Chapter 1 The Alarm Bells Ring
A series of alarms blared from the main control center of the First Research Laboratory.
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On a massive blue screen, a red energy block in the sky was rapidly approaching the inner ring of the star system.
"This is bad, Dean Morian! A dangerous, unidentified object is approaching, and its energy signature is unidentifiable! Our scans indicate it's an unknown life form we've never encountered before!"
The researcher rushed into the office, frantically relaying everything he had just witnessed through a simulation.
"The energy emitted by this unidentified object, whether in terms of spatial dimensions or other aspects, far exceeds the current level of our technological capabilities. It's more akin to an extraterrestrial life form."
As the researcher uttered these words, even he found them hard to believe.
"According to our estimations, it might land here in three days."
Morian's expression finally shifted slightly.
Three days from now was precisely the time he had arranged with those people...
"Accelerate the interception speed, aim to have it land on the fourth day... or even better, let it land tomorrow!"
Morian issued the order, ensuring that his own affairs would not be disturbed.
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The researcher's mouth twitched. This matter didn't seem to be something they could decide.
"Uh, this matter..."
Just as the researcher was about to speak, he immediately received Morian's unwavering gaze.
The glint in Morian's eyes flashed and then returned to its usual gentle demeanor.
"Hurry up and get it done. If any interstellar citizen is threatened, it will be our fault. Also, establish emergency defense shields in these few days to protect the town."
"Yes."
The researcher quickly acknowledged and rushed back to the project team.
"Everyone!! Dean Morian has ordered us to intercept and land this unidentified object. We're working overtime tonight!"
...
Waking up, Lu Mingming's head felt groggy.
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Last night, she had a nightmare. In it, five people with unclear faces, but each with different colored hair, were chasing her.
Lu Mingming ran and ran, her feet almost slipping. Fortunately, someone grabbed her hand. When she looked up, it was a giant beast with a tiger's face.
Lu Mingming dazedly brushed her teeth and washed her face.
There were two days left of rest before the absurd appointments. No one was willing to change their plans last minute, making her realize the difficulty of the situation.
Lu Mingming opened the Star Network, ran a hand through her messy hair, and wore a worried expression.
If all else fails, she could pretend to be sick!
A flash of inspiration struck Lu Mingming.
"Beep—Beep—"
A message notification chimed from her light brain – it was from Hongyu's cub.
Seeing the sender's name, Lu Mingming breathed a sigh of relief, a clear smile appearing on her face.
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Finally, something lighthearted.
She clicked on the message.
[Hongyu: I heard you just finished teaching a batch of young cubs and are now on vacation. I'd like to invite you to visit the Merfolk realm.]
Lu Mingming painstakingly sounded out each character, confirming that the words "amusement park" did not appear again.
She cautiously agreed.
[Lu Mingming: When is it?]
[Hongyu: Next weekend.]
Another week! Excellent, the timing doesn't clash!
Lu Mingming had been quite tormented by the three overlapping appointments.
[Lu Mingming: I'd be delighted. I've never had the chance to visit the interior of the Merfolk realm before.]
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[Hongyu: That's good. I'll wait for you at the children's play area in the Xingfu Star Amusement Park the day after tomorrow. See you then.]
The other party's online status quickly turned gray, as if they had no intention of receiving any reply.
Here we go again?!
Seeing the words "amusement park," Lu Mingming almost had a phobic reaction.
These people must be planning a prank to tease her, absolutely!
A surge of annoyance rose from the bottom of Lu Mingming's heart. She turned off all her messaging channels and put on a loose jacket before heading out.
In any case, she wanted to put all her worries behind her today!
As for the appointment the day after tomorrow, she'd figure it out then!
With the rapid updates of the Star Network, fewer people recognized Lu Mingming as an anchor. Coupled with the fact that Lu Mingming deliberately wore a mask to conceal her identity, her outing went smoothly.
Having happily concluded her day, she returned home humming a tune, carrying a newly purchased box of desserts.
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Suddenly, Lu Mingming stopped in her tracks.
From a distance, a familiar figure stood at her doorstep. That head of golden hair shone brilliantly even in the dark.
He wasn't wearing Olannar's usual formal attire, but a very proper military combat uniform, exuding a powerful sense of pressure.
Lu Mingming glanced at the gun at the man's waist and finally stopped about a meter away from him.
She asked softly and cautiously, "Is that Olannar?"
Lu Mingming felt a mix of doubt and anticipation.
Olannar hadn't replied to any of her messages for three days.
The man slowly turned around, his expression both familiar and strange. His gaze carried a sense of distance, yet also seemed to be driven by an uncontrollable greedy emotion that surged intensely, as if they hadn't seen each other for a long time.
Lu Mingming found it difficult to discern the origin of his actions, but this old acquaintance clearly lowered her guard.
"Did something unexpected happen within the Alliance?"
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Lu Mingming quickly took out her keys and opened the door.
Olannar remained silent, not saying a word.
"Come in quickly, it's cold at night. I just bought some desserts, and I can heat them up for you to fill your stomach."
Accepting the invitation, Olannar's military boots stepped on the floor, making creaking sounds.
The man acted as if it were the first time stepping into this house, surveying his surroundings and tracing his fingers over everything, as if to imprint it all firmly in his eyes.
"Are you looking for something?"
While heating the bread, Lu Mingming looked up and saw Olannar's peculiar behavior.
She felt that Olannar was indeed acting very strange today, seemingly unfamiliar with everything.
"It's been a long time since I've been here, so I find it a bit novel."
Olannar replied, then sat on the sofa, cradling a water cup and taking small sips.
The faint aroma of tea helped him feel refreshed. He took another sip of the tea Lu Mingming had brewed and commented, "Lu Yan's housekeeper makes better tea."
"Did you meet Lu Yan's elderly housekeeper?"
Lu Mingming smiled and approached with a fruit and vegetable platter.
"Right, you didn't tell me what was going on."
Lu Mingming sat next to Olannar, preparing to listen carefully as his expression turned serious.
After a moment of silence, Olannar said, "Actually, nothing's wrong. I missed you, so I came to see."
It wasn't a strong reason, but it was certainly something Olannar would do.
Lu Mingming was speechless for a moment, finding it rather amusing.
"Why don't you stay here for a while? We can go out more in the next couple of days. It's been a long time since we've had a private trip together."
"He... often goes on life trips with you?"
Lu Mingming didn't understand Olannar's meaning.
"He...?"
"Excuse me, I meant, have many people been going on private life trips with you recently?"
"How could that be!"
Lu Mingming puffed out her cheeks.
"You all went to busy yourselves with work on the main planet, who's going to take care of this poor me? I spend every day at school teaching the little cubs. Fortunately, they are well-behaved and remember me."
Lu Mingming's expression grew gentler, completely oblivious to the complex emotions swirling beneath Olannar's calm demeanor.
His gaze was fixed on Lu Mingming, unwilling to move even an inch, as if he wanted to greedily imprint this scene in his mind, fearing he wouldn't see it again the next moment.
Suddenly, a cough from Olannar interrupted Lu Mingming's words.
"Are you catching a cold?"
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Lu Mingming tilted her head and asked.
"No. I sustained a minor superficial injury recently."
Olannar stated, adding.
"I don't need to go to the hospital for a check-up."
"Why not let me take a look?"
Lu Mingming stood up to look for the first-aid kit.
"Where are you injured? I studied relevant treatments before, I can help you with some bandaging."
"It's really nothing."
Olannar stopped her, taking a deep breath.
"If you insist on doing this, then just give me the medical kit. I can manage it myself, as the injury is in a rather concealed area."
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Lu Mingming stopped with the medical kit in her arms, her mind instantly conjuring a series of indescribable injury locations.
With a blush, she placed the medical kit on the table and urged, "You must bandage it properly, don't delay!"
After saying this, Lu Mingming turned her back, no longer looking at Olannar, giving him the space to relax.
Olannar stared at the medical kit, then finally chose to open it.
His expression was inscrutable.
Is this the world that guy stayed in...?
Is this their usual way of interacting, his and Lu Mingming's...?
It's so good, it's enviable.