Racing through the night, the interior of the Hover Car was exceptionally quiet, the atmosphere turning somewhat oppressive. As they passed the bustling commercial district and slowly approached the central area where the school was located, Shui Yanqing expressed her desire to get off and walk; it seemed she wanted to clear her mind, not returning to school with Ores.
To this, Ores was noncommittal. When the car stopped, Blanchi glanced at Shui Yanqing and Ores, hesitated for a moment struggling with her decision, and still got off the car intending to accompany Shui Yanqing for a walk. After all, compared to Ores, she was closer to Shui Yanqing, who often kept her company.
"Just let them go, why drag me out of the car," Ores complained softly, but still got pulled out by Tilan.
"Alright, just consider it as keeping me company, that should be fine," Tilan soothed Ores's mood.
Sometimes, when the first crack appears, there is still a chance for reconciliation, but if neglected, it can evolve into an intractable divide.
If today they let Shui Yanqing and Blanchi part ways, the next time they meet, tonight's events would stand as an invisible barrier between them. Though not significant, it would still prevent them from returning to their past harmony.
Holding Ores's hand, Tilan led her forward, following beside Shui Yanqing and Blanchi. In the formation of the four, Blanchi and Tilan were in the middle, separating the two who were at odds on either side, avoiding overly intense reactions from both parties.
It was nearing 11 pm, the streets gradually emptied of people, the four walked under the dim streetlights, stepping on the light snow.
"It's snowing~" Blanchi was quite happy, walking in the snow and occasionally reaching out to grab the snow from the roadside vegetation, forming small snowballs.
Though Shui Yanqing was initially a bit moody, walking in the quiet and cold night, her heart calmed down.
Too impulsive, she judged her actions this evening.
She had always been a calm person, but tonight she had clearly acted irrationally.
Maybe the recent anxiety and irritation had accumulated, she silently thought, then watched Blanchi hopping happily ahead.
This child really is carefree, doesn't overthink anything, and being a newcomer, everyone took care of her.
Placing her hands in front of her and rubbing them, then stretching, Shui Yanqing slightly closed her eyes then opened them, sensing through the snow under her feet, almost half of the street scene entered her mind.
As a modified Newborn Race, the 'Guāng Lín Species' could better perceive and manipulate Aijieka Particles through the photic scales on their bodies. The 'Water Wings Rescue Association', a resistance organization from the Fifth Epoch, integrated their unique technical achievements into her when transferring the biological advantages of the 'Guāng Lín Species', endowing her with excellent Talent in perceiving and manipulating liquid substances.
The Archangel of Rhythmic Water, Sifnelian, is the figure they worship and follow.
Due to the cruel wars and the breakdown of order in the Fifth Epoch, many resistance organizations needed some form of spiritual support to keep people on the brink of collapse and dissolution going. Therefore, during this time, numerous religious organizations emerged, worshipping various Angels or figures from past epochs.
The Archangel with blue wings and one of the Four Originals, who also reincarnated as a Mermaid, Sifnelian, is undoubtedly the figure Shui Yanqing feels incredibly close to and venerates.
If only I were as powerful as Sifnelian, Shui Yanqing thought silently. Since entering university, she had been in touch with many gene-related mega-corporations and scientists from the academic world, attempting to position herself at the core of an interest group that is about modifying the gene legislation bill, including many related companies, organizations, individuals, etc.
However, this plan, after her efforts for a while, not only bore no fruit but also met with many obstacles and setbacks.
Many companies were unwilling to take the risk of joining her camp, as gene editing is a fundamental constitution of the Federation, and this protest was like walking a tightrope, where one misstep could bring a public opinion crisis and scrutiny from the Court of Judgment upon the companies.
While large corporations had reservations, individual scientists also only verbally protested, and when asked to join the organization for this cause, they were unwilling, feeling that it would mean losing a certain freedom.
Apart from these, although several mega-corporations expressed support for Shui Yanqing's ideas, they also said that unless the timing was right, they would not truly enter the fray but would only offer financial and manpower assistance in the initial stages.
Due to the plan's numerous setbacks, Shui Yanqing's mindset also gradually became unbalanced, especially seeing how Ores, no matter what she did, had countless people running around, assisting, campaigning for her, with numerous teams operating behind her, requiring her to handle only a small portion of the work upfront. Compared to that, her spirits inevitably fell.
Shui Yanqing, who worked diligently and tactfully without success, in contrast to Ores, who lived a princess-like life and achieved great success, the difference was significant even though both were Songstresses.
Shui Yanqing clasped her hands together, then released them, considering that in terms of appearance and Talent, she was not inferior to Ores, but her background limited too much and created a vast gap.
Sigh, it seems there is still a long way to go. Maybe she should change her approach, setting aside her plan for now, and first focus on boosting her popularity and influence. Once her reputation and impact grow, then the plan might become feasible.