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Chapter 116: Xiao Qi (1/2)

Ignoring the Tiger, Shen Cheng began to observe the expressions of several demi-humans.

He saw that all of the demi-humans had vacant stares and stiff movements. Even while trying to assemble the puzzle pieces, they placed them randomly like outdated machines. Even if they placed the pieces incorrectly, their expressions did not change. They would just take out the wrong piece and put it back in a disorganized manner.

Could this really work?

In Shen Cheng’s eyes, this was nothing more than adding another command to a machine. It seemed unlikely to cultivate their independent consciousness.

“This… isn’t right…” Xinxin, behind Shen Cheng, reached out and adjusted the puzzle piece in the hands of the dog demi-human in front of her.

The dog demi-human’s movements stiffened for a moment, then, following Xinxin’s gesture, it moved the piece and fit it perfectly with the previous shape.

Seeing the pieces align, the dog demi-human turned its rigid head to look at Xinxin.

Xinxin also turned her head and met the gaze of the dog demi-human.

Dog demi-human: “…”

Xinxin: “…”

Seeing this, Shen Cheng smiled faintly.

Well, let Xinxin stay here for a while. It seemed like she actually enjoyed being here.

With that thought, Shen Cheng turned and gently rubbed Xinxin’s small head, speaking softly, “You can come here often to play in the future, just try not to isolate yourself, alright?”

Xinxin nodded upon hearing this. It was clear that she didn’t have much resistance to this place.

After some thought, Shen Cheng walked over to the mouse demi-human’s side and leaned in to look at the puzzle it was fiddling with.

Perhaps it was because the mouse demi-human had a childlike figure compared to the others, making it less awkward when playing with the puzzle.

“She is Little Qi. I’m sure you’ve noticed that she’s a mouse demi-human.” Gu Yan walked up, tenderly rubbing Little Qi’s head, and said, “Her number in the Dawn Unit is Seven. She’s been here for a long time, so her brainwashing runs deep.”

Even as her head was being rubbed, Little Qi didn’t react at all. She just blankly stared at the mess of puzzle pieces on the table.

Seeing this, Shen Cheng squatted down to bring himself to eye level with Little Qi, then softly said, “Little Qi?”

Little Qi’s movements froze for a moment before she mechanically turned her neck to meet Shen Cheng’s gaze.

Her stiff expression, vacant eyes, and the delicate, doll-like features made her look just like a puppet without feelings or autonomy…

Looking into Little Qi’s empty eyes, Shen Cheng felt a pang in his heart and murmured, “I’m sorry. If only I had discovered the Dawn Research Institute earlier…”

“It seems Dr. Yu Lan was right; you really are a soft-hearted person,” Gu Yan chuckled with a hint of disbelief. “You’ve only just joined the Bio-Scientific Institute, so this has nothing to do with you. There’s no need to blame yourself.”

“Mm…”

Shen Cheng was silent for a moment, then nodded, standing up to gently ruffle Xiao Qi’s head.

As Shen Cheng stood, Little Qi’s gaze followed him upward, staring blankly at his face.

Seeing this, Gu Yan was slightly stunned and exclaimed, “Shen… Agent Shen?”

“Just call me Shen Cheng,” Shen Cheng smiled and shook his head.

“Shen Cheng…” Gu Yan’s eyes sparkled, and his shoulders trembled slightly. “Could you teach Little Qi how to assemble the puzzle?”

“Hmm?” Shen Cheng tilted his head in confusion. “Why? I’m not very good at teaching children.”

“No… no!” Gu Yan pointed at Little Qi, stammering, “I don’t know if it’s my imagination, but when she was looking at you just now, it seemed like… like she showed a hint of self-awareness!”

Hearing this, Shen Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly. “Self-awareness?”

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