Chapter 11: A Wager on Life

Upon seeing the projection, Dean Lin Yizhou was deeply struck. Before him stood a vast architectural complex nestled between towering snow-capped mountains, its grandeur and majestic presence overwhelming. The main structure resembled two Rubik’s cubes positioned diagonally opposite each other, standing firm and imposing as if proclaiming the power of technology and the brilliance of human intellect.

Surrounding it were numerous spherical buildings, gleaming like radiant pearls. Bathed in sunlight, they complemented the golden Rubik’s cubes, their colors and shapes clashing and harmonizing to form a breathtaking tableau that captivated the eyes, holding one’s gaze for a long while in awe.

At that moment, Professor Su continued, “Researching neutrino antimatter necessitates massive equipment. Choosing a high-altitude plateau is extremely advantageous for deploying such vast apparatus. On one hand, being closer to space effectively shields cosmic rays and other background radiation, making it easier to detect a sufficient number of neutrinos for capture. On the other hand, neutrino detectors demand exceptionally pure water and environmental conditions, requiring an enormous quantity of medium and the integration of photomultiplier tube technology with optimal energy precision. The relatively pristine environment of the plateau meets these stringent conditions…”

“Professor Su, your experiment undoubtedly presents a rare opportunity. It won’t affect Earth’s stability, will it?” Lin Yizhou’s face was etched with concern, his tone cautious.

“That’s hard to say,” Su Chunyang replied with a smile, pausing before adding, “Scientific hypotheses drive humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos and advance ourselves. We aim to extract energy treasures hidden deep in the universe. Though harnessing neutrinos carries great risks, it has become a major global trend in searching for new energy sources.”

Lin Yizhou felt a surge of deep unease. He knew all too well the formidable power of antimatter; just a few grams could obliterate the world in an instant.

Before departing, Su Chunyang sincerely invited Dean Lin to visit the experimental station for firsthand guidance when time permitted.

Lin Yizhou promptly responded, “With such a magnificent station, I must go see it for myself…”

As night fell, stars scattered across a rare open plain in Kunming’s Western Hills, a group of vibrant young people gathered. They were members of the Kunming High-Speed Off-Road Club.

Two sleek airborne racing cars stood proudly side by side, their nuclear-powered turbo systems emitting deafening roars as if unleashing boundless wildness and passion.

Meng Yang, nicknamed Monkey, stood beside his car, his heart pounding in sync with the roaring engines. He knew tonight’s gamble was no small affair, and the intense thrill of victory or defeat sent shocks through his nerves, adrenaline surging wildly.

Over the years, Meng Yang had reached marrying age, yet he held no interest in marriage. Gambling was like a bottomless black hole, swallowing every bit of savings he had painstakingly accumulated into these high-stakes races. Now, his gambling addiction acted like a stimulant within, trapping him in its grip, unable to break free.

In this era, young people’s material lives reached unprecedented richness, yet their spiritual worlds floated like dust in the air, struggling to find firm footing. They could no longer be clearly defined by the currents of time as past generations were, often lost on the path of self-understanding, unable to firmly position themselves.

Many embraced singlehood, enjoying the freedom of being unattached. Despite strong government encouragement to form families and some budding desires to settle down, reality posed many obstacles. On one hand, they fiercely pursued personal independence; on the other, declining human genetic quality made childbirth difficult, preventing them from having children as easily as others.

Lost in thought, Meng Yang suddenly felt a playful tap on his right shoulder.

Zhao Xue, lively and adorable, had quietly appeared beside him. She tapped his right shoulder teasingly, then, like a nimble fawn, swiftly slipped to his left side. Meng Yang instinctively turned right but found no one there. Before he could react, Zhao Xue darted in front of him with a radiant smile, her laughter clear as silver bells.

Startled by her sudden moves, Meng Yang looked around in amusement and slight annoyance. “Xue’er, what are you doing? You nearly scared me out of my skin.”

Still playful, Zhao Xue winked mischievously. “Brother Mouse, you can’t handle such a little scare? And you call yourself a gambler! I bet when it really counts, your so-called ‘gambler’ skills won’t amount to much.”

“Who says? Why don’t we have a little contest and see who’s really got the edge?” Meng Yang perked up, his competitive spirit ignited, unwilling to concede.

“Oh, I know you well. Your name ‘Meng Yang’ means full of yang energy, yet you’re so easily scared. When trouble comes, you’ll surely wilt.” Zhao Xue covered her mouth, laughing heartily.

Meng Yang blushed, both embarrassed and annoyed. “You’re the one who’ll wilt! Believe it or not, I’m about to—” He stopped himself, aware of the nearby crowd.

“If you dare, I’ll cling to you and make you take responsibility.” Zhao Xue teased, though her eyes shone with warmth and hope. She had long harbored feelings for Meng Yang.

At a loss for words, Meng Yang waved his hand helplessly. “You’re such a girl—if you keep talking like this, who’d want to marry you?”

To his surprise, Zhao Xue was unabashed. “Why worry? My mother’s a biologist. If you have problems, she can genetically engineer us a bunch of healthy kids. Then you won’t have to work hard; the state will support you, maybe even award you the ‘Fertility King’ certificate!”

“Hey, what nonsense are you spouting? You’re a grown woman—don’t you know how to be shy? How will you ever get married like this?” Meng Yang feigned anger but couldn’t help smiling.

In truth, Zhao Xue's words touched a sore spot in Meng Yang. Over the years, he had dated several girlfriends but none could conceive. It left him doubting himself, wondering if infertility was his issue. Yet those worries flickered away; now, the imminent high-speed race captured his every thought, its thrilling speed and uncertain outcome holding him spellbound.

He gently patted Zhao Xue’s hand entwined with his. “Stop babbling. I’ve staked a lot on this race tonight.”

Zhao Xue’s eyes sparkled instantly. She clutched his arm, pouting, “Brother Mouse, did you win big again? Tell me, who are you betting on?”

Meng Yang glanced around cautiously. Seeing no one paying attention, he lowered his voice, whispering mysteriously, “I’ll only tell you—Brother Kui is sure to win.”

“Why’s that? Tell me, I want to bet too.” Zhao Xue’s eyes brimmed with eagerness.

“Don’t tell anyone, okay?” Meng Yang warned, eyes fixed on her.

“Of course! Getting rich is a secret business. If we tell others, where’s the advantage?” Zhao Xue grinned slyly, tapping her chest in promise.

Ensuring their privacy, Meng Yang leaned close to her ear and murmured, “I modified his car myself—installed a KC20 dynamic energy tank.”

“KC20 dynamic energy tank? What’s that?” Zhao Xue’s eyes widened in curiosity.

“You wouldn’t understand if I explained. It’s a special energy source, currently only found on the moon.” Meng Yang lifted his chin slightly, pride gleaming in his eyes, as if he were a hero reshaping the world—though in truth, he hadn’t invented the tank, only helped install the “Soul Cutter” system.

Zhao Xue suddenly understood, jumping excitedly. “So that’s how it is! I have to hurry and place my bet.” With that, she bounded away like a joyful fawn toward the betting station.

Watching her retreating figure, Meng Yang felt an inexplicable relief, then focused fully on the lively, raucous racetrack before him. He admired the racers and their dazzling airborne vehicles.

Though air traffic control had not fully loosened and many regulations remained, these daredevils managed to bend or break the rules through complex connections and risks, all for the ultimate thrill of high-speed aerial racing and the rush of adrenaline.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the track, Yao Kui appeared off—perhaps due to an overdose of electronic stimulants, his gaze was blurry, and he swayed as if floating on clouds.

He shook his head hard, trying to clear his mind, but dizziness clung stubbornly.

Just hours earlier, Yao Kui had been in a nightclub, surrounded by friends and a bevy of alluring women, reveling in wild celebration. Drinks flowed endlessly, the music thundered, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

Amidst his intoxication, news arrived: Er Mao, who recently lost a million to him, had purchased a brand-new airborne racer named “Lightning,” boasting astonishing power and challenging him to a rematch.