Xiangli Yao's ID Card

Xiangli Yao's work ID card reads "Xiangli Yao, Researcher, Huaxu Academy," neatly printed. It took Xiangli Yao an extra year to wear this simple, plain card with a built-in ID chip on his chest compared to his peers at the Academy—a year ago, he had chosen not to take the Academy exam, instead leaving Jinzhou in search of answers to life's deeper questions. A teenager at the time, he stood at a crossroads, uncertain whether to follow in his parents' footsteps or forge his own path. However, a year later, his heart led him down a path entirely different from theirs... On his first day as a researcher, Xiangli Yao placed his ID card neatly on his desk, opened the window, and let the bustling sounds of Jinzhou City drift in. "Huaxu Academy. It's a nice place."

Beep-Boop

This charming little robot, with its slightly yellowed surface, is both simple and compact. Give its tiny head a pat, and it will recite one of the classic Hero Play lines, accompanied by adorable pixel emojis displayed on its somewhat aged monitor. This was Xiangli Yao's first creation during his student days and served as the prototype for his later inventions, Xiang-Lee and Patty. Despite being Yao's initial attempt, the robot's design, materials, and programming beautifully showcase its creator's ingenuity. Affectionately named Beep-Boop, this lovable machine eventually found a home with one of Yao's lucky classmates. From that point on, Xiangli Yao devoted much of his free time to crafting models, robots, and other fascinating gadgets for his friends. Whether in school or now at the Academy, Yao's generosity in dedicating time and effort to those around him remains a constant. His selfless nature has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of who he is.

CSC Lock Puzzle

A puzzle crafted from intricately interlocking joints, a testament to its ingenious design. It is said that such trinkets served as gifts from elder members of the Court of Savantae to their younger generations. Xiangli Yao can still recall the warmth of his father's rough fingertips as he handed him the puzzle on his birthday. Yet what truly captivated him were its complex arrangements and perplexing structures—such puzzles were what drew him into a world of intricate logic, leaving him spellbound for years to come. This was Xiangli Yao's first encounter with a puzzle, but certainly not his last.

An Interview

Years later, I found myself standing at that door again. The Xiangli family had always been a star in Jinzhou's journalistic circles. Back then, doing a piece on the family was considered an honor, and indeed, their scientific heritage continues to produce admirable accomplishments. The last time I stood on this doorstep, I was still a rookie, eager for recognition, and the Xianglis helped me with just that by allowing me to take their family portrait. A piece that ticked all the boxes. The photo won me a small award and secured my job. As the door opened, I looked down to see a boy with bright and clear eyes looking back at me. I flashed my press badge, and he ushered me inside. Xiangli Yao, the "Son of the Genius" and "Paragon's Descendant." His father's brilliance had turned heads across Jinzhou, and his mother's perseverance saved the lives of countless children in the city. This very house once drew the attention of many, and it remains that way to this day. I prided myself on conducting interviews, but this young boy seemed more comfortable than I was. Xiangli Yao, like his parents, possessed a natural eloquence, his demeanor gentle and poised. The interview flowed smoothly, and after setting aside my notebook, he offered me a cup of tea. I thanked him, but he shook his head. "I should thank you for visiting because of my parents," Xiangli Yao smiled, "I've heard a thing or two about what's been happening." Jinzhou, with its vast lands and rich resources, is not without its share of discord. The Xianglis had done me a favor in the past, one I felt compelled to repay, both professionally and personally by making sure their son was okay. Xiangli Yao smiled wistfully, his expression hinting at a memory relived. "My parents are always busy with work, so I'm glad someone remembers them. Your reports capture their moments, research results, words spoken, and many other details that I didn't even know about... When I read those news and interviews, I feel like I get to know them better." I hesitated for a moment but still went on to ask. "Do you think... it's unfair? That perhaps your parents should have spent more time with their child?" "They both have their passions, and it's the same for me. I'm happy they're doing what they love." "...Is that so." I took a deep breath and prepared to leave, but Xiangli Yao asked me to stay. I forgot the exact reason he gave. However, I'm sure it must've been a good one. Xiangli Yao had a way with words that made refusing his hospitality difficult. I only remember having another cup of warm tea and continuing to chat for a while before finally taking my leave. As I reached for the door, the boy remarked with a straight face, "If there's anything you want to confirm, it's best to do it in person. When I was little, my mother and I often talked about the importance of companionship—we even exchanged small notes. Though I was still very young then, those notes, with their few simple words... I find them just as comforting today." I nodded and left the house, ready to pen my next piece. But before that, I would send a message to my child, whom I had neglected to contact for several days.