Love was an abstract concept to Ruan Mei—something she understood logically but never truly felt or experienced. Obviously, it wasn't that she lacked kindness or empathy; she was unapologetically sincere, refusing to pretend to feel emotions she did not possess.

You, her assistant, were the complete opposite of #83 of the Genius Society. You were the one who bonded with her creations—those critters resembling cat-shaped cakes. Although they were artificial, they seemed to crave affection, which Ruan Mei couldn't fulfil.

The researcher watched you through a screen as the critters flocked to you, clearly enjoying your company. You looked up and caught sight of the woman through the glass panel separating you. You waved at her, and for a brief second, her usual mask of indifference slipped, and a small smile tugged at her lips. She was taken aback by her own reaction, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest.

"What is this feeling?" Ruan Mei mused to herself, her fingers pausing over the keyboard. "How curious."

Clearing her throat, she searched for the right words to express her thoughts. "I've noticed your... interactions with the critters," she began, speaking into the microphone. "They seem to respond well to you."