Chapter 24: Another Ship?

The ship taking them to the Noble Star System was provided by the Third Star System. Not only was it top-tier in speed and safety, but it also bore the insignia of the Third Star System, signaling that all personnel involved in this commercial performance were under its protection.

S-77 had indeed thought of everything. Even the crew on board were professionals he had personally arranged, ensuring that nothing could go wrong.

·

On the day of departure, Yu Huaiyin didn’t say much. He silently hugged S-77, told Feng Jingyu to take care, and did nothing more.

Yu Xiuqing, on the other hand, had prepared a pile of snacks and fruit. Of course, the ship had all of these already, but S-77 accepted them one by one, politely thanking Yu Xiuqing.

Yu Xiuqing’s eyes were a little red, but she kept smiling, reminding S-77 and Feng Jingyu to take care of their health and safety, and to come back as soon as their business was done.

Cen Lan hugged Feng Jingyu tightly and said only, “Safe travels.” Feng Jingyu understood the unspoken meaning behind her words and nodded.

After watching the ship depart, Yu Xiuqing glanced at her son, who was staring off in the direction the ship had gone, lost in thought. She patted his back.

“Huaiyin, trust 77, trust little Jingyu. They’ll come back safe and sound.”

·

It was Feng Jingyu’s first time on a starship, and everything was new and fascinating to her.

Despite having lived in the interstellar era for years, this was her first time “traveling far from home.” At heart, Feng Jingyu was still that homebody fangirl who loved to stay indoors.

That part of her nature, even after crossing worlds, would never change easily.

·

Noticing Feng Jingyu’s barely concealed curiosity, S-77 suggested, “Shall I give you a tour?”

Feng Jingyu’s eyes lit up, and she was about to agree when she suddenly remembered the Interstellar Girls and the staff traveling with them. “Let me check on how everyone’s settling in first, and then I’ll come find you?”

“Alright, I’ll be in the main control room. Just ask anyone, and they’ll bring you to me.”

“Okay.”

Only after Feng Jingyu’s figure disappeared from view did S-77 turn and head toward the main control room.

·

Inside the main control room, the crew sat at their stations, calmly and methodically carrying out their duties.

S-77 entered and walked straight to the central seat. As he sat down, the mask on the chair automatically slid over his face.

“Mental domain connected.”

The ship’s AI announced.

Beneath the mask, S-77’s golden eyes were cold and inorganic.

“Full speed ahead,” he commanded.

“Received. Mental domain level meets full-speed requirements. Activating deflection shields. Now entering warp travel mode.” The AI completed all operations in an instant.

The control room was very quiet, the only sound being the AI’s periodic reports.

·

The ship was spacious, with enough private space for everyone.

The members of the Interstellar Girls didn’t want to be separated from their teammates. After Cheng Wangshu asked, the crew merged the six girls’ rooms into one large suite, while still keeping enough bathrooms and washrooms for everyone’s convenience.

When Feng Jingyu arrived at the girls’ quarters and saw the newly combined room, she was momentarily taken aback.

The arrangement and furnishings were uncannily familiar—clearly a recreation of their memories from Star Selection Town. Many of the items were things the girls had brought themselves, and they had worked hard to create a familiar environment for comfort, even replicating the practice room.

As soon as Feng Jingyu appeared, the girls gathered around her. On this journey into the unknown, she was their anchor.

“Looks like you’re adapting quickly.” Feng Jingyu smiled. “It’s good you like living together—it means you all rely on each other. That kind of bond is rare, so cherish it.”

The girls exchanged glances, each finding herself reflected in the others’ eyes.

“Although I said this before we left, I want to stress it again. The other side doesn’t come with good intentions, but we’re not unprepared. Your safety is our top priority, and we won’t abandon anyone.” Feng Jingyu spoke solemnly.

The girls nodded, eyes red.

“Get some rest. If you want to explore or relax by practicing the new song, go ahead.” Feng Jingyu’s teasing made the girls smile. “Alright, I won’t bother you any longer.”

Once outside the room, the lightness on Feng Jingyu’s face vanished. She leaned against the wall, eyes lowered, motionless.

She stayed that way for a while before taking a deep breath, straightening up, and letting her gaze grow resolute.

This mission would succeed—no other outcome was possible.

·

Led by a crew member, Feng Jingyu arrived at the heart of the ship—the main control room.

When she saw S-77 sitting in the central seat, masked, she wondered if she’d wandered onto the wrong set.

Is this really the little cutie I know? How did he suddenly max out his “dominant” stats? But this kind of gap moe—only showing his soft side to Huaiyin—is just too good. No wonder I shipped this couple; every setting fits perfectly.

Feng Jingyu was delighted inside, but kept her expression calm and composed.

S-77’s mask retracted into the headrest. He didn’t get up immediately, but sat for a few seconds before walking over to Feng Jingyu. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”

“Thank you, 77.” Feng Jingyu’s familiar way of addressing him drew a few curious glances from the crew, but they quickly returned to their duties.

It all happened in an instant—Feng Jingyu didn’t even notice.

·

The two walked side by side through the ship, with S-77 dutifully introducing each area and some technologies unique to the Third Star System.

“So, by your logic, Earth will never be able to use these technologies?” Feng Jingyu asked.

“Earthlings don’t have mental power, so they really can’t. But they can take a purely technological path, which might be even more solid,” S-77 replied.

“True—pragmatism suits Earth’s style,” Feng Jingyu agreed.

After a while, Feng Jingyu hesitated, then spoke. “Um… 77, there’s something I’ve wanted to ask for a long time, but if it’s offensive, you don’t have to answer.”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s just… why do you like Huaiyin’s music so much?” This question had lingered in Feng Jingyu’s mind for a long time, and now, finally, she had the chance to ask.

S-77 paused slightly before answering. “You probably know that in the Third Star System, there’s a saying about ‘emotional indifference’—in Earth terms, it’s a kind of emotional disorder.”

Feng Jingyu nodded in understanding.

·

“My people can’t empathize, but I’m different—I can sense emotion through music. That’s why I chose the path of music. But mainstream interstellar music doesn’t like emotions that are too intense, so when I heard Yu Huaiyin’s music, I was completely captivated.” S-77 fell into reminiscence. “That overwhelming emotion washed over me completely.”

“No other Earth musician’s music gives you that feeling?”

“Only Yu Huaiyin,” S-77 said with certainty.

Feng Jingyu widened her eyes, struggling not to laugh at such a moment.

S-77 looked at her with eyes that seemed to see through everything, and, unusually, smiled slightly. “Did you get your shipper’s fix again?”

Caught out, Feng Jingyu wasn’t embarrassed at all. She just grinned and gave a thumbs-up.

“It’s perfect.”

Since the conversation had reached this point, Feng Jingyu dropped all pretense and continued, “77, I know you don’t mind, but I still want to apologize and thank you.”

“For the shipping?” S-77 asked.

“Yeah.”

“I know. I’m willing.”

Feng Jingyu covered her mouth with both hands, looking at S-77 in excitement, silently screaming inside.

Oh my god, what a beautiful love story! Mom, I really shipped a real couple!

After Feng Jingyu had calmed down a bit, S-77 said, “It’s getting late. Let me walk you back to your room.”

“It’s fine, I can go back myself. You go get some rest.”

“Alright. If you need anything, just come to the main control room.”

“OKK.”

·

Noble Star System.

Wo Shida Chunlu was inquiring about the Earth delegation’s progress.

“Have they departed yet?”

“Please be patient, sir. I’m sure we’ll have news soon.” The subordinate kept his head bowed. “By the way, sir, Earth has sent over the performance contract for your review.”

“Performance contract?” Wo Shida Chunlu sneered. “Those short-lived species really think I’ll let them perform here?”

“They can’t possibly guess your profound plans, sir, which is why they foolishly sent the contract, just waiting to embarrass themselves.” The subordinate quickly offered flattery.

“But those short-lived species do have some cunning.” Wo Shida Chunlu didn’t even look at the contract, just skipped to the signature page and pressed his badge. “Signing the contract just makes it easier for us to control them.”

“Wise as ever, sir!”

Just then, the man in charge of gathering information returned.

“Sir, there’s news from Earth.” The informant hesitated, but when Wo Shida Chunlu grew impatient, he finally spoke. “Lord S-77 of the Third Star System is personally escorting the Earth delegation on his private ship.”

“What?!” Wo Shida Chunlu hadn’t expected S-77 to appear. “How did he get involved? Could he really have something going on with that Yu from the short-lived species?!”

No one in the room dared speak, fearing they’d be implicated.

Wo Shida Chunlu paced back and forth, a stream of curses pouring from his mouth. Only after venting did he make a decision. “Change the short-lived species’ accommodations. As for what comes next, we’ll see how S-77 acts.”

“Yes, sir.” The subordinates hurried out.