Zhao Chen smiled as he looked at Chu Xuan. "So straightforward with your cards on the table?"
"Because I think you're a pretty good person, suitable to be a friend," Chu Xuan said frankly.
Zhao Chen continued, "What would happen if I refused?"
Chu Xuan rubbed her chin, pondering. "If you refuse, my grandfather would probably order a thorough investigation into you. If it's discovered that you're opposing our Chu Family or have close ties with our enemies... then there would only be one outcome..."
As she spoke, she made a slicing motion across her neck.
Zhao Chen nodded. He had anticipated such methods of dealing with things; it was a rather common practice.
"I hope you can cooperate with our Chu Family. I don't want a friend I admire to die at the hands of my family," Chu Xuan said sincerely, looking at Zhao Chen. "You have talent in starship research, development, and manufacturing. Our Chu Family can provide you with the best resources in this area. You are currently the lord of the Fierce Dragon Star System, and we are aware of its situation. If you are willing, we can use the Chu Family's connections to arrange a new fief for you. Of course, if you prefer not to change, we can also provide substantial resource assistance to the Fierce Dragon Star System. Although it lacks a Stargate, at the very least, we can ensure it doesn't remain a poor star system. You currently hold the title of Baron, and in the future, you could at least become a Viscount. The inheritance of your title won't be an issue."
Chu Xuan had just unleashed a barrage of sugar-coated shells.
If it were anyone else, they would likely have chosen to align with the Chu Family immediately.
But Zhao Chen understood that the secrets he carried destined him to never fully devote himself to any faction. In the future, he would unveil T4 Starship Technology, and even T5 Starship Technology. How would those he served treat him then? Zhao Chen had seen plenty of films and shows where those whose achievements overshadowed their masters met tragic ends.
However, breaking ties with the Chu Family outright was not an option either, especially since he had already revealed the T2 Queen Bee-class Heavy Carrier Starship Technology equipped with Star Shield Technology. Although, overall, T2 Starship Technology was still beneath the Chu Family's notice. Otherwise, the person meeting Zhao Chen today wouldn't be Chu Xuan; instead, he would have been escorted to the Chu Family estate to meet the Governor himself.
"I need some time to consider," Zhao Chen said with a smile.
He needed to manage his relationship with the Chu Family appropriately—not too close, but not outright rejection either. Because the Chu Family could also serve as a shield or protective talisman for Zhao Chen; it all depended on how he used them!
"I understand. I can buy you some time, but it can't be too long," Chu Xuan said.
After their discussion, Zhao Chen escorted Chu Xuan back to her residence at the North Star Starship Military Academy, while he himself returned to the Zero Blizzard.
In the captain's quarters, Zhao Chen lay on his bed.
He first opened his student profile.
[Student: Zhao Chen
Gender: Male
Race: Human Race
Age: 21
Identity: Lord of the Fierce Dragon Star System, North Wind Star Domain (Baron Title)
Grade: Fifth Year
Department: Starship Captain Department
Class: Fifth Year, Class One]
The arrangement of being placed in Fifth Year, Class One surprised Zhao Chen somewhat.
Since Class One of the fifth grade was the most outstanding class in the entire fifth year, students who studied there could basically look forward to a prosperous life after graduation, if not outright success and wealth.
Moreover, the vast majority of them were already children of nobility.
And as it happened, both Zhao Wan'er and Xue Xiaoxiao were in this class.
This meant that Zhao Chen, as the older brother, would be in the same class as his sister.
"It's already the fifth grade now. The next step is to figure out how to accumulate enough assessment credits for the fifth grade before the end of June.
This time, there's no need for triple the credits—just enough to successfully advance to the sixth grade.
After the school year starts in October, I'll use three months to earn triple the academic credits for the sixth grade and graduate early." Zhao Chen began planning his annual schedule.
Theoretically, there shouldn't be any major issues.
However, accumulating triple the academic credits for the sixth grade was no simple task.
Missions of the same level as the previous Escort Mission could only guarantee a smooth graduation within the sixth-grade year at most.
"And then there's the matter of how to handle the relationship with the Chu Family." Zhao Chen scratched his head. There really were too many things to deal with.
...
"Sis, I already told you. Stop looking into it. If the person doesn't want to reveal their identity, don't force them, okay?
Forced fruit is not sweet." Li Wei looked helplessly at his sister across from him.
Li Yaqi stared at Li Wei. "You really won't tell me who this person is! Don't forget, I'm your sister!"
"Wait! That trick won't work on me. If you dare pressure me on this, I'll tell that person! Let's see if they'll be willing to meet you then." Li Wei chuckled.
It had to be said, Li Wei's words struck a nerve with Li Yaqi.
She didn't dare offend that person, after all—her North Goose Starship Technology Group had only grown thanks to their technology.
"Hmph, even if you don't tell me, I'll find out on my own. The North Star Starship Military Academy isn't that big. I refuse to believe I can't figure it out!" Li Yaqi snorted coldly, raising her hand to pull up profiles of the Academy's current instructors and professors one by one.
She began cross-referencing them meticulously.
Li Wei watched his sister's actions and covered his face. "Sis, is this really necessary? It's just one popular T1 Starship Technology they gave you."
Li Yaqi ignored her brother. What that person had given her wasn't just one T1 Starship Technology—it was a total of four Starship Technologies, including one T2 Starship Technology.
She had already expanded the Starship factory of her North Goose Starship Technology Group, and soon these four Starship Technologies would be unveiled.
She was certain that these four technologies would propel her North Goose Starship Technology Group to new heights.
"Oh, right—didn't you say you have a good friend at the North Star Starship Military Academy named Zhao Chen?
You mentioned he's been looking out for you at the Academy, and without his help, you might not have been able to complete your grade assessment credits smoothly over the past three years.
Since I'm here now, let's arrange a time. I'll treat him to a meal to thank him for taking care of you these past few years at the Academy." Li Yaqi said.
Li Wei froze. Could his sister have already figured out that person was Zhao Chen?
"What? Is there a problem? I heard he just returned to the Academy today, so he should have some free time." Li Yaqi noticed her brother's unusual reaction and asked.
She actually sought out Zhao Chen partly to thank him for looking after her younger brother, and partly to gather some information from people close to him.
"I... I'll try asking for you..." Li Wei said, pretending to be calm.
If he refused outright now, it would definitely make his sister suspicious.
Zhao Chen, you're on your own.