Stabilizing Madness [Interstellar]

Chapter 43: Negotiations with the Jin Yi Camp

Chapter 43: Negotiations with the Jin Yi Camp
    SR Tianlang Sector - Crystal Star.
    Xu Qingran was giving his statement to the security personnel.
    Only after finishing were they willing to let him go. The way they watched him leave was like they were observing some fascinating creature.
    Then, glancing back at the group in the detention area, who were severely injured, delirious, and still babbling incoherently.
    He silently mused: "...D-type?"
    Whoever takes this D-type home in the future is in for a rough time.
    As Xu Qingran walked out of the police station, he passed someone in a police uniform entering.
    Seeing a colleague standing by the door and glancing at the group of men in the corner acting crazed and irritable as if on drugs, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have drug users here too?"
    The officer immediately straightened up: "Officer Su, what brings you here?"
    Su Wenxu, the younger brother of General Su Wenming of the Su family. Unlike his brother, he worked in the police force, mainly focusing on maintaining domestic order and public safety, often involved in investigations related to the smuggling and trafficking of prohibited substances.
    Su Wenxu grinned, his prominent canine teeth quite striking: "The Tianlang Sector recently set up an investigative team targeting the recent spread of the illegal ST-891 stimulant. I'm here to talk to your chief and grab a cup of tea on the way."
    Finishing, his smile faded, and he asked sternly, "What's the deal with these guys? Have they been tested?"
    The junior officer quickly responded, "They've been sent to the nearest testing center. Results should be out today."
    A new type of stimulant recently emerged in some regions of the Empire. It induced a highly excited state for a short time, significantly enhancing mental energy. However, its side effects included entering a state similar to an E-type's frenzy, with an increased urge to destroy, leading to public incidents of assault and vandalism.
    Su Wenxu, frustrated, thought: "If I find out who's behind this, I'll make sure they pay dearly!"
    Meanwhile, Xu Qingran headed towards the nearby parking lot after leaving the police station.
    After just a few streets, he encountered several men in black suits and sunglasses, each wearing a golden wing badge on their chests.
    Their expressions were as stern as before, their tone serious: "Mr. Xu, could you please come with us now?"
    "We just want to talk to Mr. Xu for a bit, discuss a potential collaboration."
    Xu Qingran pursed his lips, clearly impatient.
    System: "...They are really persistent. Host is seriously ticked off!"
    The incident that led to both Xu Qingran's fans and detractors being collectively dumbfounded actually began two days earlier.
    That afternoon, during his live stream, he suddenly realized that Shen Tingyu might have spent a lot of money and then pretended the gifts were confiscated from Shen Tianyi. He didn't quite understand it, but, bored and curious, decided to seek an answer.
    However, just as his spacecraft left the planet and entered the transfer star, he was abruptly stopped by a group of strangers.
    Several black and gold combat drones had encircled him.
    They didn't act against him directly but sent a representative who asked, "Mr. Xu, would you be willing to come with us?"
    Xu Qingran wasn't intimidated by their imposing manner and replied expressionlessly, "It's inconvenient."
    Taking advantage of their momentary surprise, he slipped away.
    After that incident, Xu Qingran's journeys to the Crystal Star P-family pastry shop were fraught with difficulties.
    Either checkpoints were suddenly closed, or he encountered unexplained attacks on the road. It wasn't that they were targeting him, but coincidentally, trouble always seemed to find him wherever he went.
    Like today, when he finally arrived at Crystal Star Food City, heading towards the P-family pastry shop, he was inexplicably targeted by a group of burly men from an alley. They were harassing a woman at the time and recognized him as he passed by.
    Thinking he was a weak and easily bullied Type D, they approached to harass him.
    The result was, Xu Qingran ended up having another satisfying fight.
    After these various incidents, the group who came looking for him would periodically appear, always with the same robotic demeanor, asking him the same question.
    Even with his reluctance to think too hard, Xu Qingran could understand that these obstacles were deliberately orchestrated.
    It smacked of a warning.
    The lengths they went to just to invite him for a talk piqued Xu Qingran's interest even more.
    He decided to see what they wanted: "Alright, I'll talk with you."
    They escorted him to a private room in a nearby clubhouse.
    Waiting for him there was a middle-aged lady with her hair tied in a bun. She wore frameless glasses with a fine gold chain, her face lightly made up. Her composed and elegant demeanor gave off the air of a stern headmistress.
    Xu Qingran glanced at the brooch below her collar, its design also featuring the phoenix element of the Golden Wing Camp.
    He took a seat at the behest of the men in black.
    The waiter in the private room poured him some tea and left quietly, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
    The elegant lady seemed to value courtesy: "Mr. Xu, hello. I apologize for taking up your time."
    Xu Qingran slightly raised his eyelids, his face devoid of any smile, only coldness and annoyance: "Oh, so you do know how to apologize?"
    "Seeing how shamelessly persistent you've been, I thought you lacked any sense of morality."
    His tone was casual and indifferent, giving no quarter.
    Perhaps it was his excessively calm demeanor from the moment he was brought in that finally made the lady across the round table push up her glasses and look at him directly.
    She remained composed, not agitated by his attitude.
    "Then I'll get straight to the point," the lady began, "Mr. Xu, as a D-type, would you be interested in discussing a collaboration with us?"
    "We hope you would choose to join the Golden Wing Camp after your graduation."
    "At Golden Wing, we can promise you unparalleled honor and wealth. During this period, we can provide all the assistance you need within a certain scope. You can also state any conditions you desire, and as long as they are within our capabilities, we will fulfill them."
    Xu Qingran leaned back in his chair, legs crossed, his posture quite relaxed.
    He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Just to get me to choose Golden Wing, you're offering such favorable conditions?"
    The corners of the lady's mouth lifted into a perfectly measured curve: "We hold Mr. Xu in high regard."
    "Of course, we would also prefer Mr. Xu to develop good relations with General Shen, to make him fall in love with you, and establish a soul bond."
    Xu Qingran remained silent.
    The system exclaimed in surprise: "Whoa, how did this turn into a mission?"
    The representative from Golden Wing continued, "As you know, the union of a D-type and an E-type creates an incredibly strong duo. We are eager for you to join forces with the general to become Golden Wing Camp's most formidable pair, aiding us in better protecting the Kyan Empire."
    After listening, Xu Qingran couldn't help but curl his lips into a cold smirk.
    So that was their angle.
    Hearing this, the woman's smile slightly faded, her eyes holding a hint of inquiry and caution: "Mr. Xu, do you find something inappropriate about this proposal?"
    Xu Qingran met her gaze for a moment, then chuckled, "Nothing inappropriate, just wondering if you people tend to forget easily."
    "I've already bound with the youngest child of the Shen family, with a 99% compatibility. As internal affairs personnel of the Empire, you should know that such data mandates a binding marriage contract, right?"
    The lady's expression softened a bit, saying, "About that, Mr. Xu, you needn't worry."
    "The Shen family's youngest is only six years old, far from the age of marriage. You just go ahead with your plans; as long as you can do it, the final outcome will surely be as you wish."
    This soulmate match, for someone of his special spiritual type, was indeed not entirely reliable.
    Xu Qingran lowered his gaze, pondering briefly before asking, "What if I join Golden Wing and you go back on your word later?"
    The lady responded, "For a rare talent like Mr. Xu, we will sign an agreement with you before you officially join the camp."
    "Of course, if Mr. Xu has any current requests, feel free to state them now."
    Xu Qingran stated plainly, "Just one, a very simple request for you."
    "I have a list of some key businesses of the Xu family in the Silver Dragon Camp. I want these businesses to be completely destroyed and bankrupt by the time I graduate."
    The lady looked surprised: "Forgive my boldness, but isn't the Xu family... your own family, Mr. Xu?"
    "Used to be," Xu Qingran replied, "but not in the future."
    He had reviewed the inheritance list arranged by Qi Heqian that day. After removing certain items, what remained were purely Xu family assets, including those from its branches. Since Xu Yan and the Xu family had been ruthless in their dealings, he saw no need to leave them any leeway.
    He had initially planned to ask Shen Tingyu if he knew any business tycoons who could help him meddle with these affairs.
    But now, with free manpower coming to him, there was no reason not to take advantage.
    "After all, I'm the one who successfully moved into Shen Tingyu's house and became his friend," Xu Qingran smiled, "Since you want to collaborate with me, you should show some sincerity first, right?"
    The other party was quite straightforward: "Alright, I'll report this to our commander."
    "Once we have a decision, we will inform Mr. Xu."
    They exchanged contact information.
    Before leaving, Xu Qingran asked, "Is the cost of today's room in the clubhouse covered by you?"
    The lady looked startled, taking a moment before responding: "Since we invited Mr. Xu, of course we won't let you pay."
    "That's great," Xu Qingran said warmly, "Can I order some dishes and settle my lunch here?"
    The table only had some appetizers and tea. He thought it unusual to conduct business without proper hospitality.
    The rimless-glasses-wearing woman was momentarily stunned, a twitch at the corner of her eye, struggling to maintain her composure: "...No problem, please enjoy, Mr. Xu. We will take our leave now."
    Xu Qingran enjoyed a satisfying meal at the upscale clubhouse.
    Despite having money, he never missed an opportunity to take advantage of a free offer.
    Especially from people like those at Golden Wing, who deserved to be exploited.
    After the meal, on his way to the P family pastry shop, the system, unable to hold back any longer, asked: "Host, are you really going to agree to collaborate with them?"
    Shen Tingyu is indeed a valuable asset to the Golden Wing Camp, but their approach to recruit Xu Qingran and connect him with Shen, likely isn't just about enhancing their battlefield effectiveness.
    The strong alliance is just a facade.
    The person behind this proposal probably aims to control Xu Qingran first, then use him to leverage Shen Tingyu.
    "Did I say I agreed?" Xu Qingran replied.
    Smiling radiantly, he said, "I only mentioned that I wanted to see their sincerity."
    They might help him achieve his goal, but he never promised that he would accept their request afterward.
    Xu Qingran returned to the food city and found the palace-like luxurious platinum pastry shop.
    Fortunately, the shop was open today, but all the products for the day were sold out. Inquiring with a staff member, he learned that Shen Tingyu was their highest-level VVIP customer.
    It seems the Shen family has a genetic predisposition for sweets.
    He thought Shen Tingyu bought only for Shen Tianyi, but the staff mentioned that sometimes he would come alone, spending the afternoon with coffee or tea in their VIP room upstairs.
    Xu Qingran was surprised.
    He then confirmed that Shen Tingyu had indeed placed a to-go order not long ago, specifically requesting small packaging.
    He guessed Shen Tingyu might have brought the sweets for him on a whim while visiting for himself.
    He just didn't understand why Shen felt the need to pretend it was something confiscated from Shen Tianyi and given to him.
    As a scion of a wealthy family, the original owner of his body was also one of the pastry shop's VIP customers.
    Based on the staff's records, Xu Qingran picked a few of Shen Tingyu's usual orders for immediate preparation to take away. Leaving the shop with his gift boxes as night fell, he couldn't help but chuckle.
    In his past life, the gifts he gave were either ferocious beasts or heads he personally severed.
    This was his first time giving such a heartwarming gift.
    Well, consider it a good mood gesture and a step in completing his mission strategy.
    ·
    Mu Ziyu, returning to his own palace from the royal palace, had to deal with governmental affairs while nursing his injuries.
    His mood these past few days was at an all-time low.
    Everything happened as Shen Tingyu had predicted. When he told his father about the incident, the queen didn't say a word. His father, upon hearing that Shen Tingyu was the assailant, bluntly said, "You must have provoked him again."
    "Haven't you learned enough from your lessons in the palace?"
    Mu Ziyu was shocked: "But I'm the third prince of the empire. How can I let him hit me like that? Where do I put my face?!"
    The bearded man on the throne changed the subject: "Didn't something happen at Linglong City, which I entrusted to your management, recently?"
    Mu Ziyu felt guilty at once.
    His father continued, "Consider this a lesson from General Shen on my behalf. If you don't handle the Linglong City situation well, or if a similar mistake occurs again, I'll have to give its management to your older brother."
    "Moreover, I've heard quite a bit about Silver Dragon's declining reputation in the empire lately. If this continues, I might consider appointing a new commander for the camp."
    Hearing this, Mu Ziyu panicked, not daring to pursue Shen Tingyu's responsibility further. He could only sheepishly admit his error and promise to properly handle the chaos at the base. The only consolation was that his father agreed to allocate funds to help him repair the damaged research base in Linglong City.
    Outside the study, one of his deputies knocked and came in to report.
    "I heard that after Mr. Xu's D-type announcement, Golden Wing sent people to contact him. The details of the conversation are unclear, but they likely want to recruit him to cooperate with their general."
    Mu Ziyu now felt a headache at the mention of Xu Qingran's name, with the 'intimidation' he suffered in Linglong City and the beating from Shen Tingyu vividly resurfacing in his mind.
    He took a deep breath, replying irritably, "Forget it, no need to follow up on Xu Qingran anymore."
    "What I need now is an E-type who can match Shen Tingyu. Let's focus on Ling Yuege and Ji Huaixiu. They've been performing well, haven't they?"
    Tch, it's not like Xu Qingran is irreplaceable!
    He really is too much trouble. Silver Dragon might not be able to handle him. Better to let Golden Wing Camp poach him!
    That'll save Silver Dragon from the headache.
    ·
    Xu Qingran's return journey was quite smooth, and he arrived back at Shen Tingyu's home before midnight.
    There were still lights on in the house.
    Carrying the gift box, Xu Qingran went upstairs to Shen Tingyu's study.
    The door was ajar, casting a slender beam of warm light into the dim corridor.
    Just as he was about to knock, he heard Shen Tianyi's youthful voice from inside.
    "Uncle, actually, I think Brother Qingran is pretty nice."
    Shen Tianyi, who should have been in bed by this time, was still awake.
    Dressed in his blue cloud-patterned onesie, he pouted and furrowed his brows, saying seriously, "I don't dislike the idea of him being my wife anymore."
    Inside the room, Shen Tingyu listened quietly to his nephew's words.
    Shen Tianyi looked up at him and asked, "Uncle, I'm going to study in the Tianqin Sector in a few months, and you said I should move to my cousin's place first. Brother Qingran is my wife, should I take him with me?"
    Shen Tingyu was silent for a few seconds, then replied calmly, "No need."
    "You're still young, and the engagement isn't set in stone yet, so I'll look after your fiancée for the time being."
    Pausing, Shen Tingyu thought it necessary to gradually change the idea of Xu Qingran being Shen Tianyi's fiancée, adding in a subdued tone, "Strictly speaking, you've known him for less than a year. You can't judge a book by its cover. How can you be sure he's really as he appears?"
    "He has a bad temper and little patience," Shen Tingyu 'slandered', a faint smile slipping through his composure, "He even resorts to violence when upset. Are you sure you can tolerate all his flaws?"
    His voice was still as gentle and patient as ever: "And with such an age difference between you, you might not have common interests in the future."
    "By the time you grow up, he'll already be old."
    "So, no need to rush about the fiancée matter."
    Shen Tianyi nodded in partial understanding, pouting, "Okay, but I'll really miss you and Brother Qingran."
    Shen Tingyu patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, I'll definitely bring you back on weekends and holidays."
    The child brightened up: "Okay!"
    After speaking, Shen Tianyi yawned, his eyes moist and clearly sleepy.
    Shen Tingyu stood up to send him to bed, and the child trotted to the door, pulling it open to find someone standing outside.
    He looked up, exclaiming in surprise, "Brother Qingran?"
    The other person in the study paused abruptly upon hearing this.
    Instinctively looking towards the door, he saw the tall, thin young man returning with a cool demeanor, standing just outside his room, his expression a mix of amusement.
    As their eyes met, the smile at the corners of Xu Qingran's mouth widened, and a crisp, light chuckle escaped his throat.
    "Heh."
    Shen Tingyu: "......"
    It was clear that Xu Qingran had been there for a while, having overheard the conversation he had just had with Shen Tianyi.
    For the first time, Shen Tingyu experienced what it felt like to be at a loss for words.
    The innocent Shen Tianyi, like a younger brother glad to see his elder, joyfully clung to Xu Qingran: "Brother, you're back! Where have you been these past few days?"
    Xu Qingran patted his head, his gaze fixed on the adult man in the study, his tone neutral: "Nothing much, just went out for a stroll and bought some things."
    Shen Tingyu followed his gaze to the familiar packaging box in his hand, again taken aback.
    "......"
    Caught out twice in one day.
    Shen Tianyi, struggling to keep his eyes open from sleepiness, didn't notice the item in his hand, nor the slightly tense atmosphere between him and his uncle.
    He responded in a sleepy voice, "Mm, I'm going to bed now."
    Xu Qingran glanced again at Shen Tingyu and said, "Alright, I'll walk you downstairs."
    He then left with Shen Tianyi.
    ......
    When Shen Tingyu came downstairs, only the dining room was lit.
    Entering, he saw Xu Qingran sitting casually yet upright in a chair, arms crossed, looking intently at something on the dining table. The object of his unwavering gaze was several desserts laid out.
    They had been taken out of their gift boxes. Each one was exquisitely crafted and beautiful, adorned with little biscuits and fruits, looking exceptionally delicate and tempting.
    With such obvious movement, Xu Qingran surely knew of Shen Tingyu's approach.
    Yet he didn't even spare him a glance.
    Shen Tingyu sighed softly, "...Can you listen to my explanation?"
    As if oblivious, Xu Qingran picked up a small fork, drew the closest piece of cake towards him, and without a word, cut off a bite and ate it.
    After eating, his expression grew even more displeased.
    What kind of taste does this guy have?
    This lemon-flavored cake, sour and sweet, is always his choice, definitely a bit odd.
    System: "......"
    Too afraid to speak.
    Shen Tingyu was thick-skinned.
    He pulled out a chair next to Xu Qingran and sat down, continuing, "The things I just said to Tianyi, I was only trying to fool him."
    "Mainly, I don't want—"
    He paused again as he began to speak.
    Xu Qingran chuckled again, cutting another small piece of the cake, almost masochistically shoving it into his mouth.
    Even if it was an unpleasant experience, his face showed nothing of it.
    Shen Tingyu chose his words carefully, saying, "I don't want Tianyi to take this matter too seriously."
    "The age difference between you is evident; you're clearly not from the same world. In half a year, you might need to undergo another soul compatibility matching, and the outcome of that is still uncertain."
    "Even if both families insist on going through with the engagement, I think it should at least wait until Tianyi comes of age before burdening him with it."
    Xu Qingran still didn't respond.
    But Shen Tingyu could feel the heavy atmosphere around him lighten slightly.
    He added, "So, what I said in the study just now wasn't true."
    Speaking, he unconsciously showed sincerity, "I don't know what others think, but I quite like your personality."
    At these words, Xu Qingran paused his action of cutting more cake.
    He set down the fork and remained still.
    Shen Tingyu suddenly noticed that the desserts Xu Qingran brought back from P's were the ones he usually preferred. Moreover, these were usually only available by custom order and not sold to the general public.
    A thought crossed his mind, and he asked impulsively, "...Did you buy these specially for me?"
    Xu Qingran scoffed, "You're thinking too much, General."
    "I just happened to find someone switching snack packaging, treating me like a fool. I wanted to find out the truth."
    Shen Tingyu: "......"
    It was not easy to mollify him even a little.
    "I got curious after asking, so I bought some to try, that's all."
    After finishing, Xu Qingran glanced disdainfully at the sweet and rich desserts on the table, "I don't know whose taste is so heavy, too sweet and rich, not good."
    Saying this, he pushed away the unfinished cake in front of him and stood up, "If you like them, they're all yours."
    Leaving those words behind, he left the dining room.
    Shen Tingyu chuckled silently, feeling he already had his answer.
    He took the lemon-flavored cake that Xu Qingran had only eaten two bites of, scooped up a piece, and tasted it.
    It was a familiar flavor, yet strangely, it seemed a bit sweeter than when he ate alone at P's shop.
    Shen Tingyu did indeed have a fondness for sweets.
    When under stress, or feeling down and wanting some solitude to cope with the pain of his E-type nature, he would go to that shop on Crystal Star for something sweet. His mood invariably improved after such visits.
    Perhaps, it was related to the memories of his time wandering alone.
    Back then, he was alone and stumbled upon a kind elderly couple. They ran their own bakery in a small town, where the grandma made excellent desserts. Whenever they had leftovers, they would pack them nicely and give them to him.
    Although not as refined as these luxurious pastry shops, that homely taste was unique.
    ·
    Meanwhile, in the technological city on Crystal Star.
    Resembling a city that never sleeps, it was still brightly lit with various colors, bustling with life even at midnight.
    On a dimly lit street, barely touched by the central lights, a young woman was walking slowly, holding the hand of a three- or four-year-old child.
    The child held a toy that automatically blew bubbles when pressed, laughing gleefully. The woman glanced down at him, her face warm and affectionate.
    Most of the shops here had already closed.
    Thus, the crowd was thinner than in the city center, with few people on this street at this hour.
    The mother and child, absorbed in their fun, didn't notice a lean figure quietly following them from a distance.
    The man wore a hooded jacket, the large hood covering most of his face as he looked down. Only from his exposed sharp chin could it be seen that his skin was pale, almost bloodless.
    His footsteps were light, his presence expertly concealed.
    Even as he got closer, the mother and child didn't notice him right away.
    Just as he was only a few steps away, his thin, dark lips curled up at the corners, slowly raising his hand in preparation for a move. He was momentarily distracted by a TV in a nearby shop, catching a glimpse of a figure on the screen.
    "Mommy, come and pop bubbles with me!"
    The mother and child, following his pause, gradually increased their distance from him.
    The TV screen showed footage related to the Linglong City base incident, focusing on a brown-haired young man moving like a high-level assassin among extraterrestrial beings. His agile form, quick reflexes, and deadly movements during the battle with a high-ranking Haina were perfectly captured.
    The TV host smiled and said to her colleague, "Mr. Xu Qingran's heroic figure in Linglong City has indeed attracted a lot of attention."
    "But what's been discussed even more recently is his soul and spirit type being determined as a D-type, which is completely incongruent with his character and image."
    Minghai looked up slightly, revealing his unwell-looking face.
    His gaze was fixated on the screen, obsessively locked on the person being discussed, his eyes filled with a fanatical obsession.
    His colleague added, "True, D-types are the most sought-after spiritual support by all powerful beings, but they're said to have weaker attack power compared to normal N-types and E-types. It's uncertain if Xu Qingran, now a D-type, will focus more on logistical support or continue to lead charges on the front lines."
    "It's said that in half a year, he might undergo another compatibility match with the empire's unmatched E-types. Though it's a bit unfair to the Shen family of the Golden Wing Camp, this matter is indeed very intriguing!" the female host laughed lightly.
    Her colleague jokingly added, "Hey, don't forget."
    "The Shen family also has an impressive E-type. Maybe their compatibility will turn out to be the highest?"
    "If that's the case, it would be really interesting!"
    After a few jokes about the situation, they shifted the conversation to a new topic.
    Minghai stood motionless in front of the TV screen, hands in his jacket pockets, lost in thought.
    No wonder he had felt such an instant attraction to that man named Xu Qingran, wishing he could keep him by his side forever.
    So, he was a D-type.
    The more Minghai thought about it, the more excited he became.
    His smile twisted under the changing lights from the screen.
    ...In that case, Xu Qingran must be his destined D-type!
    His fated match!
    Lost in these thoughts, Minghai let out a laugh.
    Then, blending into the night, he slowly disappeared into a corner of the city.
    A peaceful night passed.
    ·
    The holiday time quickly came to an end.
    Xu Qingran started packing his things, preparing to return to the academy.
    The day before he left, Song's wife cooked his favorite dishes, trying to fatten him up a bit, so he wouldn't lose weight too quickly during the rigorous training.
    Shen Tingyu, busy as always, took time out of his schedule to visit P's pastry shop again, bringing back a large assortment of snacks more to Xu Qingran's taste for him to take to the military academy. Xu Qingran found it amusing but accepted them graciously.
    The journey back to the main base of the academy was as uneventful and lengthy as ever.
    Upon arriving at the academy, many students were also returning, all lamenting the end of their vacation.
    Besides that, Xu Qingran noticed he was attracting more attention than when he first enrolled. People recognized him immediately, excitedly and fearfully whispering about him.
    He was puzzled, wondering why this was happening even though he wore a hat and mask.
    From another student's perspective, it was because the aura of a D-type's spiritual power is inherently different from others. Even with Xu Qingran's strong combat abilities, his vibrant spiritual power, as a D-type, emitted an aura as refreshing as nature itself, making others feel relaxed and comfortable just by being near him.
    Even his roommates Zhang Zhihe, Ren Ping, and Liu Wenxing suddenly seemed tongue-tied in his presence.
    They were blushing and stammering, avoiding looking directly at him as if he were no longer a familiar roommate but an unapproachably stunning beauty.
    Xu Qingran, puzzled, asked, "What's going on? Have I become a stranger after just a month's holiday?"
    Zhang Zhihe and the others almost wanted to cry: "No, it's not that, it's just... your D-type aura makes you seem like our familiar roommate turned into a beauty!"
    Xu Qingran: "......"
    Was it really that exaggerated? Why didn't Shen Tingyu, that guy, react at all?
    Only the enthusiastic Feng Wei remained the same as before, joyfully embracing him upon meeting: "Boss, you really made a splash during the holiday, nearly becoming an empire-wide celebrity!"
    Xu Qingran quickly freed himself from the embrace, "Speak properly, no need for physical contact."
    Feng Wei laughed, "Hey, congratulations on becoming a D-type. Remember to help your brothers out on the battlefield!"
    Xu Qingran remained unphased, "It's okay, being a D-type is just that."
    He didn't feel anything special.
    Feng Wei, who was laughing moments before, suddenly turned serious, "What kind of talk is that!"
    "D-types are the greatest treasures in the world, there's nothing like them! You're the chosen lucky one, you must utilize it well and not let it go to waste!"
    Xu Qingran paused, not inclined to argue about this topic.
    He returned to dormitory 79 with Zhang Zhihe and the others, but as he was about to go upstairs, he was stopped by the dormitory supervisor.
    The supervisor said seriously, "Xu, as a D-type, you can no longer share a room with other students."
    Xu Qingran suddenly remembered that D-types indeed have the privilege of individual villas.
    He thought for a moment, then said before the supervisor could make arrangements, "No need to bother, just give me access to General Shen's house."
    The supervisor was taken aback.
    After communication and confirmation with Shen Tingyu, Xu Qingran's information was registered for access to Shen Tingyu's villa.
    He carried his luggage alone, heading towards the villa area next to the dormitory.
    Before leaving the dormitory area, he saw many newly arrived students rushing outside, with the small patrol cars in the dormitory garden packed with people on each trip.
    He randomly asked a student waiting for the next car, "Why are you all hurrying? What's going on?"
    Was there some kind of welcome gift being distributed?
    "Ah, Xu Da Shao!" the student replied excitedly, "We heard that Major General Su from Golden Wing has arrived and is planning to give extra classes to top students this term. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of him, he's an idol for many!"
    "Major General Su is one of the top 3S-ranked among his peers, with the highest probability of capturing alien species' source crystals! In Golden Wing Camp, his achievements are second only to General Shen!"
    "The General is an E-type with exceptional talent, adept at everything. The Major General is different; as a high-level N-type, his thinking and perception are closer to ours, so he knows how to guide us in enhancing our source crystal perception!"
    Major General Su... His name was Su Wenming, right?
    He also seemed to be Lin Qianmu's fiancé.
    Having received his answer, Xu Qingran continued towards the villa.
    He had no interest in joining the crowd to watch the excitement; he just wanted to organize his things and then head to the cafeteria for a meal.
    On his way to Shen Tingyu's private villa, by chance, he encountered Lin Qianmu at a fork in the villa garden. Lin seemed surprised to see him but quickly realized why he was there.
    Xu Qingran had barely spoken to Lin in the past half year and had even sensed what seemed like hostile feelings from him, so he made no effort to exchange pleasantries and started to walk away with his luggage.
    However, Lin Qianmu called out to him.
    "Xu," his voice carried a natural, unforced gentleness.
    Unlike Shen Tingyu's feigned courtesy, it was an inherent softness.
    Xu Qingran stopped, his gaze questioning Lin's reason for stopping him.
    This time, with just the two of them, Lin's attitude wasn't as hostile as it had been before.
    Lin looked conflicted and hesitated before speaking, "It might seem abrupt or like I'm prying, but out of classmate relations and humanity, I still want to give you a heads-up."
    "I've noticed you're quite close with Feng Wei. It wasn't a problem before, but now that you're a D-type... it's probably better to keep your distance from him."
    Xu Qingran looked at him for a few seconds, his eyebrows slightly raised, "Why?"
    Lin paused again, then replied, "Because Feng... is an extreme admirer of D-types."