Genius Club

Da Vinci.

Lin Xian remembered that kind, friendly woman sitting next to him at the Genius Club gathering. She wore a mask of the great artist, Da Vinci. Despite her young voice and virtual appearance, Newton had confirmed it. Since the last century, Da Vinci had been attending these meetings as the No. 4 genius of the Genius Club.

That meant she had to be at least fifty, perhaps even older. She might be a grandmother by now. Lin Xian’s gaze drifted to the metal badge before him, reflecting the sunlight with an image of the painting, “Salvator Mundi.”

He couldn’t help but follow the clues.

Could it be?

Could the “Savior Company,” the very organization that saved human civilization but also turned the future into an oppressive, inhumane place, be founded by the very same Da Vinci from the Genius Club?

Suddenly, a memory flashed in Lin Xian’s mind. In Donghai City, the mechanical androids he had seen completed their tasks and then spoke, “Please continue to behave in a civilized manner. Use the androids as an example to help create a better future for humanity.”

“An example.” That was the word Miss Da Vinci had used to answer Einstein’s question during one of the club meetings: “What quality should a genius embody above all?”

It was hard to tell, but perhaps this silent city in the Eighth Dream was really built by Da Vinci, No. 4.

“No, that’s not right,” Lin Xian shook his head, thinking, “At least from what Xu Yi Yi described, Da Vinci created the Savior Company with good intentions. She worked in the shadows for so many years, secretly building an army of millions of androids to help humanity. She certainly deserves the title of savior.”

Lin Xian had experienced the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Dreams. In terms of technology and quality of life, the Eighth Dream far surpassed the previous ones. To be fair, that was all thanks to the Savior Company and its millions of mechanical androids.

Because of their efforts, humanity hadn’t endured even a day of war or famine. Instead, everyone was focused on rebuilding after the disaster, restoring life and vitality quickly.

If such actions don’t qualify someone as a savior, Lin Xian truly didn’t know what would.

But there was one problem.

That noble intent seemed to have been lost somewhere along the way. Miss Da Vinci’s dream of leading by example had twisted into something worse—an era where people were suffocating under its rule.

And now, in the year 2624, it was likely that Miss Da Vinci had passed away, leaving the Savior Company beyond her control. This might explain why the “demerit rules” had grown more unreasonable, making life miserable for the people.

These were Lin Xian’s thoughts. There wasn’t much use in speculating until he gathered more information. For now, he looked at the metal badge in his hand and turned to Xu Yi Yi.

“So, basically, we can use this badge as our ticket to join a gang? If we’re lucky, they’ll introduce us to the Godfather and let us join his plan, right?”

Xu Yi Yi nodded. “That’s right. Whether or not the Godfather lets us in on tonight’s grand plan, at least with these two badges, we can join a gang, no problem.”

With that, she grabbed Lin Xian’s arm, leading him down the steps while looking back at him.

“Look around. In this ‘City of Sin,’ everyone seems so carefree and happy. This is how humans are supposed to live—not like in Donghai City, where everyone is dead inside, living in constant fear.”

“That’s why I want to join a gang. I can’t stand the way things are in Donghai City. Compared to that—saying nothing, doing nothing—I’d rather live out here, even if it’s harder. At least I’m free.”

“The real name of this place isn’t even ‘City of Sin,’ you know. Everyone here was driven out of Donghai City and just settled here. It didn’t even have a name. People started calling it that as a joke, comparing it to the so-called civilized Donghai City. Eventually, the name stuck.”

Lin Xian followed Xu Yi Yi through the City of Sin. He saw all sorts of people, noisy and lively, but with genuine smiles—carefree and full of joy.

“It’s true,” Lin Xian agreed with Xu Yi Yi. “This place is messy and chaotic, but at least people here seem like real humans. In Donghai City, it’s like everyone’s a robot, no emotions allowed, just following the rules.”

“You said the people here were kicked out of Donghai City after getting their personal scores reset several times… So, how long has the City of Sin been around?”

“Not all of them were expelled,” Xu Yi Yi replied. “The history of this city is as long as Donghai City’s. From long ago, people who were exiled started settling here. Over time, their children grew up here, never even setting foot in Donghai City, nor wanting to.”

“But that’s not important now. What matters is that we join a gang—then we can meet the Godfather.”

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Lin Xian agreed. He really wanted to meet the Godfather—there were so many questions he needed answers to. He thought about what Xu Yi Yi had said and asked, “So, you haven’t decided which gang to join yet?”

“Actually, I do have one in mind.” Xu Yi Yi led the way. “I want to join the ‘Li Family Gang.’ It’s the biggest gang in the City of Sin. Their leader is known for his virtue—kind and helpful. I think we’d fit in well.”

Lin Xian chuckled. Hearing the name, he knew it had to be Li Cheng. “The leader must be Li Cheng, right?”

He added, “Honestly, I don’t care which gang we join, as long as they can get us closer to the Godfather. Speaking of which, I’m just curious… Is there a ‘Face Gang’ in the City of Sin?”

“Oh, you know about the Face Gang?” Xu Yi Yi laughed. “They’re practically the weakest gang here—only four members, and not the brightest, either.”

“I’ve been in the City of Sin for years and dealt with the Face Gang a few times. They’re… well, let’s just say they’re all a bit slow. Especially San Pang—he’s like a broken robot, always repeating the same two lines, never a third.”

“Then there’s Er Zhuzi. He gets beaten up all the time here. Even though Big Cat tries to protect him, Er Zhuzi just can’t keep his eyes to himself—always staring at other people’s wives. Folks here are quick to anger, so he ends up with a black eye more often than not.”

Lin Xian couldn’t help but laugh. The four “pillars” of the Face Gang were still as reliable as ever. Poor Er Zhuzi, though. Living in a place like this—where freedom often meant violence—it was a wonder he hadn’t been beaten to death yet.

Still, Lin Xian liked the Face Gang more than the Li Family Gang. Especially after hearing there were only four members—it seemed like an opportunity.

“Yi Yi, I think we’d be better off joining a smaller gang like that. After all, we’re not here to fight or collect protection money. We just need them as a stepping stone to get closer to the Godfather.”

“I don’t know how the introduction system works, but logically, wouldn’t we stand out more in a smaller gang?”

Lin Xian waved his hand. “Compared to those four—both in brains and skills—we’d be elite members instantly. We’d definitely get their attention. The Li Family Gang is impressive, sure, but with so many talented people, even if they take us in, they probably won’t bring us along for tonight’s ‘Godfather Plan.’ But with the Face Gang, it’s different. They only have a few members, so they’d have no choice but to take us.”

Xu Yi Yi thought for a moment. It made sense. Better to be a big fish in a small pond.

“Alright,” she said decisively, pulling Lin Xian back the way they came. “The Face Gang’s hideout is over there—just a rundown shack. Let’s go.”

…

It didn’t take long for Xu Yi Yi to arrive at a rundown shed.

How coincidental.

Inside, Big Cat Face, Ah Zhuang, Er Zhuzi, and San Pang were having a meeting, all four of them in place. Each wore a mask, clearly preparing for an outing.

Big Cat Face had on a mask identical to Lin Xian’s Rhine Cat mask, which made Lin Xian feel an instant familiarity.

The masks Ah Zhuang, Er Zhuzi, and San Pang wore seemed like part of the same armor robot series, but Lin Xian had never seen them before, so he couldn’t really tell the differences.

However, they were old friends, after all. Lin Xian was very familiar with their physiques, voices, movements, and habits. He could recognize them even if they turned to dust.

Xu Yi Yi stepped into the room first, and Big Cat Face looked up, his wide, fleshy face framed by the small Rhine Cat mask.

“Oh, Yi Yi, what brings you here? We’re very busy today, you shouldn’t bother us. Besides, I’ve told you many times—without a mechanical cyborg’s metal tag, no gang will let you join.”

“Hmph!”

Xu Yi Yi sneered, tossing the metal tag in her hand right at him.

Smack.

Big Cat Face caught it and examined it in his palm. In an instant, his eyes widened, and the folds of flesh on his face relaxed, stretching out the Rhine Cat mask a little.

“This… this is a police cyborg’s tag! Yi Yi, how did you manage this? There aren’t many people in Sin City who could get their hands on one of these!”

“Heh.” Xu Yi Yi folded her arms proudly and raised her chin. “I told you, I’m amazing! And not only am I joining your gang, I’ve also recruited a little brother. He got his own tag too, so he’s qualified to join!”

“You?” Big Cat Face looked astonished, his fleshy cheeks scrunching up again, flattening his mask. “You managed to recruit a little brother?”

“What’s that supposed to mean!” Xu Yi Yi put her hands on her hips, annoyed by his reaction. “Don’t look down on me, Big Cat! My little brother is strong!”

With that, she waved toward the door. “Lin Xian, come in!”

Lin Xian, who had been waiting outside, finally stepped into the room. He raised his head and looked straight through his Rhine Cat mask, at Big Cat Face’s identical mask.

Years had passed, but the moment felt strangely nostalgic—like rediscovering a lost treasure.

“Tch.” Big Cat Face let out a scoff when he saw Lin Xian. “What’s this? Wearing the same mask as me?”

“It’s fate, Brother Face,” Lin Xian said with a smile. “It means I was meant to be a part of your gang.”

Saying that, he mimicked Xu Yi Yi’s earlier move and tossed the metal tag he had over to Big Cat Face.

Big Cat Face stretched out his chubby hand to catch it, giving it a closer look. Sure enough, it was the tag of a standard mechanical cyborg. According to gang rules, that was enough to qualify him.

“And there’s more.” Seeing Big Cat Face hesitate, Lin Xian decided to up the ante. He pulled the gun from his waist and tossed it over as well.

It was a weapon taken from the police cyborgs—he had even taken down two of them with it.

Smack.

Big Cat Face caught the gun, and his eyes went wide.

“A police cyborg’s gun!? What did you do?”

“Killed two cyborgs,” Lin Xian replied casually.

“Now that’s impressive!” Big Cat Face immediately got up, waddled over to Lin Xian, and threw an arm around his shoulder, giving him a few hearty pats. “You’ve got potential! I knew right away—you’re made for this kind of life! Welcome to the gang!”

“Ah, and of course, welcome to you too, Yi Yi,” he added, turning to Xu Yi Yi.

“Since you’re both officially part of the gang, I won’t hide it from you. Just now, the four of us were about to head out to meet the Godfather.”

“For tonight’s operation, the Godfather has given our gang a very important task. We were planning to double-check everything with him. After all… we’ve prepared for tonight’s do-or-die mission for so long, we can’t afford any mistakes.”

Lin Xian and Xu Yi Yi exchanged glances before turning back to Big Cat Face.

“Brother Face, what exactly is the Godfather’s plan for tonight?” Lin Xian asked.

“Yeah, Big Cat, now that we’re part of the gang, quit keeping us in the dark and tell us,” Xu Yi Yi added. “I already know the Godfather plans to use a time machine to send an assassin to the past. But what’s the mission, exactly?”

Big Cat Face wagged his finger and shook his head.

“The time machine—that’s for later. Tonight’s mission… well, I might as well tell you now since I’m taking you to see the Godfather anyway.”

“Tonight, nearly every gang in Sin City will be in action. We’re all going to charge into Donghai City! In the Godfather’s words, it’s all or nothing in stealing the time-space particles from Donghai City!”

In that moment, Lin Xian and Xu Yi Yi both froze.

“What? Time-space particles?”

Xu Yi Yi was still in a daze, but Lin Xian understood perfectly.

Donghai City…

It had time-space particles!

No wonder the Godfather of Sin City kept talking about using the time machine but was stuck in place. They didn’t have any time-space particles!

To travel through time, both the time machine and time-space particles were necessary.

“I see,” Lin Xian murmured, rubbing his chin. “If we can steal the time-space particles from Donghai City, we can use the time machine and send an assassin back. Brother Face, do you know the details of the Godfather’s plan? Which time period is the assassin going to? Who’s the target?”

Big Cat Face shook his head, his cheeks jiggling slightly.

“That part, I have no idea. For security reasons, only the Godfather knows the specifics. He never tells us.”

“But don’t bother asking me too many questions—I don’t know much myself. I only know what the Godfather has said. Anyway, since you two are new members, I planned to take you to see the Godfather. This is a big deal, after all… with you two joining, our gang’s size has increased by eighty percent!”

Lin Xian was about to point out something felt off when Ah Zhuang slapped his thigh.

“Big Bro, you’re mistaken! It’s sixty percent!”

“Wrong!” Er Zhuzi said firmly. “It’s forty percent! If you put it in fractions, it should be two-thirds! San Pang, what do you think?”

San Pang nodded sagely. “I think that works.”

…

Lin Xian watched as the gang members began arguing over math, feeling both amused and exasperated.

On the one hand, he was glad they were interested in solving an academic problem—their enthusiasm was commendable. On the other hand, he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to Big Cat Face’s father’s Fields Medal-winning genes.

“Alright, enough,” Big Cat Face said with a wave of his hand. “We’re going to see the Godfather anyway, so we’ll just ask him the answer!”

Lin Xian coughed lightly. “There’s no need to bother the Godfather with such a simple question. The answer is fifty percent. Let’s save the opportunity to ask the Godfather something more worthwhile.”

He didn’t really want to get involved in such a low-level math debate, but the mysterious, highly respected Godfather—the man who owned a time machine—had already been elevated to legendary status in Lin Xian’s mind.

Since he finally had the chance to meet such a figure, Lin Xian hoped to ask him some truly valuable questions.

But first… they had to actually meet him.

With excitement and curiosity in their hearts, the now fifty-percent larger gang of six set off for the underground building where the Godfather resided.

They wound through several turns before finally arriving at the deep, hidden cavern.

At the very back, just as expected, a man in a white lab coat stood with his back to them, hands clasped behind him, facing a massive white device the size of a truck.

There was an aura about him—

Lin Xian could already sense the Godfather’s distinct presence.

And that huge piece of equipment next to him, the one that was as large as a truck? It had to be the fabled time machine.

Big Cat Face approached respectfully, stopping at a distance and bowing halfway. “Godfather, I’ve brought two new recruits for you to see.”

Finally, the Godfather’s attention shifted from the time machine. He slowly turned around.

Lin Xian had been watching his every move.

Their eyes met!

Lin Xian drew in a sharp breath.

“Gao… Gao Wen?”