Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

The hustle and bustle of the wrap party for the first season of "iPartment" still seems to linger in our ears, but the core members of the crew are already like tightly wound springs, throwing themselves into the intense and orderly post-production work.

The air was no longer filled with the lively atmosphere of a film set, but rather with the slight warmth emanating from the monitors in the editing room, the clicking of keyboards and mice, and the brief euphoria brought on by coffee.

Jiang Nian's villa in the suburbs seemed to have become an anchor point for him amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and the undercurrents behind the scenes. That day, he had just finished a round of adaptive training in a gravity training room at 3.8 times the normal intensity. His Grandmaster-level internal energy surged like a river, yet was perfectly controlled, seamless and flawless. Just then, his cell phone rang; it was Wei Zheng.

"Hello, Teacher Jiang." Wei Zheng's voice was hoarse from staying up all night, but he sounded in good spirits. "I just finished a section and was thinking of reporting my progress to you."

"Director Wei, you sound like you've been up all night again?" Jiang Nian walked into the living room and poured himself a glass of water. His aura had been completely concealed, making him appear like an ordinary person.

"Hehe, I'm used to it. There are so many details in the fine-cut stage, it's dawn before we know it." Wei Zheng smiled, his tone turning excited. "Teacher Jiang, we went through the rough cut internally, and it felt great! The comedic rhythm is even better than we expected, especially the scenes between Zeng Xiaoxian and Hu Yifei, they're so chemistry! Guan Gu Shenqi's jokes are also well preserved."

"That's good. For sitcoms, rhythm and character chemistry are the soul," Jiang Nian affirmed, imagining Wei Zheng beaming in front of the editing screen.

“Yes, we dare not slack off in the slightest.” Wei Zheng’s tone became serious. “In addition, the feedback from the platform is very positive. Director Zhang of Xingcheng TV’s acquisition department called me personally and said that our drama has the potential to be a hit. He hopes that we can speed up the post-production process and try to catch up with their prime time slot in the third quarter. Guangmang Video has also increased its publicity budget and is preparing to do a full-network pre-heating promotion.”

"The market has recognized your efforts." Jiang Nian was not surprised. The success of "iPartment" in his previous life had already proven its potential. With his involvement and Yang Mi's support in this life, the starting point is even higher.

"It's all thanks to your early guidance and the foundation you laid," Wei Zheng said sincerely, then his tone became slightly inquiring, "Professor Jiang, regarding the opening theme and background music, we've contacted several music producers, and a few demos are pretty good, but they all seem to lack a certain 'soul.' Do you have any thoughts on this? Or do you know any musicians you could recommend?"

Jiang Nian pondered for a moment, and memories of his past life surfaced. That energetic and catchy opening theme song was practically one of the hallmarks of "iPartment".

"For the opening theme, I think it needs to be youthful, energetic, and catchy, preferably with some plot references. We could try to find young musicians or bands who are good at pop music and can understand the rhythm of comedy. As for the background music," he paused, "it needs to serve the plot. The comedic parts can be exaggerated and playful, while the heartwarming parts should be sincere and not sentimental. I trust your and the music director's judgment in this regard."

"Got it! Young-oriented, witty, and fits the storyline!" Wei Zheng exclaimed, overjoyed. "I'll have the production department look for more talent in this direction right away! Thank you, Teacher Jiang!"

After hanging up with Wei Zheng, Jiang Nian could clearly feel the vibrant enthusiasm that welled up from the near completion of his work. This pure energy surrounding creation brought him peace of mind.

However, this peace did not last long. In the afternoon, his encrypted communicator rang; it was Bai Yongxu.

"Old Bai."

"In the city?" Bai Yongxu's voice was as steady as ever, with the conciseness of a soldier.

"Yes. I just spoke with the director of 'iPartment' on the phone to discuss post-production," Jiang Nian said frankly, knowing that Bai Yongxu would certainly know this information.

“I know you can’t sit still,” Bai Yongxu said calmly. “Two things. First, the technical department has made a breakthrough regarding the hard drive data you brought back from your last mission. From those encrypted communication records, we’ve identified several encrypted nodes pointing overseas. Although they used multiple layers of VPNs, we’ve initially traced their activity frequency to a clandestine connection with a company registered in the British Virgin Islands called ‘Yuanhang Trading Company.’ This company ostensibly does import and export, but its cash flow is unusually large, and it has unexplained financial dealings with several overseas research institutes with military backgrounds.”

"Found a breakthrough?" Jiang Nian's eyes narrowed slightly. The organization's financial resources were indeed not to be underestimated.

"It's like tearing a small hole. They're trying to infiltrate deeper, but it will take time and is very risky, and could easily alert them," Bai Yongxu said in a deep voice. "I'm telling you this so you can have a clearer understanding of the organization's size and tightness. They're not a bunch of scattered soldiers, but a behemoth with a rigorous structure and ample funds."

“I have never underestimated them.” Jiang Nian’s tone was calm, yet tinged with coldness. “The second thing?”

"Regarding Zero. After comprehensive evaluation, the expert group agreed to your previously proposed 'guided contact' plan. They believe that, in a completely controlled environment, having you, as the 'prototype' and currently the person he trusts most, communicate with him will help stabilize his mental state and guide him to recognize the boundaries of his own abilities. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for next Wednesday at the special isolation observation area of ​​the 'Xuanwu' base. You need to arrive half a day in advance to undergo a security check and learn about the precautions."

Jiang Nian remained silent for a few seconds. Contact with zero was like placing an uncertain variable beside you, but letting that variable develop on its own could have even more unpredictable consequences.

"Okay. I'll be there on time," he finally agreed.

"I will send you the relevant precautions and procedures in encrypted form. Remember, safety comes first, whether it's yours or the base's," Bai Yongxu emphasized.

"clear."

After ending the call with Bai Yongxu, Jiang Nian walked to the window, gazing at the setting sun in the distance. The organization's shadow, like night, was slowly but steadily spreading. And Zero was a peculiar and dangerous point of light within that shadow.

He needs power, even greater power. Not just physical strength and inner strength, but also a more precise understanding and control of the situation.

Over the next few days, Jiang Nian devoted more time to cultivation. The gravity training room became his crucible for honing himself. Having gradually adapted to 3.8 times the gravity, he began to try practicing more complex martial arts combinations under extreme pressure, and further refined his divine sense, attempting to spread it out meticulously like a spider web, perceiving the most subtle changes in himself, and even trying to "listen" to the "sounds" of free energy in the air.

That day, he was in the training room, compressing his inner strength into his fingertips, forming a barely visible ray of light. Under immense pressure, he precisely aimed at the same spot on a virtual target, honing his ultimate control over his power. His phone rang again; it was an unexpected call—from Yang Mi. Jiang Nian composed himself, answered the phone, and said with a hint of teasing, "Ms. Yang, you're so busy, how come you have time to call me?"

Yang Mi's voice, languid yet tinged with dissatisfaction, came from the other end of the phone: "Master Jiang, you're the one who's always elusive, okay? You disappeared after filming for 'iPartment' wrapped up, without even a single update. If Director Wei hadn't occasionally informed me, I would have suspected you'd gone into 'seclusion' again."

"Just some personal business to take care of," Jiang Nian said vaguely, then asked, "Did you need something from me?"

"Can't I contact you if there's nothing wrong?" Yang Mi snorted, then her tone became serious. "But there really is something. Xingcheng TV has been discussing the scheduling and promotional plans for 'iPartment' with my team. They're planning a premiere gala and would like to invite me as a special guest. By the way... they hope you can come too."

“Me?” Jiang Nian raised an eyebrow. “You know I don’t like these kinds of occasions.”

"Of course I know," Yang Mi said with a hint of helplessness. "But the station and the production company both feel that as the 'soul' of this drama, even though you're low-key, if you could show up at this most important promotional event, it would greatly boost the drama's popularity and buzz. Even Wei Zheng cautiously asked me to ask you what you think."

Jiang Nian walked to the rest area and sat down, his fingers lightly tapping the table. He really didn't like the spotlight, but "iPartment" was like a tree he had planted himself, and now it was about to blossom and bear fruit. It seemed a bit unreasonable to completely stay out of it at this most important moment.

"Has the time been set?" he asked.

"It's tentatively scheduled for three weeks from now. The specific process is still being planned." Yang Mi sensed his tone softening and immediately said, "Don't worry, you won't be singing and dancing. It'll probably just be a short interview, sharing why you were optimistic about this project in the first place, or interacting with the lead actors. We'll absolutely respect your wishes."

Jiang Nian pondered for a moment. Three weeks later, his meeting with Zero should have ended, so there was no conflict in terms of timing.

"Okay. Send me the specific time and process once they're confirmed. If the arrangements are reasonable, I can participate."

"That's great!" Yang Mi's voice immediately brightened. "With you, such a powerful figure, bringing a whole new level of sophistication to this launch ceremony! I'll go reply to them right away!"

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Nian rubbed his temples. That's how city life is; even if he tries to keep a low profile, all sorts of social obligations and business dealings still come knocking. It's like two parallel worlds operating alongside his pursuit of martial arts and the clandestine war he faces.

A few days later, Jiang Nian arrived at the "Xuanwu" base ahead of schedule, as arranged by Bai Yongxu. After a rigorous, almost harsh, security check, he was taken to an observation room filled with various monitoring instruments. A huge special glass wall separated the inside from the outside; on the other side of the glass, the room was furnished like a simple yet comfortable living room.

Bai Yongxu was present in person, with two serious-looking experts standing beside him.

“Jiang Nian, this is Professor Li, a psychology expert, and Dr. Wang, a bioenergetics expert,” Bai Yongxu introduced. “They will monitor the state of Zero and the energy interaction between you throughout the meeting. Remember, the meeting should be kept under thirty minutes. Try to guide the conversation in a positive and stable direction, avoiding touching on his vague past and sensitive points that may trigger emotional fluctuations. If any abnormality is detected, we will immediately terminate the meeting.”

Professor Li added, “Mr. Jiang, Zero’s dependence on you is obvious. You can try to talk to him as a ‘father’ or ‘mentor’ about some basic concepts about ‘controlling power’, ‘understanding emotions’, and ‘distinguishing between good and evil’. Observe his reactions and comprehension abilities.”

Dr. Wang pointed to the data on the instrument screen: "We will monitor his energy fluctuations in real time. If there are drastic fluctuations, you need to immediately calm him down or change the subject."

Jiang Nian nodded, indicating that he understood. He took a deep breath, adjusted his state, concealed all his sharpness, and his aura became gentle and calm.

Soon, the door on the other side of the glass wall slid open, and Zero walked in. He was still wearing that white outfit, and his complexion seemed a little rosier than before. When he saw Jiang Nian on this side of the glass wall, his eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly walked to the glass, his palm unconsciously touching the cold glass.

“Father!” Zero’s voice came through the built-in speaker, filled with clear joy.

Jiang Nian gave him a gentle smile and walked to the glass: "Ling, how have you been lately?"

“Very good.” Zero nodded vigorously, his eyes pure. “They are teaching me a lot of things. Recognizing words, looking at pictures, and… controlling the ‘light’ in my body.” He seemed to be searching for the right words.

"That's good." Jiang Nian followed up by asking, "Is learning to control your power difficult?"

Ling tilted his head and thought for a moment: "Sometimes... it comes out on its own. When I'm happy, or... a little scared. Professor Li said to control it like you would control your fingers." He tried to raise his hand, and a faint golden halo flashed briefly at his fingertips, causing a slight fluctuation in the data on the monitoring instrument.

Professor Li and Dr. Wang in the observation room immediately began taking notes nervously.

"No rush, take it slow." Jiang Nian said calmly, "Controlling your strength requires patience and practice. Just like learning to walk, you'll always fall at first."

“Mmm!” Ling nodded obediently, looking at Jiang Nian with dependent eyes. “Father, can you teach me a faster way? I want to become as strong as you.”

Jiang Nian's heart stirred slightly; Zero's desire for power seemed very direct. (End of Chapter)