MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 8

Tong's campus was abuzz with activity, as usual. The engineering department was known for its wild and unconventional projects, and today was no exception. 

Tong, along with a group of equally eccentric friends, was deep into their latest experiment.

"Alright, guys, today we make history," Tong declared, standing before a half-assembled robot that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts and sheer desperation.

"Or we blow up the lab," one of his friends, Nut, muttered, adjusting his safety goggles.

"Optimism, Nut. Always optimism," Tong replied, grinning. "Now, let's get this thing working. If we succeed, we'll have a robot that can do all our housework. No more cleaning for us lazy asses!"

"Yeah, 'cause that's what the world needs—lazier engineers," another friend, Yot, said with a laugh.

Tong ignored the jibes, focusing on connecting the last few wires. "Alright, moment of truth. Power it up."

The group watched with bated breath as Nut flipped the switch. The robot hummed to life, its eyes lighting up with a faint glow.

"Hello, master," the robot intoned in a monotone voice. "How may I assist you today?"

Tong and his friends cheered. "It works! It actually works!" Tong shouted, doing a little victory dance.

"Okay, okay, let's see if it can actually do something useful," Nut said, grabbing a broom and handing it to the robot. "Robot, sweep the floor."

The robot took the broom and began sweeping, albeit clumsily. The friends watched, half in awe and half in amusement, as the robot's movements became increasingly erratic.

"I think it's... malfunctioning," Yot said, backing away slowly as the robot's sweeping became more frantic.

"Shit! Turn it off, turn it off!" Tong yelled, but before Nut could reach the switch, the robot's broom hit a shelf, sending tools and parts flying everywhere.

"Abort! Abort!" Nut screamed, finally managing to power down the robot. The lab was a mess, and the group was doubled over with laughter.

"Well, that was a spectacular failure," Tong said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "But hey, at least it was entertaining."

"Next time, let's try making something less likely to destroy the lab," Yot suggested, still chuckling.

"Agreed," Tong said. "But for now, let's clean up before anyone notices."

Tong and his friends finally finished cleaning up the mess from their experiment. Tong collapsed onto his bed, exhausted but exhilarated.

"Well, that was fun," he muttered, staring at the ceiling. "Can't wait to tell Joe about our almost-successful robot."

Mark, lounging in a corner, raised an eyebrow. "Another crazy day at the lab, I assume?"

"You have no idea," Tong replied, grinning. "But hey, life would be boring without a little chaos, right?"

Mark chuckled softly. "Indeed."

As Tong drifted off to sleep, Joe's thoughts were a mix of the day's events and his unexpected encounter with Ming. Life, it seemed, was getting more interesting by the day.