Moreover, in the institute, there are far too many people more outstanding and excellent than Yuan Tianruo. It’s just because Xiang Qimiao and he are both male guides and graduated from the same school and major that they inevitably get compared when they’re together. And since Xiang Qimiao completely outshines Yuan Tianruo in every aspect, it’s no wonder that Yuan Tianruo, that petty-minded guy, resents him.
In fact, even back in school, Xiang Qimiao was the top academic achiever and campus heartthrob, while Yuan Tianruo was just one of the many underachievers. The two were never on the same level to begin with, so it was only natural that Yuan Tianruo couldn’t compare. Unfortunately, Yuan Tianruo overestimated himself.
Still, Xiang Qimiao couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful about the old dean and Han Xinwan. Back then, Han Xinwan was also an outstanding and very likable young girl. It’s a shame she ended up with someone like Yuan Tianruo.
After a brief moment of reflection, Xiang Qimiao began discussing serious matters with Tan Hao. Through their conversation, Xiang Qimiao finally understood why they needed researchers like them for this operation.
Since they needed to raid the black research institute, the experimental data and other materials inside served as evidence against it and had to be handled carefully. Moreover, most black research institutes have hidden mechanisms, some even equipped with self-destruct programs. Bringing along professionals would ensure a smoother and faster cleanup while also mitigating risks to some extent.
As Tan Hao, Xiang Qimiao, and Xiang Qilin set off for their destination, Wei Huanping, left behind, sighed in boredom and decided to visit Xiang Chen and Qu Yun to try and win some favor with his future in-laws.
Xiang Chen and Qu Yun were quite pleased that Wei Huanping and Xiang Qilin had finally gotten together. After all, Wei Huanping was practically a child they had watched grow up, with excellent abilities and character. The already close Wei and Xiang families could now become even closer.
Xiang Chen once remarked casually to Qu Yun, “Back then, your father once considered a marriage between you and Wei Huanping’s father, but it didn’t work out. Who would have thought that now Qilin and Wei Huanping ended up together? In a way, doesn’t that indirectly fulfill your father’s wish?”
Qu Yun, detecting the subtle hint of jealousy in Xiang Chen’s tone, smiled and said, “Yes, my father once thought about a marriage between me and my senior brother, and I did date Willrow for a while. But in the end, neither worked out until I met you. It just goes to show that I was always waiting for you.” She then planted a kiss on Xiang Chen’s cheek.
This was the charm of a long-married couple—Qu Yun effortlessly soothed Xiang Chen’s jealousy, evaporating any trace of bitterness in his heart.
However, the couple hadn’t had much time to be together lately, as Xiang Chen was about to embark on another mission.
Due to the incident involving Xiang Qimiao and the recent discovery of the black research institute, which had claimed countless lives, the defense along the nearby space routes had been significantly strengthened. After all, the lives lost in that black research institute couldn’t have just vanished into thin air.
Given the scale of the incident, there was no guarantee that there weren’t moles or spies from the black research institute within the empire. For safety’s sake, Xiang Chen was assigned to oversee the area for a while until the thorough investigation was completed.
Though Qu Yun was reluctant, she didn’t protest. After some affectionate moments, she saw Xiang Chen off. Xiang Chen even dragged Wei Huanping along to work with him.
Wei Huanping’s excuse was that he needed to collect mecha data and scout for rare resources. But in reality, it was just a pretext.
Xiang Chen’s real intention was to give the guy who had “stolen” his precious son a hard time. Besides, as a Sentinel, Wei Huanping was tough-skinned and could handle a bit of rough treatment.
Wei Huanping didn’t dare to make a fuss in front of his future father-in-law and obediently followed along.
While Xiang Chen was patrolling the space routes, Wei Huanping, with nothing better to do and having been thoroughly beaten under the guise of “mutual training” by Xiang Chen, wandered around and noticed something suspicious.
In a rundown little bar, he spotted a few men sitting in a corner with an odd aura about them. Wei Huanping, keeping a low profile and covering half his face—partly because his face was swollen from Xiang Chen’s “training” and partly because he planned to use it as an excuse to gain sympathy from Xiang Qilin—observed them thoughtfully.
Having spent plenty of time roaming the stars, Wei Huanping had encountered space pirates before. These men gave off the same vibe—ruthless, bloodstained pirates.
Knowing why Xiang Chen was stationed here, Wei Huanping quickly left and reported his findings to him.
Xiang Chen took the matter seriously and immediately arranged for the secret capture of the suspected pirates. The results didn’t disappoint—they were indeed pirates, and worse, they were under Willrow’s command. Willrow’s notorious reputation aside, the fact that these pirates appeared in such a sensitive location at such a critical time was enough to raise alarms.
Regardless, since they had stumbled upon Willrow’s pirates, there was no way they’d let them go easily.
However, Xiang Chen rubbed his chin and mused, “Hmm, what’s going on? It feels like Willrow’s mind hasn’t been as sharp lately. He seems to have lost his usual cunning and caution. Did something… happen to him?” It all felt a bit off.
Shrugging, Xiang Chen didn’t dwell on it and instead focused on interrogating the captured pirates.
Willrow and his pirates were known for their ruthlessness—leaving no survivors, taking everything of value, and showing no mercy. Naturally, such cold-blooded individuals had little loyalty or sense of belonging to their organization. Xiang Chen’s men were skilled in extracting information from pirates, and they soon uncovered plenty.
After reviewing the intel, Xiang Chen rubbed his temples and patted Wei Huanping’s shoulder. “These pirates are such a headache. But Wei, we really owe you one this time.”
Wei Huanping smiled modestly. “Not at all. I’m just glad I could help, Uncle Xiang.”
Xiang Chen glanced at him but didn’t say more. Studying the pirates’ plans and confessions, he stroked his chin. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to capture not just these pirates but Willrow and his entire crew.
Though it was unclear why Willrow would take such a huge risk to raid a neighboring empire’s fleet—something completely out of character for him—Xiang Chen figured they’d find out once they caught him.
With a plan in place, Xiang Chen made the necessary preparations, ready to ensnare the pirates in one fell swoop. Whatever madness had taken hold of Willrow lately, this was too good an opportunity to miss.
Unfortunately, Willrow and Yuan Tianruo remained oblivious to these developments and continued with their original plans, unaware that they were about to walk straight into a meticulously prepared trap.
Meanwhile, on another front, a disheveled man with a long scar on his face stumbled off a dilapidated starship that looked ready to fall apart at any moment. As his feet touched the planet’s soil, he let out a long sigh of relief.
“Finally… I made it back. I have to find Qianqian as soon as possible. I can’t let her be deceived and used any longer. And I must settle the score for what happened back then.” Clutching a data storage device, the man gazed in a certain direction, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Elsewhere, completely unaware that he had inadvertently saved someone, Xiang Qimiao arrived at the planet housing the black research institute alongside Tan Hao.
It was a moderately remote, abandoned planet with a harsh environment and sparse population. The transportation was passable, but few traveled there. It was the perfect location—well-equipped yet highly concealed. Whoever built that black research institute certainly knew how to pick a spot.
Upon seeing the horrific, hellish conditions inside the lab, Tan Hao’s eyes flashed with disgust. “No matter how brilliant they are, if their minds are twisted and their intentions evil, their talents are utterly worthless.”
Sensing Tan Hao’s discomfort, Xiang Qimiao discreetly squeezed his hand and nuzzled his neck. “Hao-ge, don’t be upset. It’s not worth getting angry over people like that.”
Tan Hao sighed and ruffled Xiang Qimiao’s hair. “I know, Xiao Miao. Go on, you have work to do too.”
Seeing that Tan Hao had calmed down, Xiang Qimiao relaxed and got to work. Though the sight disturbed him as well, he couldn’t bear to see Tan Hao unhappy.
With their combined efforts, the black research institute was soon cleared out. The guards, researchers, and everyone involved were rounded up by Xiang Qilin and subjected to interrogation and sentencing.
The black research institute stood as irrefutable evidence, leaving no room for denial.
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