought too much about describing you,

Your voice, scent, and outline have appeared.

Blame it on the temptation of an accidental touch,

................"

The melody of this song was captivating. After a brief pause in the music, Ye Lianyin began reciting the monologue in the middle of the song, her beautiful eyes gazing at the camera, as if conveying something to the audience below the stage.

"Do you ever suddenly think of me too?

Have you made plans to meet me tonight?

Since the afternoon, have you been ecstatic

And eagerly awaiting a message from me as soon as you open your phone?"

"When you're lost in thought,

Do you reminisce about the things we've done together?

If you do, why haven't you told me yet?

I've also gathered a handful of sweet words

That I want to say to you..."

After finishing the monologue, the audience erupted in screams, and the deafening response echoed: "Yes, I miss you!"

Upon hearing the response from the audience, Ye Lianyin lowered her head slightly, her eyebrows and eyes curved, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

This smile drove the audience crazy, and the screams grew even louder.

As the song came to an end, Ye Lianyin set down the microphone and bowed together with the band members, preparing to leave the stage.

The audience couldn't get enough and shouted, "One more song, one more song!"

The host had never seen such a scene before, but the program had its time schedule, and she couldn't call Ye Lianyin and the others back on stage. So she went on stage and announced the final performance.   

"Qin Zhaoci, are you okay?" Bai Qingci noticed that Qin Zhaoci was still staring blankly at the stage even after Ye Lianyin had left. She quickly nudged her arm.

"Oh, no, it's nothing." Qin Zhaoci turned her head with a dazed expression and glanced at Bai Qingci. In that split second, she suddenly felt something warm flowing from her nose.

"You have a nosebleed." Bai Qingci exclaimed in surprise, quickly taking out a tissue from her pocket and handing it to Qin Zhaoci.

Panicked, Qin Zhaoci took it and covered her nose, clutching the flowers as she got up, stuttering, "I, I need to go to the restroom."

"Alright." Bai Qingci nodded, watching as Qin Zhaoci quickly left her seat and disappeared backstage.

With her nosebleed still ongoing, Qin Zhaoci couldn't possibly approach Ye Lianyin so soon. She quickly found someone to ask for the location of the restroom and went there to stop the bleeding.

After ensuring that her reflection in the mirror looked fine, Qin Zhaoci held the flowers and headed backstage to find Ye Lianyin.

"Whom are you looking for?" Just as she reached the backstage entrance, Qin Zhaoci was stopped by someone.

Qin Zhaoci blinked her eyes. "I'm looking for Ye Lianyin."    

"Ye Lianyin?" The person looked Qin Zhaoci up and down. "Oh, you must be Qin Zhaoci. She's in the backstage lounge."

"Okay, thank you." Qin Zhaoci nodded and walked towards the lounge with the flowers in her arms. She knocked on the door.

A man opened the door, and upon seeing Qin Zhaoci, he immediately stepped aside and called out to the person inside, "Ye Lianyin, someone is looking for you."

Qin Zhaoci recognized him as the drummer from the band earlier. She nodded and walked in with the flowers.

Ye Lianyin hadn't removed her makeup yet, but she had taken off her glasses. When she saw Qin Zhaoci, she waved her hand with a smile.

The lounge was for everyone to rest after their performance. When they saw Qin Zhaoci approaching, the other four members exchanged glances, nodded, and left the space for the two of them. As the last person closed the door, they sealed off the room.

Qin Zhaoci turned on the switch of the flower's LED lights and walked up to Ye Lianyin, offering the flowers with slightly stuttering words, "The, the performance was great. You, your singing was especially beautiful."

Looking at the beautifully arranged bouquet in front of her, adorned with shining LED lights, Ye Lianyin carefully took it and blinked in confusion at the neatly arranged dark red round fruits. She asked, "What kind of flowers are these?""They're cherry blossom flowers that I made myself. There are 99 of them, and they're edible," Qin Zhaoci pointed. "I picked the biggest and sweetest ones. They're both delicious and beautiful."

"Hahahaha" Ye Lianyin couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the beautiful cherry blossom bouquet. "Qin Zhaoci, you really have a unique way of giving flowers. They are all edible."

Qin Zhaoci blinked innocently. "Well, isn't it great to have something edible? They won't wither, they're delicious, beautiful, and unique. No one else has them, only you."

"Indeed." Ye Lianyin slowly suppressed her laughter, carefully placing the cherry blossom bouquet aside. She stood up and slowly approached Qin Zhaoci.

Qin Zhaoci looked at her, noticing the tiny sparkling fragments stuck on the corners of her eyes, making her eyes look even more alluring and beautiful.

Song Title: 我想了太多關于你的形容  

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