Barren Star – Chapter 32
by Little PandaIs that so? Master.
The transport ship “Blue Void Number” arrived at the Barren Star Base on August 8th.
“Welcome to Barren Star.” Ning Buyi had adjusted Beidou’s electronic voice to a sweet mode, though the armor weapons attached to its back when switching to combat mode ruined the “aesthetics” of the sweet female voice.
After the ship landed, passengers walked out of the cabin one by one.
Ning Buyi watched intently, feeling that something was off about these ten workers. Especially the dejected young woman at the back, who covered her mouth to yawn while looking around nervously.
“Would the last passenger please exit the cabin,” the ship’s AI announced.
Ning Buyi counted the people standing ahead – ten, not one more or less. Where did this extra person come from? Could they be a stowaway? At this thought, Ning Buyi became tense, frowning as she grabbed Hua Zhuoyu’s wrist beside her.
Two minutes later, a tall young man tumbled out of the cabin. Standing at the very back, he noticed Beidou’s weapons locked onto him and hurriedly raised his hands, shouting: “I came with Feng Yimao! I’m a positive, kind, and wonderful young man from the Bear Clan!”
Ning Buyi: “…” How did someone from the Bear Clan sneak in? Hadn’t she only requested ten workers from Feng Yi and the others? Feng Yimao? That name clearly belonged to the Feng Jiu Clan. Ning Buyi looked toward Feng Yi, seeing her solemn expression and cold gaze – apparently, she didn’t know about this either.
Feng Yimao’s heart skipped a beat, having never seen such a situation before. She kicked Xiong Xun and said with an awkward smile: “This is a local specialty – I heard bear paws taste quite good.”
Afraid of being sent back, Xiong Xun hastily said: “I’m quick with my hands, I can scalp tickets for food! I can draw, I can play games, I can do anything!”
The person had already been delivered to Barren Star No. 1, and it wasn’t very practical to send them back now. After thinking for a moment, Ning Buyi gave Beidou an order. Beidou bowed to Ning Buyi, walked toward the group in front of the ship, and stopped in front of Xiong Xun, pinning his hands behind his back.
Among the eleven outsiders, Xiong Xun was under Beidou’s control, while the remaining Feng Jiu Clan and Dragon Clan youths were managed by Feng Yi and Ling Shu. The Feng Jiu Clan youths were manageable, obediently following Feng Yi, their crown princess. However, the Dragon Clan was different – after getting over their initial awkwardness, they started causing trouble one after another. Ling Shu’s solution was simple and brutal: a hard punch to the face of anyone who wouldn’t listen. The Dragon Clan youths grimaced in pain but didn’t dare fight back, apparently well-acquainted with Ling Shu’s oppression.
“I feel the base won’t be so peaceful in the future,” Ning Buyi muttered quietly, following behind the crowd.
Hua Zhuoyu raised an eyebrow and asked, “Isn’t it better to be lively?” After a pause, she continued, “These fellows from Beast Star have abundant energy – perfect for clearing wild beasts around the base perimeter to expand our territory.” Having spent time with Ning Buyi, she had figured out some of her plans, knowing Ning Buyi wanted to expand the base but lacked both manpower and funds.
Ning Buyi responded with a “mm” and strode toward the administrative hall.
Both Feng Yi and Ling Shu agreed to register their clan members in the Barren Star system. Ning Buyi needed to resolve this matter before arranging subsequent affairs. Her main concern was the bear who had snuck in – if his loyalty rating was negative, she would need to take extreme measures. However, after registration, the status refresh in the Mountain Sea Atlas surprised her greatly. While the Feng Jiu and Dragon Clans showed no sense of belonging to Barren Star, with initial loyalty ratings fluctuating between zero and ten, Xiong Xun was different – his initial loyalty rating reached fifty, which was more astonishing than a negative number!
Curious, Ning Buyi walked toward the standing Xiong Xun, only to hear a creepy laugh: “Hehehe… Barren Star No. 1, Mysterious Number One.” Ning Buyi’s expression changed slightly, and she turned to leave.
Xiong Xun hadn’t noticed Ning Buyi’s movement – his worldview was experiencing a massive shock. Unlike the proud Feng Jiu Clan members who looked down on everything, or the Dragon Clan who were just itching for a fight, he had carefully observed his surroundings upon entering the base. And then! He discovered plants in the base, smelling the fragrance of grass and leaves that he thought only existed in dreams! This was supposed to be a Barren Star! How had it become a base where plants could grow? What incredible luck had brought him here, directly assigned to work at the base? He would work without wages – he’d even trade his brothers’ hundred years of bachelorhood for the chance to stay here permanently.
On the newcomers’ first day, Ning Buyi didn’t put them to work, instead letting them walk around the base to familiarize themselves with their living environment. The base was still largely empty, with the only valuable area being the fields of fruits and vegetables, though these were guarded by small robots under Beidou’s comprehensive surveillance. The Feng Jiu Clan members took a brief walk before returning to their assigned cabins for a long nap, while the Dragon Clan area was quite lively – they damaged some seedlings during their fighting and racked up a stack of bills in less than half a day.
Ning Buyi watched with a dark expression as Ling Shu disciplined her clan members, having no intention to intervene – after all, there were doctors in the base, so they could fight to their hearts’ content as long as no one died. The highly destructive Dragon Clan made good bodyguards, but once their destructive tendencies turned “inward,” it became truly problematic.
“I’m starting to think hiring them was a terrible idea,” Ning Buyi said with a depressed look.
“Indeed, it’s troublesome – the Dragon Clan is mostly untameable,” Hua Zhuoyu raised an eyebrow and continued, “Have you considered upgrading the protective shield? Expanding its coverage, activating zone protection, separating the farmland from living areas?”
Ning Buyi sighed deeply: “Money…” She dreamed about this issue constantly.
Hua Zhuoyu calmly said: “I have it.”
“No,” Ning Buyi refused. She didn’t want to use Hua Zhuoyu’s money. What if the Star Court used it as an excuse to interfere with the Barren Star base?
A flash of surprise crossed Hua Zhuoyu’s eyes: “Why?”
The evening breeze brushed through Ning Buyi’s long hair, the warm sunset light falling on her, coating her face with a magnificent hue. Her eyes were clear as she said: “It’s not appropriate.”
Hua Zhuoyu asked: “Then what would be appropriate?”
Ning Buyi turned to look at Hua Zhuoyu, blinking in confusion: “Why are you so persistent about this?”
Hua Zhuoyu moved closer to Ning Buyi, staring directly at her: “I want to spend my wealth.”
Ning Buyi made an “oh” sound. Hua Zhuoyu was quite close, almost pressing against her. The wind was cool, but Hua Zhuoyu’s breath was warm. Strange emotions welled up in Ning Buyi’s heart as she looked away, responding half-heartedly: “So you’re rich, are you showing off to me?”
Hua Zhuoyu sighed: “Why would you think that way? I still have the black lock on me, theoretically my body, mind, and finances all belong to you. Isn’t that right, Master?” The last few words were soft, lingering on her lips, adding a hint of ambiguity like her alluring gaze.
The word “Master” scalded Ning Buyi, making her face turn bright red. She couldn’t believe how Hua Zhuoyu could say those words! No, this person had always been shameless! She darted away, and only after her breathing gradually calmed did she say: “I’ll have Beidou help remove it for you.”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Do you trust me now?”
Ning Buyi kept her head down and ignored her.
Even she didn’t have an answer.
Suppressing the complicated emotions in her heart, Ning Buyi focused on observing the Mountain Sea Atlas. Her goal was the stars and sea – she couldn’t let Hua Zhuoyu hold her back! The Atlas had now opened shopping mall and resident modules, but was that all? What else could be developed in the future? Ning Buyi’s mind began to wander.
Hua Zhuoyu gazed at Ning Buyi for a moment before turning and leaving.
After Feng Yi, Ling Shu, and the others built new houses and moved out, she returned to live in the lonely wooden cabin beside the lavender field. The clear wind blew across the purple sea of flowers, creating waves of undulating petals. Hua Zhuoyu stood quietly by the window for a moment before opening her light brain to browse messages.
Zhao Qiuyu and He Chao had already escorted the space pirates back to the Imperial Star. On their return journey, they were ambushed by pirates but managed to capture the whole group. The two pirates left on Barren Star had lured their companions over with the promise of “premium goods” – otherwise, the pirate group wouldn’t have bothered with these two abandoned members. Before the Da Xia government could even interrogate them, they began fighting among themselves, revealing secrets they had kept hidden. One pirate mentioned “Giant Sickle Star,” saying large amounts of “Sirens” were circulating on that construction star, possibly created by the Insect Clan. The current Insect Queen had gone mad somehow, slaughtering a group of upper-class insects before turning her hostility toward Da Xia.
“Ah Zuo, Songyu has been accused of colluding with the Insect Clan and has been imprisoned.”
This message came from Si Pu.
Hua Zhuoyu curved her lips in a smile, unsurprised. It was Hua Songyu who had originally contacted the Insect Clan to target her – her dear brother would have loved to tear her apart. He would likely be used by the government as a “breakthrough point” against the Supervisory Department. Hua Zhuoyu’s eyes flickered as she sent a communication request to Si Pu. Moments later, Si Pu’s image was projected before her.
“Is that a sea of flowers?” Si Pu gazed in amazement at the flower field outside the window, waves of purple like the tide, her eyes unusually bright. She was close to Hua Zhuoyu and knew more than Zhao Qiuyu and the others, but unlike Zhao Qiuyu, she couldn’t be there “in person,” only experiencing it through projection.
Hua Zhuoyu nodded and asked languidly: “How are things over there?”
Si Pu collected herself and shrugged: “The Supervisory Department hasn’t gathered enough support yet, and doesn’t want to openly oppose the royal family. As for the royal family, Xia Tu has been tracking your whereabouts. From what he’s saying, he wants to form a marriage alliance with you to resolve this wave of conflict.” Seeing Hua Zhuoyu’s darkened expression, Si Pu frowned, “You wouldn’t agree to this for the sake of the Hua family and peace, would you?”
“Ah Zuo, Xia Tu isn’t suitable.”
“I know,” Hua Zhuoyu nodded slowly. “With the Insect Clan watching like tigers eyeing their prey, Da Xia can’t afford internal strife. Since Hua Songyu was so bold, let him bear all the consequences alone.”
Si Pu’s heart sank: “Your father probably won’t agree to sacrifice Hua Songyu.”
Hua Zhuoyu was dismissive: “The Supervisory Department isn’t his alone. As long as I don’t give in, what can he do? There are plenty of people who would force him to sacrifice Hua Songyu.”
Si Pu’s eyes showed even more surprise as she said: “You’ve never refused Uncle’s requests before, I thought—”
“Thought I would submit again?” Hua Zhuoyu smiled.
“It wasn’t exactly submission,” Si Pu pondered for a moment. “In the past, nothing mattered to you because you didn’t care about anything. So now, have you found yourself?”
Hua Zhuoyu responded with a gentle smile.
Hua Zai – Hua Zhuoyu’s father – sent a communication request on the first night, after countless messages had already been ignored by Hua Zhuoyu.
At this moment, Hua Zhuoyu was sitting formally in the living room, waiting for Beidou to remove the black lock from her body. After gesturing to Ning Buyi, Hua Zhuoyu accepted the communication request but refused Hua Zai’s full-screen projection. She didn’t want Hua Zai to see her current living environment.
“Where are you? Why haven’t you returned to Imperial Star? When do you plan to leave?” The urgent tone, hiding underlying anger, echoed through the quiet living room.
Hua Zhuoyu sat there leisurely with half-closed eyes, speaking unhurriedly: “Father, as Chief Judge, I naturally travel between various planets.”
Hua Zai commanded: “Return to Da Xia immediately!”
His tone was authoritarian and absolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
Hua Zhuoyu spoke lightly: “Does Father wish to direct the Star Court’s affairs?”
There was a moment of silence before he spoke again: “You’re overthinking. It’s just that your brother is in trouble, and the government requires your presence.”
Hua Zhuoyu feigned surprise: “What does his secret communication with the Insect Clan have to do with me?”
Hua Zai: “You already know? In that case, come back. The royal family is willing to form a marriage alliance with the Hua family.”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Father, are you planning to marry again? I wonder which royal princess will become my stepmother?”
The sound of something being smashed came from the other end.
Ning Buyi, sitting in the living room, also wanted to laugh. Her fingers rested on her leg, never having imagined this was how father and daughter interacted.
“Of course it’s you! His Highness the Crown Prince came personally.” Hua Zai’s voice was exasperated.
Hua Zhuoyu clicked her tongue: “So you’re planning to decide for me?”
Hua Zai roared: “I am your father!”
Hua Zhuoyu replied perfunctorily: “Yes, you are my elderly father.”
After a long silence, knowing that force wouldn’t work, Hua Zai tried a gentler approach: “Ah Zuo, you can’t be like this. Songyu is your own brother – you must help save him. He can’t be sent to the Interstellar Court.”
Hua Zhuoyu lowered her eyes and spoke coldly: “You needn’t emphasize that Hua Songyu is my brother. He should have considered these consequences when he secretly communicated with the Insect Clan, shouldn’t he? You’re not expecting me to clean up his mess, are you?”
Hua Zai: “But you weren’t like this before. Zhuoyu, I’m somewhat disappointed in you.” After a pause, he added, “Turn on the full-screen projection.”
“There are people here with me, and you probably don’t want outsiders to see you crying and wailing. At your age, such behavior is quite unseemly. I’ve wanted to say this for a long time,” Hua Zhuoyu said lightly. “As for your disappointment, it doesn’t matter. I’m happy, and that’s enough.”
Even louder, more jarring noises responded to Hua Zhuoyu.
Hua Zhuoyu raised an eyebrow – her arrogant, overbearing, and thin-skinned elderly father had cut off communication first.
“Want to laugh?” Hua Zhuoyu glanced at Ning Buyi.
Ning Buyi gave Hua Zhuoyu a thumbs up: “Such a touching display of filial piety.”
Hua Zhuoyu smiled slightly, her gaze falling on Beidou: “Are you still going to remove the black lock?”
Ning Buyi showed hesitation. From what the Hua family was saying, they wanted Hua Zhuoyu to marry Xia Tu? Would that still follow the main plot? Could the main storyline not deviate? But seeing how the characters had broken from their roles, it seemed unlikely to develop along the predetermined fate line.
“You’re hesitating,” Hua Zhuoyu crossed her arms, her tone certain. “Let Beidou go back.”
Ning Buyi didn’t respond, avoiding the topic and instead asking: “Do you want to return to the Civilized Star?”
Hua Zhuoyu countered: “Why should I go back?”
To get married, of course! The words reached her throat, but Ning Buyi swallowed them back. She pressed her lips together, really not wanting Hua Zhuoyu to take that path. Xia Tu… that kind of male protagonist wasn’t worthy of Hua Zhuoyu. If the Supervisory Department openly opposed the Empire, it would only benefit the Insect Clan. Would Hua Zhuoyu compromise because of this?
Hua Zhuoyu stood up and walked in front of Ning Buyi. The space between the sofa and tea table wasn’t large – when she stood there, it felt completely filled. The light fell on her, her tall shadow enveloping Ning Buyi who was curled up on the sofa. “I don’t know what you’re worried about,” Hua Zhuoyu considered for a moment before continuing slowly, “But I won’t disappoint you.”
With the light behind her, Hua Zhuoyu’s face was hidden in shadow and unclear. Ning Buyi’s heartstrings were stirred by those sincere words, and she muttered with a red face: “Who’s disappointed! What does it matter to me what you do?”
“Alright.” Hua Zhuoyu turned and sat beside Ning Buyi. She didn’t say anything more, just tilted her head and gazed at her tenderly.
Ning Buyi sat rigidly upright, her heart in turmoil under that unsettling gaze.
“This time on Barren Star has been a rare period of peace and comfort in my life,” Hua Zhuoyu spoke softly, like a stream under piano keys, like moonlight and falling snow.
Ning Buyi: “Why do you say that? Aren’t Star Court judges in an unassailable position? No one can suppress you.”
“Do you know why judges don’t live long?”
Ning Buyi: “…No.” She had no idea there was a “short-lived” setting – could it be because “extreme wisdom leads to harm”?
Hua Zhuoyu sighed: “Judges are executioners. In a judge’s hands, death far outweighs new life. Each judgment is a negative accumulation, and we’ve experienced countless times.”
Ning Buyi frowned deeply at these words: “Dark pollution.” Unless the Origin Place, known as the “Mythical Forbidden Zone,” was resolved, the entire Greedy Wolf Galaxy couldn’t escape its fate of decline.
“There’s a precept from our predecessors hanging in the Star Court: ‘Keep the heart ever still, and the body shall endure.’ But we are intelligent beings after all, and it’s difficult to control our thoughts unless we use medication,” Hua Zhuoyu smiled slightly, then added, “Star Court affairs aren’t the main reason.”
Ning Buyi probed: “Family?” For hereditary families like the Hua, Ning, and Si clans, nothing was more important than the “family” itself. For clan members, “family” came first, then “self.” Within the clan, everyone was a chess piece.
“I suppose? Anyway, nothing’s been satisfying,” Hua Zhuoyu lowered her eyes, hands clasped together on her legs.
Hua Zhuoyu showed no intention of continuing, and though Ning Buyi had much to say, she didn’t know how to express it. The living room suddenly fell silent.
After a long while, Hua Zhuoyu leaned toward Ning Buyi, her lips moving, voice pitifully soft: “Are you feeling sorry for me?”
But Ning Buyi heard it, heard it very clearly.
Sympathy? No, that wasn’t it. But what emotion it was, even she couldn’t say clearly.
“Let’s talk about something happier,” Hua Zhuoyu didn’t intend to probe further. She smiled, maintaining her close distance to Ning Buyi, “Like, your grand dream?”
Hua Zhuoyu’s eyes seemed to hold a sparkling river, especially gentle and peaceful under the moonlight.
Ning Buyi looked at her and said plainly: “To develop Barren Star and benefit the entire interstellar realm.” Of course, this was the mission given to her by the system. As for her personal dream, it wasn’t so grand. She wanted to be an ordinary person, drowning in wealth.
Hua Zhuoyu asked again: “Do you really not need my help?”
Ning Buyi backed away, shrugged and stood up, looking at Hua Zhuoyu who was half-sprawled on the sofa, and teased: “If you could change the judgment time to November next year, I’d be eternally grateful.”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Sorry, this isn’t something I alone can decide.”
“No need to apologize, I was just joking,” Ning Buyi blinked. “Weren’t you the one who said we should talk about something funny?”
Hua Zhuoyu: “…”
Da Xia Imperial Star.
Hua Songyu, imprisoned in jail, remained fearless.
Though the government had listed his crimes, they had no plans to make them public yet. With the Crown Prince mediating, he would eventually walk free.
“His Highness is very displeased with you,” Si Xun frowned at Hua Songyu through the door. Their families were old friends, and they had grown up together, but after he joined the Crown Prince’s personal guard, those childhood bonds had gradually faded. “You shouldn’t have moved against the Chief Judge, and you had no reason to do so.”
“I just wanted to raise my head and see a clear sky, rather than barely surviving in the shadows,” Hua Songyu pushed up his decorative vintage gold-rimmed glasses, smiling casually. “I thought His Highness should thank me. If I hadn’t been thrown in jail, he wouldn’t have found an excuse for ‘forced marriage.’ I know he’s always wanted to marry my sister.”
Si Xun: “What if the Chief Judge doesn’t agree?”
“Impossible,” Hua Songyu made a strange sound. “Whatever Father says, she does. Since childhood, she’s cleaned up my messes countless times.”
Si Xun: “But this time you colluded with the enemy, betraying Da Xia.”
Hua Songyu replied carelessly: “Testimonies can be changed, evidence can be fabricated and destroyed.”
“You’re right,” Si Xun nodded, smiling at Hua Songyu with eyes cold as ice, devoid of warmth. “But this time, the Supervisory Department has decided to sacrifice you.”
Hua Songyu frowned: “What do you mean?” Looking at Si Xun’s face, he suddenly felt this person was like a stranger. Warning bells rang in his mind as he kept backing away until his back pressed against the cold wall. “Where’s my father?” A roar rolled from Hua Songyu’s throat.
Si Xun curled his lip: “Probably preparing the funeral.”
His Highness the Crown Prince knew the Hua family couldn’t control the Chief Judge, and after learning of the Chief Judge’s attitude, he chose to compromise for now. The royal family had wanted to remove this thorn called the “Supervisory Department” for a long time, but they weren’t in a hurry.
On Giant Sickle Star, a group of filthy insects were still going mad.
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