Over the past month, Xi P's research on Earth has been progressing smoothly. Fortunately, the subject matter hasn't yet turned to Min. Even though he knows that Xi P probably won't actually harm him, the idea of being studied by an alien remains terrifying. It doesn't help that the alien resembles a fox and is quite adorable — if anything, the contrast only amplifies the dread.

  Min has to admit that this mindset is undoubtedly influenced by countless films and literature works. In those narratives, the study of aliens — or aliens' study of humans — always results in scenes of gutting victims or slicing open skulls. Ironically, sometimes it's not the one lying on the dissection table that gets gutted...

  Anyway, Xi P's current focus seems to be examining collected plant specimens under that extravagant light microscope. Min has always envied this microscope — capable of digitally manipulating samples, regulating temperature, and even creating a vacuum environment, all within a compact profile. Such a device is practically priceless on Earth at present. Given Xi P's status, it likely isn't cheap back home either.

  The previous instrument with the depth-viewing screen turns out to be a CT-like scanner. When displaying the plant's 3D model, it is the only piece of equipment in the lab that looks genuinely sci-fi to the untrained eye.

  As Xi P's equipment cannot connect to the local network and lending him the laptop every day is inconvenient, Min buys him a new one — naturally, an Alienware. By this point, Xi P already knows the meaning behind the term "Alien", and when he sees the brand name, he looks utterly speechless as if struck by lightning. He adapts to it quickly though, possibly due to the brand's influence. He frequently uses it to look for basic information from different subjects on the internet whenever he comes across an interesting term. An insatiable thirst for knowledge to say at least.

  Thankfully, though happy, it seems that Xi P has at least maintained some self-control during his research — unlike Archimedes, he hasn't shouted in excitement over discoveries or run naked through the streets.

  ***

  Leaving Xi P's research for now, Min also has an extremely ambitious research plan. He came up with this idea shortly after Xi P's arrival, but it remained unimplementable. It took a full month before Min finally felt that the time was right.

  The plan is this: bring Xi P into his laboratory for research!

  There is no denying it's a crazy plan. The lab is located near the city centre, where foot traffic reaches dangerously high levels. Obtaining the lab key is also a problem. While using the lab for an hour or two after work is manageable, securing permission to use the lab at weekends is harder: the team leader is unlikely to agree, given that lab maintenance costs comes out of his pocket.

  The team leader didn't seem to be short on funds recently, though.

  As the ancient Chinese saying goes, in terms of favourable timing, location and people, the timing and location are definitely out of the question. But at least there is Xi P's support. Unlike Min's attitude toward being studied, Xi P reacts surprisingly positively when he learns Min wants to bring him to the lab. Min can't help but wonder if he's misunderstood the meaning, interpreting "bringing him to the lab to study him" as "bringing him to the lab to do research". Because of this, Min deliberately clarifies the purpose. It will be awkward if he refuses to cooperate once they are at the lab.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Xi P has indeed misunderstood, but once he understands the actual intent, he shows no signs of resistance. Instead, he appears somewhat... Min thinks him embarrassed.

  In the end, Xi P agrees, although he raises concerns about the safety of the endeavour. Not the safety during the research itself, but the safety of travelling to the lab. Xi P has a point: even though the population density of the downtown area is still low compared to China's suburban zones, walking around with such a 'petite Muslim woman' in broad daylight risks attracting too much attention. If Xi P suddenly tripped or was bumped by someone, his fox tail — well, he doesn't have a tail… (Note 1)

  Note 1: In Chinese, "showing one's fox tail" has a meaning of revealing one's true nature.

  'Wait, am I being stupid... Why not just rent a car and go at night?'

  Min tapped the table lightly, suddenly seeing the solution. Needless to say, there would be much less traffic at night. They could just stash him in the car and drop him off near the lab; the chance of him being noticed would be almost zero. It would be easier on Xi P, too: cooler night-time temperatures and dimmer lighting would be better for his eyes.

  ***

  Theoretically, Xi P should have been in high spirits this week; in reality, however, that certainly isn't the case.

  There are certainly some positives — Xi P can freely pursue his favourite research and venture out whenever he pleased, unlike when he was confined to cramped quarters aboard the research vessel or before he obtained the cloak. These things should have made him happy. Yet two factors prevent him from truly finding joy:

  Though the pangs of homesickness have gradually faded, another kind of longing has surfaced — a yearning for family and friends. Admittedly, the research vessel lost all communication for almost a month during each warp journey, but at least Xi P knew he could reconnect once the warp ended. Here, however, he doesn't even know if he will ever re-establish contact with the Republic, let alone his loved ones, in his lifetime.

  'I wonder how Director Kalle is doing now.'

  If this longing could be considered a rational, justifiable cause for his gloom, the other reason is rather nonsensical. How to put it? To Xi P, every day this past week has felt like the eve of Judgement Day, referring, of course, to the day he is due to be taken to the lab. Whenever he thinks about it, he can't help but recall dissecting small animals at school, especially that one time when a teacher insisted on eating the corpses after dissection....

  Yes, eating them — raw! He heard that teacher ended up in a mental hospital, but the memory of that class has left a deep psychological scar. Xi P knows his fears are completely unfounded — science fiction is just science fiction. Min clearly won't do anything too bizarre to him. Yet he can't shake off these associations, and they were seriously affecting his mood. To avoid giving Min the wrong idea, Xi P never mentions it, choosing instead to wait and see.

  Before the end of Friday's shift, Min persuades the team leader to hand over the lab keys. Although the leader remains deeply suspicious of Min's sudden diligence, he ultimately agrees to the request. The two set out on Friday night.

  ***

  Sitting in the backseat, Xi P gazes at the distant alien city, its lights shimmering brilliantly. The neon lights seem to form an aurora above the city, constantly dancing. A sight rarely seen on Lierus, where such extravagant illumination isn't necessary.

  Suddenly, Xi P has a strange feeling: the aurora transforms into a demon from religious tales, and the road they are traveling resembles the demon's tongue...

  He shakes his head, banishing this absurd notion from his mind. As a scientist, entertaining such foolish religious tales is utterly ridiculous. He forces himself to think of something meaningful — or at least to maintain his balance in the seat — determined never to let such thoughts surface again.

  'The artificial lighting within the city is nowhere as bright as real sunlight, I could probably manage without the sunglasses. Besides, they make areas that should have been visible appear blurry... Well, maybe I shouldn't. Their eyes seem too different to ours in the darkness; wearing the sunglasses is safer...'

  Soon, the vehicle comes to a stop in front of the laboratory building.