Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Watching the aircraft gradually disappear from sight, Xiao Nuoya narrowed his phoenix eyes before turning to Pei Suqi. "Who was that just now?"

Pei Suqi felt a headache coming on just thinking about Lu Ming. "The owner of a small repair shop in the Lower District. He took on one of my orders and delivered it today."

"Lower District?" That answer surprised Xiao Nuoya. He thoughtfully lowered his gaze, the image of that stunning mecha operation flashing through his mind. He shot a glance at the person beside him.

The accompanying adjutant immediately understood, opening his memo to record the information before turning and leaving.

Xiao Nuoya smiled at Pei Suqi. "Then I'll continue with my training. See you at the Fortress."

Pei Suqi: "Yes, Colonel. See you at the Fortress."

Once the group had walked away, the butler sidled up to Pei Suqi with a worried expression, whispering in his ear, "Young master, what do you plan to do about the repair shop? Are we just letting it go?"

"What else can we do?" Pei Suqi’s face twisted into a pained mask, his expression contorting even further at the thought of his dwindling funds. "Originally, I planned to acquire the shop’s property rights and give him a little compensation to settle the matter, but now..."

He bit his lip in frustration, deciding to just give up. "Forget it, let’s just go back and report it as done. I don’t know why my father suddenly took an interest in those repair shops. Anyway, all the other districts have already been acquired. It’s just this one small shop in some forgotten corner. If you don’t say anything and I don’t say anything, he won’t find out!"

The butler hesitated for a moment before nodding loyally and solemnly. "Alright then. Don’t worry, young master, I will definitely keep your secret!"

Half an hour later, an eye-catching aircraft came to a stop at the bustling entrance of a shopping mall.

He Yilan stepped out gracefully and calmly, followed by Bai Luming, who hopped down from the vehicle. After landing, Bai Luming politely waved to the driver in the cockpit. "This is fine, thanks, driver."

The Pei family’s dedicated driver: "..."

Did he really just treat it like a taxi aircraft?

"You’re sure you want to buy me clothes?" He Yilan glanced at the massive logo of the Upper District mall and followed Bai Luming inside.

Though it sounded like a question, he didn’t seem surprised by Bai Luming’s sudden generosity. Sure enough, moments later, Bai Luming heard him continue, "Because of the hundred-fold payoff?"

Bai Luming was indeed a bit curious about when this person had seen his hundredfold.

He Yilan’s assessment was very straightforward. "You have quite a few fish in your pond."

Bai Luming cleared his throat. "Actually, it’s not that many. Just so-so, really."

He scanned the category distribution across the mall floors, completely skipping the first floor crowded with luxury stores, and stepped onto the escalator heading to the third floor.

He Yilan stood beside him. "No need to be modest. You have me as a tenfold, and you also have a hundredfold. Now shopping with the hundredfold money, you can even rake in another tenfold. The boss certainly has a knack for making money."

The phrase "has a knack for making money" didn’t sound like a sincere compliment in that context, but Bai Luming accepted it quite comfortably. "Damn right."

He Yilan gave him a deep look.

Just then, the huge screen on the side of the escalator switched its content.

Shoppers throughout the mall stopped to watch, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

The words "Recruitment Day" in the middle of the screen were particularly eye-catching, with solemn slogans arranged below. Accompanied by the rousing march blaring in surround sound, the originally warm and leisurely atmosphere instantly took on a vibrant energy.

The annual Recruitment Day was approaching, and this time of year always brought extra excitement.

Bai Luming casually picked a store to enter and overheard the customers inside discussing, their words occasionally drifting to his ears.

"So fast, Recruitment Day is almost here again. I wonder what the selection process will be like this year."

"Probably the same as previous years, the usual stuff. Hopefully, someone from our planet can make it into the Four Great Legions this time."

"Basically, don’t count on it. With our planet’s resource conditions, anyone who makes it into a third-rate unit would already be doing great."

"True. The last ones to join the Four Great Legions were from the first year of recruitment, and then... well, that was it."

"Right, right. I still remember those two—one joined the Azure Shadow Legion and the other the Red Feather Legion. Their photos are still hanging high on the Fortress’s honor wall. I just wonder how they’re doing now."

"How they’re doing isn’t for us to worry about. If I could just have a chance to join the Red Feather Legion, my life would be complete!"

"So you like the Red Feather Legion? I feel like the Red Army has been too focused on theoretical pursuits lately. Technology is the greatest driving force of historical progress. The Azure Shadow Legion is the hope for the empire’s future development."

This remark drew looks from others nearby. "Those two legions you mentioned seem to have performed averagely the past couple of years. Did you see the parade? The Golden Plume Legion’s lineup was truly magnificent!"

"Hah, the Golden Plume Legion? A legion built entirely with money, full of privileged elites. Of course it’s magnificent."

Clearly, these few were not supporters of the same legion. With conflicting views, they were on the verge of arguing, startling the shop attendant who hurried over to mediate.

Bai Luming absentmindedly flipped through the clothes on the rack. After listening to the chatter for a while, he noticed no one mentioned the White Tiger Sector’s Blaze Legion at all, pausing to think.

Is their presence really that low? It can’t be.

"You seem very interested in military gossip."

Hearing the voice behind him, Bai Luming turned and saw He Yilan standing there.

He noticed the other’s empty hands. "Why aren’t you picking any clothes?"

He Yilan answered truthfully. "Nothing I like."

*Understood. So the quality of these stores is completely not up to your standards. My apologies for not taking you to a haute couture boutique.*

The trait of being "picky" is indeed ingrained.

Bai Luming said, "At the very least, you won’t have to wear my old clothes anymore."

Following his gaze, He Yilan glanced at the overly loose and casual style he was wearing. "Old clothes are fine."

Bai Luming couldn’t tell if that was sincere or not. After a moment’s thought, he snagged a few items from nearby and tossed them into He Yilan’s arms, succinctly saying, "Try these on."

Before He Yilan could object, he added three words: "Now."

Half a minute later, in the fitting room.

He Yilan looked down at the clothes in his hands and fell into brief silence.

*How did I actually end up in here to change?*

*I’m being a little too agreeable.*

After standing still for a moment, He Yilan slowly took off his shirt.

The clothing store was bustling with people.

While waiting for He Yilan to change, Bai Luming sat on the sofa in a very comfortable position, legs crossed, one hand supporting his head, the other idly scrolling through online news on the store’s tablet device.

He had been buried in the repair shop lately, but now it seemed that with Recruitment Day approaching, not just their remote desolate planet, but the entire Starnet was in a frenzy.

Strictly speaking, the empire fully entered an era of peace five years ago. Since then, the military has become a symbol of top-tier honor, and the four founding legions that supported the empire’s establishment—the Blaze Legion, Azure Shadow Legion, Red Feather Army, and Golden Plume Legion—have since caught everyone’s attention.

The four legions, influenced by their respective commanders, have developed distinctly different styles. With the government's intentional or unintentional fueling, they have gradually cultivated their own followings.

The current Four Great Legions serve as the cornerstone of the empire's trust among the people and are also tools for creating faith. Since the end of the interstellar war, the meaning of their existence has undergone a subtle transformation.

Everything in the world must adapt to the times, and Bai Luming feels it doesn’t really matter whether it’s good or bad.

With conscription day approaching, it’s time for the Four Great Legions to select their elites, and as expected, the entire network has descended into an all-out brawl—

“Move aside, move aside! The Red Feather Legion is proudly recruiting new members. Elites from all walks of life, don’t miss out!”

“I still think the Red Feather Legion’s academic system is a bit outdated. It’s no match for the Blue Shadow Legion—with its state-of-the-art technology and most precise mechanical equipment, pioneering new frontiers in the empire’s technology!”

“You mechanical dogs, get lost! The whole body modification trend was started by you lot. Real men don’t need to tweak their bodies. The Golden Plume Legion never engages in human modification and is still strong.”

“Well, of course, they can’t compare to the royal family. The current Golden Plume Legion is just a playground for rich kids—all flash, no substance, purely pay-to-win, burning through money!”

“Hating on the rich? Spending money is also a form of strength.”

“Do the combined achievements of your legions even come close to those of the White Flame Legion alone? Stop showing off.”

“It’s unfortunate, but the era of the White Flame Legion has truly passed. They used to have someone leading at the top, but since the change in command, the current leader, after all, only rose from a deputy position. When it comes to tactical maneuvers on the war games field, he really can’t outplay the other three.”

“There’s no helping it. Marshal Shen was promoted later. Even without comparing tactical skills, just standing next to the other marshals, he seems outmatched. The White Army is truly a pity.”

As he browsed, Bai Luming’s expression remained casual, as if he were just reading the most ordinary online chatter.

Sure enough, it’s the same formula every year, the same flavor. But scrolling further down, it’s clear that the Red Feather Legion’s popularity has shot up significantly this year. It’s no wonder, given how diligently a certain marshal has been cooperating with the empire to promote the military’s image—now seemingly on the verge of officially becoming the military’s spokesperson.

He Yilan emerged from the fitting room and walked over to Bai Luming. Following his gaze, he glanced at the content on the screen and quickly looked away. “How do I look?”

Bai Luming looked up at the sound and looked He Yilan up and down.

He reached out and smoothed He Yilan’s shoulders, nodding in satisfaction. “Very good. Let’s go with this set.”

He said it without a hint of worry about wasting money.

After all, he had already charged the clothing expense to the bill. As for whether it would suit this gentleman’s taste once bought—the size fits, and if he really doesn’t like it, Bai Luming wouldn’t mind taking it back to wear himself.

After paying, the two left the mall and returned to the lower district.

This area was north of the upper district, not too far from Screw Street.

The dusk light cast long, narrow shadows on the ground as the two walked.

Bai Luming hung the shopping bag on his back and walked along the narrow stone railing by the riverbank. Not far away stood a tall barbed wire fence, densely separating the city from the deep river channel nearby.

Years ago, this barren planet had been attacked by an insect swarm. At that time, mutated insect beasts had flooded into the city through this river channel, nearly destroying the entire city.

Now, the upper district had gradually regained its prosperity after reconstruction, but having learned their lesson, the government had set up defensive lines around the city to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Among the various star domains, barren planets like this were countless. Fortunately, the final battle where the Four Great Legions joined forces had successfully driven out the insect beast army. Although remnants still existed in some areas, the empire was mostly at peace.

It was a long-awaited era of peace.

The warm sunlight fell on Bai Luming, casting a soft shimmer on his silver-gray hair.

He stretched comfortably, feeling genuinely content.

When He Yilan turned to look, the sunlight reflecting off Bai Luming’s hair made him squint.

His gaze lingered on Bai Luming for a few seconds before he asked, “Don’t you have anything to worry about every day?”

“Worry?” Bai Luming found the question a bit strange. “I’m solo with no baggage. What is there to worry about?”

He Yilan thought of the recently deceased Mr. Lu mentioned in Tang Siqin’s investigation results. “For example, death?”

“That’s even less worth worrying about. Life is just a few decades long. No matter what, everyone dies eventually.”

Bai Luming gave a flying kick, sending a stone flying over ten meters away. “I will die, and you will die too. Death, like birth, is just a process: one an end, the other a start. Since we can accept the beginning, we should also accept the end.”

He Yilan thought for a moment, a faint smile appearing on his lips. “Very philosophical.”

Bai Luming said, “You can call it ‘Ming Studies.’”

He Yilan: “Hmm, lesson learned.”

In terms of sheer audacity.

Bai Luming hopped down from the riverbank, and before they knew it, the two were walking side by side again.

Gradually, a towering protective wall appeared in the distance—the military fortress stationed on the barren planet.

Noticing Bai Luming’s gaze, He Yilan asked curiously, “What are you thinking about now?”

Recalling the hardships of those earlier days, Bai Luming mused aloud. “I’m thinking how much the world has progressed. The working conditions for soldiers these days are really great.”

*

“Great? Great, my foot—!”

Inside the gates of the garrison fortress, two people stood facing each other in a tense standoff.

Liang Deng felt his anger flare up the moment he saw the person in front of him. “All talk, no action. If conscription work is so good, why don’t you Single Soldier Department folks take it over?”

Xiao Nuoya, who had just returned from the testing area and run into Liang Deng, felt equally unlucky. He let out a dismissive snort. “Isn’t this giving your Mecha Department a chance?”

Liang Deng spat. “Who needs you to give me a chance?”

Xiao Nuoya smiled. “Why not? Your Mecha Department’s recruitment pool is so poor every year. If we don’t let you handle conscription, what will you do if you disband someday? Our Single Soldier Department needs your logistical support for daily training. Besides, we’re busy training all day, unlike you guys with so much free time. It’s good to find something to do.”

As Liang Deng was about to explode, his deputy hurriedly held him back. “Colonel, calm down! You need to stay calm. We can’t start a fight here!”

Liang Deng glared at Xiao Nuoya, gritting his teeth and holding back. “You know what? I actually have my eye on someone this year. I’ll scout a few more promising recruits, train them well, and revitalize the Mecha Department. Then you’ll be begging us for technical support!”

Xiao Nuoya sneered. “Oh, I’ll be waiting. Speaking of which, I also came across a talented single soldier recruit today and plan to add them to the conscription list. Don’t thank me—consider it taking some workload off you and helping you meet your recruitment quota.”

“Thank my ass!” Liang Deng retorted, though he couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Nuoya again, feeling surprised.

Despite their years of rivalry, he knew how picky Xiao Nuoya was. If Xiao Nuoya had noticed someone, could they really have stumbled upon a strong candidate?

Though he was speculating internally, Liang Deng kept his expression neutral, not wanting to lose face. “Whatever. The one you’ve got your eye on can’t be stronger than mine.”

Xiao Nuoya scoffed. “You really have no self-awareness about your terrible judgment.”

Liang Deng: “Just wait until they arrive. You’ll see.”

Xiao Nuoya: “Same to you.”

The two stood close, eyes locked, daggers in their eyes for a moment.

Finally, they both let out a cold snort and walked out of the fortress gates without another glance at each other.

Liang Deng boarded his military space vehicle and snapped, "Let's go! We must secure that person today!"

On the other side, watching the vehicle disappear down the road, Xiao Nuoya confirmed the information with his adjutant: "Are you sure that repair shop is on Screw Street?"

The adjutant replied, "Yes, it's been thoroughly investigated."

Xiao Nuoya nodded. "Then let's pull out."

Half an hour later, two vehicles pulled up to opposite sides of the intersection at Screw Street.

Arriving at the entrance of the repair shop at almost the same moment, the two ran into each other unexpectedly, plunging them into a long, awkward silence.

Finally, Liang Deng and Xiao Nuoya spoke in unison: "Why do I keep running into you?!"