Genius Club

A small helicopter took off from Rhine University, heading toward the outskirts of Donghai City.

Lin Xian looked down.

Chaotic, filthy, dilapidated.

The outskirts of Donghai City were dotted with numerous small villages, all exuding a wild and untamed atmosphere.

It was just as Liu Feng had described.

The enclosed environment of Rhine University was a paradise in these times; the chaotic state of Brooklyn and the outskirts of Donghai represented the norm of the era.

The helicopter landed far from the village where Chen Heping resided. Lin Xian and Liu Feng planned to approach on foot.

“This kind of ominous arrival with a helicopter can easily backfire,” Liu Feng explained. “Walking there slowly will be better—it at least won’t make them feel threatened. Regardless… these villagers on the outskirts of Donghai hold significant resentment toward Rhine University.”

“Not entirely,” Liu Feng replied with a troubled expression. “In an era of scarce resources and widespread poverty, relationships between individuals and organizations become incredibly complex.

“Although we at Rhine University maintain a neutral stance and avoid involvement in conflicts, this neutrality ironically turns us into a common enemy for everyone to resent.”

“But don’t dwell on it too much,” Liu Feng continued. “Everyone knows we’re neutral. While they harbor emotional hostility toward us, it’s also a kind of safety statement. That said… we still need to be cautious.”

Liu Feng took a handgun from the pilot and handed it to Lin Xian. “You should carry it. Your marksmanship is unparalleled; I’ll feel safer with you armed.”

Lin Xian picked up the handgun, weighed it in his hand, then handed it back to the pilot. “Forget it. I think we’re better off without carrying weapons.”

Looking at Liu Feng, he explained, “Since we’re here to seek Chen Heping’s help, we should at least show sincerity. Coming unarmed demonstrates our utmost good faith.”

“Besides,” Lin Xian added, “as you mentioned, even when our people clashed with Big Cat Face two days ago, he merely drove them out without using weapons.”

“I… how do I put it?” Lin Xian hesitated for a moment. “Although I’m very familiar with Big Cat Face, he doesn’t know me. But no matter which dreamscape I encounter Big Cat Face in, he’s always an honest and straightforward person.”

“Especially in this era,” Lin Xian concluded. “If Chen Heping is alive, then Big Cat Face’s daughter must also be alive. Based on my observations, as long as his daughter is alive, he will always be a good father.”

Recalling the second dreamscape, Lin Xian remembered Big Cat Face’s doting smile as he looked at his children. He had even reminded Lin Xian to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, setting a good example for the kids. 𝐑АＮộꞖĘꞩ

That burly man with his foolish-looking demeanor was rough and wild on the outside but tender and gentle at heart.

Lin Xian knew this well.

This was his “Face Brother.” Lin Xian considered himself part of the Face Gang. Even if the current Face Gang might not recognize him, Lin Xian already saw Big Cat Face and the others as good friends, just like CC.

Liu Feng glanced at Lin Xian a few times. Without saying much more, he followed Lin Xian as they trudged toward the village ahead.

…

“Stop right there!”

As soon as they approached the gate, a lanky man with fierce brows and a red-tasseled spear glared at them with hostility.

“Where do you stinking city folk think you’re going? Get off our land!”

Lin Xian glanced up and sighed inwardly. “Oh no.”

“What’s wrong?” Liu Feng whispered curiously.

“Why didn’t you tell me Er Zhu Zi was on guard duty?” Lin Xian frowned, clearly annoyed. “Liu Feng, your intel work is terrible! How could you miss such an important detail?”

Liu Feng was momentarily stunned by the rebuke. “Does it matter who’s guarding the gate?”

“Of course, it matters…” Lin Xian lamented silently.

If he’d known earlier, he could have brought a female teacher from Rhine University, pretended they were a couple, and easily slipped past Er Zhu Zi with his gullibility.

But now?

Here he was, just a lone man with Liu Feng—a grizzled old-timer who looked like he was halfway to the grave. There was no way Er Zhu Zi would let them pass without trouble.

Still.

They were already here.

No choice but to face it head-on.

With a smile, Lin Xian stepped forward.

“Brother Zhu,” he greeted warmly.

“Who the hell are you calling Brother Zhu? Get lost!” Er Zhu Zi roared, spitting as he waved his spear menacingly.

“Hmm? What’s going on, Er Zhu Zi?”

Suddenly, a sweet, gentle voice called out from behind the village gate, soft as a breeze and warm as jade.

Moments later, a slender, graceful woman with delicate features stepped into view, holding the hand of a five- or six-year-old girl.

“Sister-in-law!” “Big Sister-in-law!”

Both Lin Xian and Er Zhu Zi exclaimed in unison.

Lin Xian recognized her instantly.

It was none other than Face Sister-in-Law—someone he hadn’t seen in ages.

He could still vividly recall the second dreamscape when he would go to Big Cat Face’s house daily to eat dumplings, all hand-wrapped by Face Sister-in-Law.

She wasn’t just beautiful and kind-hearted; she was also understanding and reasonable. Lin Xian had always held a very high opinion of her.

Swish—

Before Lin Xian could take a step closer, Er Zhu Zi swung his spear like a steam-blowing bull and planted it firmly right in front of Lin Xian’s face.

“You scrawny little scoundrel! Who said you could call her Sister-in-law?!”

Face Sister-in-Law was momentarily bewildered by the scene.

She glanced at Er Zhu Zi, then at Lin Xian. “What’s going on with you two? By the way, do I know you?”

“Of course, you do!” Lin Xian replied with a warm smile.

“Sister-in-law, I’m a friend of Face Brother. Could you let us in to see him?”

“Face Brother, my foot!”

Er Zhu Zi practically leaped in anger, nearly mounting his spear like a circus act. He jabbed a finger at Lin Xian’s nose and shouted, “Your real intention is to see Face Brother? Who do you think you’re fooling? I can tell just by looking at your slick face that you’re up to no good!”

“Alright, that’s enough.”

Face Sister-in-Law clapped her hands and interrupted Er Zhu Zi, all while holding onto the child. “Guests from afar are still guests. Since they came looking for your elder brother, let them meet him first.”

“Hmph!”

Though clearly displeased, Er Zhu Zi couldn’t defy Sister-in-Law’s orders. Grumbling under his breath, he reluctantly stepped aside.

“Follow me, both of you! Big Brother’s just over there!”

…

Bang!

“Friend, my foot!”

Big Cat Face slammed his fist onto the tree stump, causing his fleshy cheeks to jiggle violently.

“I don’t know you at all!”

Face Sister-in-Law frowned and scolded him. “Big Cat, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop swearing in front of the kids.”

“Oh, right, right.”

Big Cat Face, clearly henpecked, cleared his throat and punched the tree stump again for emphasis.

“Shift! I don’t know you! Who the hell are you?”

Liu Feng, holding his forehead, looked like he couldn’t bear to watch anymore.

Crude words, coarse behavior, utterly unbearable.

“I told you.”

He leaned toward Lin Xian and whispered, “I’ve been saying all along, these people aren’t easy to deal with. They’re not just unreasonable; they’re brainless too. How do you even convince someone like that?”

“Don’t panic.”

Lin Xian gestured reassuringly to Liu Feng.

“Face Brother,” Lin Xian said, clasping his hands in a respectful salute as he stepped forward.

“I’ve always heard of your great reputation. I want to join the Face Gang and become one of you.”

“Pfft! You’re not worthy!”

Big Cat Face sneered.

“The members of the Face Gang are as noble as dragons! Do you think just anyone can join? Get lost! The farther, the better! Don’t let me catch you city folk around here again, or I’ll beat you every time I see you!”

Beside him, Ah Zhuang snorted, casting a disdainful glance at Liu Feng.

“We don’t need some dried-up old geezer either.”

Er Zhu Zi folded his arms and looked down his nose at Lin Xian.

“Big Brother is right! This guy looks sneaky and untrustworthy!”

San Pang shook his head sagely.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Three votes against.

“Seriously? That was fast.”

The familiar rejection process caught Lin Xian off guard.

“Isn’t this blatant regional discrimination? City folk can’t join the Face Gang?”

At this moment, Liu Feng could no longer hold back.

He suddenly noticed how calm and at ease Lin Xian was, as if this wasn’t a dangerous encounter but a casual homecoming. Lin Xian seemed completely unperturbed, as if he’d be invited inside for a meal at any moment.

It made Liu Feng feel utterly unnecessary.

What truly drove him over the edge, however, was a question he’d been holding in since they arrived at the village. For someone with a compulsive need for answers, it was unbearable.

“Why is it called the Face Gang instead of the Cat Gang?”

Ah, relief.

He finally got the question off his chest, staring at Lin Xian for an explanation.

“He’s called Big Cat Face,” Liu Feng continued. “Logically, he should be called Cat Brother, right? And as for the gang name, wouldn’t ‘Cat Gang’ sound much better than ‘Face Gang’? What’s the deal with this abstract naming?”

“Hmph!”

Big Cat Face, puffing on his pipe, snorted disdainfully and gave Liu Feng a mocking smile.

“You wear glasses, and yet you have no cultural insight! The reason it’s not called the Cat Gang is because—”

“Cats represent ideology, but faces represent metaphysics,” Lin Xian reflexively interrupted, blurting out the answer.

Clang!

Big Cat Face’s pipe fell to the ground as his jaw dropped in shock.

He stared at Lin Xian, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

Suddenly, he lunged forward, grabbing Lin Xian tightly with his large hands.

“What did you just say?”

Big Cat Face couldn’t believe his ears. His eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and admiration as he looked at Lin Xian.

“What did you just say!?”

Lin Xian winced from the painful grip on his wrist but repeated himself.

“Cats represent ideology, but faces represent metaphysics.”

“Brother!!”

Big Cat Face clasped his head in his hands, his pupils trembling with excitement. He stared at Lin Xian as though he were a kindred spirit found at last amidst a world of misunderstanding.

For years, no one had truly understood him.

But now!

Finally, someone recognized the essence of his philosophy!

“How did you come up with that?” Big Cat Face asked, breathless.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lin Xian replied casually. “I just think it makes sense.”

“A genius!!” Big Cat Face exclaimed, throwing his arm around Lin Xian’s shoulder. “It’s as if we were fated to meet! You’re the one who understands me best in this whole world!”

???

Liu Feng blinked rapidly, three big question marks practically floating over his head.

Seriously?

He had lived intermittently across 600 years, witnessing countless waves of cultural rise and fall, yet he had never encountered such an abstract and nonsensical philosophical explanation.

What… what even was this?! It was complete absurdity—utterly incomprehensible!

Still…

Ah.

A wry smile crept onto his face.

No wonder Lin Xian had been so confident and self-assured in dealing with these unreasonable and stubborn opponents.

Of course.

The only thing that can conquer abstraction is more abstraction.

“Truly fascinating philosophy,” Liu Feng muttered, shaking his head as he marveled at the diversity of the world.

Meanwhile, Lin Xian casually slung his arm over Big Cat Face’s shoulder.

“So, Face Brother, does this mean I can join the Face Gang now?”

“Uh…”

Big Cat Face scratched his head, his expression revealing unprecedented awkwardness.

He truly wanted to grant this newfound soulmate an easy pass.

But rules were rules, and principles couldn’t be broken.

“Brother,” Big Cat Face said hesitantly, “in the Face Gang, we operate on democracy. When it comes to accepting new members, we need a vote…”

Before he could finish, Ah Zhuang raised his hand immediately.

“Big Brother, I object! Don’t be swayed by this guy’s sweet talk. City folk are cunning!”

“Exactly!” Er Zhu Zi put his hands on his hips. “My sharp eyes don’t lie. From the start, he’s been after Sister-in-law!”

San Pang crossed his arms in an X. “I don’t think it’s a good idea!”

And there it was. Three votes against.

As a chill autumn breeze swept by, Big Cat Face felt the heat in his chest turn cold, as though he’d aged several years in an instant.

He let out a long sigh and reluctantly took Lin Xian’s hand.

“Such a shame, Brother. It’s my fault I can’t keep you here.”

“However,” Big Cat Face continued, slapping his chest and belly with conviction, “if you have any difficulties or requests, just say the word. If it’s within my power, I’ll make it happen!

“Since you wanted to join the Face Gang, you must be facing some challenges. Let me help solve your problems directly!”

Not bad.

Lin Xian smiled faintly.

He hadn’t expected that when one door closed, another would open. Big Cat Face’s loyalty and sense of justice never wavered.

“Face Brother,” Lin Xian said, “could you take me to meet your father?”

He pulled a book from his bag and waved it lightly.

“I have some academic questions about mathematics that I’d like to discuss with him.”

…

The Face Gang side quest was thus completed in an unremarkably straightforward manner.

After countless simulations in dreamscapes, handling it in reality felt as natural as fish swimming in water.

Big Cat Face, full of enthusiasm, insisted his wife return home early to make dumplings for dinner, declaring he would drink the night away with Lin Xian.

Liu Feng gifted Big Cat Face’s daughter a futuristic-looking pen, instantly maxing out Big Cat Face’s affection for him—a case of extending fondness to someone’s family.

That’s the kind of simple-hearted person Big Cat Face was.

It was also why Lin Xian trusted him so deeply.

The Big Cat Face now draping an arm around his shoulder was eight years younger than the one Lin Xian had seen in the dreamscape, though his appearance was nearly identical—still clumsy, still chubby, still with that distinctive fleshy face.

The differences lay elsewhere:

His daughter was still a child.

His youngest son hadn’t been born yet.

And Face Sister-in-Law was in her prime.

Some things were different, yet everything felt the same.

“We’re here, Brother! My dad’s inside!” Big Cat Face announced, knocking loudly on the door. He turned to Lin Xian and added, “My dad’s just a pure bookworm—not interesting at all. But he’s pretty incredible in certain ways. Even Village Chief Li always comes to him with questions.”

“Village Chief Li?”@@novelbin@@

Lin Xian perked up at another familiar name.

“Li Cheng?”

“Who else could it be?” Big Cat Face grinned, knocking harder on the door.

“Li Cheng’s little girl, Ning Ning, is super mischievous these days, climbing everything in sight. It’s giving him a headache, but you can tell she’s a natural for martial arts. Er Zhu Zi keeps pestering Li Cheng’s wife, begging to teach Ning Ning how to use the red-tasseled spear.”

“Heh.”

Lin Xian couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Er Zhu Zi is as consistent as ever.”

Creak.

Amid their chatter, the wooden door swung open from inside.

A middle-aged man stepped out, his hair slightly unkempt, wearing a tank top and shorts. His square face was ordinary, his gaze a bit weary, and a rough stubble adorned his chin. He glanced at Big Cat Face, then at Lin Xian.

“And you are…?”

For a moment, both Lin Xian and Liu Feng straightened their backs, standing with reverence.

Despite his unassuming appearance and somewhat sloppy demeanor, this man was a peerless genius—someone even Emperor Gao Wen would pale in comparison to.

For Lin Xian especially, this was a momentous occasion.

This was a man whose name he had long revered but had never once met in person.

He never imagined that after all this time, he would finally meet Big Cat Face’s living father.

“Hello,” Lin Xian said respectfully, extending his right hand toward the legendary figure.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Chen Heping.”