This was their third time having a meal together, in a Chinese restaurant that wasn't particularly luxurious, nor particularly ordinary.
An exclusive private room, with a modest amount of food not going to waste.
At this time, Shen Shi wasn't wearing that flamboyant and expensive burgundy suit, just a casual outfit worth a few thousand, and there were no bodyguards or secretaries by his side.
But, compared to him several days ago, there was an indescribable aura about him.
Sufficient enough for anyone to find him hard to overlook.
Where did this aura come from?
Ai Xin'Er had genuinely observed and studied him seriously.
Primarily focusing on his gaze, expression, and demeanor.
His gaze lacked the emotional turmoil it had a dozen days ago, even the occasional dazedness and bewilderment had vanished, replaced by a steadiness as deep as a mountain, as if nothing could easily stir his emotions anymore. His expression was the same, mostly adorned with a faint smile.
As for his demeanor, it seemed unchanged, yet carried a poise born of immense strength.
All these aspects combined, even made people involuntarily sense the intuition that "this person is not simple."
It wasn't just Ai Xin'Er who thought this way; even the manager of this restaurant personally served them when they arrived, showing exceptional warmth, and even offered a complimentary signature dish.
It seemed astonishing enough!
Ai Xin'Er was almost questioning life itself.
How could someone undergo such a great change and growth in such a short period?
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shen Shi put down his chopsticks, suddenly turning to look at her, "Though I know I'm handsome, it shouldn't be to the extent that you'd forget to eat while staring."
If it had been earlier, when Shen Shi said something like that, it would have definitely been with a smug expression.
But at this moment, he was merely smiling.
His deep eyes contained a trace of smiling depth, as if they could speak, causing Ai Xin'Er's face to blush, shyly looking away, and for once not retaliating as usual.
Without her saying a word, Shen Shi chuckled and said,
"Astonished by my change?"
"Yes, yes!" Ai Xin'Er nodded repeatedly, with a certain awe, "How did you do it? I wouldn't have recognized you from two weeks ago."
"Just figured some things out, made up my mind about something." Shen Shi said with a smile, skipping the topic, "Alright, dig in quickly, it won't taste as good if it gets cold."
"Okay..." Ai Xin'Er didn't hesitate, even if Shen Shi watched her unabashedly.
Although Shen Shi's aura was astonishing now, when it came to etiquette, her long-term practice meant she wouldn't be intimidated.
However, only Shen Shi truly understood the real reason for this transformation.
Studying during this period was just one aspect.
But studying was more for acquiring knowledge and broadening one's perspective, while this prominent aura was the result of him starting tentative training in "Primordial Energy."
He now understood that the so-called Primordial Energy, from the perspective of modern understanding, is a kind of special power based on knowledge from "mysticism," "information science," "philosophy," and "idealism."
The core revolves around "consciousness."
Of course, at this moment Shen Shi was far from qualified to access the true power of Primordial Energy, and even humans three thousand years in the future were just beginning on this path.
He was merely using a unique "Primordial Energy Map" to train his mind.
Somewhat like meditation, but clearly more advanced.
Before this, he couldn't imagine that there would be an image that, just by seeing it, would be instantly etched into his mind, seemingly alive, slowly changing, yet impossible to forget.
According to the explanation he could grasp, this was a kind of "thought virus invasion."
Viewing consciousness as a computer capable of processing information, engaging in computation, and deepening learning, this image used visual effects to implant its unique information into consciousness for training purposes.
This phenomenon, in fact, is quite common in modern society.
From Shen Shi's present viewpoint, those repeated slogans, viral "memes," even directed news pieces, and even some so-called "hypnotism" methods, essentially can all be seen as a kind of "thought virus invasion."
Of course, the applications are very Basic, far from the map Shen Shi found in the Independent Information Library.
According to historical records from the future, during humanity's darkest six hundred years, invaders used similar means to constantly stimulate the human spirit to achieve their desired effects.
Even the use of Primordial Energy Battery was based on more brutal consciousness invasion.
And the Primary purpose of Primordial Energy Rooms on ships was to resist and defend against such attacks.
This also heightened Shen Shi's understanding of the dangers of interstellar space.
Even consciousness itself could be exploited and attacked.
However, recognizing the harshness did not prevent Shen Shi from utilizing this power. Instead, it prompted him to want to master it quickly, to grow stronger.
After enjoying the perfect meal and giving a good assessment, Ai Xin'Er looked at Shen Shi and asked, "Are you still going to study afterward?"
Even though she didn't know what kind of knowledge Shen Shi was going to study, she could tell Shen Shi had indeed been in a learning state during this period.
The last time she had seen him was back in high school.
Shen Shi made up his mind then, and within two years, he transformed from a student barely crossing the undergraduate threshold to one eligible for the national top ten elite exams.
While not world-shaking, it surely reflected a determined will.
"Why, feeling lonely?" Shen Shi teased.
"Cut it out." Ai Xin'Er pouted, then said proudly, "My dedication to practicing piano is not much less than your dedication to studying; growing through hard work is never a bad thing."
Yes, Ai Xin'Er was originally attracted to the industrious type.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten close to Shen Shi during school.
However, Shen Shi shook his head, stood up, and said with a smile, "Then you should marry a researcher who lives in the lab twenty-four hours a day. Too bad, I'm destined to be a capitalist; today marks a temporary end. In a few days, I'll prepare to start some business."
"What kind of business?" Ai Xin'Er's eyes lit up.
Industrious could also be interpreted as ambitious.
With ambition in the heart, and striving for it.
The passion, zeal, and hard work bursting forth during this process was what Ai Xin'Er loved the most.
"You'll find out then, might even shock you." Shen Shi squinted and smiled, offering no explanation.
"Having a goal is good." Ai Xin'Er was full of joy, "Yesterday, our dean asked about you; I didn't know what to say, especially since you won't even tell me where your money comes from."