ABRIWMTHM Chapter 20

The attendant Xu left, but his words remained.

They made Shi Xing unable to help but repeatedly think back before sleep.

Among the three military officers whose applications were subsequently approved, only one has currently arrived at the Tree Nest. When selecting these three, Chi Yao had clearly expressed to Shi Xing that the best choices were Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan. If there were significant issues with both of them here, only then would Chi Yao suggest reconsidering the remaining three.

This week, Shi Xing meticulously reviewed the application forms, having memorized nearly all the information about each military officer.

In his interactions, Major General Xiang He Ze and Major Tan Yan both seemed great.

Yet, Shi Xing still didn’t have a clear answer.

The question Xu asked today was one that Chi Yao had also inquired about during the final selection of applications, just casually.

Upon hearing Shi Xing’s reply, he joked, “Maybe there will be someone you fall in love at first sight with, and you’ll willingly follow them.”

Shi Xing just smiled at that.

But deep down, he knew that this kind of possibility no longer existed.

Having gone through Lu Lu, Shi Xing was even afraid of letting emotions cloud his judgement in choosing a partner.

This time, he simply wanted to select someone who could fully support him, someone strong enough to guarantee he could smoothly get through the maturity period; as for feelings, Shi Xing would no longer naïvely view the situation that way.

A few days ago, Shi Ran had hypothetically asked Shi Xing what he would do if he encountered someone particularly likable, but not quite suitable.

Shi Xing had previously answered that he should follow his heart.

This time, Shi Xing was silent for a moment before responding, “During the maturity period, we will absorb our partner’s mental power, and there’s also plenty of time spent together; feelings can be nurtured.”

Rather than answering Shi Ran, it felt more like he was stating his current perspective.

Without saying it outright, Shi Xing understood clearly that if he were to start over, feelings would become the least significant factor in his selection criteria.

He was still indecisive about Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan, each having their own points of concern.

Xiang He Ze was older, had a gentle personality, and Shi Xing felt reassured in his presence; however, his mental power level was SS. Since Shi Xing returned, his abilities had become quite different, making him unsure how much room for development he still had.

What if… he reached SSS later? What would happen then?

Tan Yan was younger, extroverted, very enthusiastic, and had a mental power level of 3S, which was excellent.

But interacting with Tan Yan, who was also a junior from a military family, similarly talkative and extroverted, made Shi Xing persistently notice many traits in Tan Yan that were eerily similar to Lu Lu’s, the qualities characteristic of someone from their background.

This similarity made him anxious, knowing that Tan Yan was the most suitable, but fearing the other party was too young and lacked stability, which could lead to unpredictable variables in the future.

Speaking of which, Tan Yan was also the youngest son in his family; of course, he had a younger sister, but… in certain aspects, he reminded Shi Xing so much of Lu Lu that it made him retreat.

Chi Yao was different.

Chi Yao combined the strengths of both sides.

Strong and stable.

His Highness must have been independent for a long time; he was the one in control of his life and could fully dictate the people and things around him.

His mental power level was high, certainly reaching SSS, but Shi Xing couldn’t gauge where the ceiling of the additional portion lay.

But the rank wouldn’t be lower than his.

Lastly, and this was the aspect that most moved Shi Xing, even though they hadn’t interacted much, he understood Chi Yao.

Whether it was the one time he saw him outside the Prince’s residence before his rebirth or their interactions within the Tree Nest, compared to Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan, Chi Yao had no ulterior motives towards him, so there was no particular attitude; however… Shi Xing genuinely felt a sense of equality and respect during their interactions.

Chi Yao respected him.

Even if it wasn’t necessary at all.

Even if, given his status, he wouldn’t care about such nuances in attitude.

But the other party just did it, and it made Shi Xing feel it.

This kind of virtue is quite rare for someone in a high position.

Especially after having seen too many high-status individuals in the imperial capital, it further solidified Shi Xing’s recognition of this.

Chi Yao managed Fei Chu excellently; despite suffering severe injuries, he still sought to resolve things with understanding and even brought in two therapists to the Tree Nest. With such thorough handling, it wouldn’t be that bad if he had any issues in the future.

Strong, stable, respectful of him, and fully in control of his life.

Shi Xing couldn’t think of a better candidate than Chi Yao.

Moreover, he felt that Chi Yao was good, wanted to be close to him; though this aspect wasn’t important, people aren’t machines, and when it comes to feelings, it would greatly impact his subjective feelings.

Should he ask Chi Yao…?

Shi Xing stared at the ceiling, his azure blue eyes somewhat dazed in the dark.

Soon, it was time for everyone to go out and tour.

The matching banquet was about to be held, and in the week leading up to it, the level of openness at the Tree Nest increased, resulting in more officers from the military inviting Blue Star humans out of the Tree Nest. Consequently, to align with this significant imperial banquet, activities were being held everywhere in Ancheng, with the central city district bustling as vendors decorated it to attract the crystal coins from the officers escorting Blue Star humans.

According to Shi Ran, who had already gone out twice, various activities and festivals were happening daily, organized in conjunction with businesses.

Going out was Yun Wu’s suggestion; after reporting to Chi Yao, it was also learned by Hua Li.

In the end, both sides wanted to invite him, and after a stalemate, Chi Yao waved his hand and said they would go together.

The shopping street they chose to spend money on was decorated in a whimsical manner. Upon disembarking the airship, they noticed that there was an announcement in Ancheng about fireworks being set off along the river tonight. Probably in response to the fear that tourists wouldn’t know, every business projected this information at their entrance to attract passersby.

Since there were fireworks, they naturally had to watch.

First, they went to the restaurant chosen by Hua Li to eat, then to the arcade that Yun Wu had his eye on for fun.

Shi Xing filled his stomach at the former, while in the latter, the virtual warships in the game hall were particularly fun. Tan Yan taught Shi Xing how to play; Shi Xing had played several rounds, and though he couldn’t get through the asteroid belt each time, the stimulus and joy were very real.

Chi Yao maintained a detached demeanor throughout, playing along with them, but he didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about any specific activity.

In the group, both Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan called Shi Xing at times. When Shi Xing responded quickly, it was fine; when he was slow, Chi Yao would wave his hand, and Shi Xing would automatically return to Chi Yao and Fu Qing’s side to avoid disputes.

The free fireworks were set off last by the moats of Ancheng.

While paying at the arcade, it seemed that the few games Chi Yao played scored particularly high. The arcade staff asked them to wait a moment while they went to calculate the high-score returns in crystal coins. Yun Wu, fearing he wouldn’t secure a good viewing position, hurriedly went down first. Hua Li and Xiang He Ze followed suit under Chi Yao’s suggestion.

As a result, some problems arose during the scoring process. Fearing Chi Yao might grow impatient, Fu Qing suggested he and Shi Xing leave first, while he stayed behind to handle the situation.

Chi Yao indeed had little interest in dealing with these things and nodded.

Riding the hover lift down with Shi Xing, it was just the two of them, and suddenly it became quiet around them.

Chi Yao unexpectedly said, “I see you’re about the same towards both of them.”

Oh, mentioning his matching situation, which they had been discussing. Shi Xing responded without much burden.

“Both military officers are quite good.”

Chi Yao’s ashen gray eyes shifted, fixing on Shi Xing for a moment, accurately summarizing: “Perfunctory.”

His evaluation was vague and general, clearly just a way to deflect.

Shi Xing didn’t refute him; after some time together, he could even retort, “But I’m speaking the truth.”

Chi Yao didn’t take a stance, “That’s not the question I wanted to ask.”

Knowing that Chi Yao wouldn’t fuss about little things, Shi Xing just smiled to brush it off.

Indeed, Chi Yao didn’t push the issue further; if Shi Xing wouldn’t say anything more, he wouldn’t mention it either.

Upon arriving by the river, there were many more floating vendor stalls selling various goods, many intriguing and fun little items that caught the tourists’ attention.

Passing by a candy stall, Shi Xing observed curiously for a bit too long, leading Chi Yao to casually buy him a string of candy to hold.

It was made of crystal fruit, and Shi Xing could see the beautiful flow of energy on it.

Taking a bite, it was really delicious.

“Your Highness, wouldn’t you like a string?”

Chi Yao chuckled, “No, it’s something children like.”

The tone already categorized Shi Xing as one of the younger generation.

Shi Xing wrinkled his nose, mumbling, “I’m actually an adult now.”

Chi Yao concluded the conversation, “But to me, you’re still young.”

Chi Yao turned and seemed to be in a good mood, recounting, “My nephew likes to eat this too.”

“When I took him out to play as a child, he could always find ways to lead me to the sellers.”

“But you’re a bit better than him.”

Shi Xing: “?”

Chi Yao: “You wouldn’t just point at the candy string and tell me you want all of it.”

Shi Xing: “……”

Seeing Shi Xing’s silent expression, Chi Yao burst into laughter, his smile so genuine that it warmed his ashen gray eyes.

The atmosphere was wonderful and harmonious.

In that gentle gaze, Shi Xing felt momentarily dazed, the fireworks just right reflected in Chi Yao’s eyes.

He himself didn’t know what had come over him.

When he came back to his senses, the question had already escaped his lips.

In a sudden impulse, he nervously whispered, “Your Highness, have you ever thought about matching with a Blue Star human?”