Chapter 94: Chapter 94
It was just a minor episode that An Ning quickly forgot about, not giving it much thought.
The truth proved that achieving success in any field was no easy task. Without her previous life's near-photographic memory, An Ning had to invest exponentially more time and energy into her work. There were even mornings when she woke up with lines of code swirling in her mind.
If the system had initially been surprised, now it was downright shocked. "H-Host, aren't you pushing yourself too hard?"
"No choice, given how terrible my memory is this time around," An Ning replied meaningfully, glancing at the secretly guilty system. She swiftly pulled out the latest journal from her bookshelf: "Instead of worrying about me, focus on monitoring our surroundings. After all, our personal safety depends entirely on you now, System."
"Didn't you say earlier that many had failed this mission before? If we succeed, wouldn't that prove your capabilities?"
"Alright, alright, I get it!" Inside her consciousness space, the teacup poodle system sighed wearily. Even as code, it needed downtime! But remembering the female lead who barged into their private room last time—though coincidental—such situations might recur. Not to mention those researchers who'd died under "accidental" circumstances that An Ning had investigated earlier.
Thinking of its three previous five-star ratings, the system perked up. Just two more to go—it couldn't afford to fail now!
"Actually Host, if you'd just join a military research institute or similar, the protection level would increase dramatically. Many places have already sent you invitations—better equipment, top experts in various fields..."
Flipping through her journal without looking up, An Ning countered, "Then why are you so keen on entrusting our safety to others?"
Over the next half year, as intelligent control technology saw deeper applications, An Ning frequently attended domestic academic conferences as its developer and even visited several military research institutes as a special advisor.
Being a top-tier scientist, a stunning beauty, and holding multiple patents—any single attribute would attract swarms of suitors. The approaches were endless, including from the prestigious Xu family of the capital, who sent none other than the family patriarch—An Ning's biological grandfather. She ignored them all.
The old Xu patriarch's expression remained vividly etched in An Ning's memory. Having brought the Xu family to its current status, both he and An Ning's uncle were undoubtedly shrewd. They didn't lead with emotional appeals but laid out practical benefits bluntly:
"Young people often naively believe their genius alone guarantees smooth sailing. They forget the world overflows with talent—countless have fallen midway for various reasons. People form groups precisely because standing alone makes one vulnerable to manipulation and destruction."
"A single tree cannot make a forest—this has held true since ancient times. Had you been born a Xu, with the family backing you, your current benefits and treatment could multiply several times over."
Was there truth in this? Certainly. Would An Ning believe it? Absolutely not.
What difference existed between the Xu family and Fu Corporation when both relationships were transactional? The meaningless blood ties? At least she and Fu Sheng shared years of productive collaboration. Moreover, the Xu family had relentlessly suppressed their own son—how much colder could they get?
As for whether outright rejection might provoke retaliation—amusingly, no. While they'd oppressed An Ning's father mercilessly years ago, they suddenly understood the wisdom of leaving room for reconciliation with this granddaughter. Instead of retaliation, they repeatedly sent younger family members to approach her.
Unfortunately, as a tech recluse, An Ning only left her lab for work or occasional gourmet outings—hardly any outdoor activities. Unless someone was extraordinarily persistent, chance encounters were nearly impossible.
Like now, spotting Ji Yang jogging in just a tracksuit during winter. Emerging from her lab, An Ning instinctively tightened her down jacket. Such physical endurance was enviable.
Seeing An Ning leaving the research building at this hour, Ji Yang immediately knew she'd pulled another all-nighter. "Wait here—get in the car first!" He dashed to his nearby vehicle and returned with a food container, handing it through the window: "Don't worry, I cooked everything myself this morning—completely safe and healthy!" After learning about An Ning's identity and achievements, he'd stopped bringing outside food.
"Pfft—" An Ning finally laughed at his attire. "Morning jog?" A jog that involved driving here and circling the area?
"Ahem... well..." Ji Yang scratched his head sheepishly, but couldn't help smiling when he saw her amused expression. No matter how many times he saw her, he'd always think—damn, she's gorgeous! Like a fairy from childhood paintings—every strand of hair perfect.
Perhaps because An Ning seemed unusually approachable today—even inviting him into her car for the first time in months—Ji Yang felt flustered. He scrambled in, carefully keeping his distance to avoid chilling her with his cold clothes.
"So... An Ning, have you considered giving me a chance?" After recovering from his daze, Ji Yang seized the opportunity: "Look, I can handle both social and domestic affairs—definitely worth it! Plus I'm young, my old man doesn't interfere, family's well-off with decent business—no burdens. Unlike certain old men climbing the ladder desperately... and I fell for you at first sight..."
Old men? An Ning rolled her eyes at the obvious dig. And love at first sight?
"Wasn't it more like lust at first sight?"
"Ahem, can't it be attraction to appearance that deepened into soul connection?"
The first part was acceptable, but the latter? An Ning inwardly scoffed—she didn't buy it for a second: "What if I said I'll never marry, never have children, never make any commitments?"