Mecha Chapter 40: Present

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Sulo

 

At that moment, Luo XiaoLou reflexively tried to hide Shen Yuan away from Yuan Xi’s sight. Then Luo XiaoLou immediately realized that his mental activity was really stupid and it wasn’t realistic at all.

Luo XiaoLou’s fingers nervously and unconsciously squeezed the necklace in his pocket, and the muffled voice of 125 sounded in his ear, “Hey, don’t count on me —” it said, and fearing being detected by Yuan Xi, it played dead.

Luo XiaoLou was silent for a few seconds. Then he got up from the couch and greeted him. Trying to keep a calm smile he said gently, “You’re back. Dinner’s ready. Hmm, would you like to shower and change first?” God knows his little heart was shaking all over the place!

Yuan Xi walked into the apartment with a cold face. When he saw the cautious Luo XiaoLou, he lost his temper. He knew it was beneath his master’s dignity, because he and his cousin would always laugh at his father’s frequent episodes of the ‘wife-spoiling’ syndrome — but he seemed to understand now.

Every time he came back to the apartment, when he saw Luo XiaoLou’s warm smile, Yuan Xi felt as if he wasn’t himself anymore. There was a softness in his heart that made him feel uncomfortable. At one point he suspected that he was sick. But apparently, it was just another important feeling in his life.

Something Father had said every man felt…

No way, having a slave is different. Yuan Xi said to himself.

Even so… Yuan Xi wasn’t generous enough to show forgiveness. He snorted coldly, crossed over Luo XiaoLou and went to sit down on the couch, glaring at the damn man across him.

Luo XiaoLou walked back awkwardly then introduced the two of them, “This is my housemate, Yuan Xi. This is my colleague from my part-time place who came to deliver some equipment for me.”

Shen Yuan’s eyes flashed thoughtfully when he heard the word ‘housemate’. Speaking politely to Yuan Xi, he said, “Hello.”

Yuan Xi nodded grimly. Then his gaze, that was clearly waiting for an explanation, fell on Luo XiaoLou.

Luo XiaoLou growled inwardly. Come on. Don’t be so awkward, okay? Hey! Although he has been online recently to learn more. Cats do have a strong desire for exclusivity and territorial awareness…

Shen Yuan smiled slightly at this situation. He got up and said, “It’s alright, I should go back and finish my business with Master. XiaoLou, I’ll contact you if there are any other problems.”

Luo XiaoLou breathed a sigh of relief. He said politely, “Do you want to have dinner before you go?”

Shen Yuan shook his head, “Don’t bother. Master is still waiting for me, and the delivery workers are still outside.”

Luo XiaoLou expressed his gratitude once more and then he sent Shen Yuan out.

When Luo XiaoLou came back, he saw Yuan Xi frowning and checking his own seat. Softly, Luo XiaoLou said, “My colleague sent some equipment for me. It didn’t fit so I bought the house upstairs and a warehouse on the ground floor. This way, I can handle the materials myself. It’s easier to make and assemble mecha parts or energy boxes, or whatever else.”

Hmm? Can I get two boxes? So he got another place like this to get me a birthday present? Yuan Xi’s expression eased quickly. He had selectively ignored the contents of the energy box before.

Although his mind had completely cleared up, Yuan Xi still tried to keep a straight face while protesting, “Remember what I told you, there are things you need to consult me about, especially big things. Also, as your master, for your own safety, you should be cautious about your friendships. Especially men —” as he said the last sentence, he put on a show of looking out for Luo XiaoLou’s sake.

“Wait!” Luo XiaoLou couldn’t help but say. “Why should I be cautious about making friends? You should be cautious too. Especially with women…”

Huh? Women? Luo XiaoLou was starting to lose his nerve, thinking of the woman who had sent Yuan Xi back that day. Why should he be awkward with this guy ahhhh!

Yuan Xi’s face reddened. He stood up and pointed his finger at Luo XiaoLou.

Luo XiaoLou shuddered in fear. God… Yuan Xi had already shown a rare lack of accountability today. Why is he adding fuel to the fire? He, he doesn’t really care about Yuan Xi’s friendships at all!

Yuan Xi pointed at Luo XiaoLou for a long time. Finally, he said fiercely, “Go prepare dinner. I’m starving!”

Luo XiaoLou quickly fled into the kitchen, leaving the red-faced Yuan Xi behind. 

Every time my father was accused by my mother of having an affair with someone, he would say to us, ‘If your wife is jealous, it’s a sign that she loves you. So we should be happy, not angry.’

Yuan Xi found the heat on his face completely unrelenting. It wasn’t until Luo XiaoLou worriedly placed a glass of milk in front of him that he glared at Luo XiaoLou. He picked up the glass in front of him.

Mmm. It tasted good… Luo XiaoLou pleasing him didn’t help! — Speaking of which Luo XiaoLou hadn’t brought back a Miki cake in a long time — And, when have I ever had a female friend? Yuan Xi tried to think back.

Luo XiaoLou brought over dinner, vegetables and shrimp. Yuan Xi’s face was tense from the tantalizing aroma. From what he’d been observing, this little slave who was in love with himself was truly dedicated to his own good.

“This Saturday, you should take the day off.” Yuan Xi suddenly spoke up.

Yuan Xi looked at him with a, ‘You’re even willing to take a day off for Yates. If you dare to refuse I’ll immediately get mad at you’ look. Luo XiaoLou nodded his head knowingly. Friday was Yuan Xi’s birthday and he probably wanted to celebrate it on Saturday. It only comes once a year so he’d better not say no.

Speaking of birthdays, Luo XiaoLou thought of the birthday present he hadn’t completed yet. Of course, everything was ready except for putting it together. Materials and equipment, I have it all. Let’s start tomorrow.

After dinner, Luo XiaoLou finished his chores and sent 125 to the hatch on the side of the master bedroom, then got into bed. Although there were a lot of beds now and there was plenty of room, Luo XiaoLou was kind enough not to leave out Yuan Xi, who was a cat and liked to sleep with others. 

Of course, he still felt a little embarrassed for getting into Yuan Xi’s arms every night and disturbing him. But every time he made the slightest sign of separation Yuan Xi would become furious…

The next afternoon, Luo XiaoLou prepared an early dinner. Based on Yuan Xi’s usual training time, Luo XiaoLou went to the lab with the materials at ease. According to the method explained by 125, the most valuable Black Chert was worked on first, and then carefully sealed into a storage box.

Luo XiaoLou did not feel comfortable with the materials that Shen Yuan had helped organize in order to make three sets of energy boxes. After he had money in his account, he contacted the senior manager and bought more but removed the Gold River Crystal. Same as last time, these materials could also make seven sets of energy boxes.

Luo XiaoLou finished processing all the materials first. Only after organizing them separately did he take out the Heavy Radium given by Master Yan.

125’s voice also became serious in Luo XiaoLou’s ear. He said, “You know how to deal with Heavy Radium but this time you will have to change it. Add Black Chert to the processing of the Heavy Radium and use your Source of Consciousness to channel both substances. Since you are now at the beginner level, it’s hard to say how well it will work. Various situations may also occur when applying it so you must control it well yourself.”

After a pause, 125 added, “I’ll be watching from the sidelines. In case of an accident. I’ll wake you up.”

Luo XiaoLou nodded, took a deep breath and started working on the Heavy Radium. Counting the time in his mind, along with the communicator on his wrist that vibrated, Luo XiaoLou added the Black Chert to it. At the same time, he closed his eyes.

The application of the so-called Source of Consciousness, in the end, was also relying on Spiritual Power to direct the interactions of matter. According to 125, Master Yan had it, even Di Jia had a faint Spiritual Power, so can he or not?

In the beginning, Luo XiaoLou had a moment of panic. There was both a lack of confidence in himself, and a hint of nervousness that he couldn’t fail. Black Chert was too valuable and he didn’t want it to be wasted in his hands.

However, Luo XiaoLou’s fingers even began to tremble a little.

“Calm down. Just like the first time you felt it, remember seeing the Source of Consciousness.” 125’s voice suddenly came over.

See? Yes. It was seeing! Luo XiaoLou suddenly remembered. When he closed his eyes earlier, he was desperate to see the outside world that he forgot this.

To see. See — we’re running out of time! Luo XiaoLou finally ‘saw’ the Heavy Radium and Black Chert in the middle of a reaction. It was already at the end of the reaction. He didn’t have time to apply the Source of Consciousness power. He could only watch as the Core Energy Stone gradually formed.

Luo XiaoLou tiredly opened his eyes. The energy stone was put away.

The lab was quiet for a while. 125 said, “It’s actually pretty good. At least you were able to see it at the end. It’s enough to show that your genes are ten thousand percent perfect. But it’s the human genes that have been holding you back.”

Heh. You bastard. I’m not happy about that argument at all, okay!

Luo XiaoLou ignored 125 and began to handle the second portion of Heavy Radium again. This time, after Luo XiaoLou added the Black Chert, he finally got into the mood early.

Luo XiaoLou was a little confused as he watched the slowly moving highlights. As if seeing a guide, Luo XiaoLou hesitated for a second. After the lesson from last time, he knew that he couldn’t afford to waste time now. Gritting his teeth, Luo XiaoLou guided the Source of Consciousness towards the highlights of those reactions.

When that strange feeling of contact came, Luo XiaoLou knew immediately that he had done the right thing! Luo XiaoLou carefully controlled the power, which was unfamiliar to him, and slowly guided the two types of particles.

A long time seemed to have passed and Luo XiaoLou slowly opened his eyes.

He had succeeded! Luo XiaoLou excitedly took out the processed energy stone and then observed it for a long time. Of course, no difference could be seen before placing it in the final product.

“Mn. That’s good. Go on. Get familiar with it while it’s hot. According to your current Source of Consciousness, handling ten copies won’t be a problem.” 125 piped in from the side.

Luo XiaoLou nodded. He began to continue processing the Heavy Radium again.

It was different from the first time he touched the Source of Consciousness. Seeing the parts assembled in the most simplified solution was different, but it also surprised Luo XiaoLou. It was a completely new application of the Source of Consciousness and it was as if he had stepped into a new doorway. Carefully and steadily, he explored it until he felt a familiarity.

Eyes closed, he wanted to see with the Source of Consciousness. Then wrapping, guiding, everything was carefully controlled — that’s Spiritual Power.

A small smile played at the edge of Luo XiaoLou’s lips. This felt really good.

Since it was about control, there would always be good and bad. With a step-by-step familiarity, Luo XiaoLou began to work on using the Source of Consciousness to divide the Black Chert particles more evenly and quickly add it into the Heavy Radium stones.

Fifth. Sixth. The seventh… He became more and more familiar. The more he got used to it, the better he got at it.

125 said he was only at the beginning level now. At most, he let the energy circulate about ten times. But 6000 Luo energy could become 60000 after ten cycles!

For the existing energy box, that was definitely considered a terrifying number. If such an energy box was given to Yuan Xi — Luo XiaoLou’s mouth curled up.

Eighth. Ninth. With these two Heavy Radium treatments, Luo XiaoLou felt especially successful. Although the number of cycles wasn’t guaranteed, he really had done it the best he could.

The last one, Luo XiaoLou looked at the Heavy Radium stone in his hand. He was actually a bit tired. Although his Source of Consciousness power wasn’t less, but after all, it was the first time it was applied in practice. With the first few he still only felt excited but now there was a gradual weariness. He almost wanted to go back to bed immediately.

Luo XiaoLou looked at the nine boxes on the table. Making a decision, he thought, forget it, it’s the last one. He’d feel more at ease when he was done with it.

Luo XiaoLou placed the last of the Heavy Radium into the instrument. He barely had time to wait to put in the Black Chert before he closed his eyes wearily. But for Luo XiaoLou, he was in the Source of Consciousness application, not closing his eyes to rest. Luo XiaoLou was unconsciously drawn to the Heavy Radium’s reaction.

When the time came, Luo XiaoLou skillfully inserted a small amount of Black Chert with his eyes closed and began to control the movement of the particles of the Black Chert so that they would be evenly distributed throughout the Heavy Radium. Then he began to control the movement of the Black Chert particles, so that they would be evenly distributed among the Heavy Radium particles.

Luo XiaoLou felt that it was still too early, but he had already finished lining up the particles. The reaction time was fixed, and Luo XiaoLou could only wait. During that time, he also casually controlled the particles to arrange themselves more perfectly. However, the exhausted Luo XiaoLou suddenly made a mistake. 

A Black Chert particle was not placed in the space left by the heavy laser particle under Luo XiaoLou’s control. Instead, it collided with another Heavy Radium particle!

The drowsy Luo XiaoLou began stirring. A mistake! What to do with such a huge error?

Controlling particle movements was now something he could do, but separation was an entirely different matter!

But in the middle of the reaction, Luo XiaoLou couldn’t stop and ask 125, otherwise the reaction would end. Even if it didn’t, he would never be able to find the two coincident particles.

What should I do? Luo XiaoLou was already suffering from a headache. His Source of Consciousness power was almost completely used up.

He must separate them no matter what! Luo XiaoLou was furious. Since it couldn’t be separated. Then let’s reunite it! At least this was an alternate even balance situation.

In a short period of time, Luo XiaoLou, in a fit of rage, reunited all the Black Chert particles with the corresponding Heavy Radium particles around him. It was at this time that the reaction time had also arrived. Before opening his eyes, Luo XiaoLou took another look at the particles that he had arranged as if he was playing a game with them — they looked surprisingly neat and tidy. Uniform. There was even a hint of harmony in them.

Luo XiaoLou’s heart moved. He felt a flash of something but Luo XiaoLou didn’t have the energy to think about it. He fell asleep on the table.

When Yuan Xi returned, he came up personally. Yuan Xi frowned at the sight of Luo XiaoLou sleeping. Yuan Xi looked at Luo XiaoLou’s face, which was slightly pale from exhaustion, and frowned at him. The tightly pursed thin lips showed that he was obviously not the prettiest person he’d ever seen. Why was he so… So pitiful.

Luo XiaoLou thought he was dreaming, dreaming of a big cat leaping onto his neck. It was heavy but his neck was warm as hot breath sprayed on his neck.

After a while, the cat started to bite him. Gently. With wetness. He could even feel the deft tongue and tiger teeth — Mn. The cat was biting down harder and harder.

Luo XiaoLou struggled to wake up. Then he saw Yuan Xi standing in front of him with his head hanging down.

Luo XiaoLou scrambled to his feet. Rubbing his eyes to see what time it was, “It’s already so late. Then, let’s go eat dinner.” He said, getting up and blocking off the things on the table. He didn’t want Yuan Xi to find out about his gift to him beforehand.

Yuan Xi stared at Luo XiaoLou’s neck and didn’t say anything. He turned around and walked out.

The next day after school, Luo XiaoLou went upstairs again during Yuan Xi’s training time. Because all the materials had already been processed yesterday, Luo XiaoLou and 125 had a discussion. The last design was chosen. After all, when Kane was experimenting, it was also the last one that got the highest value of the energy box.

After familiarizing himself with the design, Luo XiaoLou began to assemble the box.

After the first one was completed, Luo XiaoLou put the energy cartridge into the reactor. He then waited in silence. For the first one, Luo XiaoLou didn’t have any hope at all, because he didn’t have time to apply the Source of Consciousness.

Five minutes later, Luo XiaoLou took it out and looked at it. It was clearly written on it, 8500 Luo.

Luo XiaoLou opened his mouth wide while he looked at it. It was true that the Heavy Radium was a more suitable energy stone than the Gold River Crystal, but he definitely didn’t expect it to be this much of a difference!

Here, Luo XiaoLou began to get excited. He casually placed the first energy box in the box numbered one and immediately began to assemble the second one. Having practiced twice, Luo XiaoLou became more proficient in the steps. Luo XiaoLou quickly finished the second energy box and put it into the reactor with impatience.

 

How far would he be able to go? Would the energy form a loop? If so, how many times would it be…