Barren Star – Chapter 38
by Little PandaAre you looking for me?
Ning Buyi had played infrastructure-type games before, where urban infrastructure was crucial. However, the Barren Star was different from game scenarios. She already possessed Aurora City with complete infrastructure, though it needed substantial dark pollution reserves to activate. She only had two tasks: make money and plant trees. She had several options to achieve these goals, like choosing to activate the perfume factory in the city instead of other facilities.
After observing Jin Feifei and others for several days, Ning Buyi decided to test the waters at the flower fieldsβthese butterflies wouldn’t even stay in their assigned houses, preferring to root themselves in the fertile soil like flowers.
Hua Zhuoyu’s cottage stood at the edge of the flower fields. Feeling that facing the fields wasn’t enough, she had fenced her front door, created a small courtyard, and set up flower trellises on both sides, now covered with emerald vines that rippled like green waves in the wind. As Ning Buyi went to find Jin Feifei in the flower fields, she inevitably passed by this cottage and glanced inside.
By coincidence, Hua Zhuoyu stood by the window, meeting Ning Buyi’s gaze briefly before asking, “Are you here to see me?” Having spent all day in the training room, she thought Ning Buyi would be too tired to sleep, yet here she was wandering the flower fields. It seemed the recent special training was effective, as her physical condition had improved significantly.
“…Looking for Jin Feifei,” Ning Buyi pressed her lips together, explaining she had merely glanced inside while passing by.
“That little butterfly?” Hua Zhuoyu mused, “I thought you preferred fluffy things.”
Ning Buyi looked exasperatedβshe wasn’t seeking someone out for “cuteness.” “Jin Feifei is a perfumer,” she explained. It was like finding a purple-class professional [gaming term for rare/elite class] among a group of green NPCsβhow could she not seize this opportunity?
“Planning to enter the perfume industry?” Ning Buyi raised her eyebrows in surprise, adding, “The base’s conditions are quite advantageous. Perhaps pure plant-extracted fragrances could have the same effect as fruits and vegetables, expelling internal dark pollution?”
Ning Buyi hadn’t considered this angle, frowning as she replied, “I can’t guarantee that.”
“Even fake fragrances can use this selling point.” Hua Zhuoyu smiled, then suddenly changed topics, “Currently, the major companies dominating the interstellar perfume market are all scrambling to use ‘plants’ as their gimmick, with ‘True Wood’ doing it best. Firstly, True Wood’s hired perfumers have real talent, and secondly, they have Xia Tu’s full support. You should know, this industry brings enormous profits in the interstellar market, helping Xia Tu amass wealth.”
Ning Buyi: “…” No wonder Xia Tu always used True Wood’s products to win people overβit didn’t cost him a cent. “If Barren Star creates its own brand, would that mean confronting the royal family?” Ning Buyi asked, wanting to make money but avoiding major trouble for now.
“It’s just Xia Tu,” Hua Zhuoyu smiled. “He has countless wealth-gathering companies under him, and might not have time to deal with this. At most, True Wood might throw its weight around, using his influence to threaten competitors. As a result, many luxury stores on Civilized Stars might be afraid to import our goods.”
“What about the Star Court?” Ning Buyi asked. The Star Court had built their own empire, otherwise relying on imperial finances would eventually make them government dependents.
Hua Zhuoyu raised her eyebrows with a smile: “The Star Court fears no power.” After saying this, she disappeared from the window, but soon Ning Buyi heard a creaking door, and Hua Zhuoyu hurriedly walked out.
“Why are you coming out?” Ning Buyi raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“To go with you,” Hua Zhuoyu replied.
Ning Buyi shrugged. Though she felt it unnecessary to trouble Hua Zhuoyu with such a small matter, she didn’t refuse.
Soft lights illuminated the flower fields, creating floating, hazy spots of light that looked like starfire falling among the field ridges.
When Ning Buyi reached the lavender field, she found two others besides Jin Feifei. They sat cross-legged on the open ground, gazing longingly at the flower field with intoxicated expressions.
Feng Ermao looked envious: “Feifei, I’m so jealous that you can sleep among the flowers.”
Xiong Xun licked his lips in agreement: “Yeah.”
“Come on, what’s a little bird like you envious about?” Jin Feifei glared at Feng Ermao, then turned to Xiong Xun, “Don’t think I don’t know you just want to steal honey.” The protective barrier kept “outsiders” away, and among individuals, only Jin Feifei had later gained authorization to freely access that area.
Feng Ermao turned to Xiong Xun, joining forces with Jin Feifei in exasperation: “Why do you only think about eating?”
Xiong Xun: “…”
Jin Feifei didn’t accept Feng Ermao’s attempt at friendliness, snorting: “You’re wasting my date time with my beloved lavender. You’d better have a good reason, or elseβ” She left the threat unfinished, but her menacing attitude was clear.
Xiong Xun immediately betrayed Feng Ermao: “It was Feng Er who wanted to come.”
Under Jin Feifei’s fierce, cold gaze, Feng Ermao smiled sheepishly and drawled: “Where’s my gaming helmet?”
Jin Feifei: “Sorry, I forgot.” After sleeping a night among the flowers feeling refreshed, who could remember trivial gaming matters? Her apology lacked any sincerity, her expression carrying a haughty “what can you do about it” look.
Feng Ermao’s heart was cut like a knife, acting timid before Jin Feifei but turning to throw heavy punches at Xiong Xun.
Xiong Xun held his head, quickly changing the subject: “Feifei, do you remember ‘True Wood’?”
Jin Feifei’s face immediately darkened, grinding her teeth: “Those human garbage!” She used to be a perfumer who frequently reviewed perfumes on StarNet. She had been a loyal fan of True Wood, using her carefully saved pocket money to buy a bottle of “True Fragrance,” only to be greatly disappointed. When she honestly pointed out its flaws in her review, she faced suppression from True Wood on all fronts, even losing sales channels for her own perfumes… After that, she became a “salted fish” [in this context, itβs slang for someone who has given up].
Xiong Xun explained: “I previously opened a StarMicro account on StarNet to announce our base’s product releases. Some bastard claiming to be a ‘True Wood’ employee privately messaged me, wanting to bulk purchase fresh lavender.” The base’s thriving lavender, roses, and other flowers had been made into flower tea gift boxes, receiving overwhelming support from interstellar residents. In a short time, Xiong Xun’s account had gained over 100 million followers, with countless private messages. He didn’t remember most people, but this “True Wood” matter was firmly etched in his mind.
“They want fresh flowers for perfume making!” Jin Feifei raised her voice, “We can’t trade with them.”
Xiong Xun spread his hands: “The Lord has no plans to sell fresh flowers.”
Jin Feifei ground her back teeth: “Rather than letting others profit, we should do it ourselves! Our goal is to bring down ‘True Wood.'”
Feng Ermao listened in confusion, shaking her head: “It’s your goal, not ours.”
Jin Feifei raised her hand and slapped Feng Ermao’s forehead, expressionless: “Don’t want the gaming console anymore? Don’t need me to carry you in games?”
Feng Ermao immediately changed her tune, decisively: “Right, it’s our goal!”
Jin Feifei: “Feng Er, you go tell the Lord.”
“Why me?”
“Because you’re the most useless.”
The heated discussion continued as they failed to notice Ning Buyi and Hua Zhuoyu nearby, enthusiastically expressing their “grand ambitions” for revenge and redemption.
Hua Zhuoyu turned to Ning Buyi: “Shall we go over?”
Ning Buyi smiled gently: “Let’s wait for them to come to me with a proposal.”
It was good that Jin Feifei had such determination and spirit. Indeed, having Baize had brought better luck.
Ning Buyi didn’t wait long; the next day, Xiong Xun came running eagerly.
Feng Ermao had completely pushed this task onto Xiong Xun’s shoulders.
“Our base’s StarMicro account has over 100 million followers, and they stay active even when no products are listed. The Baize gift boxes are very popular, and Feng Heng will design more varieties of beautiful gift boxes.β
“There are many strange private messages, including inquiries under government pretenses, but as you instructed, I haven’t responded.β
“…”
At first, Xiong Xun was nervous, clasping his hands together to hide his inner unease. However, as he continued, his tone grew increasingly excited, his expression animated and proud. He never expected to handle such a major task on Barren Starβcompared to the pioneers braving wind and rain, he felt much more fortunate.
Ning Buyi patiently listened to Xiong Xun’s report, though Beidou had already informed her of these matters. This internet-addicted young bear had proven capable, mastering all the marketing strategies on StarNet.
“We have a great money-making idea,” Xiong Xun cleared his throat, finally getting to the main point. “In the Greedy Wolf Star System, luxury products are the most profitable. Our base has abundant plants, perfect for making perfume. The whole market is trending toward ‘imitation natural wood fragrance,’ but if we can produce genuine plant fragrances, we’ll definitely capture the market instantly. Not just human civilizations would be temptedβeven the Insect Clans wouldn’t refuse…
“Following usual patterns, True Wood will release a new perfume in early October. If we can defeat them then, we’ll become famous across the star system!”
Speaking excitedly, Xiong Xun’s face turned red, his eyes shining brightly.
They’d already found their stepping stone? But wasn’t starting with “True Wood” too difficult? Ning Buyi pondered: “With less than a month, might not be enough time?”
Xiong Xun patted his chest in guarantee: “Jin Feifei is willing to work day and night.”
Ning Buyi found it somewhat amusing, and after thinking, replied: “Then let Jin Feifei select assistants. A spaceship will take you to Aurora Cityβthere are laboratories and perfume-making equipment there.”
Xiong Xun froze, asking blankly: “Aurora City?”
Ning Buyi had no intention of explaining, just nodding: “Yes, the first city on Barren Star.”
Xiong Xun: “…” He’d thought everything would start from scratch, never expecting Barren Star to have ready-made factories and equipment! This was Barren Star, wasn’t it supposed to be all sand and ruins? If the Lord said this was the first city, did that mean there would be second and third cities? Thinking this, his eyes grew more eager: “Lord, can I invite my brothers and sisters to come?”
Ning Buyi contemplated briefly, responding: “It depends on the Beast Alliance Council’s arrangements. The Feng Jiu Crown Princess will return to Beast Star soon.”
Without getting a definite answer, Xiong Xun wasn’t too disappointed. After returning, he messaged his family and friends, telling them to follow the Beast Alliance Council’s instructions. As for their questions about his whereabouts and his brothers’ “loving” curses, Xiong Xun ignored them all, pretending not to see.
He was now a white-collar worker of the Bear Clanβhow could he be as savage as his brothers?
Mecha Simulation Training Room.
While Barren Star’s residents were busy with their tasks, the “hands-off boss” Ning Buyi was occupied with her grand mission of “becoming stronger.” She controlled the heavy mecha running at high speed on the track, watching for both random obstacles and stray projectiles. Initially, it was simulated trainers doing the rapid-fire shooting, but later Hua Zhuoyu took over personally.
Ning Buyi had thought switching from AI to human control meant entering a “relaxation” phase, but it turned out to be nightmare mode. The missiles no longer came like dense raindrops, changing from “wide-area attacks” to “precision strikes.” Her evasion success rate plummeted, sometimes failing before even completing the run.
Hua Zhuoyu predicted her landing points, leaving no chance for evasion. Without shield defense, the mecha’s armor would deteriorate faster. Ning Buyi tried activating the defense system while running, but still couldn’t change the miserable outcome. When she emerged from the mecha cockpit, she was drenched in sweat, as if pulled from water.
Ning Buyi fell to her knees. Even with reduced pain sensitivity, her entire body ached severely, as if beaten. She couldn’t control her physical response, tears streaming down uncontrollably.
Hua Zhuoyu pulled Ning Buyi into her embrace, wiping her tears, showing traces of reluctance in her eyes.
“Should we lower the training intensity?”
“No!” Ning Buyi struggled out of Hua Zhuoyu’s embrace, raising her tear-filled eyes, stubbornly refusing.
She looked like a rain-soaked begonia flower.
Hua Zhuoyu quickly steadied Ning Buyi, noticing her white-knuckled, trembling grip on her wrist. Sighing helplessly: “At least rest for a while, okay?”
Ning Buyi nodded repeatedly, like a pecking chick.
“You’re really harsh,” Ning Buyi was still sobbing. Knowing Hua Zhuoyu had seen her in such a pathetic state, she simply let her emotions flow freely.
Hua Zhuoyu noticed the increased pressure on her wrist and said softly: “Should I be gentler next time?”
“No!” Ning Buyi suddenly looked up, glaring at Hua Zhuoyu fiercely, “You’re absolutely inhuman.”
Hua Zhuoyu didn’t talk back, maintaining an obedient demeanor, accepting the criticism.
Once her frustration subsided, Ning Buyi felt somewhat embarrassed, hastily releasing Hua Zhuoyu’s hand, wiping her tears, and gritting her teeth: “Continue!” The “Dominator” skill combined with Baize was indeed powerful, but she couldn’t rely solely on this method.
Hua Zhuoyu concealed her sympathetic look, not trying to persuade further.
Unlike those in the Ning family who waited for family arrangements and sacrificed themselves for the family, Ning Buyi wasn’t a hothouse flowerβshe had her own path. If “Vanished Life” could radiate outward from the Barren Star base, her name would be recorded in history, far greater than those self-serving iron-blooded politicians.
She equally looked forward to Ning Buyi’s growth.
In mid-September, Feng Yi, Ling Shu, and little Feng Jiu prepared to return to Beast Star.
Ning Buyi directed small robots to load ten person-height catnip plants onto the spaceship as gifts for Feng Yi to take back to Beast Star. The catnip produced by the Mountain Sea Atlas was more potent, affecting all feline species.
Feng Yi had thought “honey” and “dried flowers” were valuable gifts, never expecting Ning Buyi to allow her to take actual living plants back. She tossed the troublesome little chubby chick into Ling Shu’s arms, fearing it might damage the priceless plants. “Can they survive?” Feng Yi asked carefully, afraid her words might disturb the catnip.
“They’ll survive for a while with cultivation agents, though I can’t guarantee how long,” Ning Buyi shrugged, hesitating before adding, “They can’t be divided or damaged.” She understood the interstellar beings’ desire for plants, but the Mountain Sea Atlas specified this point, leaving her no choice but to state the unpleasant truth upfront.
Feng Yi had no such intentions, still responding with utmost seriousness.
Meanwhile, little Feng Jiu, wings held by Ling Shu, desperately craned its neck forward, feathers puffed up like a little spiky ball. Teary-eyed, it looked at Ning Buyi, continuously chirping “jiu jiu jiu”, appearing pitiful. The little one didn’t want to leave Barren Star, but throwing tantrums before Feng Yi proved useless, forcing it to submit. Seeing Ning Buyi’s seemingly indifferent expression now, it couldn’t help but cry again.
“Jiu jiu, you heartbreaker!”
Ling Shu’s eye twitched, quickly pinching the bird’s beak.
Ning Buyi smiled at these words, walking over to pet little Feng Jiu’s soft, fluffy belly, saying softly: “I’ll wait for your return.”
Little Feng Jiu looked miserable with its beak pinched.
“I’ll take her away first.” Fearing more shocking words from the Feng Jiu that might get her scolded by Feng Yi, Ling Shu quickly bid farewell to Ning Buyi and coldheartedly led the chick away.
Ning Buyi watched the spaceship leave the base. Only when it disappeared did she turn around, finding Hua Zhuoyu standing with folded arms, gazing at her. Ning Buyi raised an eyebrow, smiling: “What’s that look for? As if I’m some heartless scoundrel.”
Hua Zhuoyu smiled: “After little Feng Jiu, there’s little Butterfly, after little Butterfly, there’s Baize. I wonder who’ll take my place after I leave.”
“The Chief Judge is the interstellar number one, who could replace you?” Ning Buyi blinked, smoothly changing the subject.
Hua Zhuoyu asked: “Will you make time to see me off?”
Ning Buyi answered without hesitation: “No.”
“Why?” Hua Zhuoyu pressed, then smiled before Ning Buyi could speak, “Is it because you dislike farewells?”
Ning Buyi didn’t deny it.
Who would like farewells?
After the Feng Jiu left, the living room lost its ear-piercing “jiu jiu jiu” chirps, adding a touch of loneliness. But Ning Buyi had little time for sentiment, partly due to the intense training dulling her emotions, and partly due to Jin Feifei’s surprise. In just half a month, she had created a perfume themed around “Iris”.
The irises were planted around the same time as the catnip, covering about half an acre, only in white and blue varieties. Yet these two colors were incredibly richβfrom snow white, jade white to fish-belly white; from sky blue, mountain-cloud blue, ocean-wave blue to nearly black blueβinstantly capturing Jin Feifei’s heart.
Before Ning Buyi sat perfume samples and scent testing papers. She was beyond amateur in this field, completely lost, only able to sense “fragrance.” As for top notes, middle notes, and base notes, she was utterly clueless, and could only look to Hua Zhuoyu.
“Refined and crisp, different from rose or citrus notes,” Hua Zhuoyu paused, then continued, “Iris is the most common theme among interstellar perfumers, and ‘True Wood’ built their reputation on it. But no brand can truly extract ingredients from iris flowersβthey’re all synthetics, inherently flawed. Frankly, even juice from a crushed flower would deeply fascinate interstellar people.”
“I’ve compared ‘True Wood’ with other brands’ perfumesβthe effects are similar, but prices differ vastly. ‘True Wood’ climbed above other brands through marketing and some shady methods,” Jin Feifei spoke, not hiding her disgust for the “True Wood” brand.
Hua Zhuoyu smiled at Jin Feifei: “Then let’s defeat them.”
Jin Feifei muttered: “Isn’t it your Da Xia’s industry?” After learning Hua Zhuoyu’s identity, she briefly suspected she might side with the Imperial government, since “True Wood” was supported by powerful figures.
Ning Buyi interjected: “May the best win.”
Although she hadn’t met the story’s male lead again, Ning Buyi’s hostility toward him hadn’t diminished, wishing they could immediately replace the crown prince so Xia Tu would stop trying to maintain his presence.
Jin Feifei was fired up with fighting spirit, nodding vigorously: “I understand, I’ll head back to the Aurora Laboratory right away.” She left like a gust of wind before Ning Buyi could respond.
Ning Buyi’s “no need to rush” got stuck in her throat, and after a while, she shook her head, still smiling.
When Jin Feifei produced samples, Xiong Xun naturally followed up. He’d been monitoring “True Wood’s” activities, and when they announced their release date, he posted an announcement on StarMicro: “October 3rd, ‘Wood God’ will be with you.”
The image showed a perfume gift box.
Immediately after posting, fans commented:
WiseOneAvoidsYellowRiver: Boss not selling vegetables anymore?
ComeHitMe: Is this perfume? Or some new vegetable that looks like perfume?
GreenCloudAboveMe: Lettuce, oh lettuce, I can’t live without you. Isn’t selling vegetables good enough? At least give us some flower tea or flower pastries!
RefinedSaltedFish: This timing is quite clever, right when “True Wood’s” “Flower Fairy No.8” launches, eh?
Ning Buyi knew about Xiong Xun’s actions and sneaked onto StarNet after training to join the “excitement.”
She turned to Hua Zhuoyu, asking seriously: “Does Mystery No. 1 equal vegetable seller?”
Hua Zhuoyu: “No, philanthropist who sells vegetables.”
LP: Too lazy to revise some words β(οΏ£βοΏ£)β
0 Comments