Wen Qi didn’t hesitate at all. He decisively took out the machine and ingredients, ready to start making energy cubes.
He took a deep breath, his gaze focused and determined, as if at that moment, the entire world had narrowed down to just him and the process before him.
First, he carefully placed the meticulously selected berries into the machine, then began operating it with rhythmic, practiced movements—smooth and skilled, like an experienced craftsman carving a priceless treasure.
As the machine whirred to life, Wen Qi started channeling the power of Viridian within him. A faint green glow emanated from his hands, flickering in and out like twinkling stars in the night sky, slowly merging into the ingredients being processed.
To mask the berries’ unique qualities, Wen Qi steadily increased the output of his Viridian power.
The glow moved like nimble threads, weaving and intertwining among the ingredients, as if spinning a mysterious and powerful energy net.
By now, fine beads of sweat had formed on his forehead, trickling down his cheeks, but his movements didn’t slow—instead, they grew faster and more precise.
Chu Feng watched Wen Qi’s every move intently, his eyes brimming with anticipation and curiosity.
Seeing Wen Qi’s expert handling, he couldn’t help but admire him inwardly.
Even if the other party ultimately failed to produce energy cubes imbued with life energy, this masterful craftsmanship alone proved he was a rare talent.
At this point, the rough shape of the energy cube began to emerge. From the outside, its color was even and vibrant, its form neat and flawless. Based on his years of experience, Chu Feng judged it to be of top-tier perfect quality.
However, whether it contained life energy was impossible to tell with the naked eye.
Soon, Wen Qi finished the process smoothly and casually handed the energy cube to Chu Feng.
Chu Feng didn’t refuse. He immediately released his Dragonite. Wen Qi’s gaze was instantly drawn to this powerful Dragonite, his heart shaken by its immense strength, and a hint of envy flickered in his eyes.
The Dragonite’s massive frame exuded an overwhelming aura, making Wen Qi seem tiny in comparison. But his eyes held more admiration and longing for such formidable power.
Chu Feng handed the energy cube to the Dragonite and said softly:
“Dragonite, see if this one is the same as before.”
The Dragonite lowered its head, leaned close to the energy cube, closed its eyes, and carefully sensed the energy fluctuations within.
Before long, it snapped its eyes open, filled with joy, and conveyed a positive message to Chu Feng.
Receiving the Dragonite’s confirmation, Chu Feng’s emotions were a tangled mess.
He looked at the young Wen Qi, and a pang of envy rose in his heart.
This young man possessed such an incredible ability to create these precious energy cubes, while he himself had toiled in research for years without achieving such a feat.
This envy wasn’t born of malice—it was more a frustration with his own shortcomings and awe at Wen Qi’s talent.
Noticing Chu Feng’s expression, Wen Qi knew the other man had accepted his ability, so he said:
“Dr. Chu, now that I’ve made it right in front of you, can you believe me now?”
Chu Feng snapped out of his thoughts and replied:
“Of course. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d never believe that such a special energy cube came from someone as young as you. All I can say is, the younger generation is truly formidable!”
Wen Qi smiled modestly and said:
“Dr. Chu, you flatter me. I’m overjoyed to have your recognition.”
Chu Feng responded:
“This isn’t just ordinary skill. To have such ability at your age, your future is bound to be limitless.”
Wen Qi continued:
“Dr. Chu, to be honest, I’ve always wanted a solid backing. Your research institute is renowned far and wide, and I’d really like to affiliate myself with you. I hope you’ll look out for me in the future.”
Wen Qi said this mainly to build a closer relationship with Chu Feng.
After all, being affiliated with the institute would give him a powerful shield—no one would dare mess with the institute’s people.
Plus, he had long coveted the mega evolution stones in Chu Feng’s lab, but since it was their first meeting, he couldn’t just ask for them outright.
Once affiliated, he’d be part of the institute, making it easier to request those stones later.
Chu Feng nodded and said, “No problem. Someone with your talent, I’m naturally willing to support.”
A glimmer of hope flashed in Wen Qi’s eyes as he continued:
“And Dr. Chu, I’ve always wanted to become a senior breeder. Could you give me a recommendation? With that, I can openly sell energy cubes in the future.”
You see, Wen Qi was just a high school graduate. Even if he had the skills of a senior breeder, getting that senior certification would take at least five years at the fastest pace.
Because after passing the junior level, you had to wait two years before taking the intermediate, and then at least three more years after that for the senior—it was way too time-consuming.
Chu Feng readily agreed:
“That’s no big deal. I can help you. But you’ll need to keep working hard and make more and better energy cubes.”
Wen Qi nodded quickly and said:
“Absolutely, Dr. Chu. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.”
Hesitating slightly, Wen Qi added:
“Dr. Chu, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask. You have to promise not to tell anyone that I made these. If anyone finds out, just say you made them.”
Chu Feng’s face showed reluctance. “How can that be? This is your achievement—how can I take credit for it?”
Wen Qi quickly explained:
“Dr. Chu, hear me out. You hold a high status and a big reputation. Even if this energy cube is extraordinary, as long as it appears on the market in small quantities, it won’t cause too much of a stir.
Because with your position and standing, everyone would think it’s only natural. But I’m different—I have no background or fame.
If others knew I made it, all sorts of trouble and threats would come my way, and I wouldn’t be able to handle them.
Besides, I know you’re an upright person, which is why I dare to cooperate with you and entrust this to you. Just think of it as you shielding me from harm.”
Chu Feng pondered for a moment and said:
“You have a point. Alright, I agree.”
Wen Qi said gratefully:
“Thank you so much, Dr. Chu. With your word, I feel much more at ease.”
Chu Feng said:
“But Wen Qi, I hope you’ll keep improving and make even better energy cubes with more life energy in the future.
I can fund you—you don’t have to give them to me for free. Just sell them to me at market price.
This top-tier perfect Dragon-type energy cube you just made, I’ll buy it for 20,000 each. What do you think?”
Wen Qi readily agreed: “That’s a fair price, Dr. Chu. I have no objections. I’ll do my best. With your support, I’m even more confident.”
Chu Feng smiled and said:
“Good. I look forward to seeing what you can do.”
Wen Qi replied:
“Dr. Chu, meeting a benefactor like you is my good fortune. I’ll do my utmost for you from now on.”
Chu Feng waved his hand and said:
“Don’t say that. We’re helping each other succeed. As long as you work hard, your future will be bright.”
They chatted a bit more, both filled with anticipation and confidence about their future collaboration.
Afterward, Wen Qi left satisfied, but before going, he handed over another two hundred high-grade Dragon-type energy cubes to Chu Feng.
Chu Feng didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately transferred the money to Wen Qi, who accepted it without pretending otherwise.
Chu Feng then returned to the research institute, energy cubes in hand, lost in thought.