Chapter 365: Fate (Five-in-One)

Several days ago.

Edge of Guangying Star Sea, Keterdori Asteroid Field.

A silver streak of light, moving at extreme speed, passed through the floating asteroids, entering deep into the asteroid field, flying towards a giant asteroid over a thousand kilometers in diameter.

At that moment, the uneven surface of the giant asteroid suddenly split open, revealing a passage.

Whoosh!

The silver streak of light rapidly rushed inside.

Inside the Sanctuary Base.

On the silver metal ground, towering precision equipment stood, their indicator lights of various colors constantly flickering.

Numerous personnel in white military uniforms, with a sacred emblem branded on their chests, were working and discussing in an orderly manner.

Just then, the distant entrance suddenly opened.

The bullet-shaped Silver Executor scraped against the ground as it burst out, sparks flying everywhere.

Many personnel on site were stunned by this sight.

At this point, the Silver Executor split open, disengaging from its bullet-shaped form, and crawled up from the ground, its pierced chest clearly exposed, internal circuits constantly sparking.

“Oh my God!”

“How could Lord Aiersen be so gravely injured?”

At this moment, the Silver Executor struggled to get up and walked towards a giant metal cylindrical device ahead.

On the other side of that giant metal cylindrical device, a transparent biological tank was embedded, and inside the tank, a handsome young man with golden hair, a well-proportioned body, and closed eyes was submerged.

“Move out of the way!”

Just then, an old man with a white beard, loose skin, and wearing a research suit, shouted sternly.

Everyone scattered.

The Silver Executor staggered to the back of the metal cylinder, its back directly leaning against and adhering to the metal cylinder.

Click!

The metal cylinder exposed dense honeycomb-like holes, and white lines extended out, piercing into the Silver Executor’s back.

Instantly, inside the biological tank, the sleeping golden-haired youth showed an expression of extreme pain, his entire body convulsing non-stop, and the green life-sustaining fluid also churned wildly.

Immediately, a piercing alarm sounded.

At this moment, the old man in the research suit shouted anxiously.

“Quick, save him!!”

Doctors rushed forward one by one.

They frantically removed the golden-haired youth from the biological tank, took out a syringe, and injected it into his neck.

At this moment, a woman in a white military uniform with long blue hair, azure eyes, skin like snow, and exquisite beauty, and a robust man with explosive muscles all over his body and handsome features, rushed over.

Looking at the dying golden-haired youth, they cried out anxiously.

“Aiersen, wake up.”

“You absolutely cannot have anything happen to you!”

At this time, a group of medical personnel pushed over a life-sustaining pod.

The doctor who was performing the rescue quickly lifted Aiersen into the life-sustaining pod and then activated the equipment.

On the display screen of the life-sustaining pod, red warning boxes immediately popped up one by one.

“Warning: XCS-02 mental value abnormal.”

“Warning: Cell activity decreasing.”

“Lord Dodico, this is bad, General Aiersen’s life values cannot be maintained.”

The doctors present said to the old man in horror.

“Then what are you still standing there for? Hurry and send him for emergency treatment! If he dies, I’ll hold you accountable!”

Dodico roared in fury.

“Yes!”

Everyone pushed the life-sustaining device and headed to the emergency room.

After everyone had sent Aiersen into the emergency room, the blue-haired girl, with reddened eyes, asked Dodico.

“Lord Dodico, how did Aiersen end up like this?”

“Wendy, the Divine Weapon’s cockpit was penetrated, causing severe damage to Aiersen’s uploaded mind. It’s a miracle he’s alive. This is all thanks to the new mental upload technology, Gaia. If it were under normal circumstances, with the cockpit penetrated, Aiersen would have died long ago, let alone escaped.”

Dodico explained in a deep voice.

Wendy’s face showed a very sad expression after hearing Dodico’s words.

—

Guangying Star Sea.

Su Ming controlled Slaughter Blade to fly towards the Federation’s planetary fortress, while also sending an entry application to the command center.

Soon, a feedback message popped up on the virtual operation screen.

“Dear Vice General Su Ming, your entry application has been approved. Please enter through VIP01 entrance. We will provide you with virtual guidance.”

Upon seeing the feedback message, Su Ming controlled his mecha and proceeded according to the virtual guidance.

At this time, in the outer area of the planetary fortress, dense ships and mechas were orderly lining up in long queues, waiting for inspection and entry.

In the public communication channel, constant complaints could be heard.

“What the hell is the Federation doing? Their efficiency is so slow. I just need to go in for something, and I’ve been queuing for half a day.”

“Exactly, and they’re not even willing to open a few more entrances.”

Just as everyone was complaining, Su Ming controlled Slaughter Blade and flew past the long queue, unimpeded all the way.

“Wow, what an advanced Four-Generation Mecha!”

“Which important person is this, who doesn’t even need to queue?”

“I’m so envious, I really want to go through the VIP entrance too!”

“Go ahead and follow. When you’ve entered, see if the Federation won’t deal with you, they’ll arrest you in minutes.”

“Can’t I just talk big for a moment?”

At this moment, Su Ming controlled Slaughter Blade and flew directly into the VIP01 entrance.

A moment later, Su Ming, controlling his mecha, followed the navigation guidance and landed in the underground military exclusive hangar of the Interstellar Airport.

After parking his mecha, he picked up his suitcase, opened the cockpit, floated down, and landed steadily.

Su Ming turned his head to look around, only to see various models of mechas parked all around.

Just then, a woman in a Staff Sergeant’s military uniform walked up, saluted Su Ming, and said.

“Officer, I am Staff Sergeant Liang Han, specifically in charge of this area. How may I assist you?”

“Help me notify the military maintenance personnel and have them fix my mecha.”

Su Ming did not stand on ceremony and directly instructed Liang Han.

“Yes.”

Liang Han replied respectfully.

“Oh, by the way, I’d like to ask, where do I report for advanced studies?”

Su Ming then asked.

Liang Han was also surprised to hear Su Ming’s words. Officers who came here for advanced studies were generally quite old. She hadn’t expected Su Ming, so young, to also be here for advanced studies, and quickly replied.

“Officer, I’m not entirely sure about that. But there’s an officer lying on that bench over there, who seems to be specifically for reception. You can go ask him.”

“Thank you.”

After hearing Liang Han’s words, Su Ming walked towards the distance.

Not long after, he saw a young man in a Second Lieutenant’s military uniform, wearing glasses, and looking refined, lying on a metal bench ahead.

Su Ming walked to the man and stopped, looking down at him.

The young man, who was drowsily on the verge of falling asleep, was startled when he saw Su Ming. He quickly got up from the lounge chair and said somewhat nervously.

“Hello, I am Second Lieutenant Camoti, may I help you?”

“I’m here for advanced studies.”

Su Ming replied calmly.

“You are General Su Ming?”

Camoti adjusted his glasses, carefully looked at Su Ming, and the more he looked, the more he resembled the general he was supposed to receive, so he immediately asked nervously.

“Mm.”

“My apologies, General, I’ve been waiting for you here for many days, but you never arrived.”

“It’s fine, you’ve worked hard. Where do I need to report?”

“It’s no trouble at all. You need to report to the Federal Cosmic Army Headquarters. I’ll take you there.”

“Okay!”

Su Ming then followed Camoti.

Soon, Camoti led Su Ming to a parking space where a military off-road vehicle was parked.

“Officer, please!”

Camoti quickly opened the passenger door.

Su Ming did not stand on ceremony and directly got in.

Camoti closed the car door, quickly got in, then started the vehicle and drove out.

At dusk.

A military off-road vehicle drove out from the underground express lane.

Su Ming looked out the car window into the distance, and a colossal base city came into view.

Within the city, steel skyscrapers stood tall, countless aerial tracks crisscrossed the sky, and various holographic advertisements were projected in the empty spaces.

In the sky, an artificial sun emitted a soft glow, and the afterglow of the sunset illuminated the entire city.

“Where is the Federal Cosmic Army Headquarters?”

“It’s right in the center of the base city.”

Camoti quickly said.

Su Ming looked into the distance and saw a thousand-meter-tall, inverted pointed metal cube building standing in the very center of the base city. The entire building was very striking.

“So that’s the Federal Cosmic Army Headquarters! Quite unique.”

Su Ming showed a hint of surprise.

“That’s right. It’s the largest external command center of the Federal Government. The supplies and personnel transfers for the Three Great Forbidden Zones are all decided here.”

Camoti introduced to Su Ming.

“Mm.”

Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Soon after, Camoti and Su Ming arrived at the entrance of the headquarters building.

Camoti led Su Ming inside, and military officers, one after another, walked out with serious expressions.

“Good day, Officer!”

Camoti kept saluting and greeting.

Some of those officers nodded slightly in response, while others completely ignored Second Lieutenant Camoti.

Su Ming noticed that the ranks of these officers were not low; the lowest was a Captain. It truly lived up to being the headquarters.

However, Su Ming didn’t pay too much attention.

Soon, they entered the headquarters lobby. The entire lobby floor was paved with black mechanical square tiles, each tile polished so brightly that it could be used as a mirror.

Within the spacious lobby, there were no luxurious decorations, only solemn bronze statues, all of which were heroes of the military.

“This way!”

Camoti led Su Ming towards the nearby elevator.

At this moment, in a simple office.

Several young women in Second Lieutenant’s military uniforms, with beautiful appearances, were eating wedding candies and chatting cheerfully.

“I can’t believe that girl Xiaoqiao actually got together with Officer Sali.”

“Yeah, I really didn’t expect it. I’m so envious!”

“There’s nothing to envy. There are still many single, high-quality officers at headquarters.”

“That’s right, like General Tigerdo. He’s handsome, manly, and young and rich.”

“You’re quite the dreamer, but you should give up on that idea. General Tigerdo only has Lin Chuyu in his eyes.”

“Speaking of which, I don’t understand why Lin Chuyu doesn’t like General Tigerdo, who has everything. If it were me, I would have thrown myself at him already.”

“Hehe, you still want to throw yourself at him? He probably wouldn’t even want you. You don’t even see how many people are pursuing Lin Chuyu.”

“Oh, come on, when did people stop being allowed to even daydream? But speaking of which, is that person named Su Ming really Lin Chuyu’s boyfriend?”

“He should be, right.”

“I’m a bit curious what that Su Ming looks like, to be able to win over Lin Chuyu.”

“What else? He must be a childhood sweetheart, grew up together, good-looking, knows how to talk, and then he got her.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

Just then, the half-open office door was pushed open.

Camoti led Su Ming in, and the female military officer in charge of handling business was also startled. She hadn’t expected someone to come just as they were about to get off work, so she quickly stopped chatting and sat properly.

“Zhao Rong, help the General register for the advanced studies report form.”

Camoti said to the leading female military officer.

Zhao Rong was also surprised to hear Camoti’s words. She hadn’t expected the person who came in to be a General, and quickly took out a form and said.

“General, please fill this out.”

“Okay.”

Su Ming picked up a pen and began to fill in his information on the form.

Soon, Su Ming finished writing his information and handed the form to Zhao Rong.

“Is that all?”

Zhao Rong took the form and glanced at it. When she saw Su Ming’s name, she said in astonishment.

“Su Ming?”

“Yes, what’s wrong?”

Su Ming looked at Zhao Rong in confusion.

“Nothing, the procedures are fine.”

Zhao Rong immediately snapped back to reality and quickly said, “Thank you.”

Su Ming turned and left the office, with Carmody quickly following him.

At this moment, Su Ming heard a very soft whisper from behind him.

“That General is named Su Ming?”

“No way, Su Ming?”

After leaving the office, Su Ming’s brows furrowed even more. Could his reputation have spread here so quickly, to the point where even ordinary officers recognized him?

That’s not right. The Thirteenth Corps is still in a confidential stage; it couldn’t have spread here so fast!

The more Su Ming thought about it, the more he felt something was off, so he asked Carmody.

“Carmody, why did those female officers who registered my form react so strongly to my name?”

“General, you’re talking about that? I know what happened.”

“Tell me about it.”

“You know that in our military, while the proportion of women isn’t small, there aren’t many beautiful ones. However, last year, three very beautiful female officers were transferred here, and one of them is named Lin Chuyu.”

Carmody grew more excited as he spoke.

“Lin Chuyu?”

Su Ming was also surprised.

“Yes, she’s very beautiful, and her personality is cool and aloof. She never gossips about others. Many people at the Headquarters are pursuing her, especially General Tigerdo, who is practically obsessed! That time, to confess his feelings to Lin Chuyu, he mobilized twelve Fourth Generation Mecha to assist him and even publicly expressed his love in the Headquarters group chat! That scene caused a sensation throughout the entire Headquarters.”

“And then?”

“And then General Tigerdo was mercilessly rejected. Later, it was rumored that Lin Chuyu had a boyfriend, and his boyfriend’s name was Su Ming! So, this name became very famous here; almost everyone knows it.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is.”

Hearing this, Su Ming couldn’t help but chuckle.

He hadn’t expected to become Lin Chuyu’s boyfriend, and to become famous because of it.

However, Su Ming could roughly tell that Lin Chuyu must have been desperate to use him as a shield.

Of course, Su Ming didn’t care too much about these things; they were all friends.

And speaking of which, so far, he had met so many girls, but it seemed none had particularly moved his heart. However, his impression of Lin Chuyu was the best, and he wondered if it was influenced by his original body.

“Actually, Officer, I was also surprised when I first saw your name, but I thought you two might just happen to have the same name. After all, how could that Su Ming be a General? His age should be similar to Lin Chuyu’s; at most, he’d be a Major.”

The more Carmody spoke, the more he felt something was wrong, and he stopped abruptly, looking bewildered.

“What’s wrong?”

Su Ming looked at Carmody with a smile.

Carmody looked up and carefully examined Su Ming, realizing that Su Ming was also very young, and swallowed hard.

“General, which school are you from?”

“Royal Court Academy.”

“Ah? You couldn’t be?”

“The Su Ming you’re talking about is me.”

Su Ming said to Carmody with a smile.

Carmody’s mouth instantly dropped open, unable to utter a single word.

“No need to be so nervous.”

Su Ming said to Carmody with a smile.

“I’m sorry! General, I shouldn’t have gossiped about you.”

Carmody’s forehead was covered in fine sweat.

“It’s a minor matter. By the way, now that I’ve reported, when does the official advanced training begin?”

“There are still two months. If it’s not brought forward, you are free to do as you please during this time.”

“Alright.”

“Officer, shall I take you to your quarters now?”

“No need. Just send my luggage to my quarters and text me the address. I still have something to do.”

Su Ming mused for a moment before speaking.

“Alright.”

Carmody immediately responded respectfully.

After giving his instructions, Su Ming walked out alone.

He raised his wristband, tapped it a few times, and called Su Yuan.

Since he still had so much time, he decided to contact Su Yuan first and then go find him.

Beep beep!

A few seconds later, Su Yuan’s voice came from the wristband.

“Su Ming? You’re here?”

“Mm.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m at the Federal Government Headquarters.”

“You’ve come at a great time; we can have a welcome dinner for you. Take the Star Rail to the World’s Eye. I’ll send you the address. I’ll introduce you to my buddies, and we can all have a good time!”

“Alright.”

Su Ming said indifferently.

“We’ll wait for you!”

Su Yuan hung up the communication after speaking.

Su Ming walked straight out with his hands in his pockets.

Federal Cosmic Army Headquarters · Special Operations Training Hangar.

A red scale, a Fourth Generation Biological Mecha, standing over forty meters tall, covered entirely in red armor, with a humanoid body, a mouth revealing rows of terrifying sharp teeth, a super-alloy claw embedded in its left hand, and a super-alloy blade in its right hand, with critical joints restrained by dark red rings and two pairs of mechanical wings embedded in its back, walked directly to its designated parking bay.

Click!

One by one, fixing devices locked onto the mecha’s body.

At this moment, the cockpit of the Fourth Generation Biological Mecha, red scale, opened, and Lin Chuyu, dressed in a white form-fitting combat suit, slowly floated down and landed gracefully.

The eyes of the surrounding team members who had finished their training all fell on Lin Chuyu.

Lin Chuyu ignored everyone’s gazes and walked straight towards the changing room.

At this moment, a man in a tight-fitting combat suit, with distinct facial features, red eyes, and a cheerful personality, walked over and enthusiastically invited her.

“Chu Yu, everyone’s planning to have dinner together tonight. Will you come too?”

“No, Senior, maybe next time.”

Lin Chuyu replied with a slight shake of her head.

“Alright, that’s a shame.”

Falute sighed in response when Lin Chuyu refused.

Lin Chuyu arrived at the changing room. She took off her form-fitting training suit and changed into a white sweater and casual pants, letting her white hair fall over her shoulders. She put on her in-ear headphones, tapped her wristband, and left while listening to music.

On the cold metal corridor, Lin Chuyu walked out alone.

Along the way, officers stopped and turned to look at her, whispering.

“Isn’t that Lin Chuyu?”

“Don’t look, she rarely talks to people.”

“Sigh, what a pity.”

Lin Chuyu listened to the gentle music, completely ignoring all the strange looks and sounds.

At this moment, her wristband vibrated, and a message popped up.

“I’m waiting for you at World’s Eye · Maple Street.”

Lin Chuyu glanced at it and continued walking forward.

Outside the Federal Government Headquarters building.

Su Ming walked towards the nearby Star Rail station. The most convenient way to get to the World’s Eye from here was to take the Star Rail, crossing the metal bridge.

If he were to travel through space, he would need to re-enter and go through review, which was very cumbersome.

Fortunately, the Star Rail station was very close to the Headquarters.

Su Ming walked for more than ten minutes before arriving at the entrance.

A dense crowd of people orderly passed through the security gates and entered the station. Su Ming quietly followed behind the crowd.

Soon, he entered the Star Rail station, where a pleasant broadcast continuously repeated:

“Dear passengers, due to the large flow of people at the Star Rail station, please follow the order, do not push or shove, to avoid accidents. Star Rail trains to the World’s Eye depart every ten minutes.”

Su Ming looked around and silently walked further inside.

On the Star Rail platform.

Su Ming stood quietly with his hands in his pockets, waiting for the train to arrive.

The surrounding passengers were chatting and laughing about various topics.

“I heard that a new virtual life experience hall opened in the World’s Eye, and it has very high ratings.”

“Is the price expensive?”

“The price is quite expensive, indeed.”

At this moment, a Star Rail train, with an arrow-shaped front and colored light strips embedded on both sides of its body, sped over and then stopped at the platform.

Beep beep!

Accompanying the alert sound, the train doors opened.

Many passengers hurried onto the train, looking for empty seats.

Su Ming calmly followed behind and boarded the Star Rail train.

Inside the carriage, two rows of seats were located on both sides, with a wide aisle in the middle.

At this time, the seats on both sides of the carriage were already filled with passengers. More and more passengers boarded, and Su Ming couldn’t help but walk forward.

At this moment, a familiar figure came into view, and Su Ming was slightly stunned.

He saw Lin Chuyu walking over with a cool demeanor.

The moment she saw Su Ming, her body trembled slightly, and a ripple appeared in her eyes.

Su Ming chuckled and said, “What a coincidence.”

“Yes, what a coincidence. When did you arrive?”

Lin Chuyu slowly took off her headphones and replied with a gentle smile.

“Not long ago.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

At this moment, the Star Rail train started and moved forward quickly.

The two looked at each other, unsure what to say for a moment.

At this moment, Lin Chuyu mustered her courage and said, “Su Ming, this must be your first time taking the Star Rail, right?”

“Mm.”

“Let’s go to the observation window over there. Soon, the Star Rail will leave the planetary fortress and pass through the Star Bridge. You can see a very beautiful view.”

“Alright!”

Su Ming nodded with a smile.

The two walked together to the observation window, gazing at the scenery outside.

“How have you been lately?”

Su Ming asked with concern.

“Very well. Although life is monotonous, it’s very fulfilling.”

Lin Chuyu nodded in reply.

“That’s good.”

“Su Ming, what brings you to the World’s Eye this time?”

“I’m here for advanced training and study.”

Su Ming replied with a smile.

“How long do you plan to stay?”

Lin Chuyu looked at Su Ming with some anticipation and asked.

“I’m not entirely sure, but I should be staying for quite a while.”

Su Ming thought for a moment and replied.

Lin Chuyu’s eyes revealed a hint of joy upon hearing Su Ming’s words.

At this moment, the Star Rail train sped out of the planetary fortress, and the vast starry sky instantly came into view.

Lin Chuyu then introduced to Su Ming, “We are currently traveling on the Star Bridge. This bridge goes directly to the World’s Eye, and most people traveling back and forth use this Star Bridge, which is very convenient.”

“That’s good.”

Su Ming nodded.

Soon after, the Star Rail train successfully arrived at the World’s Eye.

Su Ming and Lin Chuyu stepped off the train, and the two walked silently side by side towards the exit.

The moment they emerged from the underground exit,

Skyscrapers with a strong sense of technology came into view, and countless flying devices rapidly shuttled between the buildings.

And not far away, one could also see a Star Wall, a thousand meters high and entirely composed of black metal, stretching like a winding giant dragon to the end of the starry sky.

Su Ming’s expression shifted slightly as he gazed at the bustling scenery before him.

At this moment, Lin Chuyu softly asked, “Um, Su Ming, have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

“How about we have dinner together?”

Lin Chuyu looked up at Su Ming and asked, mustering her courage.

“Sounds good! My treat.”

Su Ming said, in a very good mood.

“No, let me treat you. I know a good place.”

Lin Chuyu replied with a sweet smile.

“Alright then, I’ll let you pay.”

Seeing Lin Chuyu say this, Su Ming agreed.

“It’s fine. Let’s go this way.”

Lin Chuyu led Su Ming towards the Star Wall.

“Mm.”

Su Ming nodded slightly.

Soon, the two arrived below the Star Wall and took the elevator up to the top of the Star Wall.

On top of the entire Star Wall was a very spacious sightseeing path. Walking on it, one could admire the bustling city scenery within the World’s Eye, as well as the vast starry sky.

Lin Chuyu walked with Su Ming, introducing things to him along the way.

“Actually, even though the World’s Eye is very prosperous, not all places here are expensive. It’s divided into an inner and outer ring. The outer ring is primarily the living area for staff, and it’s actually quite alright. Of course, it’s still a bit more expensive than the Thirteenth District, as land is extremely valuable here.”

“Mm!”

“The area we are in now is the outer ring. If there’s anything not so good about the outer ring, it’s probably the lack of natural light from a star.”

“I see.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

Just then, Su Ming’s wristband vibrated, and a message popped up. He lowered his head to look at it.

“Brother, where are you?”

“Su Ming, what’s wrong? Do you have something to do?”

Lin Chuyu asked softly.

“Nothing.”

Su Ming shook his head, quietly raised his hand, tapped his wristband a few times, and sent a message back to Su Yuan.

“I still have things to do, you guys have fun!”

At this moment, Lin Chuyu’s wristband also vibrated, and a message popped up.

“Have you arrived?”

Su Ming couldn’t help but look at Lin Chuyu and ask,

“Do you have something to do?”

“No.”

Lin Chuyu directly dismissed the message and quietly sent a simple reply.

The two continued to stroll forward.

Just then, Su Ming’s wristband kept vibrating. He lowered his head to look, only to find that Su Yuan was calling him repeatedly.

At the same time, Lin Chuyu’s wristband also kept popping up messages.

“What happened? Why aren’t you coming suddenly?”

At this moment, the two exchanged glances and smiled wryly.

With great tacit agreement, they both set their wristbands to silent.

Not long after, Lin Chuyu brought Su Ming to the World’s Eye Outer Ring · Breeze Street.

This Breeze Street was different from other areas; the entire street was filled with stalls, and each stall was packed with customers, making it very lively and full of the scent of everyday life.

Lin Chuyu introduced to Su Ming,

“The food here is very good. Although it’s not entirely natural, the quality is excellent.”

“Mm.”

Su Ming looked around, nodded, and replied.

At this point, as they passed a fresh meat soup stall, Lin Chuyu recommended to Su Ming,

“Su Ming, let’s have the fresh meat soup from this place. Their flavor is quite good.”

“Alright!”

Su Ming responded with a smile.

“Boss, give us two bowls of meat soup.”

Lin Chuyu spoke to a bald middle-aged boss.

“No problem.”

The boss readily agreed.

“Su Ming, do you want anything to drink?”

Lin Chuyu then asked.

“No, just some food is fine.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

Just then, the boss came over with two large bowls of meat soup and placed them in front of Su Ming and Lin Chuyu.

Su Ming looked at the meat soup in front of him with a very surprised expression. Not only was the portion generous, but there were even chopped green onions on top.

He picked at the green onions with his chopsticks, only to find that they were real.

Su Ming asked in surprise,

“Chu Yu, this meat soup must be very expensive, right?”

“Not expensive, it’s only about fifty a bowl!”

“That cheap? Is the cost of living here so low?”

“Yes, actually, the cost of living here is very low, and the people here are very wealthy. Their quality of life is even better than in the Federal Government.”

“How did they manage that?”

“It’s like this: Shatak of the Shabask Kingdom is a very powerful figure. Not only does the Federal Government, Dark Star, and Apocalypse have to give him face, but other financial magnates also have to show him some respect. Therefore, the citizens here enjoy the best material conditions! If there’s anything bad to say, it’s the geographical location. The Shabask Kingdom is located behind the Three Great Forbidden Zones and is occasionally attacked by monster tides! However, Shatak is also very extravagant, spending a lot of money to invite four major forces to reside and protect himself.”

“Where does Shatak get so much money?”

“I heard that Shatak has a large amount of rare materials and secrets in his possession, which are highly coveted by various forces.”

“Isn’t that just a fat sheep? How has he survived?”

Su Ming grew more interested. He wouldn’t naively believe that the four major forces were inherently benevolent.

“This is Shatak’s brilliance. He introduced the four major forces to achieve a balance, and as long as the balance isn’t broken, they are safe. And most importantly, the Shabask Kingdom’s technology is also very strong; they have invested massive amounts of money in military equipment.”

Lin Chuyu explained to Su Ming.

“I understand.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, stirring Lin Chuyu’s hair.

She raised her hand to gently smooth her hair, then picked up a spoon, scooped a spoonful of fresh meat soup, and said to Su Ming,

“Hurry and eat, it won’t taste good when it gets cold.”

“Okay!”

Su Ming immediately lowered his head to taste it.

Just then, a hovering luxury car drove over their heads. A young man in the car looked down, saw Su Ming and Lin Chuyu, and excitedly shouted to the passenger seat,

“Brother, look, a beauty!”

“Where?”

“Over at the street stall!”

“Wow, she really is a beauty, but it’s a shame, such a beautiful woman is actually eating at a street stall with someone.”

“I’m so envious!”

Late at night.

Su Ming and Lin Chuyu took the Star Rail train back to the Black Fluorescent Planet Fortress.

The two walked leisurely down the street.

Unconsciously, they arrived at a dormitory building.

Lin Chuyu stopped, gathered her courage, and said to Su Ming,

“I live here now. Do you want to come upstairs for a glass of water?”

“Mm!”

Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Lin Chuyu led Su Ming to the 3rd floor and opened a door.

“Come in.”

“Excuse my intrusion.”

Su Ming followed Lin Chuyu into the room.

This was a room of only twenty-five square meters, with a separate bathroom and kitchen, and the living room and bedroom were connected.

Although the room wasn’t large, it was tidied up by Lin Chuyu to be very cozy, with many dolls on the sofa.

“Make yourself at home, I’ll pour you a glass of water.”

Lin Chuyu walked to the coffee table, poured a glass of water, and handed it to Su Ming.

“Thank you!”

Su Ming reached out, just about to take the water glass.

Just then, Little Gray suddenly darted out of Su Ming’s pocket, excitedly jumping around the room.

“Ah!”

Lin Chuyu was also startled, and the water glass in her hand slipped.

Su Ming, quick as a flash, grabbed the water glass.

Lin Chuyu immediately came to her senses and quickly asked,

“Are you okay? Did it spill on you?”

“I’m fine. Little Gray, come back.”

Su Ming said with a dark expression, shouting at Little Gray.

Little Gray immediately jumped onto Su Ming’s hand, tilting its little head, and looked at Lin Chuyu with its big, adorable eyes.

“Su Ming, is this your pet?”

Lin Chuyu looked at Little Gray and asked with some surprise.

“Yes, its name is Little Gray.”

Su Ming said with a smile, introducing it.

“It looks so cute.”

Lin Chuyu looked at Little Gray and said with great affection.

Just then, Little Gray, seeing Lin Chuyu praise it, directly flapped its wings and flew into Lin Chuyu’s arms.

Lin Chuyu immediately hugged it.

Little Gray immediately started acting cute, constantly rubbing itself against Lin Chuyu.

“So well-behaved.”

Lin Chuyu happily stroked its head.

“As long as you like it.”

Su Ming looked at this scene, also revealing a helpless smile.

Lin Chuyu then sat beside Su Ming, stroking Little Gray’s head, and chatted with Su Ming.

“Su Ming, we haven’t seen each other for more than half a year, have we?”

“Roughly, since that night we had dinner together.”

Su Ming nodded in response.

“Actually, after that night, I went to look for you, but I couldn’t find you. Later, I heard you were conscripted into the military.”

Lin Chuyu said to Su Ming.

“Yes, I also didn’t expect to be conscripted for a mission, and it’s already been over half a year since I was conscripted.”

Su Ming was also a bit surprised, not expecting Lin Chuyu to have come looking for him.

“How have you been this past half-year? Have you encountered any dangers?”

Lin Chuyu asked with concern.

“It’s been alright. There have been dangers, more or less, but they were within controllable limits.”

Su Ming didn’t want Lin Chuyu to worry, so he replied in an understatement.

“Mm, that’s good then.”

Lin Chuyu nodded.

Just then, the little sprite clock on the wall chimed the hour.

Dong!

Lin Chuyu turned her head to look at the clock. Unconsciously, it was already midnight.

She said to Su Ming,

“Su Ming, it’s very late. Why don’t you stay here for the night?”

“Is that alright?”

“It’s fine. You can sleep in my room.”

“No need, I’ll just sleep on the sofa. I can make do for one night.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

“Alright, well, Su Ming, if the sofa isn’t too comfortable, you can tell me…”

Lin Chuyu lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, and said in a very low voice.

“Huh? What did you say?”

At this moment, Su Ming asked, confused.

Lin Chuyu looked up and saw that Su Ming was already lying on the sofa. She sighed slightly and said,

“Nothing. Get some rest early.”

“Okay.”

Su Ming replied somewhat puzzled.

The next morning.

Knock! Knock!

A series of urgent knocks on the door sounded.

Su Ming was immediately woken up. He got up from the sofa, walked to the door, and opened it.

“Chu Yu, we agreed to go shopping together, you…”

An Ruoxue complained angrily.

However, just as she was halfway through her sentence, she suddenly realized that it was Su Ming who opened the door, and she was completely stunned.

“Oh my goodness, Su Ming?”

“An Ruoxue?”

Su Ming was also very surprised, not expecting her to be there.

Just then, Lin Chuyu, dressed in a white nightgown, walked out from inside the house. Seeing An Ruoxue standing at the door, she spoke,

“An Ruoxue, you’re here.”

“Oh, you! Chu Yu! I knew something was off with you yesterday, ditching me! So Su Ming came. You didn’t even tell me, you prioritize love over friendship!”

An Ruoxue stood with her hands on her hips, grumbling indignantly.

Su Ming looked at the cheerful An Ruoxue in front of him and suddenly thought of something. Given Lin Chuyu’s personality, even if it were difficult, she probably wouldn’t use him as a shield. Therefore, the one who said he was Lin Chuyu’s boyfriend, could it be An Ruoxue?

The more Su Ming thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

“Sorry, I didn’t think much yesterday.”

Lin Chuyu said apologetically to An Ruoxue.

“Forget it, I’m not mad at you anymore. You can make it up to me by taking me shopping properly later.”

An Ruoxue’s anger dissipated when she saw Lin Chuyu apologize.

“Okay.”

Lin Chuyu nodded.

“Oh, by the way, Su Ming, let me share something with you.”

An Ruoxue said proudly to Su Ming.

“What is it?”

Su Ming asked with interest.

“Lin Chuyu and I both joined the special forces unit at Headquarters. We are both Majors now, and we’ve already caught up to you. From now on, we’ll be at the same rank.”

An Ruoxue said with a chuckle.

Su Ming heard An Ruoxue’s words and showed a playful smile on his face. However, he didn’t dampen An Ruoxue’s spirits; instead, he replied with a smile,

“Mm, Major An.”

“Alright, I can’t chat with you anymore. I came to find Chu Yu because there’s a temporary Bio-Mecha training today, and we need to hurry.”

An Ruoxue checked the time on her wristband and quickly said.

“Temporary training? Su Ming, I need to hurry back to Headquarters. I might be back quite late today.”

Lin Chuyu heard this and quickly said to Su Ming,

“It’s alright, you two go. I’m just going to find a friend.”

Su Ming waved his hand and said.

“Don’t talk anymore, we’re running out of time. Su Ming, contact me tonight.”

An Ruoxue hurriedly pulled Lin Chuyu away.