Regarding Xiang Chen’s instructions, Tan Hao nodded earnestly, “Don’t worry, I will take good care of Xiaomiao and never mistreat him.” Tan Hao wasn’t the type to force things anyway—feelings should be mutual, after all.
Completely unaware of the underlying conversation, Xiang Qimiao bid farewell to Tan Hao with a shy, lovestruck expression, reluctant to see him go. As a high-ranking general, Tan Hao had many responsibilities and couldn’t stay indefinitely to accompany Xiang Qimiao. He was a man of duty and would never neglect his work for the sake of romance.
Though, if he were honest, he had entertained the thought more than once.
After seeing Tan Hao off, Xiang Qimiao prepared to receive the concern of his superiors.
Not long before the incident, Xiang Qimiao had completed a project—an AI chip for mecha, designed to handle magnetic storms in space. While the prototype had limitations, they didn’t overshadow its potential. It was still a work in progress, requiring further refinement, but even in its early stages, it showcased Xiang Qimiao’s brilliance and earned him high regard from his superiors.
His reason for venturing out at such a critical time was to gather data from the edges of a magnetic storm. The chip was specifically designed to help mecha survive such phenomena. If perfected, it would provide the Blue Star Empire with a countermeasure against one of space’s deadliest natural disasters.
While large warships could manage magnetic storms, the energy cost was immense, and smaller vessels had no choice but to evade them entirely. Detecting and avoiding storms was common practice, but surviving one was another matter.
Xiang Qimiao wasn’t reckless—he only went to the periphery of a minor storm, equipped with his mecha and a private starship. His research team and superiors saw no reason to stop him, confident in his ability to protect himself.
No one expected Fei Hai, consumed by jealousy, to seize the opportunity to harm him—nor that another faction would intervene, determined to ensure Xiang Qimiao never returned.
Xiang Qimiao later told Xiang Chen, “Fei Hai was targeting me, but those others… I think they were after the Xiang family.”
Xiang Qimiao was sharp and well-connected. Though he often acted lovestruck around Tan Hao, his judgment was sound. If he believed the attackers were targeting the Xiang family, it was likely true. Xiang Chen took the matter seriously, discussing the assailants’ methods with his son, hoping to uncover clues.
Unfortunately, the attackers left no clear traces. Xiang Qimiao suspected they were ruthless space pirates—the kind he, Xiang Chen, and Xiang Qilin had dealt with before. With countless suspects and no evidence, narrowing them down seemed impossible.
While Xiang Qimiao and his mother, Qu Yun, entertained his colleagues, Xiang Chen and Xiang Qilin prepared to investigate, determined to find those who dared target the Xiang family’s treasure.
After the guests left, Qu Yun sat by Xiang Qimiao’s bedside, peeling fruit for him. “Miaomiao,” she asked gently, “do you still like General Tan?”
Xiang Qimiao’s eyes lit up. “Yes! He’s amazing! My idol is the best! And this time, he saved me. If not for him, I would’ve—” He blushed furiously, recalling his time with Tan Hao on the return trip.
Qu Yun sighed. Her son was clearly smitten—there was no keeping him now. Still, Tan Hao was outstanding in every way. If they ended up together, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. Though bittersweet, she wouldn’t stand in their way.
She patted his hand. “Miaomiao, if you’re ever unhappy, remember you can always come home. We’ll always be your strongest support.”
Xiang Qimiao hugged her, beaming. “Mom, you’re the best!”
Meanwhile, Tan Hao sought out his grandfather. Having lost his parents in war, he had been raised by the current marshal, who groomed him as his successor.
Years ago, the marshal had selected candidates through rigorous, impartial evaluations. Despite being the youngest, Tan Hao emerged as the most promising and ultimately won the position.
Now a general, Tan Hao was the undisputed heir to his grandfather’s legacy—a fact recognized across empires.
As a highly eligible bachelor, many had tried to win his favor, but none had succeeded.
Until now.
Tan Hao picked up his communicator. His grandfather was his only family; it was only right to inform him about the little guide he’d fallen for.
After the call, the marshal stared at the device in disbelief. His cold, proud grandson—who once vowed to spend his life with his mecha—had finally found someone?
Upon learning it was Xiang Qimiao, the marshal found the name familiar. A quick check confirmed it: the youngest son of the Xiang family. He couldn’t be more pleased with Tan Hao’s choice.
Though there was an age gap, lifespans had lengthened, and Xiang Qimiao was brilliant, with a string of achievements in mecha AI development—including the recent magnetic storm survival program.
The marshal had interacted with the Xiang family before. An alliance with them would be ideal!
But he also learned of the recent attack on Xiang Qimiao. After investigating, he decided to collaborate with the Xiang family. After all, this concerned his future grandson-in-law—how could he not take it seriously?
If anything happened to Xiang Qimiao, who knew when Tan Hao would find love again? This budding romance needed nurturing.
Without hesitation, he contacted Xiang Chen.
Though conflicted, Xiang Chen recognized the Tan family’s genuine regard for his son. With their help, uncovering the mastermind behind the attack would be easier.
After some thought, he accepted.
If Tan Hao and Xiang Qimiao did end up together, the two families would be bound by marriage. There was no need to refuse assistance now.
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