Chapter 47: Young Lion

Along with the crates of bio-components delivered by Kang Tao Logistics, a full set of professional surgical equipment had also arrived.

Liu Ruoying wasted no time setting up. After moving the equipment to one of the mansion's unused rooms, she transformed the space into a temporary operating theater. She even brought extra gear from her car to complete the setup.

"Will you be able to install all these bioware components today?" Lin Mo asked as he lay on the surgical bed, watching Liu Ruoying as she meticulously arranged her tools.

"Well…" Liu Ruoying glanced up, still focused on her task. "Bioware implants can't just be shoved into someone all at once, at least not if you want it done right. According to your sister's orders, I'm only installing a small portion today."

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow. "But the street doc clinics in the city can do full installations in just a few hours."

She laughed softly. "Do I look like a hack street doc to you? Let me explain it this way: Sure, if you're desperate for quick results, I could shove everything into your body in one go. But your sister insisted on the best possible approach—meaning slow and steady. It ensures there's zero risk of rejection, and no need for immunosuppressants."

Liu Ruoying continued while adjusting the settings on a nearby machine. "The plan today is to start with a polymer subdermal armor in both arms, reinforce critical areas, then swap out key bones with organic dense bone implants. After that, we'll install synthetic muscle fibers and inject the nanite medical system. Sound good?"

Lin Mo considered the procedure and the implant knowledge he'd accumulated since entering this world. It all made sense. "Yeah, sounds solid."

"Good. Once this batch settles and your body shows no adverse reactions, I'll come back in a few days to finish the rest."

Lin Mo nodded. He wasn't about to argue with someone who knew her craft better than he did.

"Alright then," Liu Ruoying smiled, holding up a syringe filled with anesthetic. "Sweet dreams."

A wave of drowsiness hit Lin Mo as the anesthetic took effect, and he drifted into a deep sleep.

With advancements in medical technology, even complex bioware surgeries could be completed in just a few hours by a skilled practitioner. When Lin Mo woke up, the procedure was already over.

Liu Ruoying was sitting by a nearby table, downing a bottle of carbonated water. She took a long gulp and let out a satisfied burp, her face slightly flushed.

Lin Mo sat up from the bed, instinctively examining his body. Outwardly, nothing seemed different. For a moment, he wondered if the entire operation had just been a dream. But as his fingers pressed into his skin, he could feel a layer of hardened material just beneath the surface.

"This," Liu Ruoying said, noticing his inspection, "is the polymer nano-chain subdermal armor. It's currently the best organic subdermal armor available on the market. The principle is simple—nanites weave a long-chain polymer structure just beneath your skin, forming a durable protective layer."

She smiled as she explained, her eyes lingering on Lin Mo with more than just professional interest. "It's not as tough as carbon fiber or ceramic composites, and definitely not like those top-tier heavy metal armors, but this one's got the advantage of being self-sustaining. You only need one injection, and the nanites will handle repairs indefinitely. Combined with the nanomed system I installed, you're practically unkillable."

Lin Mo stared at her, unimpressed. "I get the tech, but why is your face so red?"

Liu Ruoying blinked, her eyes widening slightly. A nervous smile crept onto her face as she avoided Lin Mo's gaze. The flush on her cheeks deepened.

"Well... it's not my fault, okay?" she muttered, suddenly bashful. "Surgeries involve some... exposure. I swear I wasn't peeking or anything! Totally professional, I promise!"

Her voice grew smaller as she spoke, stealing quick glances at Lin Mo.

Big sis, nobody's buying that excuse, Lin Mo thought, his face darkening with disbelief.

Just then, the door to the makeshift operating room swung open, flooding the room with daylight.

"Don't worry," Xu Wanxue's cold voice cut through the tension. "I was watching. She didn't do anything out of line."

She strode into the room with her usual elegance, carrying a thick jacket. She draped it over Lin Mo's shoulders, her gaze sending an unspoken warning to Liu Ruoying.

"Alright," she said icily, "your job here is done. Go back to the company."

Liu pouted, "Can't I stay for dinner at least?"

Xu Wanxue shot her a glare, making her answer clear without saying a word.

As the tension in the room thickened, Lin Mo stood up, adjusting the jacket. He zipped it up and spoke as he moved toward the door. "You can let her stay for dinner if you want. I've got things to take care of, so I'll be heading out. No need for you two to argue."

Even though they hadn't known each other long, Lin Mo could tell Liu and Xu Wanxue didn't really hate each other. If their relationship were genuinely strained, Liu wouldn't be able to get away with half the things she said.

Xu Wanxue frowned but said nothing, clearly torn between wanting to keep him close and respecting his independence. After a moment, she relented. "Be safe."

Lin Mo gave her a nod and made his way out of the room, feeling the strange yet subtle changes in his body as he moved.

Once he was gone, Liu Ruoying let out a soft sigh, her tone taking on a more thoughtful edge. "Your brother… he's really not interested in the corporate life, is he?"

"He told me he wants to become a legend," Xu Wanxue said, her voice calm but carrying a weight of understanding. "It's a young man's dream."

Liu chuckled softly. "A cub with ambitions, then. Doesn't want to be a shepherd tending to sheep—he'd rather be a wolf hunting prey."

"No," Xu Wanxue's eyes glinted coldly as she corrected her, "he's a lion."

In her mind, Lin Mo had always been someone who carried himself with a calm grace but could summon a fierce storm when needed. Whether he chose the path of corporate power or walked the edge as an edgerunner, as his sister, she was bound to support him.

Liu Ruoying, never one to give up easily, tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "You know, I think I'd make a pretty good wife and mom. You sure you don't want to give me a chance?"

"Get out," Xu Wanxue snapped.

"Hey, come on! If you think I'm too young, I can always... upgrade a bit!" Liu teased.

"Liu Ruoying! Do you have a death wish?!"