After their quiet conversation the night before, Su Zhan left Pop Girl's room, his mind restless. He knew that Pop Girl did not love him yet, nor did she have deep feelings for him. Their time together had been brief, and if not for the circumstances that forced them together, she might never have made such a choice. Still, Su Zhan felt a sense of relief. At least she had accepted her situation and no longer resisted him. With time, perhaps, something genuine could grow between them.
The next morning, Su Zhan spoke with Kira, who had restored Pop Girl's freedom. With that, he handed Simmons' serum formula to the base's scientists for research and testing. He then spent the morning accompanying Pop Girl around the base. Though words were few, the atmosphere was gentle. Su Zhan took the initiative to ask about her childhood and share stories of his own, helping her to relax and gradually open her heart. The most intimate barriers had already been crossed, and now, with honesty and patience, Su Zhan hoped to build something more meaningful.
Just as the day began to settle into a comfortable rhythm, Kira came rushing over, her face alight with excitement. "Success, Master! The research was a complete success!"
Su Zhan's eyes lit up. "The formula worked?"
Kira nodded, barely able to contain her joy. "Yes! After repeated tests, we can now prepare the serum for different types of abilities, and the success rate is one hundred percent. I tested it on ten volunteers, each choosing their own ability. Every single one succeeded!"
Su Zhan's heart soared. "Excellent! Have the team prepare five different kinds of power potions for me right away."
Although the effects of these potions were not as overwhelming as some natural superpowers, the auxiliary abilities they granted were still incredibly useful. Simmons' genius had made a breakthrough in record time, and Su Zhan was now confident in entrusting her with the next step: the R16 serum. If that research succeeded, it would be possible to mass-produce superpowers for the War League.
In less than a day, the potions were ready. Su Zhan did not intend to linger in the power world copy. Now that the medicine was finished, he was eager to return.
He said his goodbyes to Kira and Pop Girl, promising to visit again soon. There was still much to do, and he could not afford to stay away from his primary world for long. There would be time to enjoy peace and quiet later.
Upon his return, Su Zhan found it was already night. He went straight to Simmons' room, pausing at her door before knocking softly. After a moment, Simmons appeared, dressed in her pajamas, her hair slightly tousled.
"You… you're back? Where have you been these past few days? You disappeared so suddenly," Simmons asked, her eyes full of curiosity and concern.
Su Zhan smiled and stepped into her room, closing the door behind him. Before Simmons could say another word, he pulled her into a sudden, tight embrace.
Simmons was startled, but she did not resist. "What's gotten into you?" she asked, her voice gentle.
"Nothing, just a little excitement. Simmons, you're incredible," Su Zhan replied, releasing her and leading her to the bed. With a wave of his hand, he produced several vials of the newly finished power potion.
Simmons' eyes widened in amazement. "Is this… the power agent? How did you get so many?"
"Your research was a complete success. The success rate is one hundred percent, and there are no dangerous side effects. Now, you get to choose one for yourself," Su Zhan said, his voice full of pride.
"Me? I get to choose?" Simmons was surprised and a little overwhelmed.
"Of course. You did all the hard work; you deserve a reward. You know the different types of powers. Pick the one you want most," Su Zhan encouraged her with a warm smile.
Simmons thought for a moment. "Then… I choose telekinesis. It will help me in my experiments. Machines can be so clumsy, but with telekinesis, everything would be so much easier. I know predictive abilities are amazing, but I'm not a field agent. This helps my research more."
Su Zhan nodded, handing her the vial. "That's a smart choice. Why wait? Try it whenever you're ready."
Simmons stared at the potion, her excitement growing. "Can I use it now? I can hardly believe it worked."
"Of course," Su Zhan replied with a grin. "Actually, I'm so excited too… Maybe we should help each other calm down?"
Simmons looked up, a playful smile forming on her lips. "How do you suggest we do that?"
Su Zhan answered her with action. He gently wrapped his arm around her waist, drew her close, and kissed her softly. Simmons gasped, surprised at first, but soon melted into the embrace, her hands finding their way around his neck.
For a long moment, they stayed like that, lost in each other. When they finally parted, Simmons was breathless, her cheeks flushed.
"I think I'm even more excited now," she whispered.
"Me too," Su Zhan replied, his eyes shining with affection.
Simmons lowered her gaze, her voice quiet but determined. "I need to do something to calm down. You said before you still have the R16 serum. Could I have it? Maybe I can study it and make it even more stable."
Su Zhan smiled, reaching into his pocket for the single vial of R16. "You do not even have to ask. This is the only bottle, so I'm counting on you."
Simmons accepted the vial with both hands, her eyes full of resolve. "I'll do my best. I promise."