Volume 4, Chapter 55 – Reunion After a Long Separation

When Orange-Flavored Candy came to ask about the price, Anran quoted her the same figure she had given Nine Songs.

It was not as though she was deliberately trying to rip off the players. That was simply the price, and they could take it or leave it. However, when negotiating with Nine Songs, she could give them a small discount and make a few other requests in return.

“First, I need to borrow the research institute’s workshop. The equipment there is complete, and it is all automated, so it can greatly increase my production speed.”

“Of course. That won’t be a problem,” Lü Changming agreed immediately.

Anran continued, “Second, I’d like to look through the Research Center’s materials. I feel that my foundation is still lacking in many areas, so I need to further my studies.”

“I’ll do my best. It shouldn’t be a major problem, but the Research Center will definitely impose quite a few restrictions.”

“As long as the restrictions aren’t excessive, that’s fine.”

Ordinary NPCs had to painstakingly read the material one word at a time. All she had to do was push the progress bar to one hundred percent. It was ridiculously overpowered.

“Do you have any other requests?”

“Other requests…” Anran pondered for a moment. “It would be best if you could cover the material costs too.”

“…”

“If you’re willing to rejoin Nine Songs, I could consider that proposal,” Lü Changming said.

“Forget it, then.” Anran rejected him without hesitation. She changed the subject. “I have a piece of information to sell you. Interested?”

“…”

Lü Changming fell silent for a moment. Here came the familiar routine again.

He asked directly, “How much do you want?”

“Based on my analysis, this information is extremely important, so it may be rather expensive,” Anran said.

“Just name your price.”

“How about the raw material costs for ten robots?” Anran proposed.

“…” The corner of Lü Changming’s mouth twitched. “That’s almost two hundred thousand, isn’t it? You really don’t hold back.”

“Important information is naturally worth that much. This information might even bring the war with Morningstar to an early end,” Anran said with complete confidence.

“Huh?”

Lü Changming froze. Information that could hasten the end of a war with no conclusion currently in sight would be worth far more than two hundred thousand if Anran was telling the truth. Even adding another zero would still make it cheap.

It simply sounded too fantastical.

Anran added, “If you follow this lead, you might be able to discover the purpose behind Morningstar’s actions.”

“Tell me. If it’s truly useful, forget covering the materials for ten robots. I’d even give you my position as deputy minister,” Lü Changming said.

“I’ll pass on the deputy minister position. If you’re really feeling that generous, I’ll be perfectly satisfied if you help me buy two tickets to the Sea Blue Forest,” Anran muttered quietly.

“You really intend to go to the Sea Blue Forest?”

“That’s right.”

“Fine. If your information proves useful, then once the war is over, I’ll give you two tickets to Senting Star.”

Senting Star was the first stop on the journey from No. 1886 to the Sea Blue Forest.

Anran’s destination was White Sea Star, but to reach White Sea Star, she first had to pass through Senting Star.

“Then I’ll look forward to the war ending soon.”

With that, Anran relayed to Lü Changming what she had heard from Adrian.

“They were measuring something outside Trade Station No. 1, and they were together with people from other planets?”

Lü Changming’s expression abruptly turned grave.

Heloise had led many of Morningstar’s operations. According to information they had obtained recently, she was also the most perfect test subject produced by Morningstar’s human experimentation program. It was fair to say that Morningstar regarded her as an exceptionally promising blade.

Some people speculated that the person in charge of Yaxi City had been temporarily replaced because Morningstar’s upper ranks were dissatisfied with Heloise’s failures and had removed her from the position.

However, Lü Changming had always felt that this theory made no sense. One only had to look at how useless the newly arrived Zhu Sheng was to know that Morningstar had some other objective.

They wanted Heloise to carry out a more important mission.

“It seems your information really is important. I have to report it up the chain as soon as possible. Once you reach Twinmoon City, contact Feilian directly. He’ll take you to the Research Center.” There was a hint of urgency in Lü Changming’s voice.

“No problem. Go take care of your work.”

After ending the call, Anran felt somewhat emotional.

She had been away for several months. This would probably be the last time she returned to Twinmoon City.

…

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South Island was more than three thousand kilometers from Twinmoon City. Although it was a long distance, Anran did not choose to take public transport back. She continued driving the off-road vehicle she had stolen.

That way, she could bring all her things with her, and it would also be more convenient to move around.

With Anran’s current stamina, she would not suffer from driver fatigue even if she drove for several days and nights without rest.

If Aila had not been too short, letting Aila drive would have been even safer.

The off-road vehicle’s wheels spun rapidly as they followed the coastline. Farther ahead, the road turned into the great plains, where the surroundings appeared somewhat desolate. By the time they entered the even more dilapidated wilderness, Twinmoon City was already close.

After the Battle of Wutong City ended, peace had returned to this far eastern region of the Canyon Continent. They could even see a few other vehicles on the road.

During the two days Anran spent driving, Lü Changming did not have a single moment of leisure.

The information he relayed drew great attention from Nine Songs’ upper ranks. Since Night Owl was involved, Nine Songs’ minister, the man from the Ninth expeditionary army, had always suspected that some sort of conspiracy lay behind the matter.

An investigation was immediately assigned. Although there had been no substantial progress over the past two days, related meetings filled the schedule.

Lü Changming only had time to notify the Research Center and Feilian before hurrying off to the next meeting without stopping.

Feilian, on the other hand, became extremely excited when he learned that Anran was returning. He wished he could appear in front of her immediately and say thank you.

As for the reason, Anran guessed part of it the moment she saw Feilian.

They met in the same building at the base as before.

“Welcome back!”

Feilian was leaning on crutches and patiently brewing tea. When he turned around, he saw the door being pushed open, and Anran and Aila walked in.

“Captain.” Anran nodded. She was still rather happy to see an old friend again.

In particular, seeing Feilian alive and well left her with even more mixed emotions.

“Newcomer, have some tea.”

Feilian turned around and brought the cup on the table over to Anran.

“Uh…”

Anran looked down. It was still that same dark brown liquid.

Uh…

Special extra-strong tea. It brought back unpleasant memories for Anran.

Seeing the slight change in Anran’s expression, Feilian immediately burst into laughter. “Don’t worry. When it comes to brewing tea, I’ve learned a thing or two. I’m much better than that half-baked amateur Chu Yuan. You can drink it without concern.”

He pushed the cup toward her.

“Thank you.”

Anran could not dampen Feilian’s enthusiasm, so she could only accept the cup with a bitter expression.

“Anran, Anran, what is this brown liquid? Can you drink it?” Aila stood on tiptoe to look at the cup, asking curiously as she reached out a small hand.

“This is tea. You could call it a traditional beverage,” Anran explained. She wrote the character for “tea” on Aila’s hand.

“Oh.” Aila nodded.

Aila’s Dictionary:

Tea:

1. An evergreen woody plant whose leaves…

1. A beverage made from tea leaves.

After checking the central database, Aila understood what Anran meant.

“Is this your younger sister, Aila?” Feilian asked.

“That’s right.”

“What an adorable little girl. I hope my daughter will be as cute as Aila someday,” Feilian said with emotion.

Huh?

How had the topic suddenly jumped to his daughter?

Anran lightly sipped the strong tea.

Hm?

This taste…

Pfft!

Without changing her expression, Anran quietly moved the cup a little farther away. Feilian’s tea was just as awful as Chu Yuan’s. What nonsense about having learned a thing or two? You’re clearly doing this on purpose just to torment me!

“Hahaha…”

Feilian suddenly burst out laughing when he saw this.

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Sure enough, this unreliable captain had done it deliberately. Anran was speechless.

“Is this our squad’s daily tradition? Whenever a newcomer arrives, they must be given a cup of special extra-strong tea?”

“Speaking of that tradition…”

“Feilian, you blockhead, what are you laughing about? Hurry up and come wait at the entrance with me! Did you come here alone because you wanted to slack off?”

At that moment, the half-closed door behind them was suddenly pushed open, and a familiar female voice came from outside.

Anran turned around.

“Huh?”

Golden hair tied into a single ponytail, simple and clean makeup that was very light, and seasonally appropriate clothes consisting of a jacket and jeans. There was nothing revealing or willfully outrageous about her outfit.

This was Anna?

Yes, this was Anna.

After such a long separation, many things really had changed.

Feilian had changed. Anna had changed. Chu Yuan and Daogu were not here, and Li Zhuying was still in Yaxi City.

“Anran, when did you arrive?” Surprise and delight appeared on Anna’s face.

She stepped forward and hugged Anran, then walked over to Feilian and grabbed his ear. “Well, well, Feilian. Anran came back and you didn’t even tell me. You still have the nerve to laugh here?”

“Ow, ow, ow… Let go!” Feilian immediately cried out in protest. “I only saw Anran come back while I was making tea.”

“Uh…”

Anran should probably have said a few words in his defense, but faced with this wildly discordant scene, she felt as though she had suddenly been dropped into the middle of a gale. Her thoughts were in complete disarray.

Hey, hey, hey. What was going on here?

“Anran, Anran, why did this kind-looking big sister suddenly become so fierce and pull that uncle’s ear?” Aila continued displaying her inquisitive nature.

Big sister.

Uncle.

Hmm…

However, Aila’s question made Anna, who had been about to pinch Feilian’s waist, abruptly realize that other people were present.

Anran was still watching.

Her face actually flushed in an instant, rosy color spreading across both cheeks.

Anran was terrified.

Was this still Anna, that violent woman who smoked, drank, and had tattoos? She looked more like an innocent blonde maiden who had stepped out of an anime.

Anna immediately let go. She looked at Anran awkwardly and offered a pointless explanation. “Well, Anran, don’t misunderstand. Feilian and I…”

“What’s left to explain at this point?” Rubbing his ear, Feilian stepped forward.

“To tell you the truth, Anna and I are already engaged. We’re planning to get married in December.”

Uh…

Anran’s expression stiffened. In the end, the cigarette-and-alcohol duo had still gotten together.

Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.

“Congratulations, congratulations!” Anran immediately offered her blessings with a broad smile. Daogu had always liked joking about the two of them before, but she had never expected them to come this far after only a few months apart. That was fast.

“Anran, you have to come to our wedding if you’re free!” Feilian said.

“Absolutely.”

“What are you smiling at? That grin is disgusting. Do you think I really want to marry you?”

Anna still found an opportunity to pinch Feilian’s waist.

As expected, this move, which women knew without being taught, possessed boundless power.

Feilian sucked in a sharp breath. Truly terrifying!

“Hehe, how did the two of you get this far?”

Anran’s rarely seen desire to gossip was suddenly aroused. She nudged Anna with her body and asked in a low voice.

“Well…”

Anna pondered without speaking.

“I’ll explain,” Feilian said with a smile.

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“You talk too much!” Anna smacked Feilian, but she did not stop him.

“Actually, we have you to thank, Anran.”

“Thank me?”

Anran scratched her hair in confusion.

“During the mission to attack Morningstar’s Far East Branch base, you may have slipped away at the end, but Minister Lü still remembered the enormous contribution you made. During the end-of-month assessment, our squad jumped straight to third place.”

“And then?”

“Didn’t Anna say before that she would consider me once I brought the squad back into the top three?” Feilian smiled blissfully. “As it happened, I injured this leg while taking a bullet for Anna. She felt very guilty, so she applied to Minister Lü for permission to stay and take care of me. While she was looking after me, one thing led to another. Then one night, the two of us accidentally did X, and after that… Hehe.”

Huh?

“Did X?”

Good grief. One thing led to another, and you ended up in bed?

And you two claimed there had been nothing going on between you!

The moment I perked up my ears, I heard that Anna had banged Feilian!

“Impressive, Anna!” Anran gave Anna a thumbs-up.

“W-Why are you looking at me so suggestively?” Anna panicked slightly.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Anna raised a hand as if to hit Feilian.

Tsk, tsk.

“If you hadn’t taken the initiative, what could Feilian have done to you with an injured leg?”

“I-It was because I was drunk!” Anna argued.

She flew into an embarrassed rage. “Feilian, are you trying to get yourself killed? Can’t you see there’s a child here?”

She pointed at Aila.

Aila looked up at Anran. “Anran, Anran, what does ‘did X’ mean? Why do this big sister and that uncle have to get married after doing X?”

Anran stroked Aila’s head. “I’ll explain that to you later. Big Sister and Uncle are getting married because they already liked each other, not because they did X.”

“Oh.”

Aila nodded.

Aila’s Dictionary:

Do, make, sit, seat… None of the possible characters pronounced zuò seemed to make sense when paired with le.

“You’re going to corrupt the child!” Anna glared at Anran in annoyance.

“Anran hasn’t corrupted me!” Aila’s little face turned stern. “Anran treats me very well. She not only gives me food and helps me deal with my enemies, but also teaches me lots of useful knowledge. The night before last, Anran even…”

“Stop!” Anran hurriedly grabbed Aila’s hand. “There’s no need to tell other people about that sort of thing.”

“Oh.” Aila closed her mouth.

However, she was a little displeased with Anna.

A child’s temper… Anna thought.

“By the way, where are Daogu and Chu Yuan?” Anran asked.

“They’re both alive and kicking. They just transferred to other squads.”

“Huh? Then…”

Feilian hurriedly explained, “The main problem was that I got injured, while Anna stopped going on missions. There was simply no way for the squad to keep operating, so it had to be disbanded.”

Seeing Anran’s expression, Feilian continued, “But you don’t need to worry, and there’s no need to feel regretful. With your help, we finally made it back into the top three. We truly do have to thank you for that. Minister Lü also gave me a good assignment. I work in logistics now. The salary isn’t low, and the job is fairly easy.”

“What about Anna?”

“Anna has already left Nine Songs. She opened a general store in the city.”

Uh…

A general store…

That felt strangely out of place.

“There was no other choice. With Feilian’s miserable salary, if we don’t make more plans now, we’ll end up eating dirt later,” Anna complained.

“The two of us can support ourselves without much trouble. We’re mainly considering the child we’ll have in the future. The war will end someday, and raising a child will cost a great deal then,” Feilian said with a smile.

Anna’s face grew even redder.

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A child.

They were planning very far ahead.

Still, that really was Feilian’s style.

“Actually, Anna is already pregnant,” Feilian revealed again.

Crack!

Anran felt as though she had been struck by lightning.

You two lay low for years, but the moment you made a move, it was thunder from heaven and fire from earth all at once!

“Well, Anran, any thoughts?” Anna seemed to be trying to regain some ground as she looked at Anran teasingly.

“No, thanks. I have no such ideas.” Anran shook her head and made a declaration. “Male creatures are no more than passing clouds to me. Having my younger sister is enough.”

“Oh?”

After they chatted nonsense for a while longer, the conversation finally returned to the main subject.

“I’ll speak with the people at the Research Center first. Once they reply, I’ll take you over,” Feilian said.

“No problem. I’ll leave these matters to you, Captain.” Anran nodded.

She was going back to that Research Center again.

Morton was already the director now. Gray was probably enjoying a pleasant retirement in Xindu.

While Anran waited, Morton immediately convened a meeting after receiving the call.

It was a continuation of the previous meetings.

Despite his young age, the well-connected Morton had already gained considerable authority within the Research Center.

“That Anran has already arrived in Twinmoon City.”

In the meeting room, Morton announced the news.

The researchers seated below immediately became excited.

“Does that mean we’ll soon be able to obtain robots like those?”

“That’s right.” A smile appeared at the corner of Morton’s mouth. “She’ll be coming here directly very soon. At this final stage, I need to confirm one more thing. How is the surveillance equipment in the workshop?”

A man wearing glasses stood up and said confidently, “Don’t worry, Director. We installed two surveillance systems, both with extremely strong resistance to interference. I personally inspected them again just now. There definitely won’t be any problems.”

“Make sure the image quality and camera angles are good. We must be able to see every one of Anran’s movements clearly and in detail.”

Morton nodded for him to sit down. “What about the CNC equipment?”

“Director, there’s absolutely no problem. I personally wrote a hidden program. It will definitely capture all of the data,” said a balding man this time.

“Very good.”

Morton was extremely satisfied.

“I’ve already submitted an application to the higher-ups. Once Anran delivers these robots, we’ll immediately be able to obtain two units as samples. If we can successfully reproduce this type of robot, then a magnificent future awaits every one of you!”

“Even the contributions made by those old academics at the Xindu Research Institute would be far inferior to yours!”

“Once we succeed, we will be heroes of the government.”

“Your names will also be recorded in the history of scientific research.”

“There is nothing shameful about imitation. I believe that by combining everyone’s wisdom, we will not only match the original but surpass it!”

Morton smiled as he tempted the people below.

In truth, he did not even need to tempt them. The moment they thought about having the opportunity to reproduce this robot technology, everyone below was moved.

Even those who had initially resisted the idea had agreed after being persuaded.

Heh.

Morton’s eyes gleamed.

He had taken a fancy to the technology in Anran’s hands long ago. Unfortunately, Anran had slipped away astonishingly fast. He had never expected her to return with even more impressive technology.

“I’ll speak with the people from Nine Songs now. Before Anran arrives, everyone should inspect everything again. There must not be a single oversight,” Morton said.

“No problem.”

“Rest assured, Director.”

“I have complete confidence in my programming skills!”