The remaining vacation days were dwindling. Though a few days might sound like a long time, they would vanish in the blink of an eye.
It was time to start thinking about future work.
Sigh, what a hassle... though I did agree to it myself. Qin Yu sighed and began reviewing the Production Skills.
She still didn't know what other tasks Ningguang might assign her.
In terms of household chores, Qin Yu was practically a master. Only three skills—Cooking Proficiency, Maid's Path, and Part-Time Maid—were available for upgrades.
But after careful consideration, she realized that no matter what Ningguang needed her to do, she would need time to learn and adapt.
Thinking from this perspective, if she could master the required skills in a shorter amount of time, Ningguang would surely be immensely pleased.
"You've done exceptionally well. I'm so glad I kept you. From now on, work diligently for me. I need you." Ningguang might even say something like that.
And then the Points would come even faster and in greater quantities.
She could even earn a substantial bonus, laying a solid foundation for her future.
Not bad at all!
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more perfect it seemed. She began browsing the relevant skills with renewed enthusiasm.
After browsing for a long time, she finally settled on one:
[Summon: Mechanical Companion 1 - Upon activation, summons the "Machine Companion" to your side. The Machine Companion cannot fight but is equipped with the following functions: Scan/Write/Read, Illumination, Brain-Machine Connection (requires Human Transformation 2), Photography/Videography, and Printing. Possesses limited artificial intelligence. Operating the Machine Companion requires Energy, which can be replenished by reactivating the skill. Normal operation does not consume Stamina.]
This skill required 150,000 Points, but its capabilities were undeniably powerful.
Qin Yu examined the skill's detailed description:
[Scan/Write/Read] refers to the ability to record scanned data into an infinitely large storage space. As long as she desired, she could store countless amounts of data.
Many things could be scanned, such as symbols, terrain, minerals, and architectural structures.
Since it was only at Level 1, the data wasn't particularly detailed, but it was already sufficient for her needs.
The most crucial function was the [Brain-Machine Connection].
Through a wireless link with the Machine Companion, the user could transfer data from the storage space directly into their brain during the connection period.
During the connection, the user could also benefit from the Machine Companion's computing power, enhancing their own processing speed and learning capabilities.
Building upon this foundation, if the "Scan/Write/Read" functions are utilized...
The user could scan documents, record the text, and then, through the Brain-Machine Connection, transfer the content directly into their brain, memorizing vast amounts of information in an incredibly short time!
The enhanced learning capacity during the connection meant that this single skill could replace the need for many others.
The only drawback was that the Brain-Machine Connection was unidirectional—the Machine Companion could write data into the user's brain, but the user couldn't write their own brain's contents into the Machine Companion. Nor could they retrieve data from their own mind during the connection.
The connection also placed a certain strain on the brain.
Overall, however, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks, making it well worth enduring.
To unlock the "Brain-Machine Connection" function, Qin Yu needed to upgrade the combat-oriented "Human Transformation" skill to level 2. The upgrade required 100,000 points, and she didn't hesitate to invest them.
[Human Transformation 2]—Your body has undergone further modification and upgrades. A mysterious device has been installed to assist your movements while granting you a wireless interface. Permanently increase your physical abilities: +15 to all Attribute points except "Sensitivity." You have also acquired the subordinate active Skill "Overclock." Overclock's effects have been enhanced.
[Overclock]—A subordinate Skill of Human Transformation. Upon activation, enter a slow-motion state while temporarily and significantly boosting your physical capabilities. Duration: 13 seconds. After the duration ends, Human Transformation temporarily deactivates, leaving you in a nearly immobile state for 7 seconds. Extremely energy-intensive.
The moment Qin Yu upgraded her Skill, she briefly lost consciousness. When she regained awareness, she sighed.
I still can't get used to these sudden side effects.
But with this upgrade, not only had her combat capabilities improved, but she had also gained some pretty decent Production Skills.
Hmph, not bad at all!
Qin Yu took a deep breath and decided to try out her newly acquired "Mechanical Companion" Skill.
The book at hand happened to be... [ Hand-in-Hand Guide to Closing the Distance Between Same-Sex Individuals - Volume 3! ]
Come to think of it, Shenhe still accepted me even knowing how terrible my sleeping habits are.
No, stop thinking about her. Just thinking about her makes my heart feel so... complicated.
Though Qin Yu wouldn't avoid Shenhe like she did last time, she felt she still needed some time to fully calm down.
It's all Shenhe's fault for saying those nonsense things.
Getting back to the point, 99% of this book is utter drivel. Recording it into the Machine Companion and my own mind would be pure torture.
Then... The Citrus Within?
Nah, forget it. I've already read that book countless times and practically memorized it. No need to record it.
Why read it so many times? Because it's simply that good! Nothing else. Absolutely nothing.
"I'll just browse the shelves for something suitable."
I should choose a book I want to read but can't get into because it's too dry and boring.
Ideally, something with specialized knowledge.
Liyue Mineral Compendium? That might actually work.
Qin Yu bought this book on sale but had barely read it more than a few times, and even then, she'd mostly forgotten the contents.
Since I'll be working alongside Ningguang, I should really brush up on my knowledge of Liyue's mineral resources. I've accompanied her on a few mineral trade deals before, so I have a basic understanding, but not much more.
I could also look into botany... but there aren't any books on that here. I'll have to buy some from the bookstore later.
These books only provide theoretical knowledge. To apply it practically, I'll need hands-on experience...
The more I think about it, the more complicated it seems.
But as the saying goes, "Taking too big a step leads to tripping." No need to rush; one step at a time will do.
First, I'll activate the "Mechanical Companion" skill.
A split second after activating the skill, a palm-sized black cube materialized before my eyes. A camera resembling an eye was embedded in its center. It hovered in the air, awaiting instructions.
"I want a Brain-Machine Connection."
The Machine Companion's camera flickered.
"Connecting... Connection established," a cold, synthesized voice announced.
For a moment, Qin Yu felt disoriented, then clearly sensed the connection between herself and the Machine Companion.
Ugh, this feels so strange, like I've shared my brain with someone else.
But at the same time, Qin Yu felt her mind clearer than ever before. This must be the computational boost from the Brain-Machine Connection.
Qin Yu shook her head and opened the Liyue Mineral Compendium.
"Scan and store it."
The Machine Companion floated diagonally above the page, scanning lines visible only to Qin Yu sweeping across the page.
One page scanned. Let's test the effect.
Qin Yu closed her eyes nervously, and the contents of the Machine Companion's storage space materialized in her mind.
There was only one folder-like item inside.
"Create New Database?"
Ha? Wait, do I have to organize everything myself? Couldn't it be more intelligent than this?
Qin Yu felt a wave of disappointment, but figured it was better than nothing and grudgingly accepted it.
Using her mental commands, she renamed the folder "Mineralogy Knowledge," then entered the database and renamed the newly stored data file "Liyue Mineral Compendium."
Initiate transfer.
In the next moment, knowledge that had never existed in Qin Yu's mind flooded into her consciousness.
The entire contents of the scanned book pages now appeared vividly in her mind! Impressive! Qin Yu's attitude shifted instantly, like turning the page of a book.
"Keep going! Keep going!"
Obeying Qin Yu's commands, the Machine Companion continued scanning, writing, and transmitting. An hour later, Qin Yu...
couldn't hold on any longer.
Ugh, my head's spinning and aching again. It really does strain the brain. I can't keep using it like this.
Plus, the Machine Companion's battery is already down by a third. The Brain-Machine Connection is draining energy—both mine and its—like crazy. Qin Yu exhaled deeply.
I'll just organize the data one last time and take a break... Huh?
Upon accessing the Machine Companion's storage space, Qin Yu found all the data already organized, as if arranged according to her personal habits. The various libraries were neatly divided and clearly labeled.
[Organized according to your personal habits. Would you like to restore the original arrangement?]
Qin Yu opened her eyes and hurriedly replied, "No, no, this is perfect!"
[Set this as the default setting?]
"Ah, um... Just set it like that."
"Processing... Complete."
So it learns on its own, Qin Yu thought, deeply surprised. She couldn't help but laugh and pat the device. "You're pretty impressive, huh?"
Reusing the Mechanical Companion Skill would drain her stamina, but the device itself had an auto-shutdown function. If its battery wasn't completely drained, she could carry it around and use it again when needed.
Ningguang will definitely be thrilled with this.
"A remarkable tool indeed," Qin Yu mused. Like this... Eh?
Come to think of it, to outsiders, it would just seem like the Machine Companion function was exceptionally powerful, right? No one would know she'd earned the Points to unlock it through diligent cuddling.
Miscalculated.
Qin Yu sighed. Oh well, at least it's really useful... better not worry about it.
But it does have some intelligence built in. Does this mean I won't be bored when I'm alone?
With that thought, Qin Yu couldn't help but ask aloud:
"What do you think of the weather today?"
"Unknown. Shall I retrieve current weather data?"
Startled, Qin Yu shook her head. "No, no, never mind. Let's change the subject. Um, what do you think... of me?"
"Shall I scan your body to obtain your current physical data?"
"...No, thank you."
Qin Yu leaned back in her chair.
"Power down," she said listlessly.
"Powering down..."
Once the Machine Companion shut down, it fell onto the desk. Qin Yu picked it up.
Its icy-cold shell radiated no warmth whatsoever.
Qin Yu vaguely recalled the warmth radiating from Shenhe's skin, comfortable and soothing—the polar opposite of this cold machine.
In the end, this so-called "Mechanical Companion" wasn't a companion at all.
She was still alone in this room.
What would it be like to live with Shenhe? Qin Yu's thoughts drifted for a fleeting moment before she quickly dismissed the idea.
Best not to dwell on such nonsense.
Just sleep.
I'll go out and find something to do after a nap. Being alone is so boring.