Chapter 28

“Double Female Reproduction?” Zhao Shuqing stared at her in surprise.

As the name implied, Double Female Reproduction was a genetic research project exploring whether two eggs could combine to produce offspring. The related Double Cisgender Plan had actually been proposed decades ago. Ever since a genetic virus outbreak centuries earlier, more and more men had lost their fertility. Only a lucky few could still provide healthy genes, and most families desperate for children had to resort to using donors to carry on their lineage.

As time passed, fertile men grew scarcer, until eventually women could no longer conceive naturally.

Deprived of even basic reproductive ability, men’s social status had plummeted. These days, while men still held some societal value, most people preferred daughters who could carry on the family line.

After same-sex marriage became legal, families headed by two women found it easier to have children, leaving men increasingly adrift without a place in the home. More and more of them were forced to pour themselves into work or studies, seeking purpose elsewhere.

Zhao Shuqing’s own mentor was a case in point. Genetic screening had revealed his infertility, so he had forsaken family life for research—and luckily achieved considerable success in marine studies.

Even now, the gene banks were running perilously low on samples. At this rate, humanity would eventually die out from lack of heirs.

That grim future still felt distant, but humanity needed countermeasures—like the hottest topic of all: the Double Cisgender Plan.

Abandon men altogether and perpetuate the species using only two women’s genes.

Such messaging sparked widespread panic among men. Though the plan had its supporters, the social unrest proved too much, and it was swiftly shelved. Zhao Shuqing never imagined Gu Yao’s team would revive such a controversial project.

“Wasn’t this shelved decades ago? Why bring it back now?” Zhao Shuqing asked with a frown.

Gu Yao shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just a regular technician. This came straight from the higher-ups, so I have no idea what they’re really after. But…” She paused, then continued, “Male fertility rates keep dropping. This plan was inevitable sooner or later. Think about it—how many men do you even see out and about these days? Plenty of pregnant women quietly abort when prenatal checks show a boy. They only carry to term if they can’t.”

She added, “Raising a boy costs a fortune with no payoff. Better to have a girl—you might even get to hold a grandchild someday.”

The logic made sense, but Zhao Shuqing still fretted. “Aren’t you worried about getting in trouble for researching this?”

Gu Yao laughed. “Relax, it’s an officially approved major project. We’re in the clear.”

Zhao Shuqing nodded. “Good to know.”

Gu Yao specialized in gene engineering, while Zhao Shuqing focused on marine biology, so their work didn’t overlap much. Fortunately, they were close in age, and after a few exchanges, the conversation drifted to lighter topics.

Zhao Shuqing fiddled with her paper’s formatting from her chair while Gu Yao lounged on the bed, cradling the cat. Curiosity piqued, Gu Yao asked, “When are you planning to publish your paper?”

“I’m still organizing it.” Zhao Shuqing sorted the materials she’d brought home that day, intending to work on the paper once Gu Yao left. Glancing back, she couldn’t help smiling at the sight of her friend cross-legged on the bed, Pumpkin in her lap.

“Yao Yao, do you have a girlfriend?” Zhao Shuqing asked casually.

“Hm?” Gu Yao shot her a glance, stroking the cat as she replied, “What, you offering to set me up?”

“As if—I’m single myself.” Zhao Shuqing chatted idly. “I was just wondering what it feels like to like someone.”

Gu Yao pondered for a moment, then wiggled Pumpkin’s paw as she said, “Liking someone is complicated. Your heart races when you see her, but you ache when she’s gone. Even a casual hello in the cafeteria sends your pulse skyrocketing, and afterward you obsess over whether you said the right thing or looked your best.”

Zhao Shuqing raised an eyebrow, draping herself over the chair back. “You know an awful lot about it. Got a crush?”

“Hey!” Gu Yao flushed, protesting, “You asked! Why call me out now?”

Gossip ignited in Zhao Shuqing like a spark. She bounced from her chair to sit beside Gu Yao, eyes gleaming. “We’re besties—you can tell me who it is. Maybe I can even help.”

Gu Yao bit her lip, hesitating as she eyed Zhao Shuqing. Finally, she murmured, “You might actually be able to.”

Zhao Shuqing’s eyes lit up. “Someone I know?”

“Yes.” Gu Yao hugged Pumpkin closer, blushing furiously. “It’s… your Senior Sister, Xu Tang.”

Zhao Shuqing froze.

She never would have guessed her longtime friend harbored feelings for her own Senior Sister Xu Tang.

Gu Yao glanced at her and deflated. “I know, though. Group Leader Xu has zero interest in that stuff. She barely glances my way, and since we’re not in the same group, I only see her in the dormitory or cafeteria.”

She sighed, then turned to Zhao Shuqing. “Be honest, Shuqing—do I have a shot?”

Zhao Shuqing regarded her with complicated eyes, thinking it over seriously. “It seems… unlikely.”

Gu Yao puffed up like a pufferfish in outrage.

Zhao Shuqing hurriedly soothed her. “I know my Senior Sister. She’s all business, no nonsense, laser-focused on research. She’s at sea two hundred days a year, and the other hundred sixty-five in the laboratory. You’ve seen her dorm—bed, blanket, nothing else. How do you even romance someone like that?”

Gu Yao pouted pitifully. “But I like your Senior Sister! Help me out, Shuqing. I’m twenty-six and never dated. No one else catches my eye—it’s love at first sight with her.”

Zhao Shuqing relented tentatively. “Fine… I’ll find a chance to get you two out for dinner. You handle the rest?”

Gu Yao’s eyes sparkled. “Deal! How about this weekend? My treat!”

“What excuse?”

“I got a bonus—perfect for celebrating your sea trip return!”

“Alright, I’ll run it by Senior Sister.”

Gu Yao whooped in delight, throwing her arms around Zhao Shuqing. “Thanks, Shuqing! If it works, I’ll give you a huge red envelope!”

Zhao Shuqing shook her head with a helpless smile. “No guarantees—it depends on you. Senior Sister’s a tough conquest.”

Gu Yao grinned. “I’m not scared.”

Watching her friend’s excitement, Zhao Shuqing grew curious. She recalled Lin Feng that afternoon, perched by the pool with those bright eyes fixed on her. In a murmur, she wondered aloud, “Can love happen between different species?”

Gu Yao blinked, startled. “What? Isn’t Group Leader Xu human?”

Zhao Shuqing jolted, realizing her slip. She flushed, waving it off. “No, no, of course Senior Sister’s human. I just zoned out.”

Gu Yao eyed her oddly, leaning in. “Different species? What do you mean?”

Zhao Shuqing shook her head. “Nothing. Cross-species romance is impossible. Just random musing.” To dodge more questions, she pivoted. “I’ll check with Senior Sister about the weekend now, lock in the time so she doesn’t get tied up.”

Gu Yao’s attention snapped back, nodding eagerly. “Yes, please!”

Right there in front of Gu Yao, Zhao Shuqing messaged Xu Tang: free this weekend? Neighbor Gu Yao got a bonus and wants to treat us to dinner.

Both held their breath after sending it. Zhao Shuqing dreaded Xu Tang asking “Who’s Gu Yao?”—but she didn’t. The reply came quick.

Xu Tang: 【Saturday night works.】

“Yes!” Gu Yao beamed. “I’ll book a spot for Saturday evening. Ask Group Leader Xu what she likes—I’ll check group deals!”

With that, Gu Yao dashed off. Zhao Shuqing shook her head fondly and shut the door.

Returning to her desk, she saw Xu Tang had sent a bunch more messages—directions for mermaid research. Zhao Shuqing transferred the files to her computer and tacked on a question about Xu Tang’s favorite cuisine.

Xu Tang paused, then called.

Zhao Shuqing touched her nose awkwardly and picked up.

“What’s this out of the blue?” Xu Tang asked calmly.

Zhao Shuqing couldn’t betray Gu Yao, so she stuck to the script. “Yao Yao got a bonus and wants to treat you and me to dinner.”

Xu Tang sounded puzzled. “Gu Yao’s your friend—why invite me?”

“We just got back from sea, right? You know how nice she is.” Zhao Shuqing pushed hard. “Come on, Senior Sister. You have to eat anyway. Dinner, then home.”

Xu Tang hesitated. Zhao Shuqing wheedled and cajoled until she relented with a sigh.

“Fine. Saturday afternoon, I’ll meet you at the laboratory. We’ll go together.”

“Great!” Zhao Shuqing pumped her fist. “What do you like? Hotpot? BBQ? I’ll book it.”

Xu Tang replied evenly, “Grilled fish. Haven’t had it in ages.”

Zhao Shuqing paused. “Senior Sister, after all that time at sea, you’re not tired of fish?”

“Sea fish is sea fish. Grilled fish is grilled fish—different.” Xu Tang said flatly, “If you don’t like it, we can reschedule.”

“No, no, grilled fish it is. I’ll handle the restaurant.”

For her friend’s love, Zhao Shuqing was all in.

Xu Tang wrapped up some work matters and hung up. Zhao Shuqing grimaced and texted Gu Yao: Saturday night, grilled fish. Gu Yao fired back an ecstatic OK emoji.

Staring at the gene reports and Xu Tang’s files, Zhao Shuqing felt a headache brewing for Saturday.

Why did Xu Tang love fish so much?

Just like Lin Feng.