WebNovels

Chapter 22 - Chapter 22

With all materials ready, Lin Jie dragged Curly Hair back to work the next dayAs usual, Lin Jie planned to pass the heavy tasks—like armor repairs and component maintenance—off to Curly Hair. He'd expected Curly Hair to grumble or complain, but to his surprise, Curly Hair agreed without hesitation.After witnessing the [Red Python]'s power, Curly Hair now obeyed Lin Jie's every word. He kept saying Lin Jie should focus on "research and development," while he'd handle all the dirty, tiring work alone. His obedience was almost comical, leaving Lin Jie torn between amusement and exasperation.Once he'd assigned Curly Hair's tasks, Lin Jie threw himself into the intense work of building three items: the [Red Python], the [R·Charge Shield], and the [Mechanic's Glove].In theory, he should have built the [Mechanic's Glove] first. It would reduce the time spent switching tools and operating equipment, cutting down on overall production time. But given the tight schedule—and the fact that the glove wouldn't directly boost the mech's combat power—Lin Jie decided to postpone it and prioritize the [Red Python] instead.Thanks to his previous experience, the modification went smoothly. In just two and a half days, a new [Red Python] lay on the workshop table.Since it was modified from a different energy rifle, its appearance differed slightly from the Rubik's Cube's blueprint: the all-blue barrel was longer, and the energy core was positioned closer to the trigger."Not bad," Lin Jie wiped the sweat from his brow and ran a hand over the [Red Python]. The rifle was still old—some parts were even slightly dented, probably from being buried under junk for years. Fortunately, the dents didn't damage the internal structure; the gun still worked."Hmm?"Suddenly, Lin Jie's eyes narrowed. Rows of faint blue text seemed to appear in front of him:

[Fake·Red Python]

[Type: Heavy Energy Rifle]

[Rank: E]

[Combat Modes: 3]

[Energy Output: 800~1650]

[Minimum Equipment Requirement: Private-Class Field Mech]

[Note: An imitation with extremely high craftsmanship—makes you wonder if its creator specializes in knockoffs.]

Huh? Lin Jie froze, then rubbed his eyes and looked again. The text was still there—apparently, these were the [Red Python]'s stats."What the hell?" he blinked in confusion.He hadn't run any tests, yet he had all the data. When had he gained this ability?Lin Jie glanced around, found nothing out of the ordinary, then turned and left the workshop. He walked to the Mammoth, which was parked in the training area, and placed his hand on its hull.In the next second, the blue text reappeared:

[Crude Large Machine]

[Type: Field Mech]

[Rank: E]

[Modes: 1]

[Energy Output: 3400~3700]

[Minimum Equipment Requirement: Pilot with Psychic Power over 500]

[Note: Only someone with a broken brain would install an intelligent core in this piece of junk.]

…Lin Jie frowned, his eyes flickering. The energy output of a Class-E infantry mech usually ranged from 350 to 500; a Class-E combat mech was typically around ten times that. These stats definitely matched the Mammoth.Which meant… he really had gained the superpower to see data just by touching machinery? When had that happened?"Could it be from the third time I twisted the Rubik's Cube—when there was no response?" Lin Jie thought. That seemed like the only explanation.Suddenly:"Brother Lin…" Curly Hair, who'd been working on maintenance inside the cockpit, climbed out to catch his breath. He saw Lin Jie deep in thought and assumed something was wrong with the mech. He jumped down the ladder and hurried over: "What's up, Brother Lin? Is there a problem?"The mech is fine—I'm the one with the problem. Lin Jie looked at Curly Hair and said nothing. Instead, a new idea popped into his head: if touching machinery gave him data, what about touching people? Could he see a person's stats too?"Should I test it?"Lin Jie suddenly smiled at Curly Hair, reached out, and took his hand. "Curly Hair, it's so hot out. You've been working hard.""Huh?" Curly Hair was caught off guard by the sudden concern. After a moment, he shook his head. "It's nothing. You've been working hard too, Brother Lin."No response. Maybe I touched the wrong part? Lin Jie waited, but the blue text didn't reappear. He decided to try a different spot—he patted Curly Hair's chest. "Not bad. Full of energy.""Don't worry, Brother Lin. Focus on your work. I'll handle all the tough stuff."Still nothing. Could it be that clothes are blocking it…? Lin Jie stepped forward and tried to unzip Curly Hair's jacket. This time, Curly Hair finally sensed something was wrong. He stepped back quickly, crossed his arms over his chest, and stared at Lin Jie in alarm. "Brother Lin, are you okay?""Am I okay? What's wrong with being okay? Can't brothers get close?" Lin Jie spread his hands, then broke into a lecherous grin. He rubbed his hands together and stepped forward. "C'mon, let me feel your pecs!""Huh?" Curly Hair froze, then shook his head firmly. "No!""No? Why not? Let me see!""Brother Lin, stop!"Curly Hair covered his chest and ran away, like a little girl avoiding a creepy uncle.In the end, Lin Jie never got to touch Curly Hair's pecs.While touching Curly Hair's hand had already suggested he couldn't see human stats, Lin Jie still felt embarrassed by Curly Hair's resistance.We're both guys—what's the big deal about a touch?If you were a girl, I'd still… well, I'd still try.Ahem… In any case, Lin Jie had completed a small test on Curly Hair. Even though he hadn't gotten any data, experiments on a single subject were always risky. As a mechanic, Lin Jie was a man of action—he planned to test more people before drawing a conclusion.Unfortunately, in prison, his social circle was limited. The only people he knew well were Curly Hair and Simon. And Curly Hair was now on guard against him.What about touching Simon?Lin Jie imagined Simon's nearly two-meter-tall frame and couldn't help but shiver. He could tease Curly Hair, but if he tried to touch Simon, he'd probably get crushed by Simon's pecs."Boss is still boss. Can't afford to mess with him…"Lin Jie pushed aside his random thoughts and got back to work. After pulling an all-nighter, he finally finished building the other two items from the Rubik's Cube.

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