The first time you met Ruan Mei, it was a simple meeting of chance at the Herta Space Station where you, one of the many researchers there, met the genius society member, one of your biggest inspirations to seek out a career in science and biology. Originally, the woman hadn't taken much interest in you, at most saying a few words here and there before parting ways.

The second time could've been passed off as another meeting by chance, as well; bumping into the older woman when the astral express crew visited the space station for one of the trailblazers—the one with gray hair that protected your colleagues and fellow researchers from a Doomsday beast—to partake in madame Herta's project that was (apparently) called a "Simulated Universe." That time, she seemed more interested and active in that occasions conversation with you. At one point, you swore you could've seen a smile ghost her naturally pale face.

The third time you met her, however, she offered a role for you to take on as her assistant, with you agreeing with little to no hesitation.

And where did that get you now?

"Please forgive me, child, for the... Less than ideal accommodations." the scholar flatly muttered with a frown etched onto her lips, her watchful gaze settled on your frame as she reached her hand out to brush a lock of hair from your face.

From the way she was speaking, no-one would think she was the one who had a chain wrapped around your ankle, keeping you restrained in a small bedroom that contained the bare minimum of furniture; it was long enough for you to walk around, but never quite enough to reach the door to your bedroom and open it.

"I wasn't sure how you'd like your room decorated, so I decided to keep things simple."