ABRIWMTHM Chapter 14

After the talent assessment, the Tree Nest was closed.

Apart from the high-ranking military officers who originally lived inside, access was restricted. The main entrance to the Tree Nest was blocked, with only a side door open for matching candidates to enter for mental power level tests. Security was tight all along the way, allowing for direct access, while the rest of the Tree Nest was not open to them.

A few days later, after confirming that the Blue Star humans who participated in the talent assessment had all rested and recovered, the Tree Nest reopened.

This reopening served as a signal.

At the same time, the assessment grades and basic information of all Blue Star humans from the talent assessment were made available to the candidates.

From the day the Tree Nest reopened to the deadline for applications, the confirmation of the matching candidates list, and the completion of data collection regarding all candidates’ mental power levels (which usually took place about two days before the matching banquet officially began), candidates could apply to meet specific Blue Star humans.

Applications submitted the day before typically received responses the next day; whether or not they could meet was determined by the Blue Star human.

On the day applications were opened, Shi Xing also received an invitation, but it did not come from a matching candidate but rather from that Highness.

Shi Xing kept a close eye, opening the system to find that his profile had turned gray today, indicating an unavailable state for applications. His eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he already had a guess—he had likely been arranged for by the Highness and the administrator in these past few days.

That made sense; his rank was too high, and the officers all had their agendas. If given the chance, regardless of whether or not they could match, they would surely apply, rather than exhaust themselves searching to learn about the backgrounds of the officers in order to make a choice. It was more efficient and convenient for Chi Yao and the administrator to arrange things for him.

After all, that Highness had promised that his match would not be lacking.

Since the other party had said so, it was surely something he would keep in mind regarding the matching.

Moreover, when it came to meetings, Blue Star humans generally did not resist, because even though it was called matching, interstellar times had long since discouraged ancient practices of blind marriage—they favor a two-way choice. The recommendations from the light brain were merely a reference; the inner choices of the officers and Blue Star humans were the final deciding factors.

This was also the reason Shi Xing was able to follow Lu Lu in his previous life.

He could, without starving himself to press his scores, still match, it was just that it would draw attention and then cause some trouble later on.

Thinking of this, Shi Xing subconsciously glanced at his communicator. Previously, it was always Lu Lu who chased him down with messages wanting a result, but now he was seriously trying to discuss this matter, and Lu Lu had instead withdrawn.

There hadn’t been any replies to the message sent two days ago.

Understanding Lu Lu’s character, Shi Xing figured the proud young master needed a little more time to accept it.

The guide stopped in front of a door, interrupting Shi Xing’s thoughts, “The Highness is inside; you can go right in.”

Shi Xing knocked on the door, and a surge of majestic mental power swept over him. He didn’t even have time to react; after confirming his identity, the door opened.

This building was used for hosting distinguished guests in the Tree Nest, and it was also Shi Xing’s first time seeing it open, so as he stepped in, walking on the luxurious handmade carpet, he felt somewhat uneasy.

It always seemed to be this way.

Every time he met the Highness, there was an indescribable awkwardness.

Upon entering, Chi Yao was behind a desk, surrounded by a pile of documents. Official document projections formed a circular enclosure around him. Through the complex optical projections, Shi Xing secretly glanced at the other party and confirmed that today was the most casually dressed he had seen Chi Yao during their many encounters.

The black clothes had golden and silver embroidery details, understated yet not simple.

It suited him very well.

However, with the Highness’s looks, it was hard to imagine anything he wore would look bad.

Shi Xing spoke softly, “Your Highness, good day.”

Chi Yao was dealing with a document, his expression serious. Shi Xing prepared himself, ready to wait until the other finished before responding, but unexpectedly, Chi Yao spoke as usual, “Make yourself comfortable; I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Shi Xing nodded.

Then the attendant brought tea and snacks. After taking a sip of the fruit tea, Shi Xing found it quite good. Initially just wanting a taste, after walking over, he discovered he was a bit hungry and ended up eating a couple more pieces.

“If you like it, let them pack you a box to take away.”

Thinking Chi Yao had business to handle for a while, Shi Xing was focused on eating. Suddenly, he heard the other party’s voice so close it startled him.

Hurriedly reaching for his cup, a slender hand offered the cup to him first, and he took it, feeling so embarrassed that he wanted to bury his face in it while drinking.

Hearing the other party laugh, he said, “Take your time; what are you doing, looking like my little nephew?”

Once Shi Xing caught his breath, he didn’t want to lift his head after the embarrassment, but oddly enough, Chi Yao didn’t urge him on, showing a surprisingly patient demeanor.

Well, perhaps the royal family had good upbringing.

Finally unable to let it drag on any longer, Shi Xing reluctantly raised his head, saying, “I thought you’d be dealing with official business for some time.”

Chi Yao replied, “Your matters are also important.”

His tone was light, neither emphasizing nor stressing any point. Shi Xing froze, looking at Chi Yao, and saw him dragging a screen from the projection system to stand between them, taking a professional approach.

Shi Xing realized belatedly that this was truly how Chi Yao felt.

His eyes shifted slightly, and he adjusted his posture to show respect.

“You should still be unaware of the circumstances; let me explain briefly.”

“The results of the talent assessment have already been published on the star network, and a large number of new applications have poured into the Senate, mostly aimed at you. I asked the Senate to filter the applications at the SS level and above to send here; as you can see, they’re all here.”

“Matching is a two-way choice. I’ve removed those who are very unsuitable from this batch; the rest I haven’t had time to look closely at yet, so you can review them first.”

Shi Xing could hardly believe it, “Me?”

Chi Yao did not jest, “Yes, you go through them first. The information is all up there, and they are all reputable officers. If you’re uncertain, you can check the star net for external reviews.”

“So… what are the selection criteria?”

Chi Yao suddenly laughed, which made Shi Xing feel puzzled.

“Isn’t that something to ask you?”

Chi Yao rarely teased, “For example, don’t choose those you dislike, reject those with too low mental power levels, and rule out those with undesirable personalities…”

Looking at the bewildered little Blue Star human, Chi Yao’s smile widened, “You’re asking me for selection criteria to choose your partner; doesn’t that seem inappropriate?”

Shi Xing felt overwhelmed.

Shi Xing’s ears turned hot from embarrassment.

Feeling humiliated, he… once again felt very humiliated.

Chi Yao found his reaction amusing, staring at Shi Xing without blinking. Shi Xing wanted to look away, but Chi Yao’s identity made him hesitant to be rude, caught in an internal tug-of-war. It didn’t take long before he met Chi Yao’s gaze, his ears turning completely red from the embarrassment.

Understanding that further teasing would amount to bullying, Chi Yao finally shifted his gaze elsewhere.

Turning back to seriousness, he said, “You’ll do the initial screening here this morning. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.”

After thinking it over, he added, “If you’re uncomfortable speaking up, asking Fu Qing would also be fine, to avoid putting you in an awkward position.”

“Oh right, think about Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan; have one of them join you for lunch.”

“That should be about it.”

Seeing Chi Yao putting so much thought for him, Shi Xing felt genuinely touched. He followed Chi Yao’s footsteps with his eyes, suppressing the slightly sour gratitude before boldly asking, “Your Highness, who do you think would be better between these two officers?”

Although Chi Yao did not speak, Shi Xing could sense that the subsequent applications would likely not measure up to Xiang He Ze and Tan Yan.

If all went well, these two were indeed the most suitable options for him.

Hearing this, Chi Yao looked back at Shi Xing, his smile gone, his gaze now sharp and somewhat icy.

If Shi Xing had not interacted with Chi Yao much, he would definitely feel exposed right now. However, he felt that Chi Yao genuinely cared about him, and he could sense it. Therefore, even feeling anxious, Shi Xing did not avoid this penetrating gaze.

Not only did he not avoid it, but he also didn’t pretend to be strong. He let his uneasy feelings lay bare under Chi Yao’s scrutiny.

Time seemed to stretch. After an unmeasurable while, Chi Yao tapped his fingers against the desk; the sound resonated like a knock against Shi Xing’s heart. He spoke coldly, “What position are you asking me from?”

Shi Xing’s throat tightened, and he spoke plainly, “Your Highness, I want to pass through the maturity period smoothly.”

“My situation means that the maturity period won’t be easy; I… I don’t want to encounter any accidents.”

He didn’t want to encounter any accidents again.

He didn’t want to feel his mental sea drying up little by little again.

He didn’t want to… step into a fate pronounced with a death sentence before he had seen this vast world.

Shi Xing’s eyes shone brightly, glistening with moisture, and there was an almost pleading tone in his voice that made Chi Yao’s cold expression falter. After a moment of looking at each other, Chi Yao ultimately hinted, “Given my position, I shouldn’t rank them.”

All officers loyal to the Empire were a glory to the Empire.

To classify them like they were mere commodities would be an insult to them.

Choice is mutual; the Empire respects Blue Star humans and hopes that Blue Star humans will also offer the respect due to the Empire’s officers.

“I didn’t mean it that way; what I meant was…” Taking a deep breath, Shi Xing summoned his courage, “I want to seek your advice as a friend.”

He then added softly, “Of course, if you think I could have that honor.”

Looking at the excessively youthful face and reflecting on the other party’s age and identity, the imposing aura surrounding Chi Yao gradually diminished. He responded, “Next time, remember to be clear.”

Before Shi Xing could respond, Chi Yao ultimately provided advice, “The Northern Territory has a simple structure, and the Tan family’s mental power levels are not low; they would be a good option for going through the maturity period.”

Shi Xing whispered, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Chi Yao waved his hand, and the projection of the applications moved slightly closer to Shi Xing, saying, “Review the applications.”

The tone was ambiguous, and Shi Xing quietly peered at it a couple of times. From that calm expression, he could glean nothing of Chi Yao’s thoughts or emotions. After a moment of hesitation, he concentrated on screening the applications.

In the following time, the two occupied themselves, and not a word was exchanged throughout the entire morning.

After Shi Xing consulted Chi Yao’s opinion, Chi Yao directly called Tan Yan for lunch, and with Fu Qing and Yun Wu, the five of them had a meal together at the cozy small restaurant in the building where Chi Yao was staying.

Yun Wu and Tan Yan were both talkative. Before Shi Xing could even inquire, he had a rough understanding of the Tan family’s basic situation by the end of the meal.

The Tan family was stationed in the Northern Territory. Due to the geographical environment, the legion had many high-level mental power individuals.

There were four children of Marshal Tan; three older brothers and one younger sister. All of them had received their rankings. Excluding the youngest daughter, who had an SS level, the first three children all had SSS level mental power. Yun Wu was Tan Wen’s partner, while Tan Yan was the third child. The eldest son, Tan Chi, had suffered severe injuries to his mental sea during battles against star beasts and had long-term issues with turmoil and upheaval.

When discussing Tan Chi, the usually silent Chi Yao also spoke up, praising him with a few kind words.

Realizing that Tan Chi was indeed a fundamental reason the Tan family wanted to match him, Shi Xing found himself unperturbed and more solid in his stance, understanding that being a much-needed therapist for the Tan family was advantageous.

Being useful was good; usefulness would earn him respect.

Chi Yao noted his reaction and found it somewhat strange but couldn’t pinpoint what was odd.

After the meal, Tan Yan offered to escort Shi Xing back to his place, and everyone agreed without objection.

Chi Yao returned to his study, only to realize that Shi Xing hadn’t taken the application forms with him, but he had already left.

After some thought, he handed the micro-projector containing the application forms to Fu Qing and asked him to deliver it to Shi Xing.

Meanwhile, Tan Yan, with an outgoing personality, chatted with Shi Xing quite well, walking him to his residence’s entrance, and they bid each other a friendly farewell.

Shi Xing’s smile had yet to fade when he turned around abruptly to see Lu Lu standing quietly in the corner, watching him, causing him to pause in his steps.

Lu Lu’s expression was extremely grim, remarkably dark.

Shi Xing shook internally and stepped forward, saying, “Lu Lu, I have something to…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Lu Lu turned and walked away.

Feeling a rush of emotions, Shi Xing blurted out, “Lu Lu, are you still going to hide?”

The figure froze, and after a while, eventually, it turned back around.

In Shi Xing’s line of sight, Lu Lu gritted his teeth, his eyes red-rimmed.