Zhao "Zero" Qiming's Questionnaire

I call Shanghai home, a city vibrant with energy and opportunities. It's a place where old traditions meet future technologies, making it perfect for my passion for robotics. My loft apartment, nestled high in a sleek skyscraper, offers stunning city views. I love it here because it gives me the right space to work on my projects and enjoy the excitement of city life.

I’m also fortunate to be close to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, renowned for its competitive robotics curriculum. Studying there allows me to delve deeper into my interests while staying connected to cutting-edge advancements in the field. My apartment’s location offers convenient access to the university, making it easy to balance academics with my other pursuits.

Being close to both my family and my educational institution is important to me, providing both the buzz I crave and the connections I value. My apartment is a modern haven amid the city's bustle, a place where everything feels just right, blending work, study, and life seamlessly.

Financially, I'm quite fortunate. My family is wealthy, which provides me with the independence to focus on what truly matters to me without worrying about income. I don’t need to work for money, but I’m passionate and driven, dedicating my time to advancing my robotics projects and deepening my studies. I’m enthusiastic and excited about pursuing my own ambitions, so I pour myself into these ventures wholeheartedly.

Most of my spending goes toward furthering my projects, acquiring state-of-the-art components, and keeping my workspace at the cutting edge. While I may not always realize it, this lifestyle allows me a lot of freedom—sometimes making me a bit spoiled, I suppose. But for now, I'm driven by the excitement of what I can create and achieve.

My ambition? It's to become the criminal mecha sage, the unseen monster pulling the strings behind the throne of Chinese criminal society. I'm not after the spotlight - that's my oldest brother's role. My goal is to be the beast in the shadows, the one who truly controls everything.

How far would I go? I'd risk my life without hesitation. This isn't just about personal gain; it's about securing my family's position and safety. I want to study and manipulate the Chinese underworld, delivering it into my oldest brother's hands. In my ideal world, he becomes the Shadow Emperor of China, while I remain the hidden power behind it all.

Would I kill for it? If it comes to that, yes. In this world, sometimes you have to make hard choices. My family's protection and our rise to power are worth more than any single life that stands in our way. I don't seek violence, but I won't shy away from it if necessary.

How close to death would I come? As close as it takes. This path I've chosen isn't for the faint-hearted. Every day could be my last, but that's the price of the power and influence I'm after. I'm not just willing to come close to death - I'm ready to dance with it if that's what it takes to achieve my goals and secure my family's future.

In the end, it's all about setting things as they should be: my oldest brother as the visible leader, my middle brother safe as the family doctor, and me as the beast behind the king. That's an ambition worth any risk.

The most defining event of my life? It was the day I decided I didn't want any part of this criminal mastermind bullshit. Sounds ironic now, doesn't it? But it changed everything.

I remember sitting in our family's compound, surrounded by all the trappings of power and wealth, and feeling suffocated. The expectations, the constant paranoia - it was all too much. I realized I wanted out, at least as far as the posturing goes. So, I made a decision. I would work harder than anyone else, push myself to the limits and use my skills and intelligence for myself. I thought if I could just become successful enough, powerful enough in my own right, I could break away and live life on my terms.

But here's the kicker - I realized that to truly be free, I needed to conquer the whole damn system. Not for myself, but to hand it over to someone else. My oldest brother seemed the perfect candidate. By putting him on the throne, I could ensure my family's safety and position without having to be directly involved.

This decision changed me. It gave me a purpose beyond just escaping. It made me more calculated, more driven. I started seeing every interaction, every project, every late night in the lab as a step towards this ultimate goal. It's a long game I'm playing. Conquer the world just to give it away? Sounds crazy, right? But it's the only way I can see to do what I actually want - tinker with my robots, drive fast cars, enjoy life - without constantly looking over my shoulder or being pulled back into a world I don't want to be part of.

So yeah, that was the day that defined me. The day I decided to become the most powerful person in the room, just so I could walk out of it.

* Zhao Jian (赵剑) - My oldest brother:

Jian's the smooth operator of the family. At 30, he's got this way of walking into a room like he owns it, all 6'1" of him oozing confidence. Always in these sharp suits, hair perfect - it's almost annoying how put-together he looks. But when it's just us, he'll loosen that tie and we'll knock back a few.

Sure, he's a snake in business, lying through his teeth with that disarming smile. But with me? He's straight up. Taught me to play cards, ride a bike, all that big brother stuff. He's got this thing where he fiddles with his cufflinks when he's plotting something. I've learned to watch for that.

* Zhao Wei (赵伟) - My middle brother:

Wei's the quiet one, 26 and still buried in medical books. He's not much for talking, especially in crowds, but his brain's always working. Shorter than me and Jian, kind of scrawny, with these round glasses he's always pushing up.

Back in school, I had to be his voice more often than not. Kid's brilliant but about as socially graceful as a robot - ironic, given my hobbies. Still, we were thick as thieves growing up. These days, he's the one I go to when I need someone to see through the bullshit and give it to me straight.

* Zhao Yelena (叶莲娜·赵) - Our mother:

Mom's something else. This Sino-Russian force of nature in her early 50s, still turning heads with those green eyes of hers. Used to be a pianist, and she's still got that grace, even when she's just puttering around the kitchen.

She's the one who kept us brothers from killing each other growing up. Has this weird sense of humor - dark as hell sometimes, but it's always a trip. Her cooking's insane, this mix of Chinese and Russian that shouldn't work but does.

Mom's the reason we brothers stick together. She saw through Dad's tough-guy act and made sure we did too. When she laughs, really laughs, it's like... I don't know, like seeing what we could've been in another life. Not that I'd trade this one, mind you.

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling of my loft, my mind wanders to the past. Funny how a brush with the supernatural makes you reflect on the ordinary — or what passed for ordinary in the Zhao household.

Growing up as the youngest of three boys under the watchful eye of the infamous Zhao Hongwei. Our father was... complicated. Dad always seemed to be carrying the weight of his criminal empire on his shoulders. He wasn't cruel, but affection wasn't his strong suit either. It was like he was perpetually stuck between wanting to show love and believing that would make us soft. So instead, we got stern looks and occasional nods of approval. Mom was our saving grace, blend of warmth and wit kept us sane. I can still hear her playing the piano late at night, the melodies drifting through our home like a lullaby for a house that never truly slept. Her and dad loved each other alright I'm way luckier than most in that regard.

School was... well, it was school. I fit in well enough on the surface—smart kid, good at sports, always with the latest tech. But there was always this undercurrent of difference. The other kids, they were worried about homework and crushes. Me? I was learning to hack security systems and dodge questions about the family business. Jian and Wei, my brothers, they were my world. Jian, with his smooth charm and life lessons disguised as card games. Wei, the genius introvert I'd protect from bullies, only to have him patch me up after my first "job" for Dad. We were a unit, bound by blood, secrets, and the unspoken understanding that our childhood was anything but normal.

I was happy, I think. At least, I was content. Family dinners where Mom's fusion cooking would make us forget about the tension in Dad's shoulders. Weekends spent tinkering with robots while my brothers argued over books or girls. It felt... safe. Ironic, given our family's line of work. But then came the gradual pull into the family business. Dad's expectations looming larger with each passing year. The first time I saw real violence, the first time I had to be the one inflicting it—those moments changed me. The happy-go-lucky kid started to fade, replaced by someone harder, more calculating.

Now, lying here in my high-tech sanctuary, I wonder: was it a happy childhood? Maybe not by normal standards. But it was mine. It made me who I am—for better or worse. And as I gear up to dive deeper into this new world of supernatural danger and criminal intrigue, I find myself oddly grateful for it all. After all, who else could navigate this bizarre new reality better than a tech-savvy triad heir with a complicated past and a hunger for more?

Tomorrow, I'll start planning my next move. But for tonight, I think I'll call Mom. Maybe she'll play something on the piano over the phone, just like old times.

Love? Ha! Just thinking about it makes me snort. Guess I should write this down, might be amusing to look back on someday.

Love is for suckers. Plain and simple. Yeah, I've seen it work—Mom and Dad are living proof that even in our world, love can survive. But me? Nah, I'll pass.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not some robot (despite my affinity for building them). I've had my share of... let's call them "encounters." One-night stands, brief flings—enough to scratch the itch without the messy strings attached. But love? That's a complication I don't need.

Maybe it's because I see too much. This "gift" of perception I've got, it's both a blessing and a curse. I notice things others miss, see through the facades people put up. And let me tell you, what's underneath is usually pretty damn dull. The world out there? It's a yawn fest most of the time. People going about their mundane lives, worried about their mundane problems. But then you get a taste of something different—like that freaky apartment in New York—and suddenly, everything else pales in comparison.

That's where the real excitement is. The thrill of unraveling mysteries, of pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Why waste time on candlelit dinners and sappy movies when I could be elbow-deep in circuitry, creating the next breakthrough in mecha tech? Or hell, planning the next big score. The adrenaline rush of a well-executed heist? That's my kind of romance.

Sure, maybe someday I'll eat my words. Maybe I'll meet someone who isn't just another face in the crowd, someone who can keep up with this brain of mine and doesn't bore me to tears. But for now? I'm happy with my soldering iron and my string of nameless bedmates. Besides, love is a vulnerability. In this game—especially now that I've seen what's really out there—I can't afford vulnerabilities. I've got bigger fish to fry. Supernatural phenomena to explore, power to amass, a criminal empire to build.

So yeah, no love for Zero. At least not for now. The only relationship I'm interested in is the one between me and the next big score. Everything else is just noise.

Bureaucracy. Not the kind with paperwork and official stamps—though that's bad too—but the kind that exists in the underworld. The endless, performative rituals of power. The meetings where everyone already knows the outcome but still drag it out for hours to feel important. The forced loyalty, the false smiles, the constant jockeying for position. It's exhausting.

It’s not the violence or the crime that bothers me. It’s the waste—of time, of potential, of freedom. If you're going to be a criminal, at least be efficient about it. But no, instead, we have to sit through twelve-course banquets where everyone speaks in riddles, pretend like we don’t all know who’s going to betray who, and tiptoe around fragile egos. It’s all so... tedious.

I fear being trapped in that cycle. A lifetime of empty gestures, of obligations that lead nowhere, of power for power’s sake. If I’m going to build something, it has to mean something. It has to do something. I won’t be another pawn in a game where the only victory is staying on the board.

That’s why I work from the shadows. The back-office, the real engine of the operation—that’s where I belong. I make sure the right pieces move, that problems get handled before they explode into some public spectacle. Jian is the face and the rightful heir to this debacle. He’s got the charm, the presence, the ability to turn enemies into allies with a conversation over dinner and I want him to do it. Wei is finishing his studies to become a doctor and I fear he might be dragged into this mess - so there's also that fear. Me? I'll make sure neither of them ever has to get their hands dirty.

I may not love the life we were born into, but I love my family. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. Just… preferably from a position where I don’t have to pretend to enjoy small talk with arrogant old men.

Oh, and falling for a woman who’s going to ruin my life. That’s up there too.

Not a thing—a place.

There’s an old, shut-down garage on Wu Shiang Street. Looks like a dump from the outside. Rusted doors, cracked pavement, the kind of place people cross the street to avoid. But inside? State-of-the-art. My robotics lab. Every piece of equipment I could ever need, every tool I could ever want, all tucked away behind a façade that keeps the curious out, not to mention an overpriced, but really dialed in espresso setup.

It’s more than just a workshop, though. The building it’s connected to serves as a family lookout and a back-alley clinic for whatever midnight wounds or maladies need patching up. It’s not glamorous, not like the high-rises or the polished fronts the others prefer. But Jian knew I’d love it, and he was right.

It’s quiet. It’s mine. And most importantly, it’s the one place where I can focus without the weight of the world clawing at my shoulders.

The biggest problem in my life right now? It's the crushing realization that I'm a nobody in a world that's infinitely larger and more fucked up than I ever imagined. Yeah, I know, real existential crisis material.

See, these contracts have been a real eye-opener. I used to think my family was hot shit, you know? Big bad triads, rulers of the criminal underworld. What a joke. Turns out, we're not even a blip on the radar of the true powers that be.

It's like I've been living in a fishbowl, thinking it was the ocean. Now I've seen the real ocean, and it's filled with creatures that would make Lovecraft piss his pants. The well is deep, alright, and it's teeming with powers that make our family's influence look like a kid's lemonade stand.

Every contract peels back another layer of this twisted reality, showing me just how small and insignificant I really am. It's humbling, and frankly, it's terrifying. Because here's the kicker - I still want that throne. I still want to change things. But now I know just how monumental that task really is.

So yeah, my biggest problem is that I need to level up, and fast. I need to get stronger, smarter, more connected. Because time isn't on my side and in this game you either evolve or you become another footnote in someone else's story. And I'll be damned if I let that happen. I've got big dreams, sure. But now I know they're not just big - they're practically impossible. Yet here I am, still chasing them, because what's the alternative? So I'll keep pushing, keep learning, keep growing. Because in this world of monsters and madmen, standing still is the same as dying. And I've got too much to do to die just yet.

Time to step up my game. The clock's ticking and it ticks faster for guys like me. Young delinquents with big dreams? We're a dime a dozen. But I'm aiming to be the one in a million that actually makes it.

Biggest problem? I'm nobody. But I'm working on that. Watch this space.

A typical morning? As a contractor? that's almost an oxymoron. But I'll humor you.

I kick off at dawn, because in this city, if you're not ahead, you're dead. Light breakfast - usually a protein shake and some fruit. Next up, workout. An hour of high-intensity training. Gotta keep the body sharp when the mind's always racing. Plus, you never know when you'll need to outrun a demon or two. Post-workout, I catch up on the news. And I mean all the news - from the mundane stock reports to the latest supernatural viral sensations. Knowledge is power, especially when reality decides to take a vacation every other Tuesday. Then comes the most crucial part of my morning: the cleansing ritual. Look, when you've got as many piercings as I do, hygiene isn't just important, it's a goddamn art form. I hit the shower then go through a meticulous routine of cleaning each piercing, doing skin care, freshning the fade in the hair, the works. Call it vanity if you want, but in my world, looking sharp isn't just about style - it's about respect.

Choosing the day's armor comes next. And yeah, armor because your clothes are often your first line of defense. Today it might be my favorite leather jacket, tomorrow a tailored suit for a family "meeting." Style isn't just about looking good - it's about being prepared for whatever the city throws at you. Once I'm dressed and ready, I'm out the door, headed to the university. Full course load.

Afternoons are for family business. If I'm lucky, it's just paperwork. If I'm really lucky, it's "educating" some deadbeat who thought they could skip out on their debts. There's a certain satisfaction in reminding people why they shouldn't cross us. Evenings belong to the lab. This is where the magic happens - where I push the boundaries of what's possible with robotics. And lately, it's where I've been exploring this new... ability. Source powers, they call it. Still figuring out how to channel it, how to bend it to my will. It's frustrating, exhilarating, and terrifying all at once.

By the time I crash into bed, I'm exhausted. But my mind's still racing, planning for tomorrow.

If I were going somewhere special that I wanted to look my best for, I'd approach it with the same precision I apply to my robotics projects. Mistakes in preparation cost money now, blood later - that's a lesson I've learned well in both tech and the underworld. I'd start by allocating at least 2-3 hours for preparation. Every detail matters when you're playing in the big leagues, whether it's a high-stakes meeting or a night out with my brothers.

First, a hot shower with top-tier grooming products. Then, I'd meticulously style my hair, ensure a clean shave or perfectly groomed facial hair, and apply a subtle, expensive cologne. My outfit would depend on the occasion, but it would always be impeccable. For a night out with my brothers, I'd go bold and colorful - designer jeans, a high-end graphic tee layered under a tailored blazer, and limited-edition sneakers. For triad business, I'd opt for a traditional, respectful look - a perfectly tailored suit in dark colors, with subtle nods to our affiliations in the accessories.

For my shadow work, where my true ambitions lie, I'd dress in midnight hues and technical fabrics. Think sleek, black, and fully functional - clothes that blend into the darkness but are packed with hidden tech. No matter the style, I'd ensure every piece is top quality and fits perfectly. In my world, appearance is another form of power, and I wield it as precisely as I do my tech.

I've got a mix of family time and letting loose planned. It's all about balance, you know?

First up, lunch with Mother at the family complex. Despite my complicated feelings about the place, I can't deny the warmth I feel when I'm with her. She's always been my anchor, even in the storm of our family's... unconventional lifestyle. I'll make sure to clear my schedule for a long, leisurely meal. Maybe I'll even bring her some of those exotic teas she loves - it's the little things that make her eyes light up.

Come nightfall, it's time to hit the town with my brothers. We'll probably start at one of those high-end clubs where the music thrums through your bones and the drinks flow freely. It's a rare chance for us to let our guards down a bit, though never completely. In our world, you can't afford to go too crazy - that's how you end up dead.

As the night winds down, I might seek out some company. Nothing serious, just a fleeting connection to cap off the night. It's not often I allow myself these indulgences, but birthdays are special, right?

Throughout it all, I'll keep one eye on my phone. With contracts ever looming, you can't ever fully disconnect. But for one day, I'll try to find that sweet spot between celebration and caution. After all, in this life, you've got to seize the moments of joy when you can.