She was used to cold humor, sarcasm, and online memes, but people here couldn’t understand them.

She didn’t like browsing StarNet.

Not because she was lazy, but because the information there was too primitive.

Although there wasn’t much hostility, everyone was courteous.

But their way of thinking seemed stuck in the last century.

She would casually mention a meme, like "I’m cracking up" or "I’m broken."

Eight out of ten people would be dumbfounded and then ask blankly, "What does that mean?"

It’s not out of malice, nor are they pretending to be dumb, they really don’t understand.

They mean no harm and are especially persistent, insisting on questioning every detail.

You can only patiently explain it, one by one, from the beginning, and even then they might not get it.

After the explanation, they would sincerely nod, their eyes serious, their tone earnest.

"Oh, got it, so that’s what it is."

Their politeness is infuriatingly disarming, with a humble attitude and composed expression.

However, the people online here have really sharp tongues.

This has always been the online vibe.

At the slightest stir, they gather to discuss, cold sarcasm emerges endlessly.

There aren’t many celebrity gossips on the trending lists.

It’s all full of internal chatter, various speculations, leaks, screenshots flying everywhere.

Half of the trending topics are related to Caleb Shaw.

His name frequently appears on the trending lists of major social platforms.

Upon clicking, the screen would be filled with fervent opinions.

Yet, there’s always someone inadvertently dragging her into it, with veiled barbs, indirectly mocking her.

Selene Kane glanced sideways at Heath Vance with a cold look.

"Hah."

Heath’s temple veins twitched violently, his temples throbbing, unable to resist raising his hand to rub them hard.

How infuriating these two are.

One with a cold face and cold speech, the other with a sharp tongue and hard heart, both acting as if it’s only natural.

Making him feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Caleb Shaw also loves to stare at him like that.

But every time he musters up the courage to speak, wanting to ask about research matters.

The other party always has a cold face, as if he owes them a fortune.

Sometimes Caleb would even hum softly.

"Since you’re so stubborn, I’ll follow your lead then."

Heath finally gave up struggling, a bit of helplessness in his tone.

He was determined to learn these experimental data thoroughly.

The flowers were specially transferred from elsewhere, transported over long distances, precious and rare.

All to verify a crucial change in genetic sequences’ activity.

Afraid of missing a detail, he repeatedly reviews, studying page by page, wanting to engrave every word in his mind.

Selene Kane suddenly looked up, her lips moving slightly, speaking faintly.

"You’re quite sharp."

Heath’s step faltered, his right foot that was about to step out was abruptly pulled back.

He was momentarily stunned, then the corners of his mouth involuntarily lifted.

"Thank you. Many people say that, who wouldn’t envy the genes of the Border Collie Clan?"

His tone was light, laughter in his eyes and at the corners of his brows, tail wagging happily behind him. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

He sneaked a glance at her, seeing her expression still calm, inexplicably feeling a bit nervous, hurriedly added.

"You... also look quite nice."

Selene Kane’s face darkened, her brows slightly furrowed, her voice colder.

"Picking only what’s pleasant to hear, is that called smart?"

Heath finally realized she was mocking him, indirectly criticizing him for being narcissistic and superficial.

His face flushed red, angrily pointing at her: "You, you, you! How can you be so mean? I’m the top scientist! Don’t you know how to respect talent?"

"Oh."

Selene Kane said expressionlessly, her voice light.

She withdrew her hand, with a crisp and decisive action, stood upright, looking down at him, her tone still indifferent.

"Okay, stop acting."

That nonchalant attitude was even more infuriating for Heath than her previous sarcasm.

His chest heaving, breathing heavily, he took a sudden step forward, grabbing her wrist.

"What’s with your attitude! Haven’t I been respectful enough? Why are you so cold!"

So female... so soft?

And fragrant?

Selene Kane glared at him, her eyes round with anger.

She could almost hear her heartbeat accelerating, blood humming loudly in her eardrums.

This guy not only didn’t mean to let go, but even more unscrupulously.

He actually lowered his head, bringing his nose close to her neck.

The warm breath brushed by like a feather, carrying an indescribable sensation.

The scent was not strong, a faint fragrance of gardenias mixed with body warmth.

His hands circled firmly around her waist.

She wanted to struggle, but found she couldn’t move an inch.

The action was domineering to the point of offense, yet that face was excessively handsome.

Coupled with that cold, detached temperament, as if untouched by the world’s smoke and fire.

"What are you doing?!"

Selene Kane had finally had enough.

Harassing a female in public?

That’s a serious crime!

According to the "Female Protection Ordinance," such behavior could have him locked in confinement for three days and nights!

"Let go!"

She sharply pushed, her shoulder bumping into his chest, stumbling back a half-step.

The spot where he had grabbed her wrist still retained warmth.

She raised her hand with disgust, rubbing it vigorously.

But just then, a long and stable hand gently covered hers.

Selene Kane was taken aback, looking up into a pair of eyes filled with anxiety and heartache.

It was Alza.

He stood by her side, back straight, wide shoulders and narrow waist, the dark-colored guard uniform accentuating his tall build.

Those deep eyes were filled with urgency, almost overflowing with concern.

"Female Master, are you alright?"

He slightly turned, shielding her behind him, his gaze coldly fixed on the rude man from before.

Heath finally snapped back to reality.

He instinctively pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, he coughed lightly twice, trying to cover up his indiscretion.

"Uh... sorry, I was... out of line earlier."

He apologized verbally, but something inside him felt like it was twisting fiercely.

He cursed himself for being foolish while he couldn’t help but replay that moment.

It kept flashing through his mind repeatedly.

He’s seen many females, dissected countless specimens in the lab.

He never shied away from working with females.

But why this time, his heart beat out of control, threatening to burst out of his chest?

Before, when he saw females, all he thought of was bone structure, hormone levels, reproduction mechanisms...

But now, he had a ridiculous impulse.

Wanting to smash her, blend her into his flesh and blood, and keep her by his side forever.

The thought came fierce, startling him.

He sharply inhaled, forcing himself to suppress those chaotic thoughts.

"Mrs. Shaw, truly sorry for the earlier offense."

Selene Kane rolled her eyes, the corners slightly tilted, full of disdain.

She originally just found it amusing, not really intending to pursue it.

But his behavior, apologizing and almost kneeling, just fueled her anger more.

"Heath, according to Article 13 of the ’Female Protection Ordinance,’ harassing a female without permission, punished by fifty lashes, kneeling for three days. Do you object?"