The words, uttered amidst a fit of breathless, maniacal laughter, strike Xi P like a bolt from the blue. He freezes in place, the word ringing deafeningly in his ears, echoing back and forth in his mind as he stares blankly, trying to grasp its meaning.

  'Fox? He said fox? Fox!'

  Just months ago, if asked to describe his least favourite alien creature design, his answers would have been filled with keywords like "slime", "tentacles", and "spikes". Now, things are different. The word "fox" has made a lasting impression on Xi P, who is certain he will never forget it, nor the creature it represents. The physical appearance of this native animal is truly, truly terrifying.

  Yes, terrifying. Its head bears over 70% resemblance to the original, with some features being strikingly similar, yet it has the body of a beast. Min might not mind keeping one as a pet, but Xi P could never accept that.

  The thought of that face constantly hovering before him sends shivers down his spines: 'Could Ye Min have done this on purpose? To deliberately bring this up to disgust me? No, that doesn't make sense. Based on known human aesthetics, foxes are indeed considered cute. He might genuinely consider keeping one. That's just... revolting...'

  After hearing the words, Xi P suddenly lifts his head and stares at Min, as if wanting to say something. But after nearly half a minute of intense focus, nothing comes out. Despite Xi P's undeniable cuteness, Min begins to feel uneasy under his unbroken gaze.

  Finally, Xi P speaks: "Are you serious?"

  "I am serious."

  "Answer: No." Xi P shakes his head.

  Min has anticipated this reaction, but he isn't ready to give up easily: "Aren't you even curious?"

  "I am curious, but I don't like, still."

  "I can pick one with a different colour to yours."

  One of Xi P's ears pricks up while the other tilts back, signalling his confusion. Really? Does Min think it is the colour that bothers him? Whenever Xi P sees pictures of foxes, it feels like someone has stuffed a tuefue into a beast's body. He has definitely seen something similar in certain bloody, horror-themed animations, but he never got used to that kind of subject matter.

  "This is your home, I should not be the one decide. You can have pet you want. But... I have to say, I don't like... this kind of animal."

  "Alright, you're right." Min nods.

  Xi P may well think he agreed with the second sentence, but he is actually referring to the first.

  ***

  It is a stormy night in a sparsely populated suburb.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  As lightning flashes, two silhouettes appear against the window of a century-old house. One is an obscure scientist craving fame; the other, an alien from a technologically advanced civilisation. The alien grins wickedly as it showcases its latest research to the scientist. It asks: Will he use these discoveries to gain the fame he craves? Even if the cost might be unbearable? With a heavy nod, the scientist agrees. Seeing this, the alien bursts into maniacal laughter, its tubular appendages flailing wildly...

  Well, even deliberately ignoring certain details, exaggerating elements, and using dramatic adjectives, this scene hardly inspires dread.

  In plain, concise terms: Xi P shows Min the contents of the paper, explains them and asks for his opinion — that's all. And those tubular appendages? They have absolutely nothing to do with tentacles. At a microscopic level, aren't hairs also tubular?

  When Min understood Xi P's description, he was slightly taken aback. "Speculations on the Surface Environments of Planets in Several Neighbouring Systems" — this has absolutely nothing to do with his field of expertise. Strictly speaking, this paper belongs in the realm of astronomy. It seems rather strange for a biology researcher to suddenly publish an astronomy paper, doesn't it?

  Upon hearing the doubt, Xi P immediately trots out his prepared response. He believes that relying solely on knowledge related to Min's area of expertise to drive human progress may be inadequate. It would be safer to establish Min's image as a polymath from the outset. This way, Xi P could use all his research materials to write papers.

  However, as most of Xi P's materials are biology-related, this wouldn't constitute true polymathy. The multidisciplinary aspect would be concentrated in the early stages, when a significant proportion of Min's papers would be outside his area of expertise. Once those more eclectic topics had been exhausted, Min could return to his area of expertise.

  Regardless, that's all for the future. For now, Min just needs to wait — wait for Xi P's English to improve, translate these materials, and find suitable citations to add...

  ***

  The storm subsides.

  As they continue their conversation, the wind dies down. As with most storms, this one arrived abruptly and departed swiftly. Almost immediately after they finish discussing these matters, the wind and rain vanish, revealing a clear, starry sky outside the window.

  Although the night sky here is densely studded with brilliant stars under relatively unpolluted conditions, residents rarely have the chance to observe it. This is largely due to the temperate maritime climate. Though rainfall is infrequent, overcast skies dominate, with clouds blocking starlight more effectively than pollution ever could.

  Yet more significant than cloud cover or urban light pollution is the growing indifference towards the night sky. The two sitting here are temporary exceptions. Almost as soon as the wind died down, they turn their heads and behold the star-filled expanse.

  The air after the rain feels cleaner than usual, and with the high-altitude air currents seemingly slowed, the sea of stars appears more vast and infinite than ever. Staring too long can even create the illusion of being drawn into it. This would be regarded as a spectacular sight in areas with more severe air pollution.

  Among these stars, how many civilisations have emerged, flourished, decayed, and perished? How many are friendly, how many are malicious? Are humanoid aliens the exception or the norm? For decades, these questions have remained mere after-dinner musings for some. Now, however, is different. As long as Xi P lives, it is possible that these questions will find preliminary answers within his lifetime....

  After gazing for nearly a minute, Min snaps back to reality. He sees that Xi P is still staring blankly at the starry sky, as if feeling nostalgic for home. Min sighs and instinctively places his hand on Xi P's head, ruffling his fur twice before asking: "Which star is your home?"

  Surprisingly, Xi P seems oblivious to the touch. After a moment of silence, he turns around, takes out his computer and opens a constellation chart application...

  'This is... Then what was he looking at earlier?' Min thinks awkwardly, 'Could it really have just been stargazing?'