Barren Star – Chapter 39
by Little PandaWatching the drama unfold.
“Barren Star No. 1 is the super base for all interstellar vegetable and fruit supply. Let us welcome the planet owner and great philanthropist Ning Buyi…”
After hearing Hua Zhuoyu’s words, Ning Buyi imagined the future scene and suddenly felt a chill. This was the foundation of Barren Star, but it couldn’t survive on just “farming.” If plants were to be revived across the entire interstellar space, wouldn’t Barren Star be left far behind? Though it might be too early to think about these things, as the saying goes, prevent trouble before it happens.
“They’ll change their perception later!” Ning Buyi said seriously, “Various factories will be built soon.”
Hua Zhuoyu watched Ning Buyi’s ambitious expression with amusement in her eyes. She folded her hands on her crossed right leg and said helplessly, “But dear, we’re short on manpower.”
“Feng Yi and others have gone back to recruit. And when we have money, we can buy more robots,” Ning Buyi was no longer worried about manpower. As for humans—before Barren Star truly stabilized, Ning Buyi didn’t want to consider this matter. The Feng Jiu and Dragon Clans held supreme positions in the Beast Alliance Council, and with Baize appearing in the Mountain Sea Atlas, there might be more “ancestors” of the Beast Star clans. Under such circumstances, the rebellious ones from Beast Star probably couldn’t cause much trouble. As for humans… they had no faith, and even with legal constraints, some would often lose their principles, making them both powerful and frightening.
StarNet.
Back then, Mystery No. 1 appeared suddenly, giving interstellar residents the chance to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables and improve their physical condition. All major powers wanted to contact Mystery No. 1, but unfortunately, the Star Court stood in their way, and no one could bypass it.
Finally, when Mystery No. 1 was willing to lift a layer of its veil and appear on StarNet, people became even more eager, wanting to watch them 24 hours a day, hoping to make contact at the first opportunity and establish good relations for greater benefits. Although this plan had proven to be a pipe dream recently, they still hadn’t given up, after all, their competitors hadn’t succeeded either, so everyone was still at the same starting line with that one-in-ten-thousand chance. Under these circumstances, Mystery No. 1’s “perfume” update directly topped the trending list.
#Mystery No.1 Perfume#
#Lettuce-scented Perfume?#
#Mystery No.1 Challenges True Wood From Afar#
Da Xia Imperial Star.
Hundred-story buildings pierced the clouds, while on the circular floating traffic lanes, flying cars sped past, disappearing in an instant into the flickering rainbow of neon lights.
On the top floor of “True Wood,” the public relations department had already collected and processed various public opinions. Most matters didn’t need to be reported upward, but this time, after seeing the four characters “Mystery No.1,” the person in charge hesitated briefly before packaging and sending it to the top floor’s general manager, Sai Yong.
After receiving the message, Sai Yong lazily glanced at it while sinking into his leather sofa. He pressed a button on his desk, and soon the holographic images of each department head appeared before him. Lifting his heavy eyelids, Sai Yong said arrogantly, “Mystery No.1? Is that the stubborn old fool who rejected our flower procurement request?”
“That’s correct.”
Sai Yong clicked his tongue and continued, “What do these amateurs know about perfume? But we can’t let their rejection of us slide. Aren’t they trying to enter the perfume industry? Let’s hype them up and then destroy them with excessive praise.”
“Manager Sai, but they have real flowers, with essence actually extracted from plants, I’m afraid—”
Before the R&D department head could finish, Sai Yong slammed his palm on the desk and shouted, “Could they possibly know more than you? Am I paying you high salaries just to sit around? Bunch of wine sacks and rice bags [useless good-for-nothings]!”
The R&D department manager, who was drenched in dog’s blood [harshly criticized], looked extremely displeased. He was one of the company veterans, around the same age as Sai Yong’s grandfather, Sai Zhenmu, the founder of True Wood Company. He never expected to lose face here to a young playboy. The R&D manager, with a dark expression, left the meeting without a second thought.
Sai Yong was furious, grinding his teeth: “This old fellow just relies on his seniority! I’ll fire him sooner or later!” His fierce, gloomy gaze swept over the remaining people, finally pointing to the managers of the Marketing and Finance departments, “His Highness needs support, I think we should raise the price of this perfume release.”
“The price is already set, and the news has been released. It might not be appropriate to change it now.”
Sai Yong waved dismissively: “That’s your problem, what does it have to do with me?”
The managers: “…” They also wanted to leave the meeting immediately, but unfortunately, they didn’t have enough seniority to be as bold as the R&D manager. They could only sit stone-faced listening to Sai Yong’s grand pronouncements. Talk about the Crown Prince needing financial support, but likely some of it would be diverted for his own wine and women. This fellow had good fortune, born with a silver spoon – even if others worked their entire lives, they couldn’t catch up to such an advantage.
News spread across StarNet like wildfire, with various factions rushing to watch the drama unfold.
At this moment in the Princess’s residence, Xia Sang, fresh from a flower petal bath, wore only a thin silver silk robe, sitting cross-legged in an elegant classical wooden chair, holding an ancient book with a silver cover. Her skin was rosy from the bath, her long curled eyelashes drooping, like a delicate and fragile doll.
A few steps away stood a young woman, sharp as an unsheathed blade.
“Jingqiu, if I remember correctly, True Wood is my elder brother’s money-making tool, right?” Xia Sang closed her book, raising her eyes to gaze at the person before her.
Ying Jingqiu replied concisely: “Yes.”
Xia Sang leaned forward slightly and asked again: “Your father—Marshal Ying hasn’t been won over by my elder brother yet, has he?”
Ying Jingqiu: “My father is loyal only to Da Xia.”
Xia Sang smiled: “But you are loyal to me.” Seeing Ying Jingqiu frown, she tactfully didn’t continue on this topic. Her fingertips lightly brushed over the book cover as she said with furrowed brows, “We still don’t know who Mystery No.1 is, right? Fortunately, my elder brother doesn’t have the ability to win them over either. Do you think Mystery No.1 might be connected to the Star Court?”
Ying Jingqiu, looking straight ahead with a solemn expression, said: “That would be better.” If it was an experimental base belonging to the Star Court, it wouldn’t be drawn into the confrontation between various powers, and would only seek welfare for interstellar life forms.
“But I don’t hope for that,” Xia Sang sighed, “My father favors my elder brother, I need more bargaining chips.”
“No matter what you do, you yourself are not in the succession sequence,” Ying Jingqiu spoke frankly, earning a dissatisfied glare from Xia Sang, but she didn’t stop, instead continuing with shocking words, “Except for a coup d’état, there’s no other choice.”
Xia Sang said quietly: “It’s too early to bring all this up. Although my elder brother doesn’t have any outstanding political achievements, he doesn’t have major blemishes either.” After a pause, she added, “The chaos on Giant Sickle Star hasn’t settled yet, his achievements will probably come soon.”
Ying Jingqiu gazed deeply at Xia Sang: “Do you want to go to the battlefield?”
Xia Sang stroked her delicate nails, answering sincerely: “No.” At least at this moment, without having obtained the power she deserved, she didn’t want to suffer on the battlefield. “Come here,” she beckoned to Ying Jingqiu.
Ying Jingqiu hesitated for a moment before stepping toward Xia Sang.
“Lower your head,” Xia Sang’s tone held traces of displeasure.
Ying Jingqiu complied.
The pressure on her neck suddenly increased, Ying Jingqiu leaned forward, both hands gripping the chair’s armrests. A pair of deep black eyes stared at Xia Sang’s rose-like delicate face.
“Zhao Lan and Wei Qu are still missing,” Ying Jingqiu spoke.
Xia Sang suddenly released Ying Jingqiu, muttering “mood killer.” She rubbed her forehead and sighed: “There’s been no news for months. Their last transmission said they were on Barren Star. But in the vast galaxy, searching for their location among countless barren stars would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I can’t sacrifice more lives for them.”
Ying Jingqiu smoothed the wrinkles on her coat, staring intently at Xia Sang.
Seeing this, Xia Sang changed her tone: “Of course, we still need to send people to search, at least for show. Otherwise, the Alliance people will be disappointed.”
“The marriage between the Crown Prince and the Chief Judge hasn’t been settled, the Supervisory Department chose to sacrifice Hua Songyu,” Ying Jingqiu slowly spoke, actively changing the topic. “The Chief Judge’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Whether she refused herself or if there’s internal conflict within the Supervisory Department, none of us know. However, as the Month of Judgment approaches, the Chief Judge will eventually return to the Imperial Star, which might bring variables.”
Xia Sang said: “Are you referring to my elder brother’s marriage alliance with the Supervisory Department?” After thinking for a moment, she smiled, “Should we prevent the Chief Judge from returning?”
Ying Jingqiu looked at Xia Sang in astonishment: “What are you thinking? The Crown Prince is now trying to win over military officials, and after being rejected, he’s turning his attention to noble ladies. As far as I know, General Li Liyuan’s daughter is wholly focused on becoming the Crown Princess. But as you know, that position – the Crown Prince intends to reserve it for the Chief Judge.” As she finished speaking, a sneer appeared at the corner of her lips.
Xia Sang frowned: “Wouldn’t that push General Li Liyuan toward my elder brother?”
Ying Jingqiu: “He’s always been a grass on the wall [neutral]. Even without this incident, he would lean toward the Crown Prince.”
Xia Sang: “You mean—”
A happy smile appeared on Ying Jingqiu’s face: “If the Crown Prince wants to win over General Li Liyuan, he’ll have to give something in return, right? Li Ziyan is now completely infatuated with the Crown Prince, probably willing to be his unnamed woman behind the scenes. But how can that be acceptable? If you have a chance to meet Li Ziyan, stir up her fighting spirit.”
Xia Sang raised her head: “Why should I do it?”
Ying Jingqiu pointed at her own face: “Would she be willing to listen to me?”
Xia Sang fundamentally didn’t want to deal with those people, feeling uncomfortable wearing a false face – she wanted to be a queen, not a royal princess for others to mock. But Ying Jingqiu’s words made perfect sense! This young iron-blooded general would probably scare the delicate flower into scattering in all directions.
Ying Jingqiu declined Xia Sang’s invitation to stay overnight at the princess’s residence.
On the quiet street, Ying Jingqiu happened to meet Si Pu who was going out. She nodded to Si Pu in acknowledgment and suddenly asked: “Will the Chief Judge return in November?”
Si Pu stopped, carefully examining Ying Jingqiu for a while before shrugging and saying leisurely: “Who knows? Are you coming from the princess’s residence?”
Ying Jingqiu replied frankly: “Yes.”
Si Pu smiled: “Fortunately, the princess has no ambition.”
Ying Jingqiu frowned, unable to discern Si Pu’s true emotions behind her gentle smile. Did she know something? Could this be a warning?
Si Pu and Ying Jingqiu weren’t actually very familiar with each other, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, they parted. After returning home, Si Pu hurriedly sent a message to Hua Zhuoyu.
“Ying Jingqiu has returned to Imperial Star, and she came out of the princess’s residence.”
Hua Zhuoyu replied quickly: “They make a good match, don’t they?”
Si Pu: “Let’s be serious.”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Let them do what they want, it has nothing to do with the Star Court. Oh right, I forgot to tell you earlier, we caught some people from the Civilization Alliance on Barren Star.”
Si Pu: “…” How is this unrelated?
Si Pu asked: “How do you plan to handle them?”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Let’s leave them hanging for now, besides, the authority to handle them isn’t in my hands.”
Si Pu was utterly speechless: “Then why did you bring them up?”
“Just letting you prepare mentally, let’s see how our little princess handles it.”
“Let me remind you, the Star Court is not allowed to interfere in political affairs.”
“I’m just watching the show, that’s not too much, right?”
While Da Xia Imperial Star churned with undercurrents, the Barren Star base remained peaceful. If there was any “disturbance,” the “perfume” announced by Star Micro barely qualified as one.
Ning Buyi was unwilling to spend huge sums on marketing. Now, holding the soft and fluffy Baize, she marveled at the online articles praising “Wood God” perfume. The article’s author wrote with exceptional literary skill and brilliance, elevating “Wood God” to divine status, emphasizing its “true plant fragrance” that would dominate the entire interstellar perfume industry. Of course, such an arrogant and haughty tone invited verbal attacks from other perfume enthusiasts, pushing “Wood God’s” popularity even higher, as if it would spread across the entire interstellar space.
After thoroughly enjoying the most popular articles, Ning Buyi looked toward Xiong Xun sitting to the side and said: “This couldn’t be marketing accounts bought by ‘True Wood,’ could it?”
“Very likely,” Xiong Xun nodded, then after thinking for a moment added, “It’s free publicity, my lord, we don’t need to suppress it.”
Ning Buyi nodded: “I know. The article mentions using real plant and flower fragrances, which isn’t wrong. It’s unique in the entire interstellar space.”
“Just that some old fans below are calling us their salvation from suffering.”
Ning Buyi: “…” How is it suffering? “Fan feedback for ‘Wood God,’ see if they’re interested.”
Xiong Xun’s eyes brightened as he rubbed his hands together eagerly: “How many should we select?”
Ning Buyi considered briefly: “Let’s pick ten, we don’t have more than that.”
Xiong Xun nodded vigorously: “Understood.”
Soon after, “Mystery No.1’s” Star Micro account posted a second message, but contrary to everyone’s expectations, there was no intention to explain about the “perfume,” instead announcing a perfume giveaway for fans. Comments below wailed for “watermelon, strawberry, citrus,” and when Xiong Xun curiously clicked into their profiles, the first posts were all shares hoping to win – clearly complaining with words but earnest in actions.
—I think it’s reliable, after all, if No.1 Base can handle plants, perfume is nothing.
—Boss, why so unfocused on the main business? I still want to see plants spread throughout the universe!
—Speaking of which, when will the mysterious veil be lifted? According to reliable sources, Mystery No.1 isn’t an official organization, even the authorities are trying to gather information.
—Masters have always emerged from among the common people. It’s better not being official, if they monopolize it, we’ll only get “leftovers”.
—Agreeing with above. If it were an official base, we Insect Race Star wouldn’t be able to buy any.
—Insect Race, get out!
—Don’t be so angry, all interstellar civilizations are one family.
—Who’s family with you warmongering bastards?
—We are firm anti-war advocates.
—When your Insect Queen gives the order, won’t you become an obedient dog? Pah, that’s an insult to dogs.
Ning Buyi, who had been following “Mystery No.1’s” updates, showed surprise when she saw the argument breaking out below due to the Insect Race’s appearance.
“Can the Insect Race even access Da Xia’s regional network?” Ning Buyi curiously turned to Hua Zhuoyu.
Hua Zhuoyu, sitting on the sofa, stared at Baize who had replaced Little Feng Jiu for a while before looking up: “Probably tech workers skilled at network infiltration. Generally, no one bothers them since they’re not stealing government classified files.”
Ning Buyi raised an eyebrow: “They can’t resist plant offensives either, right?”
“Theoretically, yes.” Hua Zhuoyu paused, then continued, “But their racial nature dictates they have only one leader, no being can surpass the Queen, unless—”
Before Hua Zhuoyu could finish, Ning Buyi interjected: “Like those four in the flower field.” She looked directly at Hua Zhuoyu, “Then why not try to capture the leader first to capture all?”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Insect God above. When one generation’s Queen falls, a new ruler is born. Former Queen Xier was the most agreeable and most suitable for Da Xia among all Insect rulers throughout the ages. But we can’t hope for another Xier to appear, after all, ‘chaos’ is their true nature.”
“Why do you say that?” Ning Buyi thought for a moment, feeling her description wasn’t quite right, and added, “Chaos shouldn’t be the essence of any life form.”
“Yet it exists precisely within the Insect Race.” Hua Zhuoyu gazed seriously at Ning Buyi, “Perhaps one day the Insect Race will break free from their mental shackles. But clearly, not now.” Pointing at the dancing text projected in mid-air, she continued, “For troublemaking Insect Race members discovered on StarNet, my suggestion is to report and block them.”
Ning Buyi nodded, with Giant Sickle Star still at war, the Insect Race encountered on StarNet weren’t the cute ones from the flower field – better to block them early to avoid drawing official attention.
Beast Star, Beast Alliance Assembly, the annual alliance meeting was being held at this time.
The massive circular plaza could hold ten thousand people, with a square altar in the center. On its four sides were carved totems representing the four clans: Feng Jiu, Xuanwu, Dragon, and Qilin. Their images varied greatly, but each carried a book inscribed with three large characters in ancient text reading “Baize Chart.”
“Heard the little one from the Feng Jiu Clan was found?”
“I always said staying on Beast Star was better, why go out? Those Da Xia people all have ulterior motives, they just can’t stand seeing our Beast Star doing well.”
“Word is, that young heir from the Feng Jiu Clan seems to have brought back plants.”
“How is that possible! How long has it been since we’ve seen plants? StarNet is full of scams.”
“You can’t say that, my aunt’s grandmother’s sister’s niece got a fresh, plump radish from Star Light ship.”
“Did you see it yourself? Must be fake!”
…
Groups of beast clan members sat chatting idly.
Nearby, a carefree golden-haired youth nudged the sharp-eyed woman beside him, asking curiously: “Sis, did Feng Yi bring back something good? Is it true? Didn’t you go see?”
The woman’s eyes were cold as she replied impatiently: “How would I know?”
Youth: “Weren’t you and Feng Yi kindergarten classmates?”
Woman: “…That was eight hundred years ago.”
The golden-haired youth continued: “But you went to the class reunion last year? Sis, are you afraid of getting beaten up if Ling Shu sees you?” Before he finished speaking, he was kicked flying, crashing into stone steps and crying out in pain. The commotion drew many glances, but they quickly looked away. Beast Clan cubs were known for their thick skin – simply put, they deserved a beating.
The woman ignored her loose-lipped brother and walked toward the rest area. She was Shi Huaixiang, young clan leader of the Lion Clan, representing her clan alone for the first time at the Beast Alliance Assembly. Investigating the plants was one thing, but more importantly, she wanted to see the four assembly chiefs’ attitude toward Da Xia. Feng Yi had recently visited Da Xia, and if any alliances were discussed, it might not be good for the Lion Clan.
The rest area had chairs of various sizes, though not many people were there – beast clan members preferred open spaces rather than being cramped between tables and chairs. Shi Huaixiang immediately spotted Feng Yi sitting casually with Ling Shu. Sneering, her eyes showed disdain. After a few visits to Da Xia, adopting their ways – if they loved imitating Da Xia so much, why not tear down the tree houses hanging in the Phoenix trees?
Ling Shu turned her head: “That Shi… golden fur is coming.”
At these words, Feng Yi knew trouble was coming. A roar suddenly rang out as Shi Huaixiang transformed into a three-meter-long lion pouncing toward them. They easily dodged, but the tables and chairs were smashed into scrap metal under Shi Huaixiang’s overwhelming strength.
Feng Yi turned to Ling Shu: “…Couldn’t you just not speak?”
Hearing this, Ling Shu flexed her hands, suddenly realizing: “You mean we should just fight directly?”
Fearing the two would cause a scene regardless of place, Feng Yi hurriedly pulled Ling Shu away. When Shi Huaixiang met Ling Shu, it was “enemies meeting, eyes red with rage”. She wouldn’t let this opportunity slip, pursuing them with agile grace. However, just as she was about to land on Ling Shu, she caught a strange scent. Her body twisted and landed gracefully on the ground, and to Feng Yi and Ling Shu’s bewilderment, she flopped onto the ground, exposing her soft belly.
Shi Huaixiang didn’t know what was happening to herself. She inexplicably felt “high as heaven,” even shrinking her demon form into a small ball, rubbing against Feng Yi’s trouser leg in a daze with unfocused eyes.
Ling Shu frowned and kicked Shi Huaixiang away with one foot.
Catnip? Lmaooo 😭