Genshin Impact : Joining the Genius Club

Chapter 7: I Can Only Bear It And Sleep In The Same Bed With the Girl

When the door opened, Rosaline was met with a sad face—just inches away from her own. The awkward silence between her and Columbina lasted for a few moments.

"..."

"..."

Rosaline finally broke the tension. "What a coincidence?" she said, unsure of what else to say.

Why was Columbina here? Had she come because she was curious about Su Ran? After all, he was a recent addition to the Fatui who had quickly risen to displace some of the top ranks. Maybe that sparked Columbina's interest.

"Two Rosalines?" Columbina tilted her head, eyeing the Q-version of Rosaline that was jogging behind her, struggling to keep up with its shorter legs. For every step Rosaline took, the miniature version had to take seven or eight.

"Not just two of me. There's a miniature version of you in here too," Rosaline said, feeling a bit embarrassed. It was awkward enough that her own replica had been seen, but knowing others had their versions too didn't make it any better.

"Is that so?" Columbina smiled and, without asking, picked up the small Rosaline. "Goodbye, Rosaline~" she said cheerfully as she walked into the room.

"Hey! Put me down!" the armed doll shouted, squirming in Columbina's grasp. Despite being equipped with a combat system, the doll couldn't break free. After all, Columbina was the former Third Seat of the Fatui and possessed the strength of a demon god.

As they passed through the long corridors, Columbina eventually reached the main hall where Su Ran was.

"You're the second guest today," Su Ran said calmly as she entered. He wasn't surprised to see her. It was natural for Fatui members to check out the new recruit, especially someone as curious as Columbina.

"Second?" Columbina asked, tilting her head. "Didn't the Doctor greet you this morning? And with Rosaline here, I should be the third, right?"

Su Ran chuckled. "Ah, sorry~ I forgot to mention: Dottore and his dogs aren't allowed in my lab."

His lab was a sacred place to him, too important to allow just anyone in. Dottore, in particular, wasn't welcome. To Su Ran, Dottore was nothing more than a rival in the same field—a rival not even worthy of competing against, but still someone who vied for research funding.

"Aren't you afraid he'll get angry?" Columbina asked, sitting down on a chair while holding both the Q-versions of herself and Rosaline. She looked like a mother cradling her children, though only one of the dolls resembled her.

"It's fine. I'd actually enjoy seeing him get upset," Su Ran responded with a smirk.

"Why is she chewing on the chair leg?" Columbina asked, noticing that the miniature version of herself had started gnawing on the furniture, leaving visible marks.

"Uh..." Su Ran hesitated. How could he explain this? He couldn't exactly say that he had watched a Fatui play where Columbina looked like she was gnawing on a coffin lid while singing, and he'd added that detail into the puppet. "Kids who are teething like to chew things. Isn't that normal?"

Columbina gave him a knowing smile. "That's quite the excuse, but I feel like there's more to it."

As an executive, Columbina's gaze could be intimidating. Anyone else might have been sweating under her scrutiny. But not Su Ran. His status and strength were both above hers. He wasn't easily intimidated.

"You look beautiful when you smile," Su Ran complimented.

Columbina didn't refuse the praise. Instead, the little Columbina in her arms chimed in, singing a song: "Like a spring flower..."

So, Columbina sat quietly and listened to the mini version sing an entire song.

Time passed, and even as darkness fell, Columbina showed no signs of leaving. During that time, the little Columbina became her personal jukebox, singing any song Columbina wanted to hear. She enjoyed it more than singing herself.

"Arecino-chan, set an extra place for dinner. Columbina will be joining us tonight," Su Ran said.

Columbina smiled, pleased. She held a miniature version of Rosaline in one arm and the tiny version of herself in the other. However, she had no free hands left to hold Arecino-chan, who seemed relieved that Columbina wasn't causing any trouble.

In the past, back on the snowy plains of Snezhnaya, Su Ran wasn't picky about food. Even with plenty of resources, he had often made do with simple meals. But now that his lab had all the comforts he could want, there was no reason to settle for anything less than the best.

Tonight, Columbina tasted the best meal she had ever had. As she ate, she thought back to her life in Snezhnaya and couldn't help but sigh. How had she lived such a hard life before?

The tiny Columbina, noticing her mood, kindly handed her a handkerchief.

"I'm staying here from now on!" Columbina announced suddenly. After just one visit, she had fallen in love with the place and made up her mind to live there.

Su Ran was momentarily stunned before giving a helpless smile. "Then I suppose I'll have to bear it and sleep in the same bed as you."

Columbina: "???"

This was such a large house. Was there really only one bed? She had heard that a lot of money had been invested in building it. Surely, there had to be more rooms, right?

Su Ran gave her a look, signaling her to think about it. This was his lab, after all. He wouldn't allow just anyone to live here. Those who did had to be family—either his wife or girlfriend. Why should they sleep separately?

Even though he was a scientist, Su Ran wasn't some emotionally stunted man. His bed was big enough for two.

"..."

Columbina was speechless. Though she was still a virgin, she wasn't completely clueless. After a long silence, she finally muttered, "...I'd rather not die..."