Floating life reflects two lotuses

Chu Wanlian stared at the constantly fluctuating energy waveforms on the laboratory screen, her fingertips trembling slightly. Each rune curve was like a clue hiding a secret, and she was trying to piece together these mysteries one by one. Soft footsteps sounded behind her, followed by Li Chenyao's deep and steady voice.

"Still looking at this data?" He stood behind her, his tone complex.

Chu Wanlian didn't turn around, but simply said, "President Li, I thought you must be very busy today."

Li Chenyao smiled slightly: "It seems you're busier than me."

Chu Wanlian finally turned around and looked up at him: "If the laboratory's goal is really to control rune energy, or even try to influence the rules of the soul's operation, then this is by no means a simple research project, and may even lead to unpredictable consequences."

Upon hearing this, Li Chenyao's gaze darkened slightly. After a moment of silence, he slowly asked, "How much do you know about the laboratory's plans?"

“That’s enough.” Chu Wanlian looked directly at him, her gaze unwavering. “But what I’m more curious about is, how much do you know? Or rather, whose side are you really on?”

Li Chenyao chuckled softly, a hint of helplessness in his expression: "I thought we could avoid talking about being adversaries."

Chu Wanlian was taken aback, then smiled: "In the face of such a plan, stance is not a choice, but an instinct. President Li, if even your instincts are blurred, you will only be played to death by this situation."

Li Chenyao's gaze deepened. He slowly approached, placed his hand on the lab table, and said in a low voice, "Chu Wanlian, I won't deny that the lab's plan has significant hidden dangers. I also admit that some decisions made by higher-ups have exceeded my control. But if you want me to immediately take the opposite side, that's impossible."

"Why?" Chu Wanlian narrowed her eyes, her tone more inquiring.

“Because I need time,” Li Chenyao looked directly at her, his gaze steady and powerful. “In this system, rash action will only cause the situation to spiral out of control. I am looking for ways to counter it, and also for ways to bring everything back to balance.”

Chu Wanlian couldn't help but sneer: "Balance? Do you think there's any balance to this kind of thing? Controlling souls and breaking down the barriers of space and time, do you think there's any balance to this kind of plan?"

“That’s why I need time.” Li Chenyao’s voice was low, but with a firm tone. “You may think I’m compromising, but in this situation, compromise is the only way for us to gain the initiative.”

Chu Wanlian's heart skipped a beat. Looking at the man before her, a complex mix of emotions welled up within her. His tone held no trace of panic or evasion; instead, it exuded an irresistible calmness and shrewdness. This made her begin to waver without her even realizing it.

“You need time, but how much time do we have?” she asked in a low voice, her tone tinged with helplessness. “You know the runic energy is already out of control, and the lab’s progress won’t wait for your careful planning.”

“I know,” Li Chenyao nodded, his tone becoming more resolute, “That’s why I need you.”

Chu Wanlian was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

“You know more about the details of runes than I do,” he said slowly. “Your abilities are more important than I realize, and I need you to help me find a way to counter it.”

Chu Wanlian remained silent for a moment, looking down at the data on the screen, a complex mix of emotions churning within her. Li Chenyao's attitude gave her hope, but also left her with an indescribable sense of confusion. Every word he spoke seemed both a test and a declaration of his true feelings.

“President Li, you asked me to help you.” She looked up, her gaze complicated. “But what if I find out in the end that you’re on the other side of the lab?”

"I won't," Li Chenyao answered firmly, his voice calm and undisturbed.

She looked into his eyes, trying to find a flaw, but saw only an unwavering determination.

That evening, Chu Wanlian returned to her apartment. Xu Nianni was busy in the kitchen. Upon seeing her return, she immediately called out, "Lianlian, you're working so late today? Come and try my new tomato and egg stir-fry!"

Chu Wanlian forced a smile, changed into slippers, and went into the kitchen. Watching Xu Nianni's busy figure, she felt a strange sense of comfort.

"Nian Ni, do you think people can change?" Chu Wanlian suddenly asked.

Xu Nianni was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at her: "What's wrong? Did something happen to you?"

"It's nothing, I just suddenly realized that the human heart is sometimes more complex than these experimental data," Chu Wanlian said softly.

Xu Nianni put down the spatula, walked over to her, and patted her shoulder: "Lianlian, don't think too much. Anyway, you're smart and beautiful, you can definitely handle all the problems!"

Chu Wanlian forced a smile, but her heart remained heavy.

Late at night, she turned on her computer and retrieved the rune data from the daytime. A series of complex energy curves came into view, and she couldn't help but sigh.

"Chu Wanlian, who do you want to believe?" she asked herself softly.

In her mind, Xiao Jinlian's voice suddenly rang out: "Of course you believe in yourself! Princess, don't be fooled by that man's sweet words!"

Chu Wanlian chuckled lightly: "Xiao Jinlian, I think you'd have an even bigger headache if you faced him."

"Hmph, I won't give him a chance!" Xiao Jinlian said defiantly.

Chu Wanlian's smile faded, her gaze returning to the screen, a silent resolve forming in her heart. Regardless of Li Chenyao's intentions, she had to find answers for herself and a way out of this crisis.