The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

The Mu Continent Academic Symposium was the most prestigious academic organization globally, and every invitee was a top scholar.

This organization held academic conferences regularly for mutual exchange, and this time, it was in MEI's Nagazora City.

Although still young, MEI was confident she would one day join the symposium and stand alongside these research giants—but she hadn't expected it to be so soon.

And…

Looking at the scholars dressed as if attending a ball, MEI, in her work clothes, stood out. The mature clothes didn't suit her youthful appearance, making her look out of place.

If it were Dr. MEI from the future, who led humanity against Honkai, she could stand here in a t-shirt without batting an eye. But MEI was still a teenager, uncomfortable in such formal settings, feeling awkward.

MEI watched the people in the hall. Their name tags showed names famous in academia.

She wanted to talk to these seniors, but they weren't interested in a strange kid. She had tried to start conversations, but was brushed off. They were probably only polite because they couldn't be rude to a minor in this setting.

What should she do? Maybe leave first…

"Ah, found her, found her~"

Just as MEI was about to leave, a cheerful voice rang out beside her.

It was a girl slightly older than MEI, but just as young. Her attire was even more eye-catching than MEI's. If MEI in work clothes could be excused as a secretary brought by a doctor, this girl in a cartoon shirt could only be a high school girl who had wandered into the wrong place.

Many people stared at her with curiosity and disdain, but the girl seemed unfazed, smiling as she approached MEI. "You're MEI, right? You're even prettier in person than in photos."

"You are…" MEI looked at Lee, her pupils shrinking when she saw the name tag on her chest. "Dr. Mobius?"

Mobius, a top scientist in genetics, everyone in the symposium knew that name.

But, Mobius should be in her twenties, right?

The girl in front of her, despite her white hair, looked, at most, eighteen…

"Mobius?" The girl paused, then chuckled. "That's me, seems I'm quite famous~"

It was really Mobius?!

So young, completely different from what she imagined. But no one would dare to impersonate Mobius at an academic symposium. Con artists couldn't get in.

Was it good skincare…?

'Mobius' smiled gently, seeing MEI's unease. "Don't be nervous. I'm not going to eat you. I just want to chat. Many people must have praised your intelligence. I won't repeat those clichés. Your future achievements are beyond mere words."

"No… you're too kind, Doctor."

MEI blushed. No matter how precocious, she couldn't help but be excited.

Imagine, as a nobody who had just published one paper, feeling lost at her first conference, a famous academic suddenly walked up and praised you, saying your future achievements were limitless… Who could resist?

'Mobius's words warmed MEI, and her favorability soared.

Dr. Mobius's casual attire showed that true scholars didn't care about appearances. She should learn from her – MEI resolved.

'Mobius' smiled even more brightly. "I read your paper. I didn't understand a word – I mean, it's excellent. Mind if I ask a few questions?"

"Of course, ask anything."

Seeing her academic idol about to test her, MEI became serious, determined not to disappoint her.

'Mobius' nodded, smiling. "First question – do you have a boyfriend?"

"No… huh?"

After answering instinctively, MEI was confused. What did this question mean?

But she dismissed the thought. It was Dr. Mobius's question, it must have a deeper meaning… Maybe it was testing her adaptability.

'Mobius' seemed pleased. She nodded and asked again, "Then—"

"Lee, what are you doing?"

A tall, green-haired woman walked over, interrupting 'Mobius.' Her face was helpless. "Even if your clothes got dusty fighting Honkai beasts, you don't have to wear a t-shirt, right? I told you spare clothes were prepared, go change first."

"I saw her standing alone, wanted to chat." The girl chuckled, taking off the Mobius name tag and handing it to the green-haired woman, then taking out another name tag and pinning it on herself. "Doctor, you and MEI chat. I'll go change~"

"…Excuse me, are you?" MEI looked at the retreating girl, then at the woman with the Mobius name tag, a crazy thought forming in her mind.

But no way, no one would be that free, right?

"Mobius, you might have heard of me." Mobius adjusted her glasses. "Sorry if my assistant bothered you."

So, someone really was that free… MEI sighed inwardly. "No, your assistant is very interesting."

"Though she's a troublemaker." Mobius seemed pleased by MEI's praise, tearing a page from her notebook and writing down her contact info. "I read your paper, very valuable. Mind if I ask a few questions?"

MEI took the paper, nodding slightly.

Although less warm than the previous one, this Mobius also seemed to appreciate her.

She seemed more serious than the previous one…

"First question – do you have a boyfriend?"

MEI: "…"

Was this a cutting-edge academic topic?