Chapter 23: The Interview

Chapter 23: The Interview

"..." - Lu Yi

The two investigators: "??!!!"

A roomful of mecha pilots: "!!!"

The audience on the Star Network: "!!!!!!!!!"

"Where did this handsome guy come from? Wait! Rong Mi, don't switch the camera! Let me see you again!"

"Ahhhh! It's Rong Mi! How are you, Rong Mi? Are you hurt? Let me see your face again! Rong Mi, you're so handsome—!"

"Wow, you guys are just drooling over his looks! Anyone notice what Rong Mi just said? What about Yu Tiantian? Is he being indifferent to someone in need? ... Ah, how could he have the nerve to express concern for Rong Mi just now...?"

"Yu Tiantian is really disgusting! He should be punished for that... Hey hey hey, wait! Rong Mi, don't turn off the camera! Let me have another five yuan worth of view—"

"I'm not injured much... Yes, I am quite capable." Rong Mi glanced at the live stream's comment section and chuckled casually. "But I must also thank the military bigwigs for coming to the rescue."

"Stay updated on the investigation results of the desolate planet through official reports, no need to camp in random live streams. I'm closing Yu Tiantian's stream first."

"…Wow, Rong Mi looked so cool when he said 'of course, impressive'!"

"Cool, cool, cool! Ah...Ah, Ah! ...Don't close it, handsome! Wait a minute!"

Under the barrage of frantic comments, the live stream screen mercilessly went black.

Everyone: "…"

"…He turned it off."

"Really just turned it off like that."

"A heartless man."

"…The ideal type he just showed us was the real heartless one! That face! He's handsome, but a bit cold!"

"It seemed like he was from the military. I saw him wearing a uniform."

"Wow, guys, I have to admit, I'm hooked. I was first drawn in by their looks!"

"How perfectly matched they are! - Did you notice? When Rong Mi turned the camera to talk about his ideal type, that cold-hearted hunk seemed to be taken aback!"

"I think that's reading too much into it. I didn't see any change in his expression."

Rong Mi didn't pick up on it either.

He merely wanted to clarify his aesthetic preferences and hadn't paid special attention to Lu Yi's reaction.

After the investigation team took Yu Tiantian away, they swiftly issued an order for criminal detention, ensuring that she would face appropriate consequences.

Rong Mi was content with this outcome, and his already soaring popularity on the Star Network was further ignited by the incident.

"From Star Network singer to genius mecha artist."

"Rong Mi's exclusive emotional report: The handsome young genius mecha artist once suffered heartbreak."

"Rong Mi makes a high-profile declaration of his ideal type! Unveiling the true identity of the enigmatic man who briefly appeared in the live stream..."

"Revisiting the thrilling moments of Rong Mi's Ice and Fire Tournament match!"

"Ah... Is there any more news about Rong Mi?" someone on StarNet was eager for more gossip. "Not talking about his shady past as a StarNet singer, please! Who cares about that old dirt now?"

"I mean! How did he train in his mecha? What was he thinking during the match? And how could he stay so calm seeing that Ice Butterfly? Will he join the Military or a mecha club in the future? Please don't tell me he'll go back to being a StarNet singer... Why isn't any media outlet conducting an exclusive interview with him?!"

Of course, StarNet media outlets were all vying for that exclusive interview.

Three days after the incident at the Ice and Fire Tournament, eight teams from the Third Fleet, responsible for patrolling the galactic safe zones, arrived on the desolate planet. They set up camp near the deep pit and began discussing strategies to eliminate the slumbering high-level Ice Butterfly.

Simultaneously, reporters who had heard the news also made their way to the desolate planet.

The press were not allowed to approach the pit or the vicinity of the military ships, but they were permitted to report and conduct interviews from a safe distance.

Aside from covering the situation on the desolate planet, their main objective was to seize the opportunity to interview Rong Mi.

Rong Mi's communicator was screening out unknown messages, so none of them could get through to the young man. The military ship didn't allow journalists onboard either, leaving them hoping that Rong Mi would become restless inside and decide to take a stroll outside the ship.

Their luck seemed to be on their side.

On the journalists' second day on the desolate planet, they found their opportunity.

With the arrival of the Third Legion, the First Legion's First Squad had completed their emergency mission. They would resume their original journey, accompanying Lu Yi to the capital planet.

Under Rong Mi's several treatments, Lu Yi's mental domain had stabilized, prompting the decision to leave the isolated warship stranded on the desolate planet and transfer to the main vessel.

Rong Mi, of course, would be accompanying Lu Yi.

As the young man stepped out of the spacecraft cabin, he was still yawning.

The original owner was deeply devoted to music, leaving not many vivid memories about the specifics of that era. Thus, Rong Mi spent these past few days engrossed in books day and night.

Introductions to the environmental climates and locations of major planetary fortresses, star charts detailing each sector within human-occupied space, the power structure of the Federation, the division of responsibilities among key departments... as well as an overview of the interstellar navigation conditions of this era, including the intricate hierarchies and roles within the ranks of both Mecha Pilots and Medics.

It bewildered Rong Mi with its array of colors, revealing the rich tapestry of life in bygone eras.

Each description of the planets ignited in him a yearning to explore them all, dreaming that if the threat of the insectoids could be eliminated, he would visit each one in turn.

In the era of interstellar nomadism, he had encountered planets fraught with peril, the majority of which were unsuitable for human habitation and remained entirely undeveloped. While the landscapes on these planets were indeed unique, Rong Mi always found himself on high alert whenever they made landfall.

Yet, the tourist planets he had seen on the Star Network were entirely different! Scenic spots, well-equipped facilities, and recreational activities... Rong Mi was incredibly curious! After staying up late watching others' travel videos, he still felt sleepy in the morning. He consumed a nutrient bar for breakfast before following Lu Yi out, his eyes half-closed.

The Admiral's mental state seemed stable, and his body had already undergone treatment. His complexion looked much better than before. Standing tall with a chiseled profile, Rong Mi couldn't help but steal a few more glances at him. Dazed, he followed for a few steps before suddenly coming to his senses.

"Where's Ayin?" Rong Mi turned around to look for the wolf.

Last time, when there were people on the warship, Ayin had been so agitated. Now, heading to the main ship, its mood must be even worse.

"It'll catch up," Lu Yi said. "Don't worry about it."

Rong Mi: "..."

He had long understood Lu Yi's laissez-faire attitude toward the wolf and no longer wanted to voice his complaints.

How inconsiderate and irresponsible was this master of Ayin's!

"I really must have hit the jackpot for you to form a contract with Ayin," Rong Mi muttered to himself, stopping in his tracks to look inside the warship and calling louder, "Ayin?"

There was no response from the wolf in the warship's corridors.

Rong Mi decided to greet Lu Yi before heading back into the starship. After walking down a few corridors, he faintly heard some rustling sounds coming from the cockpit, so he made his way there.

The silver cub was crouched on the control panel of the cockpit. Its fluffy wolf tail hung outside, swaying irritably from side to side. The cub's fur on its back stood on end as it stared intently through the window at the deep pit where the high-ranking Ice Butterflies were in hibernation.

The starship was parked directly in front of the pit. A team from the 13th Legion was patrolling the area around it. Fifteen defensive devices encircled the pit, forming an inverted, pale golden protective field. Beyond the warning line strung outside the field, a reporter, accompanied by a camera, was pacing about, seemingly attempting to get closer for a shot but was politely stopped.

"Ah Yin?" Rong Mi knocked on the door.

The silver wolf turned its head, halting its tail's motion for a moment.

"You coming?" The young man smiled. "Are you afraid to go to the flagship? Don't tell me you're scared?"

Silver Wolf: "…"

With a flick of its tail, the wolf stood up.

Rong Mi: So easy to manipulate!

"If you're really scared, I'll carry you." Rong Mi approached the control panel, ready to scoop it up.

Although Rong Mi had seen the Silver Wolves in their majestic adult form, the injured wolf was now in its cub state. Leaving its own territory would surely make it feel insecure!

Rong Mi believed that having someone trustworthy to hold onto during the transfer to a new starship would help soothe the wolf's anxiety.

The wolf glanced at him and let out a low, agitated growl. But to show it wasn't afraid, it walked to the edge of the console and leaped down to the ship's deck.

Rong Mi was quick to react, reaching out to catch the wolf mid-air—

Silver Wolf: "…Awooo!"

Caught off guard, it was scooped up, and it angrily struggled in Rong Mi's embrace, only to find that the young man wouldn't let go. In frustration, it gave Rong Mi's wrist a bite.

Its sharp fangs grazed Rong Mi's skin, but as always, the wolf didn't apply real force.

"Alright, alright, I didn't mean to touch you like that," Rong Mi hurried to reassure it, "I'm the one who's scared and too timid to board the main ship alone, so I need Ayin to give me courage."

As he spoke, he used his free hand to stroke the wolf's spine, sincerely saying, "Holding Ayin makes me feel much safer!"

The Silver Wolves released his wrist and turned its head to glance at Rong Mi.

In the wolf's icy blue eyes, Rong Mi saw a hint of suspicion.

"Haven't you promised to protect me if anything happens?" Rong Mi asked, cradling the wolf as they walked out.

The wolf turned its head back.

It ceased struggling and laid its head on Rong Mi's arm, giving a short howl in affirmation. Its ears perked up, attentively listening for any sounds around them.

Rong Mi absentmindedly stroked the wolf. Upon reaching the starship's hatch, he realized Lu Yi had already departed.

...He didn't even wait for the wolf!

Rong Mi inwardly clicked his tongue and stepped out of the compartment.

"Rong Mi! ——"

In that instant, Rong Mi heard someone call his name from a distance, followed by a great uproar of cheers.

"Rong Mi!" someone cried from afar. "Rong Mi's out!"

Succeeding the cry were several swift sounds of objects piercing through the air.

The Silver Wolf in his embrace, confused, abruptly raised its upper body, ready to pounce.

Rong Mi: "..."

Rong Mi promptly held onto the wolf's paws, pulling it back into his arms. Lowering his head, he reassured, "It's alright, it's not an attack. It's a camera."

He vaguely recalled Lu Yi mentioning that some journalists wanted to interview him. He hadn't taken it seriously, but he hadn't expected such a grand spectacle!

Dozens of camera lenses were swiftly approaching Rong Mi from afar. They jostled for position, eager to be the first, encircling Rong Mi for a 360-degree capture.

"Rong Mi!!! —— We've finally met our hero again!"

"Yesterday, the military spokesperson stated that if not for Rong Mi's fearless confrontation with the Ice Butterfly, the Wasteland Star we see now would be in utter ruins! And the remains of the contestants would be...!"

"I'm honored to witness this brave, powerful, and handsome mech pilot in person! He's in excellent condition!" ——

A yellow camera drone elbows its way through the others, hovering close to Rong Mi for a close-up shot. A holographic screen pops up beside it, revealing the journalist's face.

"I'm from Daily News! Mr. Rong Mi, may I ask! How did you manage to fight that terrifying high-level Ice Butterfly all by yourself?! Your exceptional mecha piloting skills are truly commendable! But what's even more astonishing is your composure and courage when suddenly confronted with the creature—"

Behind the journalist on the holographic screen appears to be another desolate planet. Rong Mi glances over, spotting a row of journalists behind the caution tape outside the spaceship. One of them is energetically waving at him.

The journalist seems rather excited. Upon noticing Rong Mi's attention, he quickly changes his gesture, repeatedly giving him a thumbs up.

"Mr. Rong Mi—Mr. Rong Mi! I'm from Local News Insights! What are your thoughts on the numerous statements that the Ice Butterflies in the arena are holographic interactive effects? When you first encountered those many low-level Ice Butterflies, did you believe they were part of a holographic display?"

"Hello, Mr. Rong Mi! I'm a reporter from Daily Entertainment. May I ask if you will continue as a Star Network singer? There's a rumor going around that you've accepted the invitation for this year's Starlight Concert but plan to announce your retirement during the performance. Is there any truth to this?"

"May I ask, Contestant Rong Mi, what is your stance on the accident caused by the Ice and Fire Tournament organizers? Are you considering joining the Military Department in the future? Or will you become a mecha pilot for a civilian fleet?"

"Contestant Rong Mi, from my understanding, your recorded highest mental power level is significantly lower than what you demonstrated during the competition. Did you intentionally hide your abilities in previous assessments? Why did you choose to do so?"

"Rong Mi..."

"Rong Mi, Rong Mi!—"

A holographic screen appeared before him, and Rong Mi almost didn't recognize his own name in the midst of it all.

Silent, he shifted the wolf in his arms to face another direction.

The wolf was on edge, overly sensitive to any hint of danger. Rong Mi feared that the persistent cameras might agitate it, so he gently pressed the wolf's head down, encouraging it to bury its face in his embrace. He then pulled his jacket closer, cocooning the wolf within.

Wolf: "…"

As the wolf's face met Rong Mi's chest, separated only by a thin shirt, it could clearly sense the warmth and texture of his body.

The wolf froze.

Assuming the wolf was nervous, Rong Mi soothingly stroked the back of its neck and wrapped it more snugly. He looked at the cluster of cameras and smiled.

"When I first found myself in the Cocoon Grounds, I instinctively believed it to be an actual icy butterfly cocoon, and I was terrified," Rong Mi said with the seriousness he'd used for reports on the main ship. He cited a prepared explanation. "It was also due to my strong will to escape that my mental power level surged."

As the discussion forums rapidly refreshed, Rong Mi continued his narrative.

"After breaking free from the Cocoon Grounds, I reasoned that ice butterflies shouldn't exist in the safe zone. Upon calming down, I speculated that they were part of the holographic interactive effects."

"Of course, what unfolded later proved that my initial intuition in the Cocoon Planet was correct."

Rong Mi had thoroughly grasped the atmosphere of this era. He knew that even in a mecha competition, it would be impossible to use Zerg as obstacles in the game.

There was clearly a massive conspiracy lurking behind this match, but given its far-reaching implications, he couldn't afford to make casual remarks, so he brushed over it lightly under the watchful lenses.

"No one was hurt in this disaster, and my part played a role, albeit a small one. Of course, every bit counts," Rong Mi joked with a smile before turning serious. "But the prompt assistance from the military personnel was even more crucial."

He wasn't sure if it was appropriate to disclose Lu Yi's forced landing on the desolate planet after the attack, so he omitted any mention of Lu Yi and spoke sincerely and earnestly.

"I want to pay tribute here to all the soldiers in the war zone and the safe zones," he said.

On an icy plain not far away, the First Legion's First Squad's medium-sized team flagship was ready for takeoff.

Squad Leader Ellen and pilot Sun Tong emerged from the cabin, watching Rong Mi as he gave the interview.

"The reporters are all there for him, yet he doesn't try to hog the credit," Ellen remarked softly. "Impressive."

"I bet tomorrow's headlines across major media outlets will be plastered with Rong Mi's face," he said with a smile. "Quite a sight."

"Definitely not just the major media outlets, and it won't wait until tomorrow," Sun Tong interjected. "I imagine Rong Mi's file is already on the desks of every major fleet commander, and the Supreme Commander has probably received word too. It's possible that even the Chief Councillor of the Federation is aware… though I initially thought our Admiral would decline this interview."

Sun Tong reflected, "After all, the Admiral himself never grants interviews and prefers to avoid the media spotlight."

"The interview with Rong Mi is essential," Ellen explained, acting as Lu Yi's envoy to convey the terms and boundaries of the interviews to the various media outlets seeking access. In doing so, she inferred the underlying intention behind Lu Yi's directive.

Rong Mi was, by nature, a public figure. The radical and abrupt transformation he displayed in the Ice and Fire Tournament called for a public platform where he could present the reasons in a way that favored him, allowing others to understand the authentic Rong Mi.

Similarly, the young man deserved an opportunity to claim his rightful banner of glory in such a formal setting, for his actions during the Wildstar incident.

Sun Tong had previously paid no attention to thestellar web's music scene, but she had been vigorously catching up on knowledge about it these few days.

"Rong Mi was indeed criticized a few months ago for abusing privileges, showing disrespect to seniors, experiencing vocal decline, and being burdened with debts... But that's all in the past now!"

Sun Tong declared firmly, "Rong Mi is now utterly transformed. He is my belief."

Ellen: "..."

Ellen: "Huh? What's that?"

He spoke with a gentle and polite tone, seemingly unable to grasp his deputy's words.

"Sun Tong said matter-of-factly, "He saved the Admiral, calming down that terrible mental domain of his... I've said it before, where miracles occur, I'll believe in them."

Ellen responded, "Well, you do have a point."

Patting Sun Tong on the shoulder, Ellen hesitated for a moment before saying, "Rong Mi's interview is over. Return to the cockpit and conduct the final checks before we launch the starship."

Sun Tong gave him an 'OK' sign and turned to leave. As he caught a glimpse of Rong Mi in the corner of his eye, his movement suddenly froze.

The young man's interview had just ended, and he was now briskly walking towards their starship, weaving through the hovering cameras still circling in the air.

Sun Tong's sharp eyes noticed a glint of silver in Rong Mi's arms.

Sun Tong: "..."

He suddenly went rigid.

"Captain," he turned to Ellen, instinctively lowering his voice, "Look there, what... What is Rong Mi holding in his arms?!"

"....Could it be that he's carrying the Admiral... No, I mean, the Silver Wolves..."

"The very embodiment of the Admiral, furry yet untouchable to anyone except the Admiral themselves, radiating such authority that I can't help but salute every time I see them..."

"...The Silver General?!??!"