Zhang Wei sat in the cockpit of the lead frigate, staring out into the dark expanse of space. His hands hovered over the controls as his fleet of three small frigates soared toward Station 12. The hum of the ships' engines filled the otherwise silent void, a calming sound that helped him focus. The Basic AIs were doing their job well, managing the ship systems, and he had little to worry about on the journey itself.
But his mind wasn't entirely on the mission. He couldn't stop thinking about his younger sister, the one person in this world who mattered most to him. Even though this body's former owner had known her all his life, Zhang Wei now treated her as his real family. She was frail, suffering from a rare disease, and the medical bills were astronomical.
"I should call her before we get too far," Zhang Wei thought, pulling out his comm device.
He quickly dialed his sister's number. The screen blinked for a moment before her familiar face appeared. Her cheeks were pale, and her eyes looked tired, but she smiled when she saw him.
"Gege!" she said in a soft voice, using the affectionate term for "older brother" in Chinese.
Her name was Zhang Xiaoyu, a name that felt as precious to him as his own now. He smiled warmly at her. "Xiaoyu, how are you feeling today?"
"I'm okay," she replied, though her voice lacked energy. "The doctors said there's no change, but that's a good thing, right?"
Zhang Wei nodded, trying to keep his own voice light and positive. "Yeah, no news is good news sometimes. Just focus on resting and getting stronger. I've already taken care of your medical bills for the next few months, so don't worry about anything, okay?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. "But, Gege, that's so much money! I don't want to be a burden..."
"You're not a burden, Xiaoyu," Zhang Wei interrupted gently. "You're my sister. Taking care of you is the least I can do."
Xiaoyu's lip quivered, and she looked down, clearly moved by his words. "I wish you didn't have to work so hard for me..."
"I don't mind working hard," Zhang Wei said firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes. You just focus on getting better. I'll be gone for a little while—on a job for the academy—but I'll check in on you whenever I can."
Xiaoyu looked back up, her expression a mix of worry and gratitude. "Where are you going, Gege?"
"Just an escort mission to Station 12," Zhang Wei explained casually. "Nothing dangerous. I'll be back before you know it."
"You're always working so hard," Xiaoyu whispered, her eyes filled with concern. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself too."
Zhang Wei chuckled. "I promise. I'll be careful. Don't worry about me."
They talked a little longer, with Zhang Wei reassuring her and reminding her to listen to the doctors. Eventually, they said their goodbyes, and he ended the call. As the screen went dark, Zhang Wei leaned back in his seat, feeling both relieved and anxious. He had promised to protect her, to make sure she was taken care of. Now, it was time to make good on that promise.
After the call, Zhang Wei quickly accessed his banking account through the system. He had already prepared to cover Xiaoyu's medical bills for the next three months, so he completed the payment with a few clicks.
Ding! Payment Confirmation: 3 months of medical bills paid (10,000 yuan/month)Total: 30,000 yuan
Final Balance After Medical Payment:
295,900 yuan - 30,000 yuan = 265,900 yuan
Zhang Wei took a deep breath. The amount was steep, but it was necessary. His sister's health came first. The system had provided him with the tools to make money, and he was going to use every advantage he had to secure a better future for them both.
As the frigates continued their journey through space, Zhang Wei allowed himself to relax, if only for a moment. The AIs were handling the navigation, and his fleet was moving smoothly. He still had a long way to go, but with the system's help, he was slowly building the foundation for something greater.
His thoughts drifted back to the mission ahead. The escort job promised a reward of 50,000 yuan, which would be a nice boost to his finances. But the real goal wasn't just completing missions—it was about building something lasting. These three frigates were just the beginning.
Staring out into the stars, Zhang Wei felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but he welcomed it. For his sister, for himself, he would keep pushing forward.
Inventory and Financial Update:
Current Stock in Flagship Store:Stella Mark I Rocket Motor: 15 unitsStellar Assault Rifle: 32 unitsOutdated Assault Rifles: 23 unitsSubmachine Guns: 47 unitsRifles: 26 units
Current Fleet:
Small Frigate #1: Operational (Basic AI installed)Small Frigate #2: Operational (Basic AI installed)Small Frigate #3: Operational (Basic AI installed)
Final Balance: 265,900 yuan
Zhang Wei had only scratched the surface of what he could achieve, but his resolve was stronger than ever. With his sister's future on the line, he would do whatever it took to ensure their success.