Chapter 1 Forced Immigration

"I'm back."

*Didi*... The fingerprint reader emitted a crisp chime, and the security door plastered with small advertisements slid open.

Zhou Jing returned home, his handsome face showing fatigue, carrying a small cake box.

The full-length mirror by the door reflected his appearance: simple short hair, delicate features, refined demeanor, white shirt, black pants, and leather shoes – the proper attire for a job seeker.

Today was another day of job interviews. As a recent graduate from a mediocre university, with a GPA that didn't quite meet the excellent mark, he could only independently apply for admission to higher institutions. For the past three months, Zhou Jing had been either studying or looking for a job.

Job competition in West Sea City was becoming increasingly fierce. It wasn't easy to find a job with standard qualifications. Today, he'd once again received a litany of "We'll get back to you," to the point where his ears were numb. Zhou Jing's mood was unaffected; a toad wanting to eat swan meat – he was used to it.

Expertly changing into slippers, Zhou Jing suddenly noticed that the house was unusually quiet.

At this time, the house should have been filled with the sounds of his younger siblings bickering and playing, as well as the loud TV his mother always turned up when she watched dramas in the afternoon. Yet at this moment, the usually noisy house was eerily silent.

"Is no one home?"

Zhou Jing muttered softly, and rounded the shoe cabinet, only to find his parents and siblings all sitting quietly at the dining table, turning their heads to look at him.

The minimalist dining table was empty of food, save for a bunch of daffodils withering in a glass vase, swaying gently.

Zhou Jing was taken aback by the scene.

What was going on? A family tribunal? Had he secretly played cards with his younger brother yesterday and won all his pocket money, and now he was caught?

But why were his two older brothers, who had moved out, also here? It had only been eight days since the last family gathering. They usually only gathered once every month or two – surely they wouldn't all be here for something so minor...

At this moment, his mother, Zhao Jing, spoke, her tone seemingly normal, but her voice trembling slightly.

"Third child, how was your interview today?"

Hearing this, Zhou Jing suppressed his confusion and shook his head. "The same as always. You know how it is. Many entry-level positions are being taken over by mechanical workers. It's too difficult for a recent graduate with no work experience to find a job."

"Then... what are your plans?"

This had seemed to have been discussed before – had she forgotten? Zhou Jing was a little puzzled, but he still mentioned it again:

"It's hard to find a job with standard qualifications, so I've applied to higher institutions, hoping to get a higher degree. If I can't find a job in the meantime, I'll have to borrow tuition from you... but don't worry, I'll pay it back when I get a job in the future."

While explaining softly, Zhou Jing loosened his tie, unbuttoned his collar, and sat down in the only empty seat at the dining table.

He placed the cake box he was carrying on the table, pushing it toward his three minor siblings.

"Here, I bought you guys a cake."

"Wow, thanks, Third Brother!" "Third Brother is the best!" "This was bought with my pocket money! Only I can eat it!"

The three younger siblings cheered, interspersed with a discordant voice, quickly tearing open the packaging and scrambling for the cake.

Zhou Jing smiled, then turned to look at his father, mother, and two older brothers, finding their expressions extremely serious.

Hmm, the atmosphere was strange. Why were they staring at him? Even if he was quite handsome, there was no need to stare so intently...

Zhou Jing couldn't help but ask, "Why is everyone here today, and why do you all have such expressions? Did something happen?"

His father, Zhou Wei'an, let out a long breath from his nose, his voice deep. "Have you seen the news? The new habitable planet developed by the Commonwealth government has begun a new round of immigration. Because the number of people who volunteered this time wasn't enough, they've started randomly selecting people for forced immigration."

"...I know about that." Zhou Jing nodded, his heart suddenly sinking.

Zhou Wei'an said solemnly, "Our family has been selected. We have to provide one person for forced immigration... Your future plans need to be changed."

As soon as he said that, Zhou Jing's expression froze, his eyes slowly widening.

He finally understood why his family was acting so strangely today.

Forced immigration... He hadn't expected such a low-probability event to fall on his family.

Since the age of interstellar navigation, dozens of countries that had emerged from the home planet had formed the "Interstellar United Commonwealth," becoming the highest governing body of human civilization, coordinating the development of the entire human civilization, and beginning a fervent interstellar expansion.

As human civilization's ships cruised through star systems, more and more habitable planets were incorporated into the civilization's territory.

Humans and leeks have many things in common: endless vitality, constantly being harvested, but only if the seeds are sown. Every new colony planet needs a lot of manpower to develop and multiply, so under the decision of the Interstellar United Commonwealth, leek transplantation... the interstellar immigration system was established.

One of the schemes was "forced immigration."

If the number of interstellar immigrants who volunteered was less than expected, countries might randomly select qualified candidates from the nearest "peripheral planets" to carry out forced immigration. When the selected candidate has a family, the family will discuss and decide which member will take on this forced immigration quota.

About half a month ago, the planet's authoritative media reported on the relevant news, reporting that the number of active immigrants to the new planet had not yet reached the standard, and the planet he lived on happened to be within the scope of this forced immigration.

Zhou Jing didn't take it to heart at the time, because compared to the entire planet's population, the number of forced immigrants was limited, and the chances of "winning the lottery" were slim. He thought it had nothing to do with him.

But he never expected this kind of thing to really happen to his family.

"Isn't this a bit too unlucky..."

Zhou Jing's mood sank.

He knew very well that although human civilization had walked out of its home planet and the current glorious civilization was created by interstellar immigration, all the residents of the colony planets, going back many generations, were originally immigrants... But this was the glory of civilization, and it wasn't necessarily a good thing for individual interstellar immigrants.

Interstellar immigrants cannot leave the new planet at will within a specified period of time, and communication and transportation technologies of human civilization haven't made any leap forward progress in many years, so for ordinary people, each colony planet is like an isolated island with no contact.

Currently, only high-end technology can communicate across planets and isn't easily available to ordinary people, while civilian base stations can only be networked within the planet, equivalent to a local area network based on the planet. Ordinary people on two planets can hardly communicate.

In addition, due to the limitations of spaceship technology and transportation technology, the cost of interstellar travel is extremely high, and ordinary people can't afford it. As a result, although human civilization has entered the interstellar era for many years, the interstellar population flow rate is still extremely low. Generally, only when a new planet is being developed, there are large-scale immigrations organized by various countries.

Therefore, in the lives of ordinary people, interstellar immigration is like severing ties with the past – having to leave a familiar planet, come to a strange world, and be separated from friends and relatives, with no contact and no support.

The vast majority of people will only live on one planet for the rest of their lives.

His family being selected for forced immigration meant that one person present would leave this planet, and perhaps it would be difficult to see other family members for most of their lives... and according to Zhou Wei'an's meaning, the person chosen was obviously himself.

Zhou Jing took a deep breath. "So... I was selected?"

Zhou Wei'an tapped the table and said solemnly, "That's not important. The problem now is that our family must send someone to accept forced immigration. And we've already discussed it. You're the most suitable person to take on this quota."

"...But you didn't discuss it with me."

Zhou Jing pursed his lips, his mood a mixture of complicated emotions.

He had lived on this planet for twenty years and had never thought about leaving. Such a major matter concerning his future should not be decided by his family without his consent.

"Who else is suitable besides you?!"

Zhou Wei'an's voice rose.

Hearing this, Zhou Jing turned to look at his eldest brother.

His eldest brother, exuding the aura of a professional elite, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and said calmly:

"Third brother, you know me. I've been working at Silver Fortune Group for several years, leading a team in the financial products department to develop several new projects. It's not reasonable for someone like me, who already has a certain position on this planet, to be forced to immigrate. I can't possibly put down my career to go in your place... You understand, right?"

"I understand."

Zhou Jing nodded, turning to look at his second brother.

His second brother immediately seemed to be burned, almost jumping up, waving his hands and stammering:

"Third brother, you know me! I studied for three years before being admitted to a national-level higher institution. I'm going to the capital next year for further studies, and after graduating, I can find a high-paying job there and settle down in the capital! The government must have made a mistake. Forced immigration should definitely not fall on me. How can they make me give up the great future I've worked so hard for!"

Zhou Jing pursed his lips, withdrawing his gaze from his second brother.

He turned to look at the other three minor siblings, the oldest being only ten years old and the youngest being five. These three brats obviously didn't meet the criteria for forced immigration.

Yes, everyone had a suitable reason, so the best candidate was naturally himself...

In an interstellar society, adult children basically separated from their families. His eldest and second brothers had their own futures, and only he was stuck in an awkward position, not having found a job after graduating for long... The Interstellar Immigration Bureau's favorite were fresh young laborers like him who had no stable career or job in the local area.

Zhou Jing fell silent for a moment.

He was originally unhappy that his family hadn't discussed it with him, but after looking around, he didn't know who to be angry with.

To tear apart his parents and convince one of them to go? That was too filial...

Besides, his father also had a career and connections in the local area. If he was willing to go, he wouldn't have let him take on the forced immigration quota.

It was also impossible for the whole family to immigrate and live on another planet. Everyone had already stated their positions, unwilling to give up their future on this planet, so they couldn't accompany him.

So, it seemed he could only take on this quota and sacrifice for the family?

Zhou Jing suddenly thought of something, and a sense of anticipation arose. He quickly asked his father:

"By the way, you're a public servant, with special benefits. Can you submit an application to the Interstellar Immigration Bureau to cancel our family's forced immigration quota?"

Although there were many children in the family, they weren't the "rice worm" family common in interstellar society. His father, Zhou Wei'an, had a job and was a low-level cadre in the Chidu Republic... His power was small, but he was still an official worker.

According to the regulations for forced immigration, personnel employed in the government of member countries of the Interstellar United Commonwealth, if their families are selected for forced immigration, can submit an exemption application to the Interstellar Immigration Bureau. As long as certain conditions and standards are met, they can legally and compliantly be exempt from the forced immigration quota.

In Zhou Jing's view, the best result would naturally be to directly waive the quota, so that no one would have to leave... and only Zhou Wei'an had such a right in the family.

However, upon hearing these words, Zhou Wei'an's expression changed, and he actually reprimanded him:

"Nonsense, as a public servant, I must take the lead in responding to the call. How can I go against the immigration policy!"

"But this is your legal right. Why not use it if you can? Maybe you'll succeed if you try. That way, I won't have to immigrate and leave..."

Zhou Jing's tone was a little anxious. It concerned his future life, and he couldn't help but take it seriously.

But before he could finish speaking, Zhou Wei'an interrupted him, frowning:

"It's only 'theoretically' possible to exempt from the immigration quota. I don't need to tell you that whether the application is approved depends not only on the actual family situation, but also on the level of the position... Those who are qualified to pass the exemption application won't be selected, and those who can be selected for forced immigration mean that they basically can't pass the review. You understand the situation here, right?"

Zhou Jing understood this principle, but he didn't want to give up, and said unwillingly:

"But even if the probability is low, trying is still..."

"Enough!"

Zhou Wei'an slammed the table and said in a deep voice, "Third child, you've always been sensible, so I'll be frank with you... Recently, my department is going to have a reshuffle. I was rejected the previous two times, and this time my qualifications and experience are finally enough, and I have a good chance of moving forward. At this time, if the family is selected for immigration, but I don't take the lead in responding to the immigration policy, what will my leaders and colleagues think of me? I've been waiting for many years, and I can't take the risk at this time!"

Zhou Jing's expression froze, looking at his father as if he was seeing him for the first time.

The Interstellar United Commonwealth government needed interstellar expansion, so responding to the immigration policy had long been politically correct.

If a family has immigrant members, in addition to the official immigration welfare subsidies, there are also many unwritten rules to support. Those with interstellar immigrants in their families – especially public servants – will receive certain potential care and compensation, which is no longer a secret.

And trying to shirk the responsibility of forced immigration, although it wouldn't lead to being targeted, some good things wouldn't be considered for him anymore, and this varies from person to person.

He understood now. Zhou Wei'an was worried about affecting his career, and would rather watch him be forcibly immigrated than try to exercise his legal rights to protect his family.

If he immigrated, then his father's promotion would not only be an opportunity, but perhaps become a certainty.

Zhou Jing understood his father's subtext, and an unspeakable sense of loss welled up in his heart.

Perhaps, Zhou Wei'an didn't think this was bad luck, but instead felt it was a godsend.

--The family had six children, using one child's departure to exchange for the career promotion he had been hoping for for many years, and he could also use the name of official policy to convince himself to accept the "gift" with peace of mind...

So, even though he could submit an application and try not to separate the family, Zhou Wei'an was unwilling to do so. This was the real reason.

The two looked at each other, the air seeming to freeze, falling into a tense silence.

The mother next to them opened her mouth several times, but didn't know how to interject.

Seeming to sense the stiffness of the atmosphere, the three younger siblings also gradually stopped their commotion, their curious gazes shifting back and forth between Zhou Jing and their father, Zhou Wei'an.

The five-year-old younger brother, with cake cream all over his lips, widened his eyes and looked at Zhou Jing blankly, asking puzzledly:

"Third brother, did Dad make you unhappy?"

"...Eat your cake. It was bought with your pocket money. If you don't eat it, then I'll eat it."

"Wow, no way! Not even a piece for you!" The younger brother hurriedly buried his face in the cake.

Zhou Jing rubbed the back of his younger brother's head, managing to force a smile.

His younger siblings were still young and ignorant, not understanding what had happened. Zhou Jing didn't plan to explain. It was enough for adults like them to worry about this kind of thing.

Zhou Wei'an coughed and spoke, breaking the silence:

"This is a mandatory policy. Even if you don't want to go, the officials will take compulsory measures. Besides, it's not a bad thing for young people to go out and explore. Don't resist it. Think about it. Anyway, you haven't found a job yet. As long as you immigrate, the government's welfare will directly allocate you a job, saving you the trouble of applying to higher institutions. Isn't that great? You won't have to worry about making a living for the rest of your life."

Zhou Jing was silent for a while, then said in a low voice, "I know the immigration benefits are very good... but I still want to stay."

"But it's not up to you. You have to immigrate, and you can only immigrate. I'm not discussing it with you!" Zhou Wei'an slammed the table hard, his tone somewhat irritated.

"...Don't you have a single ounce of guilt?" Zhou Jing couldn't help but ask.

Zhou Wei'an's voice grew louder: "What a joke, what do I have to feel guilty about? I raised you so big, and it's become like I owe you something? If you don't go, then who will? The eldest and second brothers both have stable futures. Are you really going to make your mom go, or make me go? Oh, so what you mean is to force me to submit an exemption application to the Immigration Bureau, asking me to not care about my career and give up the promotion I've been hoping for for so many years? Don't be so selfish!"

Zhou Jing silently looked at his father.

He didn't know whether to feel sorry for himself or for him.

His mother, Zhao Jing, quickly tried to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, everything your dad said was just said in anger."

Zhou Jing turned to look at her. "What do you think?"

"I... sigh." Zhao Jing twisted her fingers together, hesitating. "Third child, you have to think positively. At least your dad said one thing correctly. It's not that we want you to immigrate, it's the official policy... and Mom knows, you're the most family-oriented, and now is exactly when the family needs you, so..."

"Yeah, the family needs you to contribute. Little brother, just think of it as helping your big brother." His second brother couldn't wait to interject, his expression somewhat guilty and uneasy, his tone awkward: "Besides, if you agree to immigrate, maybe my name will be on the scholarship list for higher institutions..."

"I'm going back to my room!"

Zhou Jing suddenly stood up, strode back to his room, and slammed the door shut.

The family members around the dining table looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment.

After a moment of silence, they began to communicate in low voices.

"Third child will agree, right? I don't want to be dragged off to immigrate, and my scholarship hasn't been settled yet..."

"Could you not be so blunt? It's easy for the third child to misunderstand."

"But he's the most suitable one. What's wrong with helping me..."

"The third child has always been family-oriented. He just can't accept this shock temporarily. Give him some time, and he'll agree..."

Amidst the deliberately lowered voices, the daffodils on the table trembled slightly, and a withered petal fluttered down.