NOVEL NEXT Chapter 46: You're Not My Boyfriend!
Lin Chuan landed outside the research institute from the sky, examining the massive twenty-meter-tall metal framework.
If there were no surprises, this was probably set up for building a spaceship. Otherwise, Lin Chuan couldn't think of any colossal object that required such a huge metal frame to support it.
Bulma could not do things in halves; once she started building, it had to be a large spaceship.
Indeed, the bigger the spaceship, the more activities one could do to relieve stress during the tedious space travels, as opposed to a small spaceship where one could only stay in a fixed place, making even stretching a challenge.
Like Frieza's army's single-person space capsules, where one could only sit inside and hibernate to pass the long journey.
Lin Chuan was eager to see what this spaceship would look like once it was fully built.
...
Turning around, Lin Chuan entered the research institute.
Having been here several times, he moved with ease. The security robots, recognizing his identity, did not hinder his steps.
Inside, he found an immense space.
At first glance, numerous machines were operating, creating a heart-stopping scene.
It resembled a super-technological factory, with many machines operated by artificial intelligence robots.
Lin Chuan's gaze drifted to a corner of the institute where he saw Bulma working intently.
She was manipulating a computer with Dr. Brief assisting, holding a tablet as if checking data.
The large metallic cube at the front roared as Bulma inputted information into the computer.
Countless circuits, data transmission, and a sufficient energy supply fully activated this mysterious giant cube.
Lin Chuan walked up to Bulma and Dr. Brief.
He did not interrupt them, instead using his knowledge to guess what they were working on.
This massive metal cube was undoubtedly the result of Bulma and Dr Brief's research.
They needed his help, probably because it was related to this project.
Otherwise, Lin Chuan needed help to think of anything new here.
**This must be...**
With a thought, he looked carefully; the metal cube had a large metal door opened outward at the front, showing an empty interior space that revealed its purpose.
Gravity training room!
There was no other explanation.
Otherwise, what was the point of building such a metal room?
"Eh, you're here? Why didn't you say anything?" Having completed the final crucial step, Bulma wiped the sweat from her forehead, relaxed, and finally noticed Lin Chuan standing there. She stood up and spoke.
She wasn't unobservant, but she had been wholly focused on her research, not expecting Lin Chuan to arrive so quickly and without distraction.
Dr. Brief also relaxed, put down his tablet, and lit a cigarette: "Good thing the last step didn't fail, or you'd have come here for nothing. However, we'll need you to test it to ensure success."
After speaking, Dr. Brief took a deep drag of his cigarette, relaxing his tense nerves.
These scientific researchers often need something to keep their spirits up at critical moments.
Cigarettes are the most effective, not only for invigoration but also for relaxation.
In the original story, Bulma also developed a smoking habit due to her scientific research.
She attempted to quit smoking twice, once when she was pregnant with Trunks, although she didn't completely quit then, and later, when pregnant with Bra, she finally stopped entirely.
It is unknown whether it was because of Whis's help that she succeeded at that time.
With the relationship between Bulma and the angel Whis in the ultra-era, quitting smoking, a minor issue for an almost omnipotent angel, should not be a problem.
Following Bulma's movements, Lin Chuan noticed Bulma picking up a pack of cigarettes from the table, which surprised him a bit. He didn't expect Bulma to be smoking heavily at this time.
Looking at the ashtray full of cigarette butts on the table, Lin Chuan confirmed that Bulma's smoking habit was significant.
Not to say he disliked it, but it certainly wasn't good for Bulma.
While it could be stimulating and relaxing, a big smoking habit has more cons than pros.
Instinctively, Lin Chuan grabbed the pack of cigarettes and immediately crumpled it up, surprising Bulma.
Just when she was about to relax with a cigarette after completing the final step, what was this?
"You, such a beautiful woman, shouldn't be smoking like an old chimney," Lin Chuan said.
"It's better if you touch these less in the future. There are many ways to invigorate and relax, and smoking is the least advisable."
"Someone as smart as you should understand this."
After speaking, Lin Chuan threw the crumpled pack of cigarettes into the trash can.
Hearing this and seeing his actions, Bulma was almost breathless with anger:
"You're not my boyfriend. Why are you meddling so much?"
Her facial expression might as well have spelled out: "Mind your own business."
Just about to explode, Dr. Brief intervened with a few words, quelling Bulma's anger.
Essentially, he pointed out that as his daughter, Bulma was top-notch both in brains and looks.
However, as an adult, she had picked up some bad habits, which were increasing.
He also made a piercing comment that, apart from squandering her youth on Yamcha, she had not achieved much and had taken to smoking and drinking to soothe her sorrows, which only worsened her addiction.
In the past, Dr. Brief had ignored Bulma's behavior, unconcerned.
After all, his daughter was grown up and didn't need excessive worry.
Lin Chuan's arrival seemed to have changed many things, prompting Dr. Brief to help his daughter make some changes.
Yamcha was gone, so what?
The past would always pass, and a new future would always come.
Lin Chuan seemed far superior.
He also felt his daughter might have feelings for Lin Chuan; otherwise, why would she let him stay at her house, seeing him day in and day out?
Key to that was her agreement to help repair and build the spaceship and incidentally take on the construction of the gravity training room...
Even though he knew his daughter aspired to reach greater heights in scientific research, she wanted to help Lin Chuan.
...
Bulma wouldn't know that her father had completely misunderstood her.
Although she was quite pleased with Lin Chuan's appearance and strength, she couldn't easily switch affections.
Especially since her last relationship with Yamcha had ended so abruptly, and they hadn't fully clarified things.
Even if she liked Lin Chuan a lot, she wouldn't make the first move.