Chapter 27: Luo Ri Star Development

Chapter 27: Luo Ri Star Development

Simon has been on a roll lately.

This is because he has become the sole agent of the mysterious Spirit Rune Master ANKEN. A myriad of people seek to befriend him and form connections.

Not only is everyone polite to him, but even nobles have begun sending him small gifts through couriers, making Simon feel respected.

It should be noted that while Simon once ruled the border planet, he was insignificant before the powerful nobles.

All these changes are due to the adult.

Simon also attended the exhibition match between Cang Cheng and Mark Xin the day before yesterday, and by placing bets, he won 30 million stellar coins.

Despite the 30 million quickly being transferred to the adult’s account, Simon was more than happy to earn money for the adult.

Simon’s attitude had unconsciously shifted.

Now, he is wholly dedicated to Cang Cheng, with no second thoughts.

On this day, Simon returned with a full load. Once his cargo ship docked directly above Luo Ri Star, he planned to discuss the locations of the administrative hall and commercial street with Cang Cheng.

However, upon reaching near Central Plaza, Simon was amazed by the sight.

“One potato for 20 stellar coins, a cup of mashed potatoes for 30 stellar coins...”

“Iced pumpkin porridge for 30 stellar coins a bowl...”

“Grilled corn, sweet and tender grilled corn, 30 stellar coins each.”

“Bread~ Soft bread for 20 stellar coins each, a new product developed by the administrator, why not give it a try?”

“Woven sun hats for 60 stellar coins~”

...

The once barren Central Plaza was now teeming with merchant carts and stalls, occupying more than half of the plaza, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The staff of the commercial carts were dressed in uniform blue and white outfits, simple yet elegant, with smiles on their faces and full of energy.

Next to the small stalls, various vine products were displayed, including straw hats, baskets, parasols, and shoulder bags, among others.

These products were made from the wilted mutated vines on Luo Ri Star, emitting a refreshing herbal aroma and were highly durable.

The mutated vines do not need dead tissue and welcomed humans removing their dead tissue, not attacking those who gathered the dead tissue.

"The small bread is really delicious, Mu Mu recommends the small bread! It pairs perfectly with iced pumpkin porridge for summer."

Mu Mu, wearing a child-sized uniform specially made by Butler Philip, was promoting the food in front of the commercial cart. Since Mu Xing was busy with research, Mu Mu didn’t want to disturb him, so he followed the commercial cart daily to promote the food.

Mu Mu still held a freshly baked soft bread in his hand, the crust a golden brown, and the inside soft and fluffy.

He tore the small bread open and ate it in small bites.

Delicious. So delicious.

His brother is really amazing, able to cultivate so much edible food.

The beautiful Governor is also amazing, knowing so many ways to prepare food.

Luo Ri is really great.

"Mu Mu, are you helping out again today? Are you working at the bread stall today?"

Mu Mu: "Yes! The bread is really delicious, the best food I've ever had."

"Haha, yesterday you said you loved corn the most, and the day before yesterday you said you liked pumpkin. Mu Mu falls in love with everything he tries."

Mu Mu shook his head. "No. I love the Governor and my brother the most, I don’t fall in love with everything I try."

"Yes, yes, everyone loves the Governor ~ little Mu Mu is correct."

Amidst laughter and chatter, a resident bought two small breads and a raw corn and left.

"Let's have corn soup with bread for dinner! What nutrient solution? With such delicious and affordable food available, who wants to eat nutrient solution every meal?!"

Ever since things started being sold at the Central Plaza, the residents were filled with anticipation for the days ahead.

No one expected that in just one short month, Sunset Star would undergo such a dramatic transformation.

When Prince Cang Cheng had just taken over Sunset Star, everyone thought the planet was doomed, and that they might not even be able to afford nutrient solution in the future.

But in just one month, under Prince Cang Cheng's leadership, Sunset Star had become a thriving hub.

Now, for the price of one mid-grade nutrient solution, you could eat food that typically costs thousands of star coins in the galactic market.

Everyone's faces lit up with smiles, and they had renewed hope for their lives.

It was simply unbelievable.

Simon craned his neck, his eyes fixed on the bread in Mu Mu's hands and the various kinds of food, his face wearing an expression of disbelief, as if asking, "Am I dreaming?"

Food?

So much food?

Food that would normally sell for thousands of star coins was being openly sold on Sunset Star for just 20 or 30 star coins?

Good heavens, he had only been gone from Sunset Star for a little over two weeks; how had it suddenly changed so much?

What on earth had happened here?

And also... had the residents of Sunset Star always been this motivated?

People were actually setting up stalls.

The last time Simon had been to Sunset Star, the residents had all seemed to have given up, living aimlessly.

But today, Simon saw a group of uniformed merchant cart staff, and many residents in casual clothes operating stalls.

The scene was a far cry from what it used to be.

Simon approached the bread cart and spent 20 star coins on a freshly baked, soft loaf of bread.

Not only was it fluffy, but it also carried the distinct wheat aroma of real food.

Wow, it was so delicious—cheap and tasty...

Simon bought all the other food as well, and each item was so delicious that it made him beam with joy.

He also purchased some wicker goods, which were not only well-made but crafted from unique mutated plants, making them unavailable anywhere else in the universe.

He was determined to expand trade aggressively.

He intended to sell the food and wicker goods on other planets.

He wanted to help Sir Cang Cheng build Luo Ri Star and become the most loyal assistant at Cang Cheng’s side, clinging tightly to his coattails!

As Simon started planning where to sell these items, amidst the cries of "Sir Cang Cheng," Cang Cheng appeared before him.

Draped in a loose cloak with a white background and blue patterns, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, his eyes calm as still water, his presence was serene yet exuded the authority of a leader.

In a crowd of thousands, Cang Cheng always stood out.

Simon obediently knelt, pressing his forehead to the ground, showing deep respect to Cang Cheng.

"Sir, you are truly wise, brave, and without equal in the world! Under your leadership, Luo Ri Star has..."

"Enough."

Cang Cheng said softly, "Rise."

"Yes, my Lord."

Simon continued, "Sir, these foods are a testament to your wise policies..."

Cang Cheng interrupted Simon's praise again.

"There is a substantial amount of food. You can start trading with a portion of it in the next few days."

Simon rubbed his hands in anticipation. "Thank you, Sir. The administrative hall and the commercial street, both gifts, have been stored in the spatial folding device. Where would you like them to be located, Sir?"

"The climate control systems have also arrived, and with your command, Sir, I will install them immediately."

Cang Cheng had already discussed the locations of the administrative hall and the commercial street with Mo and Philip. The administrative hall will be constructed 2 kilometers north of Central Plaza, and the commercial street will be established 1 kilometer south of Central Plaza.

For now, no new structures will be added to Central Plaza, as it will serve as the venue for the monthly market.

In this way, we can ensure that the environment around the administrative hall remains relatively quiet, while the commercial zones remain temporarily concentrated.

Temperature control systems will also be installed near the Central Plaza first, making the residential areas suitable for both living and production.

Simon nodded, listening to Cang Cheng’s plan. "I understand, Sir. I will deploy the buildings immediately."

Cang Cheng took out several vials of potions and handed them to Philip.

"These are low-grade plant attractants," he said. "Lure the vines on those two selected sites to another location."

The mutated vines on Luo Ri Star coexist peacefully with humans, which is also one of the unique features of the planet. Cang Cheng would not destroy the vines unless absolutely necessary.

"Yes, Sir," Philip nodded gracefully.

Philip swiftly lured the vines near the selected sites to another location. Afterward, Simon took out a palm-sized transparent cube containing a model of the administrative hall.

This was the space folding device.

Simon, as if solving a Rubik's cube, manipulated the smaller cubes on the surface in a fixed sequence.

After a few manipulations, the cube expanded outward, and the building inside resumed its original size.

A pure white building spanning approximately 200,000 square meters instantly stood on the empty ground.

The building was an inverted trapezoid, about 50 meters high, exhibiting a sleek, technological beauty unique to the Canglan Star Region.

This was the first time Cang Cheng had seen the space-folding technology of the Canglan Star Region, and he couldn’t help but exclaim, "Wow!"

It’s amazing that they can shrink such a large building into a palm-sized object.

As for the building's appearance... well, the forbidden spell mages of the Siaxi Continent were not used to this aesthetic. Cang Cheng preferred ornate buildings, with sculptures and magical runes carved on the exterior, soaring into the sky. He truly couldn’t appreciate this hard-edged, minimalist geometric beauty.

Cang Cheng: [This technology is really convenient. It’s amazing how such a large building can appear instantly. But is there a more... vintage and distinctive design available?]

Cang Cheng thought for a moment, describing his preference with 'vintage' and 'distinctive.'

Hilmeth: [Small administrative halls have a fixed appearance due to their relatively low price. If you want a different appearance, you can commission an architect.]

Cang Cheng: [How much does it cost to customize?]

Hilmeth: [It starts at 500 million and has no upper limit.]

Cang Cheng: [Forget it. Goodbye.]

500 million to customize a building??

That’s outrageous!

Previously, the Magic Guild built houses for me for free, in succession.

Now, Canglan Star Region wants to charge me 500 million?

Cang Cheng sighed in poverty.

Of course… if he had more money in the future, it could be worth considering.

After placing the administrative hall, Simon deployed work robots to connect the utilities inside. Similarly, he placed the gifted commercial street in its designated spot.

The miniature model of the street expanded proportionally with a few clicks and transformed instantly into a bustling commercial street.

Single-story storefronts lined both sides of the street, equipped with solar streetlights and floating billboards, fully furnished with all facilities.

On the roadside, the residents of Luo Ri Star, who were openly following Cang Cheng, stared in astonishment.

The shock of seeing a wasteland transform into a clean and tidy urban street in the blink of an eye made their hearts race and filled them with excitement.

"Whoa? Is this really our Luo Ri Star? It suddenly feels so official; it’s hard to believe."

"That… that must be the administrative hall and the commercial street! Luo Ri Star is finally getting proper development."

"I’m getting a bit teary-eyed… wow…”

"Will we be able to live and work here like on other planets in the future?"

……

Many of the residents of Sunset Star were either elderly, weak, sick, or disabled individuals who had been abandoned, or individuals with criminal backgrounds for various reasons.

They had originally held little hope for life, but the fact that Cang Cheng had begun developing Sunset Star offered them a ray of hope.

"Long live Governor Cang Cheng!"

Suddenly, amid the noisy discussions, someone started shouting at the top of their voice, and then the crowd joined in.

"Long live Governor Cang Cheng!"

"Long live Governor Cang Cheng!"

……

Cang Cheng stumbled, his ears turning red.

What?

Who started that?

Aren't they embarrassed?

Hilmeth noticed Cang Cheng’s blushing cheeks and smiled inwardly.

Rather cute.

Philip: "Then, Sir, I’ll release the hiring information for the Administrative Hall and the stall rental notices."

Coughing lightly to ease the awkwardness, Cang Cheng said, "Go ahead!"

Administrative Hall Hiring Information:

"Role: Planet Development and Construction Coordinator

Positions Available: 2

Duties:

If I say there is, there is.

Based on the planetary governor's needs, responsible for planning and constructing the planet's defense system.

Responsible for the daily maintenance and updating of the system.

Communicate with the planetary governor to construct the unique defense and attack system of Sunset Planet.

Job requirements:

Priority will be given to those with experience in weapon manufacturing and city construction.

Awakened preferred.

Priority will be given to those with an art degree.

Salary:

To be discussed.

"Position: Financial Officer

Number of positions: 2

Position:

Governance Support Officer

Number of positions: 20"

Shop Rental Information:

"Central Street shops are rented free of charge to residents of Sunset Planet, reviewed monthly, one stall per family, and a 5% goods tax.

If a tenant does not sell items…

Non-residents of Sunset Planet who wish to rent a stall must contact Philip, the assistant to the planetary governor."

"A lot of job openings have been suddenly released. Many positions state they are recruiting non-Awakened individuals! I have only one year of financial experience; I wonder if I am qualified?"

"The assistant position seems to have such a low entry requirement. Should I go give it a try?"

"The diplomatic officer position requires excellent communication skills and fluency in at least one language. I think I can do it!"

...

"The rental shops are actually free? Governor is truly incredible!"

"I only love Governor!!"

...

Embarrassingly enthusiastic shouts echoed in waves, as Cang Cheng, his face flushed, quickened his pace and left in shame.

Enough already!

*

In the midst of the crowd, Mù Xīng held Mu Mu’s hand, watching Luo Ri transform from a barren wasteland into a neat, urbanized city before their eyes.

Such transformations were not uncommon on other planets, but on Luo Ri, this hadn’t happened in nearly a decade.

"Wow! A big house just popped up!"

Mu Mu’s eyes widened in amazement.

"Yes, the house sprouted up."

Mù Xīng didn’t correct Mu Mu’s statement, but went along with it.

"Wow! This piece of land got a new skin and looks so clean!"

Mù Xīng smiled. "Yes, it got a new skin."

"Brother, there are lots of robots working at Central Plaza now, I’m going to take a look!"

"Go ahead!"

With that, Mu Mu made his way to Central Plaza, curiously watching the maintenance robots install temperature-controlled lights.

Mù Xīng watched as Mu Mu, like a happy little fish, slipped into the crowd, peeking around.

A month ago, Mu Xing wouldn't have felt comfortable letting Mu Mu go out alone. He would have told Mu Mu to carry mushroom potions to protect against danger.

But now? Even without any defensive items, it's very safe around the central district.

Luo Ri has been getting better since Cang Cheng arrived.

Ming Bai hobbled over to Mu Xing's side.

"So, you just signed a 50-year indenture with the fifth prince like that? Aren't you worried about being left behind again?"

Mu Xing pushed his glasses up.

"Not at all."

"Oh?"

"Cang Cheng won't."

Ming Bai was noncommittal. "Huh, what kind of spell did he use on you that makes you trust him so much?"

Mu Xing said, "If you're interested, you can try getting to know him yourself."

Ming Bai shook his head. "Forget it! I don't want to design weapons anymore."

Even as he said that, Ming Bai's eyes fell on the shops lighting up one by one after being adjusted by the robots, and his thoughts became a little scattered.

These shops can be equipped with a linked defense system; the lights could be replaced with explosive lights.

If anyone tries to cause trouble, the explosive lights could blind and cause small-area explosion damage.

Wait... what am I thinking?

He no longer wanted to design weapon systems.

Or did he really?

Just self-delusion.

Ming Bai turned away. "Oh, by the way, I'm planning to head to the outer district later. Is there anything you need me to bring back?"

Mù Xīng asked, puzzled, “Why are you going to the outer district? Running out of money?”

Ming Bai had his hands behind his head, a laid-back expression on his face. “Just strolling around.”

Mù Xīng glanced at Ming Bai, a look of “I don’t believe you for a second” on his face.

“Help me find some leads on A-grade mutant plants or snake-type star beasts.”

The cultivation of plants and animals was progressing smoothly, but Mù Xīng didn’t want to stop there.

Although Sir Cang Cheng didn’t say so, Mù Xīng felt he needed to start a new project.

Something like… developing biochemical weapons.

The inducement vine agent I presented today was the initial experimental product of the biochemical weapon, and the experiment had gone well, so he could continue.

Ming Bai frowned. The two things Mù Xīng asked for were quite dangerous.

What does Mù Xīng plan to do with these?

But it wasn’t his concern.

Ming Bai nodded. “Understood. At market price.”

Mù Xīng agreed. “No problem.”

Mù Xīng had just received a month’s salary and bonus, a little over 100,000, which wasn’t much, but it was just enough to pay for the information.

Mù Xīng didn’t ask how Ming Bai planned to obtain the information about A-grade mutant plants or star beasts, but he knew Ming Bai could.

After all, Ming Bai was once a renowned genius weapon designer!

*

The administrative hall and shopping district had been fully installed, and the constant-temperature lamps around the central square had also been set up.

The five newly purchased patrol robots had started operation, with four of them patrolling the central area along with the original five, while the other one had been assigned by Sir Cang Cheng to patrol the outer district.

A small part of Luo Ri’s construction was complete, and the results were excellent. However, just these devices alone had cost over 500 million. Money really didn’t go far.

All of Sir Cang Cheng’s wind-type spirit patterns had been reserved, completely sold out and in high demand. A 70% deposit had been collected, bringing in 63 million star coins. The remaining 27 million star coins would be paid once the spirit patterns were received.

Simon finished his report and rubbed his hands eagerly before immediately cutting to the chase. "Sir... those potatoes and other food supplies of yours, as well as the Water-type Spirit Runes, can you give them to me?"

Cang Cheng glanced at Simon. "You're rather impatient."

"Sir, time is money! If I get the goods sooner, I can start earning money for you sooner."

"I can give you 20 more of all the Spirit Runes, and you can proceed with the operation.

I'll give you 300 kg of potatoes, and 50 kg each of pumpkins, corn, and carrots for you to find buyers for these items. And as for the goods I need..."

Cang Cheng asked Hilmeth, "[What do you think we should stock up on this time?]

Hilmeth thought for a moment. "[Patrol robots, security buildings, medical facilities, and large medical equipment should be prioritized.

We're about to clean up the outer district and need people for the mission. If someone gets slightly injured during the mission, they can be treated with healing potions. But for serious injuries like losing an arm or leg, professional equipment will be necessary.

Transportation will need to be prepared as well, but the general-purpose vehicles from the Canglan Star Region might damage the local terrain here, so customization may be required.

Also, if I remember correctly, Planet Sha, located six light-years from Luo Ri, is a C-class planet that is severely lacking in water. We should consider exchanging Flowing Water Spirit Patterns for them to build a C-class interplanetary trade route for us.

We can't keep relying on Simon flying back and forth; the efficiency is too low.

As for the food... we should supply it to nearby planets with lower military capabilities and avoid selling to B-class planets.]

Cang Cheng responded, "[I understand. If we, being so weak, show that we have so much food, the higher-class planets will develop bad intentions.

We wouldn't stand a chance against higher-class planets. So, we need to play it safe in the early stages.]

Cang Cheng understood the principle that holding something valuable when powerless invites disaster.

Hilmeth praised, "[Smart.]

Cang Cheng inwardly snorted. [Do you really think I’m foolish enough to sell food to higher-class planets?]

Hilmeth paused for a second before replying, "[No.]

Cang Cheng was surprised. [Did you just pause? You hesitated. You faltered.]

Hilmeth pressed his lips. "[No.]

Hilmeth didn’t want to continue this childish debate with Cang Cheng. Although… he realized that working with Cang Cheng had somewhat assimilated him. At least in the past, Hilmeth would never have wasted his breath on such arguments.

He swiftly changed the subject: "Simon is already sweating profusely."

Cang Cheng broke out of the argument and saw Simon pressing his forehead against the cold floor, his back drenched.

Simon waited and waited, but there was no response from Cang Cheng.

He feared his head was in danger.

Simon's voice trembled, "Your Excellency, I can bring you any goods you want, even warships, military equipment, or contraband. I, Simon, would risk my life to procure them for you. Please, Your Excellency, spare my head!"

Cang Cheng looked puzzled.

He is so law-abiding and harmless, so why do people always think he has a fixation on heads?

What’s so interesting about a head?

He’s not a necromancer who can cuddle a skull while sleeping.

After being misunderstood so many times, Cang Cheng no longer bothered to explain.

He relayed the content of his conversation with Hilmeth to Simon.

Hearing that he was still useful to Cang Cheng, Simon felt as if he had just been given a second chance at life. He pulled out his optical brain and began to calculate.

"One set each of basic, intermediate, and advanced medical equipment, for a total of 250 million star coins.

Fifteen patrol robots at a 10% discount, 27 million star coins.

Thirty security pavilions with basic defense features, 94 million star coins after a 10% discount, and we can also include three fully stocked outdoor supply stations free of charge.

The vintage transport vehicles require custom design; you need single-passenger, four-passenger, and twenty-passenger models. The design fee is estimated at 1 million, and the production cost is estimated at 1.5 million per unit. You want five units, so that’s 7.5 million."

The Spirit Runes you have are expected to sell for 200 million, and the food, which is being sold to neighboring planets, can't be priced too high. With a total weight of 450kg, it's expected to sell for 15 million star coins.

Sir, you won 500 million star coins by betting on the match against Mark Xin. After purchasing the temperature control devices and deducting 300 million, you have 200 million left, plus some additional funds...

Hmm... Sir, your current total assets are just enough to cover the cost of this batch of goods.

Simon finished his report in one breath, and Cang Cheng, upon hearing this, rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache.

How can billions be used up so quickly?

Why do these star coins feel so inadequate?

Just setting up a hospital building made the money vanish.

Maybe... he should just rob some space pirates!

That money would surely come faster.

"Understood, go prepare it!"

Cang Cheng handed a stack of Spirit Rune plates to Simon and waved him off.

Once Simon left, Cang Cheng sighed listlessly, "Mo, earning money is so hard... I'm broke again."

Hilmeth stood in front of Cang Cheng and looked down. "You've done very well, Cang Cheng."

"I know. And I know that the money spent is for valuable things, Luo Ri is gradually improving, but... I still feel a bit heartbroken."

Cang Cheng wasn't particularly obsessed with money. As a forbidden spell mage, he also spent lavishly on magic research.

However, spending a nine-figure sum in less than half an hour still left Cang Cheng a bit unhappy.

He had never realized how slowly money is earned and how quickly it is spent.

Hilmeth crouched in front of Cang Cheng, bringing them to eye level. He materialized a physical form and tentatively placed a hand on Cang Cheng's shoulder. Seeing that Cang Cheng didn't mind, he patted his shoulder.

"Our Cang Cheng is very capable. How many 18-year-olds can earn hundreds of millions on their own?"

Hilmeth's usually cold tone was now tinged with a gentle warmth.

"You've done really well, Cang Cheng."

Cang Cheng was unaccustomed to being comforted by Hilmeth all of a sudden.

Since he had displayed his talent as a mage, Cang Cheng was often praised. Few people noticed that he could also fail, feel upset, get irritated, and need care.

After all... Cang Cheng was an extraordinarily talented mage!

He was so strong, how could he possibly need someone to comfort him?

Now, being comforted and praised like an ordinary young man by Hilmeth, Cang Cheng's heart felt warm.

Cang Cheng's black eyes stared intently at Hilmeth's face.

The other's chiseled features, combined with his red-gold eyes and the pair of black horns on his head, made him appear cold and intimidating, not someone easy to approach.

But Cang Cheng knew that beneath Hilmeth's intimidating exterior was a kind and gentle heart.

After all, only Hilmeth would go out of his way to manifest and comfort him at such a time...

Hilmeth was truly amazing.

Cang Cheng smiled pure, and the gloom lifted from him. "Thank you, Hilmeth. I'm glad you're here."

Hilmeth's eye corners curved slightly. "You're welcome."

Cang Cheng's mood instantly shifted from gloomy to bright, and he no longer thought about how much money he had spent today.

With some time left, Cang Cheng wanted to study anti-gravity runes and energy-gathering runes. Just as he took out his Spirit Board, his optical brain, which was linked to the patrol robots, alerted him.

"Alert: Patrol Unit 11 has lost contact! Patrol Unit 11 has lost contact!"

Cang Cheng immediately stood up from his seat. "Patrol Unit 11, that's the one that went to the periphery. What could have gone wrong?"

Patrol robots, possessing Grade B Spirit Warrior capabilities, shouldn't lose contact for no reason. Since an alert had been issued, there must be a serious issue.

Without a second thought, Cang Cheng leaped out the window.

He drew a 'Wind Wing' symbol with one hand in the air, and wings formed from wind enabled him to soar freely through the air.

Hilmeth followed in spectral form.

Meanwhile, in the outer district, Ming Bai, preparing to gather metal materials and track down clues about the star beasts, gazed solemnly at the group of snake-like star beasts towering roughly 20 stories high.

On the ground, a patrol robot lay in pieces.

Ming Bai unsheathed his dual-core electromagnetic gun and fired without delay.

The light from the electromagnetic gun fractured like a spider web across the scales that glowed green, and vanished entirely.

Ming Bai's face darkened. "How can a star beast absorb electromagnetic energy... We're in trouble."