在LLNL實驗室中，陸淵海如同一條深海底的潛魚，潛伏在科技與知識的海洋裏。他與邁克爾·哈森教授，在這片科技沃土中，如同形人一般，鮮有人知道他們的存在。

復制等級偏低的科技品，如之前在杜克大學材料工程實驗室那臺高原位電子顯微鏡，雖然能帶來兩千至三千的就點獎勵，卻是杯水車薪。若非有合適的時機，他們只能耐心等待。

“不能急，越急反而越。”陸淵海低聲自語，心中明鏡似的清楚，想要復制高等級科技品，路漫漫其修遠兮。

復制次數不會消失，若他急于求，不僅無法功，反而可能暴自己的底牌。于是他放空思緒，漫步在小鎮的街道上，欣賞著眼前的異國風景。

rivers, dividing the small town from the vast laboratory, served as a natural boundary.

While acquainting himself with the new surroundings, he was suddenly drawn by the sight of a girl.

Her eyes sparkled like stars from a fairy tale, her figure clad in a pure white dress, flowing hair cascading past her waist, exposing a delicate forearm. She gazed intently at the menu in the coffee shop, her expression strikingly reminiscent of a dancer from another world.

Sensing the tension in the air, Lu Ze stepped forward to help. The girl, with a voice as sweet as honey, ordered a "medium" Mocha. The confusion between the shopkeeper and the girl was comical, and Lu Ze couldn't help but chuckle.

"That's not a medium, that's a large Mocha," the shopkeeper corrected her. The girl, with a puzzled expression, was about to retort when Lu Ze intervened.

"Here, have this large Mocha with extra sugar and milk," he said, handing her the coffee.

Introducing himself as Lu Ze, he learned that she was Lucie希爾，a fellow student under Professor Hassen. They shared a brief chat about her, her experiences, and her views on the lab's guidance system.

Despite her stunning appearance, Lucie seemed to possess an inner beauty that was refreshing. Her lack of pretense and her willingness to treat everyone equally made her stand out among her peers.

"By the way, Lucie, you're not too far from me. I thought you were also from China," Lu Ze said, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Lucie laughed, "I've become used to it. People often mistake me for a Chinese when they see me. I've been like this since I was a child."

Her words triggered a memory of Lu Ze's own experiences in Duke University, where racial prejudice was still deeply rooted.

Lucie noticed his concern and said, "But what about Professor Hassen? He's not exactly the best choice if you're aiming for a successful career in science."

Lu Ze nodded, his expression somber. "That's true. I've barely had a chance to get close to any high-tech equipment."

Lucie let out a sigh. "Why do you want to study with him? His research is not exactly groundbreaking."

"It's not about his research; I just want to touch, to feel high-tech equipment in my hands," Lu Ze replied. "Even if it's just for a few seconds."

"To see what you see, to touch what you touch, it's not hard at all," Lucie said with a strange expression.

"Is it not?" Lu Ze exclaimed, feeling a chill run down his spine.

"It's easy," Lucie repeated, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

(Appeal for collections and continuous reading!) (Chapter end)