The next afternoon.

  "...Anyway, what do you think now?"

  The question Min has just posed is one he's wanted to ask ever since Xi P landed in his front yard. Due to the initial language barrier, he never got the chance, and as time dragged on, the question gradually slipped his mind. Had they not just brought up Xi P's homeworld again, he would have forgotten it entirely.

  "My thoughts back then, were similar to your current thought. I still believe it's best to learn more about humanity, and the various nations first. Then I should make my appearance, simultaneously, among them all at an good moment, of opportunity." Xi P replies, eyes still fixed on the steaming egg soup in his cup.

  Min nods: "Quite patient, aren't you? The closest place I can think of is the United Nations Assembly, though sneaking into that gathering probably won't be easy."

  "Live in the moment. Take things slowly. We're in no rush."

  "I notice you're quite fond of that 'live in the moment' kind of phrase." Min raises an eyebrow.

  "I am indeed. Because I can't very well live in the past, constantly thinking about my days on Lierus or on the science vessel. How can I live like that? " Xi P says, flicking his ears and taking a hearty sip of egg soup.

  Ever since Xi P discovered that eggs carry less of those peculiar flavours than meat, he often sprinkles sugar into his egg soup and drinks it like a beverage. Honestly, Min finds the idea of consuming egg soup as a drink utterly baffling; the very thought makes him feel a bit queasy. It really goes to show that alien palates truly can't be compared to those of Earthlings.

  "So, what about those emails?" Xi P asks.

  "Why do you always spring progress checks on me like that? Well..."

  ***

  The vast majority either go unanswered, or people claim they're too busy to participate. Min has no choice but to activate his backup plan: digging up his classmates' contact info. He doesn't know many chemistry or chemical engineering majors — just one, in fact. The guy isn't some campus bully, nor the child of a high-ranking official. Min isn't even sure if he qualifies as a rich kid. But Min... how to say it, genuinely lacks the courage to call him.

  It's a legacy of Min's own teenage arrogance. They've known each other since high school. Because of the guy's somewhat... distinctive looks, combined with Min's own adolescent delusions of grandeur, Min had viewed him as some comic-book-style rival and constantly sought to prove superiority in every possible arena. What made it worse was that Min rarely came out on top. After high school, they drifted apart due to different majors. That guy never seemed to care much, but Min still feels a bit embarrassed thinking about it now.

  After much hesitation, Min dials the number. After all, even if he refuses, there's no real loss. Barring any surprises, he should be working at some top research institution or company by now. Wonder if he'd even recognise this friend...

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  "Mark Cong speaking. Who's this?" The voice sounds slightly different to how Min remembers it.

  "Min Ye here."

  Noticing the silence, Min quickly adds: "Your high school and college classmate."

  "Oh, it's you. Long time no see. What do you need my help with?"

  "...Yes. I have this... chemistry-related project. Can't find the answer... No, I need help from a professional. That's why I thought of you. I don't happen to have your email address. Could you give it to me? I'll send the details to your email." Mark's directness makes Min stumble over the words, pausing several times before he can finish his sentence.

  "Talk to me on Skype. I'm dealing with a bit of a mess here." Mark's tone sounds urgent, and the call abruptly ends. Before the line cuts out, Min thinks he hears the sound of heavy objects crashing in the background? His first thought, perhaps influenced by his recent imaginings, is of some kind of bio-engineered monster. Then he shakes his head, laughing at himself. He must be seeing too much of aliens lately, and daydreaming about sci-fi stuff all the time...

  "What's wrong?" Xi P asks anxiously after Min finishes the call.

  "What do you mean?"

  "You're trembling."

  "Oh, uh. Let me put it this way — at your school, how good is the absolute top student?" Instead of answering directly, Min counters with a question of his own.

  "I don't know how to describe it... Wait, I get it." Xi P shot Min a meaningful look, suddenly understanding. The person Min had just mentioned must be the top student in the school. And that person has an intense desire to bully others and show off; upon discovering Min had called them, they seized the chance to deliver a scathing insult. Seeing how Min keeps shaking his head after the call, this scenario seems highly likely. Xi P recalls encountering similar individuals back in his own school days, though never the top student. Before that individual was sent for psychological counselling, the class had endured a long, dark period. Why hasn't the educational institution here addressed this issue? Perhaps the aliens' system is flawed and they simply don't perceive school violence as a problem...

  Min is certain he catches a flicker of pity in Xi P's gaze, however fleeting. Before he can decide whether it is an illusion, Xi P continues: "Perhaps we need someone with more practical experience."

  "Practical experience?"

  "I mean someone with extensive, by hand, actual working experience in chemistry. We need both kind, good at theory, and also the kind who handle the actual operations.”

  Despite the clumsy phrasing and awkward word choice, Min grasps the meaning and nods in agreement. Mark started working as a lab assistant in high school; his practical experience must exceed nine years by now. That has to count as long-term practical experience. And as far as Min knows, Mark did indeed land a job right after graduating.

  "You're right. And that guy earlier, I think he has well over eight years of practical experience. Still, finding another person as a backup — "

  Xi P suddenly cuts him off: "Wait, how long has it been since you left university?"

  "…Nine years, I guess. You wouldn't, wait, you actually don't know this..." The realisation strikes Min, and his expression shifts. He'd never considered Xi P's age before. And clearly, just as Min struggles to gauge their age, it's also difficult for Xi P to discern human ages. Still, Min can tell Xi P has plenty of time left: his fur was still sleek and glossy.

  "..."

  "No surprising that we both evolved to have a finite lifespan, but it's still pretty interesting to think about. How long does your kind usually live?”

  "In your calendar system, that'd be... 80 to 90 years, I guess."

  They ended the conversation there, it being the kind that starts to get uncomfortable if dwelled on for too long.

  "So, back to the main point. Just to be safe, I plan to see if anyone shows interest at the next PSDM. Though it overlaps with my previous emails, human nature is strange — discussing things face-to-face is often easier than online."

  "That sounds best."