The air still lingered with the intimacy and soft whispers of last night. Daziel stretched lazily, feeling utterly relaxed and content.
These past few days on the Xianzhou had been so enjoyable he almost forgot about everything else.
Yunli, that little girl, ever since that night she "opened up," had become even more compliant and much bolder. Daziel then
called Qingba, Fu Xuan, Yukong, Feixiao, and Lingsha over, one by one, to give Yunli "lessons"…
This process allowed him to fully experience the "joys" of being a mentor.
Daziel picked up the phone from his bedside table; a new message notification light was blinking steadily.
It was from Himeko.
[Himeko: It seems the Martial Arts Ceremony over there has concluded. How have you all been on the Xianzhou? Are you having fun?]
Daziel's lips curved slightly as his fingertip tapped lightly on the screen, replying:
[Daziel: Yes, the ceremony is over. Things are quite good here, the Martial Arts Ceremony was very interesting, and little March 7th had a blast.]
He thought for a moment, then added another line.
[Daziel: I personally gained quite a bit as well.]
The reply was almost instantaneous.
[Himeko: Oh? From the sound of it, you've added a few more women to your collection, haven't you? When will you think of me again?]
The message was followed by a knowing, mischievous emoji.
Daziel rubbed his nose. Even through the screen, he could feel Himeko's all-seeing gaze, which made him feel a little embarrassed, as if all his little schemes had been seen right through.
Himeko didn't seem surprised, quickly sending another message.
[Himeko: The situation in Penacony has settled, and the Grand Harmonious Celebration will be held again. The Astral Express crew has been invited to take part in an important discussion aboard the Family's 'The Radiant Feldspar' as witnesses. You two can pretty much start preparing to come over now.]
Seeing "Penacony" and "The Radiant Feldspar," Daziel's eyes flickered.
It seems a new storyline is about to be triggered.
He quietly got up.
March 7th and Yunli were sleeping on either side of him, both girls' sleeping faces serene, their breathing even.
Yunli's small face still carried a faint flush of contentment, her lips curved slightly upward, as if she were dreaming something sweet.
Daziel first lightly patted March 7th's shoulder.
March 7th groggily opened her eyes, rubbing her hazy, sleepy gaze. "Daziel? Is it morning already?"
"Mm, Himeko sent a message."
Daziel said softly, "Penacony sent an invitation. It's about time we got going."
March 7th let out a long yawn and stretched lazily, her lithe curves subtly visible beneath the thin blanket.
"Ugh, we just had a few days of peace, and now we have to get going again."
She pouted, her tone carrying a hint of a small complaint, but there wasn't much resistance in her eyes.
Yunli was also woken by the movement beside her. She sat up groggily, the blanket slipping down to reveal her smooth, delicate shoulders.
She first looked blankly at Daziel, then at March 7th, seemingly not fully awake yet.
Daziel smiled, comforting March 7th.
"Don't worry, Himeko said we're just going to the Family's 'The Radiant Feldspar' to witness a discussion. There shouldn't be any trouble."
No sooner had he finished speaking than his phone vibrated again, indicating a new message had arrived.
Daziel tapped to open it, finding it was from Topaz & Numby.
[Topaz & Numby: Master, are you busy?]
[Topaz & Numby: My colleague, Ms. Jade of the Ten Stonehearts, and I have also arrived in Penacony, but we've encountered a bit of trouble with our work and might need Master's help. If possible, please come to Penacony as soon as you can.]
Daziel's brows furrowed slightly. Although Topaz & Numby's tone was still respectful, an undeniable urgency seeped between the lines. In the original storyline, Topaz & Numby and Ms. Jade had easily handled the Family Head, Maeven Ellis, in their negotiations. For something to trouble both of them now, it was probably no ordinary matter.
He immediately replied:
[Daziel: What kind of trouble requires my help?]
Topaz & Numby's message quickly came back.
[The situation is a bit complicated; I can't explain it in just a few words. I'll send you the coordinates, Master. You'll understand once you're here.]
Daziel looked at Topaz & Numby's vague, ominous reply and fell into thought for a moment.
He knew Topaz & Numby's working style well; she was always shrewd and capable. Although she was utterly compliant with him in bed, when it came to work, she had her own strict principles.
If it were truly a difficult situation, Topaz & Numby would never ask him for help so easily.
Penacony. It seems this trip won't be as easy as Himeko made it sound.
What exactly could trouble both Topaz & Numby and Jade, requiring his personal presence?
Daziel lightly shook Yunli's arm.
Yunli's long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze hazy with fresh wakefulness. "Mmm, Master Daziel…" Her voice was tinged with a languid hoarseness as she softly called out.
Daziel looked at her gently. "We're leaving the Xianzhou now, heading to Penacony."
Hearing this, Yunli's sleepiness largely dissipated. She sat up, the blanket sliding down her smooth shoulder slightly, revealing a small patch of delicate skin.
She looked at Daziel, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Are you leaving so soon?"
Daziel reached out, helping her pull the slipped blanket back up. His fingers accidentally brushed her warm skin, eliciting a subtle shiver from her.
He said softly, "Mm, there are some matters I need to deal with over there. But if there's a chance later, I'll come find you on the The Xianzhou Zhuming."
Yunli nodded. Although her heart was filled with endless reluctance, she still obediently replied, "Okay, I'll listen to Daziel."
She leaned forward and lightly kissed Daziel's cheek, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum: "Daziel Gege, you have to come back to see me soon. If you really miss me, just take the Demon Sword and poke Sister March 7th with it, and I'll know."
Hearing this, March 7th immediately pouted. "Hey now, what are you saying? Don't treat me like some kind of erotic toy!"
Daziel patted Yunli's head.
After a moment of intimacy with Yunli and a few careful reminders, Daziel got up and left the room.
He didn't disturb his other friends and female companions on the Xianzhou, only leaving them messages. Then, he and March 7th set off on the journey back to the Astral Express.
The train smoothly traveled through the stellar sea. Outside the window, the stars were like spilled diamonds, dazzlingly brilliant.
After a precise interstellar warp jump, the familiar luxury and hazy allure once again entered their view—Penacony. This city, built upon beautiful dreams, was still a place of gilded indulgence.
As soon as they stepped off the train platform, a striking figure came up to them.
"Master Daziel, you've finally arrived." Robin's face held a perfectly measured smile, and her voice was melodious and pleasing to the ear.
She was still wearing that white formal short dress, which perfectly accentuated her stunning figure. Her long hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, and her entire being exuded an aura of elegance and nobility.
Daziel looked at the beautiful woman before him, a teasing smile playing on his lips: "My little canary, haven't seen you in a few days…"
Hearing the address "little canary," Robin's face immediately flushed crimson. Her eyes shyly avoided Daziel's gaze as she said softly:
That shy, delicate appearance, coupled with her heavenly voice, was exceptionally adorable.
Daziel laughed heartily, no longer teasing her. He then asked, "Himeko should have told you, right? We're going to 'The Radiant Feldspar'."
"Yes, I've already arranged it." Robin nodded slightly, returning to her usual dignified demeanor. "Please follow me."
The two walked side-by-side, heading towards the exclusive docking bay for 'The Radiant Feldspar'.
On the way, Robin softly briefed Daziel on some of the events that had transpired in Penacony these past few days.
"Master, these past few days, the Interastral Peace Corporation sent representatives to Penacony to negotiate with Oti Alfalfa, the Family Head, regarding some issues concerning Penacony's role in the cosmic market economy."
Robin's tone carried a hint of solemnity. "Both sides seem to have disagreements on some key terms. The negotiations aren't going smoothly and have become quite unpleasant."
She paused, then continued, "After all, this concerns Penacony's future economic lifeline, so the Family naturally won't yield an inch, and the Corporation's stance is also very tough. Therefore, this matter will likely not have a clear resolution anytime soon."
Daziel nodded. These circumstances roughly matched his conjectures.
Robin added, "That Corporation representative, Ms. Jade, is said to be quite a formidable figure. These past few days, she opened a pawn shop called 'Lady Jade's Compassionate Pawnshop' on 'The Radiant Feldspar', seemingly making some other preparations for the negotiations."
"The coordinates Ms. Topaz & Numby sent you are precisely for this 'Lady Jade's Compassionate Pawnshop'."
Daziel nodded, understanding.
As they conversed, the two had already arrived at 'The Radiant Feldspar' boarding gate.
'The Radiant Feldspar' quietly hovered in Penacony's Sea of Dreamscape. It didn't have the cold metal exterior like other spaceships; instead, it resembled a work of art meticulously carved from countless sparkling, translucent Labradorite stones.
The ship's surface shimmered with a gentle luster, as if it had absorbed the light and melodies of the stars and then gently released them.
The spaceship's structure was not perfectly symmetrical, but rather presented a natural, elegant, yet grand silhouette.
Upon boarding 'The Radiant Feldspar', the interior revealed an entirely different world.
The corridors were spacious and bright, with exquisite sculptures and artworks visible everywhere. Every detail showcased the Family's profound heritage and luxury.
Under Robin's guidance, they passed through several corridors, arriving at the central section of the ship's cabin.
A shop with an elegant facade appeared before them, its signboard displaying "Lady Jade's Compassionate Pawnshop" in shimmering golden script.
The shop's entrance was adorned with some quaint yet exquisite ornaments, exuding a hint of mysterious aura.
Robin stopped, turning sideways to speak to Daziel:
"Mr. Daziel, since the Corporation invited you for a private discussion, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to go in. I'll wait for you outside."
Her tone was respectful, but her eyes held a hint of something imperceptible…
Daziel nodded, giving her a gentle smile. "Alright, thank you for your trouble."
He took a deep breath and adjusted his collar, then reached out and pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping inside.
Inside the door, the light was much softer than in the corridor. The air was filled with a faint sandalwood scent, mixed with a hint of the cool aroma of ancient paper and metal.
Unlike the antiquated simplicity of the outer hall, the VIP room's decor appeared more luxurious and modern.
Soft light shone down from specially designed ceiling fixtures, illuminating the entire room.
The air was filled with a fresh, strange scent, like neither flower nor wood, subtly stirring one's spirit.
In the center of the room, a large obsidian round table stood, its surface smooth as a mirror, reflecting the room's interior.
A woman was sitting gracefully opposite the round table.
She wore a wide and elegant black hat, its brim slightly lowered, obscuring the upper half of her face, revealing only her elegantly shaped jawline and a hint of crimson lips.
She wore a tailored blue and white uniform, a uniquely shaped brooch pinned to her chest, glittering with a cold, faint light.
The uniform's hem was perfectly placed, revealing a pair of long, straight, fair legs. On her feet were extremely high heels, their surfaces glittering with a dangerous sheen.
In her hand, she held a glass of ruby-colored liquid, gently swirling it. Her posture was elegant and composed, as if everything was within her grasp.
Hearing the door open, she slowly raised her head. Her gaze from beneath the hat brim was like two sharp ice shards, piercing directly towards Daziel.
That gaze carried scrutiny, inquiry, and an imperceptible… expectation.
"You must be Mr. Daziel, correct?"
Her voice was cool and magnetic, like jade stones clashing, carrying an imperceptible hint of enchantment. "I've long heard of you."
She put down the wine glass in her hand, a faint curve appearing on her crimson lips that didn't quite reach her eyes:
"My name is Jade, and I opened this pawnshop at the request of others."
Jade leaned slightly forward, her hands clasped on the table, her gaze locked onto Daziel.
"Here, if one wishes to pawn something or take a loan, one must first mortgage something of equal importance... dignity, emotions, even life itself.
I came to find you today precisely because I hope that you can pawn off something on your person....
_____
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