Chapter 14: The Time Capsule

Mars?
Jiang Xingye is on Mars?
“A great fire descends from the sky, the distant Mars glows,” and the “Mars” mentioned here refers to the planet Mars itself.
Is she truly a member of that so-called “Planetary Reincarnation” organization?
So that’s how she was able to predict the apocalypse?
Exactly, this so-called “Planetary Reincarnation” organization is most likely not a cult at all.
They really foresaw the end of the world; they just perhaps lack sufficient evidence to deduce or prove the apocalypse’s existence.
Wow...
A leader I know so well is actually capable of such a huge undertaking?
Rubbing his temples, Lin Xu opened his eyes and sat down at the computer, updating two new clues in his document.
[The Planetary Reincarnation organization predicted the arrival of the apocalypse]
[Jiang Xingye is a core member of the Planetary Reincarnation organization and is on Mars (uncertain)]
Regarding the man’s answer at the last moment of his life, Lin Xu found it both plausible and questionable.
It wasn’t a case of “a dying man’s words are wise,” but when he heard “Mars” from him, Lin Xu suddenly realized that Jiang Xingye’s appearance on the holographic projection was indeed somewhat off.
Her hair was floating.
Not just her hair, her entire body appeared to be in a state of suspension.
At the time, he thought it was some display glitch, but now it seemed...
She was truly in space.
Yet obviously, she hadn’t arrived on Mars yet.
Maybe she was on her way to Mars?
Things were getting more complicated.
Glancing at the time, it was already five in the afternoon, almost dinner time.
In this world, he had also made plans to have dinner with Jiang Xingye.
—Though thinking about it was a bit awkward.
If the world inside the bracelet represents the future, then Jiang Xingye would be his future ex-wife.
To be honest, whether it’s a future girlfriend or a future wife, he knew how to get along with them.
But a future ex-wife?
That was a bit too much...
Changing his clothes and tidying up, Lin Xu sent a message to Jiang Xingye.
A few minutes later, the two met downstairs and headed straight to a hotpot restaurant.
The entire process passed without a single unnecessary word; they seemed ravenous, ordering immediately upon arrival, eating until they were stuffed, and only then did they finally put down their chopsticks and begin their first meaningful conversation in two hours.
“I’m full.”
Jiang Xingye rubbed her stomach and said,
“The beef here is good, not lab-grown meat.”
“Indeed, it’s good.”
Lin Xu glanced at Jiang Xingye from time to time; noticing his gaze, she asked in puzzlement,
“What are you looking at me for? You’ve had that look since we came out. What’s up? Got something to ask me?”
...There were so many things he wanted to ask her.
Lin Xu mentally cursed.
Who are you?
You’re my future ex-wife, a core figure in a mysterious organization, the number one suspect whose name can’t even be mentioned without triggering alarms and military investigations, and quite possibly one of the first Martian colonists!
Honestly, who wouldn’t have a head full of questions facing someone like that?
Only problem is, none of those questions could be asked.

Lin Xu sighed silently, and after a moment’s thought, he approached the topic indirectly.
“Actually, it’s nothing much. I just suddenly thought of something today.”
“You know, in our line of work, the chances of becoming a big shot are pretty high, right?”
“Maybe one day if you do well, you’ll be recruited by the national team, and then I’ll only get to see you on the news, huh?”
“You’re thinking pretty far ahead...”
Jiang Xingye laughed as she looked at Lin Xu.
“What’s wrong? Feeling the pressure now? Thinking you can’t make it without me watching your back?”
“That’s just the beginning. Eventually, you’ll have to stand on your own.”
“You’re still young; take things slow...”
“Sounds like you’re ancient or something.”
Lin Xu couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
He had actually wanted to provoke her a bit to see if she planned on leaving Skyward Technology, but her response was watertight—definitely a seasoned professional.
Might as well ask directly!
After all, he was still playing the role of a workplace newbie, so asking wouldn’t cause much offense.
“So, do you have plans to switch jobs?”
“With your skills, surely someone would want you wherever you go, right?”
“Well...”
Jiang Xingye waved to call the waiter, ignoring Lin Xu’s attempts to stop her, quickly scanning the payment code, then said,
“But changing jobs isn’t that easy. Our non-compete clause is too strict.”
“Unless I change fields entirely, it would be a lot of trouble.”
“So I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon—things are actually going well here. If we can secure the next round of investment, Skyward Technology might make a big leap forward.”
“Got it.”
Lin Xu nodded thoughtfully.
So Jiang Xingye would remain at Skyward Technology for a while.
There must have been some catalyst later that made her leave.
Or perhaps she was a Skyward Technology employee all along.
That wouldn’t necessarily conflict with her being part of the Planetary Reincarnation organization, would it?
Hmm, the latter seemed more likely.
After all, judging by the HR director’s reaction, he definitely knew Jiang Xingye’s name.
But to him, that name was a taboo; mentioning it triggered an immediate alarm.
Following this line of thought, Lin Xu felt he was beginning to piece the story together.
It was very likely that Jiang Xingye lost control after “heading to Mars.”
And as a technician turned astronaut, perhaps she was originally connected to the Planetary Reincarnation organization?
This story was complicated enough...
What was the trigger that led Jiang Xingye to join that organization?
While he pondered silently, Jiang Xingye had already stood up.
“I’m full.”
“Shall we go shopping?”
“Sure, let’s go.”
Lin Xu got up and followed Jiang Xingye.
She seemed to naturally emit a unique aura, making those around her feel like little followers.
People passing through the mall couldn’t help but glance her way. Lin Xu thought maybe it was this very charisma that made her a core member of the Planetary Reincarnation organization?
Indeed, great deeds are always obvious at first glance...

The two wandered aimlessly through the mall, finding little that appealed to them.
Until they passed a newly opened toy store, where Jiang Xingye curiously stepped inside.
“What kind of stuff is this? Adult toys?”
“...Damn right, adult toys.”
Lin Xu couldn’t help but mock.
“Isn’t this an anime merchandise store? Look at all the models...”
“Have you ever seen an anime merch store selling gel blasters? This is definitely an adult toy store!”
Jiang Xingye strode into the shop, Lin Xu close behind.
After looking around, he realized she was absolutely right.
This was indeed a toy store for adults, not only selling gel blasters and anime models but also EDC gadgets, gaming consoles, and all sorts of oddities.
Jiang Xingye stopped in front of a product labeled “Time Capsule.”
“See this? I bought one of these back in college.”
“But now it’s much more advanced; this one looks really refined.”
“What do you think? Want to buy one?”
“Write something inside, then open it years later—it’s actually quite fun.”
“Sure, why not? It’s not expensive anyway.”
Lin Xu shrugged indifferently. Jiang Xingye decisively picked two small metal capsules and took them to the counter.
Following the staff’s instructions, they unscrewed the palm-sized capsules, pulled out message cards, and each went to a nearby table to write.
Lin Xu had planned to scribble something casual, but suddenly realized this might be an opportunity.
An opportunity to verify the connection between the bracelet world and the real world.
If information not belonging to this world appeared here, would that also affect the bracelet world?
He knew what to write.
“Planetary Reincarnation.”
“The apocalypse will arrive at 00:00 on April 23, 2045.”
He then placed the note inside the time capsule.
“Where will this be kept?”
The staff swiped the screen, and a map appeared before them.
“We regularly collect all the capsules and bury them in the Alxa Desert for preservation. Each capsule corresponds to a patch of green vegetation.”
“So what you’re buying is not only a beautiful memory keepsake but also a vision for improving the Earth’s environment.”
“Pretty good...”
This thing even had a philanthropic aspect.
Doing business these days really is creative...
Beside him, Jiang Xingye curiously asked,
“What did you write?”
“...Some cheesy stuff.”
“That’s good; mine’s pretty cheesy too.”
Jiang Xingye smiled mischievously and continued,
“Let’s set the term for five years.”
“If we still keep in touch after five years, let’s go to Alxa together and open these.”
Lin Xu nodded slowly.
“No problem!”