Transcending Boundaries: Journey to the Infinite

Untitled Part 7

Encounter

In the Library Restroom

Yang Chu, after attending to certain physiological needs, walked over to the sink and turned on the faucet.

He had been sitting in the library for most of the day. Even though he hadn't consumed much water or food, his body still needed to expel waste like any other person to maintain normal bodily functions such as circulation and digestion.

The difference, however, was that his metabolism had evolved from the usual unconscious process experienced by most people to something he could consciously control.

After washing his hands, Yang Chu looked up, once again facing that familiar yet strange face in the mirror.

His gaunt face showed signs of fatigue, with red lines appearing in his eyes and his under-eye bags becoming more pronounced.

Perhaps it was because his mind had remained alert ever since waking up from his journey last night, or maybe he had exerted too much mental energy reading various books in the library today. Yang Chu could faintly feel a bit dizzy.

Although the dizziness was mild, it made him feel slightly out of sync with his body's movements—breathing, circulation, walking—all seemed somewhat beyond his control.

He splashed some water on his face.

The cold water trickling down his cheeks, a common way to refresh oneself when feeling drowsy, didn't have much of an effect on him.

He could control his nervous system, blocking out pain or other stimuli as needed.

"Hmm?"

As his fingers brushed through the water, Yang Chu suddenly recalled something from a book he had read earlier today. His eyes lit up slightly. "Maybe I can try that method."

Leaving the restroom, Yang Chu noticed that many of the lights in the library were already turned off. Only a few remained lit near the entrance.

Walking past row after row of bookshelves, Yang Chu reached the entrance and saw Xu Xi, who worked at the library. She was sitting at an empty table, eating takeout with a spoon in one hand and a book in the other.

The book was the same one Yang Chu had noticed earlier: Why We Were Born Here.

"Studying so hard, even while eating," Yang Chu remarked as he walked over and sat in the seat next to Xu Xi.

"Well, I'm eating alone anyway. Might as well read more," Xu Xi replied with a smile, putting down the book. She pointed to a takeout box on the nearby table. "I ordered an extra meal for a late-night snack. If you don't mind..."

"Of course," Yang Chu responded, picking up the meal box from the table. He could sense her kindness, even noticing the subtle phrasing she used, anticipating his potential refusal.

Opening the box, he found a simple meal: rice, half a goose leg, and a few vegetables.

Instead of immediately digging in, Yang Chu extended his hand toward Xu Xi, saying earnestly, "Yang Chu."

Xu Xi flashed a bright smile and repeated her name, "Xu Xi."

After formally introducing themselves, Xu Xi watched Yang Chu pick up some vegetables with his chopsticks and added, "I've been working in the library for a long time, and it's rare to see someone so focused on reading, especially the kinds of books you read."

"You've read them? You have quite a broad range of reading. Any insights?" Yang Chu asked, taking a bite of rice, a bit surprised.

The books he had been skimming through this afternoon were mostly about sleep and the subconscious. Not that no one read such books, but certainly not many did.