Chapter 28

Chapter 28

All arguments ceased instantly.

They exchanged glances, and the council president spoke, "Let them in."

This was Lin Fu's first time entering the Council Hall.

A nexus of power for the entire empire.

Yet Cheng Jiu, as always, displayed an aloof demeanor, whether towards the Emperor or the Council. His casual manner suggested he didn't regard them highly.

Lin Fu followed silently behind the two.

The Council Hall was a mix of personalities. At a glance, one could spot many representatives from renowned noble families.

In essence, the council was largely controlled by the aristocracy.

This very reason made them wary of Carl, who hailed from the Laine family lineage.

The council president, with his sagging face and looking over a century and a half old – older than most present – gave Carl a smile, "General Laine, Major General Cheng, to what do we owe this unexpected visit?"

Even though Lin Fu stood beside them, the council president didn't even glance his way.

Carl, with a stern expression and no hint of jest, said, "We're here regarding this young man. Since he's enrolled in the military academy and passed the preliminary army selection, he's qualified for the battlefield."

The council president's gaze shifted to Cheng Jiu. Before he could ask, Cheng Jiu grinned, "General Carl and I are on the same page. Isn't there a saying, 'the swords of the past dynasty don't behead the officials of the present'? Even if laws change, one can't erase existing qualifications, right, Mr. President?"

After speaking, he, tired of standing, beckoned to a guard: "Bring over three chairs."

The guard looked perplexed, glancing at the Speaker of the House, unsure whether to comply.

The Speaker waved him off, gesturing for him to go ahead.

Cheng Jiu settled comfortably into his seat, pulling Lin Fu down beside him, and slid the third chair towards Carl: "Alright, let's talk. This matter indeed requires attention. By reaching a consensus, we’ll have a protocol for similar incidents in the future, won’t we?"

"You!" A younger member of the council couldn’t tolerate Cheng Jiu's demeanor, abruptly standing up to scold him, but his colleagues restrained him.

Cheng Jiu looked genuinely surprised by the outburst: "What did I say wrong?"

"Nothing, General Cheng is quite right," the Speaker's jowls quivered in response.

Lin Fu surveyed the room, intrigued by the mix of disgust, fear, and avoidance in their attitudes toward Cheng Jiu.

He pondered internally, questioning the cause of these reactions.

Wasn't Cheng Jiu a member of the Cheng family?

The empire was rife with nobility, but only a few were prominent, well-known families; compared to them, the Lin family was at best second-tier.

The Cheng family was among these elite, alongside the Harvey and Laien families.

Many council members hailed from these prominent households.

Logically, they should be acquainted, perhaps many even Cheng Jiu's elders. It was normal to be wary, but why the fear?

Lost in thought, he was jolted back to the moment as Cheng Jiu pinched the nape of his neck: "What are you thinking? Got scared and spaced out?"

It was a light pinch, and seeing Lin Fu snap back to reality, Cheng Jiu quickly released him, leaving him no time to react.

Lin Fu looked up, his face taut and expressionless: "What?"

He realized all eyes were on him, many filled with displeasure.

They were probably thinking, how dare he daydream in such a solemn atmosphere, in the presence of so many dignitaries? Outrageous!

Cheng Jiu's voice carried a hint of amusement: "The Speaker doubts your capability and wishes to avoid a repeat of Cheng Su's tragedy. Answer for yourself, do you have the ability?"

Amidst the flood of information, Lin Fu caught a name but shelved it for the moment, replying, "Please be assured, Mr. Speaker, I value my life greatly. I wouldn’t undertake a mission that is tantamount to suicide."

The Speaker's murky eyes swiveled to fixate on his face, his voice as dry as his wrinkled, orange-peel skin: "Promises are easily made. Before being torn to shreds, Cheng Su too believed he wasn't marching to his doom, but towards heroism. Is heroism that easy to achieve? You are a Guide, with your own societal functions. Why the obsession with the battlefield?"

"I’ve heard your psychic strength has returned, yes? In that case, you could join the ranks behind the frontline, providing mental respite for the Sentinels, fulfilling your desire to be on the battlefield."

This suggestion mirrored almost exactly the initial path the system had charted for Lin Fu.

His demeanor remained neutral, unswayed and resolute: "You misunderstand my intent. I aim for the frontline, the very forefront of the battlefield, to confront the Bug Race face-to-face, not the rear. There are countless capable Guides; my psychic strength has only partially recovered, nowhere near their level. My presence is not essential in the rear."

The Speaker’s voice suddenly rose: "The frontline has even more capable Sentinels, and likewise doesn't lack your presence!"

Lin Fu retorted, "But the frontline lacks Guides."

His words seemed to strike a nerve, provoking a furious outburst from the Speaker!

This also caused an uproar among the other council members.

The Speaker, in his anger, slammed the table, the loud thud silencing the council chamber.

Even Cheng Jiu was momentarily stunned, but then he chuckled lightly: "Well said, the frontline lacks Guides. Why must the Speaker be so incensed?"

Carl spoke gravely: "In half a year, the fourth-year military academy students will embark on the Wasteland Trials. If there's any dispute, let him join the Wasteland alongside the fourth-year Sentinels. If he can complete the mission and return in half a year, then he naturally has the ability to join the Sentinels on the frontline."

"—And if he dies on the Wasteland—"

Lin Fu interjected without hesitation: "Then I die on the Wasteland. It would mean I was outmatched."

The Speaker didn’t actually want Lin Fu, or any Guide for that matter, on the frontline. Yet here they were, discussing a solution, forcing their hand in agreement.

The solution was ruthless enough.

Still, the Speaker wouldn’t relent: "The Wasteland Trials are only open to fourth-year military students. As a second-year, he's not qualified..."

Cheng Jiu, growing impatient: "Isn't it because he's unqualified, and considered inferior to those fourth-year students, that he can better prove his ability? Since he's stated his life isn’t your responsibility, what else is there for the Speaker to be dissatisfied with?"

The Speaker exhaled slowly, setting the final term: "I'll agree only if three noble houses vouch for him."

Cheng Jiu lazily counted: "Alright, my house, Principal Carl’s, and the Lin family, that’s three."

The Speaker scrutinized Cheng Jiu, trying to discern his true thoughts behind these words, but all he could see was a carefree smile, revealing nothing more.

"The Lin family does not qualify; you know the level of clan I require. And are you certain that the Cheng family will vouch for him?"

Lin Fu rested his hands on his knees, listening to the sharp exchanges, when suddenly a system notification interrupted: [Host, Albert Harvey is running towards the conference room, expected to arrive in two seconds…]

Lin Fu abruptly sat upright, turning his gaze towards the door.

The man with the dazzling blond hair panted, supporting himself on his knees, his breaths heavy, "I represent the Harvey family in supporting every decision made by Lin Fu, and will use my seat in the council to vote in favor of all his related decisions!"

Cheng Jiu's smile was radiant: "There we have it, three votes. The nomination letter from the Cheng family will be delivered into the hands of the council president tonight, you need not worry."

No one expected a Cheng Yiaojin to emerge out of the blue.

Lin Fu stood up as Albert, leaning against the doorframe and gasping for air, grinned at him sweatily: "Almost killed me, but glad I made it in time."

He was silent for a long while, wanting to say thanks but feeling it was too frivolous.

Sometimes, a thank you can seem too distant.

Leaving the full conference room behind, the four of them left together.

On the way, when Albert heard that Lin Fu was going to participate in the Wild Star competition, he didn't hesitate: "I'm going too."

Lin Fu frowned: "I thought you didn't want to be on the front lines."

He licked his lips, his voice dropping a notch: "I've decided to. You were right before."

Cheng Jiu watched with a sidelong glance as the two youngsters huddled together, holding his arms and unusually, he didn’t disturb them.

After dropping him off at the military academy, he called out to Lin Fu before getting out of the car: "I'll be staying on Emperor Capital Star for a while, until I sort out some things. Probably until you leave for the Wild Star competition. If there's anything else, you can find me directly."

Even though Cheng Jiu was often annoying, he genuinely cared for Lin Fu, far beyond any sense of obligation for a past rescue. Smiling, Lin Fu waved: "My greatest wish is almost within reach, thank you for your help during this time."

"See you when we have the chance."

He didn’t make any empty promises of repayment; when he was capable, he would naturally offer his help.

Watching Lin Fu’s buoyant strides as he ran into the distance, merging with Albert into the school, Cheng Jiu felt an unexplained displeasure.

It was an indistinct feeling, an instinctive emotional response, yet he couldn’t pinpoint its cause.

It might have been dissatisfaction with the youngster's recent words, or possibly irritation from dealing with a bunch of old men in the council.

His smile faded slightly as he turned and got back into the hover car, heading for the Cheng residence.

*

Albert's return elicited a myriad of welcoming gestures.

Everyone was eager to share with him the heroic deeds of Lin Fu and Tang Qian during the school anniversary competition, regretting that the trio had been the best of friends; had Albert been there, they might have gone together.

Albert's smile remained radiant, clinking glasses and drinking with each one, just as he had always done.

Even Tang Qian couldn't resist joining him for a couple of drinks, his face flushed red, eventually passing out beside them.

Lin Fu, in a corner, sipped a little of his drink, finding it not to his taste, and casually set it aside, with no one daring to coax him into drinking more.

As the party wore into the late hours of the night, a heap of people were completely drunk, and Albert, still wobbly, continued to raise his glass: "Hey, why is everyone down? Drink up!"

Lin Fu glanced at the time, summoned a hover car, and messaged Yan Yan to help gather people at the school gate to pick up the students.

He hoisted his drunken classmates out in waves, setting the return route to school, and finally, he took care of Tang Qian and Albert.

On the way back, he suddenly noticed Albert gripping his cup tightly, his head hung low in silence.

Veins stood out on the back of his hands, and the cup was slightly deformed from his grip.

Lin Fu pursed his lips, patted his back, and whispered, "Can you walk?"

The young man lifted his head, his eyes rimmed red as he gazed at Lin Fu, his lips moving uncertainly: "Lin Fu, I have no father or brother left."

His shoulders trembled, his bright hair casting shadows, as he looked at Lin Fu, tears rolling down in big drops: "When I entered the military academy, they were fine, but in just over half a year, they were gone."

He clung to Lin Fu, sobbing uncontrollably, releasing months of pain, distress, and torment. No one knew what he felt when he returned home to find two unrecognizable corpses.

He had grown up as a pampered young master, showered with all forms of affection, with his father and brother shouldering all his responsibilities, granting him the freedom to act recklessly.

Now, he had lost everything; the two people who loved him most had died on the battlefield.

He clung tightly to Lin Fu's shoulders, crying like a child, tears and snot streaming down his face, casting aside all image, all restraint, just wanting to vent without inhibition.

He couldn't cry in front of his mother and sister, for it would sadden them, nor could he cry in front of strangers, for it would be seen as weakness, a show of vulnerability, which could lead the wolves circling around the Harvey family to pounce.

The only release he allowed himself was after getting drunk, when everyone else had left, and only his most trusted friend remained—only then would he dare to shed tears and speak of his pain.

Lin Fu sat there, allowing him to cling on, his mind drifting to comrades who had fallen on the battlefield.

Such was the nature of war—utterly indifferent to mercy.

Yet, for those who survived and for what lay beyond the front lines, it all seemed worth it.

*

The next day, Albert, with eyes as swollen as walnuts, knocked on Lin Fu's door, only to be greeted by a bleary-eyed, unamused Lin Fu.

He chuckled sheepishly, "Forgot about that, sorry."

No training today.

As Lin Fu went to freshen up, he returned with a spray bottle and tossed it to Albert: "Use this to reduce the swelling around your eyes."

Albert, beaming, caught it without a trace of the shame or embarrassment he might have felt from weeping in Lin Fu's arms the night before. He closed his eyes, sprayed himself, rubbed a bit, and his eyes looked almost normal again.

"I came today because there's something I need to discuss with you, something related to Major General Cheng."

It was a conversation that was meant to happen last time, but was interrupted by unforeseen events.

Lin Fu nodded in response, "Mhm."

After a moment's thought, he opened the door for the delivery drone to place an order.

Albert inquired, "Do you know about Major General Cheng’s relationship with the Cheng family?"

Lin Fu replied, "The Chengs are nobility, and he's the son of the family head?"

Albert elaborated, "More precisely, he's a descendant of both the Cheng and the Qi families; his mother is from the Qi family."

Lin Fu paused with his water glass in hand, "The Qi family?"

Albert nodded in confirmation.

Among the top families, the Qi family was also prominent.

But not every top-tier family settled on the imperial capital star, the Qi family being one such example.

The only release he allowed himself was after getting drunk, when everyone else had left, and only his most trusted friend remained—only then would he dare to shed tears and speak of his pain.

Lin Fu sat there, allowing him to cling on, his mind drifting to comrades who had fallen on the battlefield.

Such was the nature of war—utterly indifferent to mercy.

Yet, for those who survived and for what lay beyond the front lines, it all seemed worth it.

The next day, Albert, with eyes as swollen as walnuts, knocked on Lin Fu's door, only to be greeted by a bleary-eyed, unamused Lin Fu.

He chuckled sheepishly, "Forgot about that, sorry."

No training today.

As Lin Fu went to freshen up, he returned with a spray bottle and tossed it to Albert: "Use this to reduce the swelling around your eyes."

Albert, beaming, caught it without a trace of the shame or embarrassment he might have felt from weeping in Lin Fu's arms the night before. He closed his eyes, sprayed himself, rubbed a bit, and his eyes looked almost normal again.

"I came today because there's something I need to discuss with you, something related to Major General Cheng."

It was a conversation that was meant to happen last time, but was interrupted by unforeseen events.

Lin Fu nodded in response, "Mhm."

After a moment's thought, he opened the door for the delivery drone to place an order.

Albert inquired, "Do you know about Major General Cheng’s relationship with the Cheng family?"

Lin Fu replied, "The Chengs are nobility, and he's the son of the family head?"

Albert elaborated, "More precisely, he's a descendant of both the Cheng and the Qi families; his mother is from the Qi family."

Lin Fu paused with his water glass in hand, "The Qi family?"

Albert nodded in confirmation.

Among the top families, the Qi family was also prominent.

But not every top-tier family settled on the imperial capital star, the Qi family being one such example.

The doorbell rang, and Lin Fu stepped outside to retrieve the items he had requested. He called back, "There's more outside. Go bring them in."

As Albert stepped out, he saw the kitchenware—pots, pans, ladles, forks, knives, and spatulas—delivered by the robot.

Stunned, he hauled them back in and asked, "What do you need these for? Can you even eat the things made with these?"

Lin Fu was already inspecting the vegetables and seasonings he had ordered.

It was somewhat pricey. In the era of interstellar advancement, the pace of life had greatly accelerated, and the pursuit of food and drink had shifted towards nutrient solutions. Fewer people knew how to cook, and one had to dine out to enjoy a proper meal.

Fortunately, the ingredients were still available.

Being a nobleman, Albert had certainly experienced real meals before. What astonished him was that Lin Fu knew how to cook.

Lin Fu tossed a bag of vegetables into his arms, instructing, "Pick the leaves off and keep only the stems. Continue with what you were saying."

Albert clumsily caught the bag, exclaiming, "Oh, okay."

After a moment's thought, he added, "And call Tang Qian over."

Determined to protect Tang Qian from any negative influence, Albert questioned, "Isn't he in class right now?"

Lin Fu replied nonchalantly, "What's the big deal in skipping one class?"

Struggling for his friend's sake, Albert ventured, "But... won't the teacher scold him?"

Lin Fu dismissed the concern, "Just a scolding. He's been scolded plenty before, one more time won't make a difference."

Albert fell silent.

He had tried, truly he had. Brother, don't hold it against him.

Albert, accompanied by Tang Qian, clumsily picked the vegetables, explaining, "Mom said she and my sister can't manage the Harvey family openly. They can only help me in my name, or else others might attack them for being guides."

Lin Fu responded with a nonchalant, "Hmm."

After a brief pause, Albert continued, "Mom also said that my father and brother were assassinated, which is why they died on the battlefield."

Lin Fu agreed, "Your mother is absolutely right. Two people, on different fronts, yet both encountering mishaps at the same time—it's too much of a coincidence."

Albert whispered, "I know. I suspect it was the doing of my uncle."

Lin Fu was taken aback this time, "How can you be so sure?"

Albert tossed the vegetable stems into a basin, speaking indifferently, "He's been coveting the family fortune and vying for the position of the family head for more than a day or two. Despite mother and sister calling him a fool without the guts, to blatantly kill my father and brother with such an obvious flaw, who else but that fool could do it? As for the others, they're just aiding him from behind."

His voice, speaking of these matters, suddenly lost its youthful naivety and gained a somber tone, "The things you've said to me before, they were correct. As the heir to the Harvey family, it's futile to keep avoiding responsibility. I only thought that way because others were bearing the burdens for me. Now, it's time for me to bear them for others."

Having said this, he seemed like a child who had just boasted grandly, then suddenly became shy and dispirited, "Actually, it's still mom and sister bearing it with me. I'm not really that capable."

Lin Fu reassured, "You will be that capable in the future."

In the half-year they hadn't seen each other, they chatted about what had transpired, and a meal took shape under Lin Fu's hands.

Albert, wide-eyed and astounded, circled the table and kitchen, exclaiming, "Damn, how did I not know you had this skill? Did you secretly learn this over the past few months without telling me?"

Tang Qian finally arrived, standing at the door drenched in sweat, and was dragged in by Albert, "Can you believe this guy!? He hid it from both of us that he can cook!! Wait, I wasn't here for so long, did you already eat without me?"

He wore a look of abandoned sorrow.

Lin Fu pulled up a chair, "Come over and eat!"

Albert, sniffling, moved closer to grab a bowl and chopsticks.

Tang Qian was also surprised, and even more so after a bite, "I just found out too."

The taste was surprisingly good!

Lin Fu felt it was a normal performance, but he too cherished the long-missed experience of a proper meal.

After the meal, the two went to scrub pots and wash dishes.

Tang Qian, aware that both were planning to join the Wild Star Competition, frowned, "Can I participate too?"

Lin Fu shook his head, "You cannot."

Tang Qian pursed his lips, disappointed, "Why not?"

Lin Fu explained, "Not for now. Train well for this half-year, and you'll understand when the time comes."

Rushing to participate now would only waste unnecessary energy.

Lin Fu was skeptical that the old members of the council would just accept things as they were, without any further cunning maneuvers.

*

The Cheng Family.

Cheng Jiu hadn't once set foot inside the Cheng family's gates since his arrival on the Imperial Capital Star.

He parked the hovercar at the entrance, leaning casually against the door with one arm.

The gate remained closed; he wasn't within the range recognized for entry, so the gate's AI switched to guest mode, calling for the butler.

After a while, the butler hurried out, flustered, "Young Master, why have you returned? You didn’t even inform us, making you wait outside for so long. Please come in!"

Cheng Jiu greeted him with a cheery smile, "Yo, Uncle Zhou, long time no see."

Uncle Zhou sighed as he looked at him, "Not just a long time, it's been too long. You haven't returned for two years. You were always at the front lines, and even when you recently came back to the Imperial Capital Star, you didn't visit. I thought you might never come back."

Cheng Jiu replied, "How could I not? This is my home after all."

Uncle Zhou nodded, "Indeed, indeed. Please come in, I'll have someone park your car."

Cheng Jiu, still smiling, held onto the car door, "No need, I'll be leaving shortly. Is the family head in?"

Uncle Zhou replied anxiously, "That's your father, why call him the family head? Moreover, having just returned, why leave so soon without staying a couple more days?"

Cheng Jiu didn’t explain, but his reaction said it all.

He entered the gates with a smile, and not far, a small ball flew towards his forehead.

He caught it effortlessly, squinting at the furious little tyke running towards him.

The kid yelled at him, "Bad man! Trash! Get out of my house!"

Cheng Jiu, still smiling, threw the ball back, hitting the child and causing him to sit down on the ground, wailing loudly.

A middle-aged man, alerted by the noise, came striding over and helped the child up before turning to Cheng Jiu, "What are you doing back here?"