Chapter Twenty-Five: Sincerely Adding to Her Frustration

Xuanxuan tilted her head back, wearing a look of utter displeasure. Why did this scoundrel insist she accompany him wherever he went? Draped over Wanqi Lianhao’s shoulder, she gloomily fiddled with her hair. Once long enough to brush the ground, her locks now barely reached her shoulder. The chestnut hue had faded, replaced by an inky black. Pouting, she lamented that she no longer resembled the person she’d been on the Mata Continent. This truly was a fresh start.

Wanqi Lianhao noticed the despondency on Xuanxuan’s face. He patted her head in comfort, then picked up a piece of dried meat she’d been eyeing hungrily and handed it to her.

Internally, Xuanxuan was in tears. Why did she feel like he was raising her as a pet?

“Hm?” Wanqi Lianhao was puzzled when Xuanxuan didn’t take the meat. Was she tired of it? His eyes brightened and he asked cheerfully, “What’s wrong? Sick of eating it?”

Even though she felt miserable, Xuanxuan couldn't help but sense a hint of delight in his tone, as though he were relieved.

Quickly, she accepted the dried meat, feeling as if there would be no next meal after this one. She dearly hoped they would arrive at the Imperial Capital soon. Surely, under the tyranny of her grandparents, her father wouldn’t dare deny her food.

Wanqi Lianhao felt a pang of regret; he shouldn’t have harbored such hopes. He’d committed himself to raising this carnivorous creature for life, and already he was worrying—his daughter hadn’t even grown up, yet he foresaw a dark, hopeless future.

“Master.” Yiqiong glanced at his master’s helpless expression toward Xuanxuan, hesitated, and then tapped on the study door.

Wanqi Lianhao looked at Yiqiong as he entered, raising an eyebrow. “You’re here.”

“Yes. The reconnaissance ships discovered an ambush at the wormhole exit. We’ll encounter it as soon as we emerge.” Yiqiong nodded.

“How large?”

“We’ve confirmed one mothership, twenty raider ships, and ten scouts.”

Wanqi Lianhao sneered, “They truly overestimate us. Couldn’t wait any longer, it seems.”

Xuanxuan paused mid-bite. Why did trouble always find her just as she finally hoped to return to the Imperial Capital? The dried meat there was waiting for her, yet these people insisted on causing a nuisance. How infuriating.

Yiqiong said, “They’re scared. If Young Master Zhan arrives, they won’t stand a chance.”

“The information leaked?” Wanqi Lianhao picked up Xuanxuan, moving toward the control room.

“It’s already out. They say Young Master Zhan will arrive in an hour.”

“Hmph. How long until Zhan Yu arrives?” Yiqiong checked the smart system. “Less than ten minutes until he reaches the wormhole entrance.”

“How long until we’re out of the wormhole?”

“About three minutes,” Yiqiong replied. Zhan Yu nodded—that was perfect, giving the enemy a bit of hope so they’d dare make a move.

“Just right.”

“But what if they attack before we exit?” The space near the wormhole was unstable. If someone struck the wormhole, they'd be lost to a spatial rift forever. So far, no one—even the largest fleets—had survived entering the wormhole.

“If they had the skill to attack at the wormhole, the Wanqi family wouldn’t still dominate the military,” Zhan Yu said disdainfully. Those people lacked ability, though their appetites were grand.

“Yes, you’re right, Master.”

Zhan Yu surveyed the control room and smiled. “Let them come. We’ll send out the first third of the fleet, have all scout ships cloak and follow closely, and let the last third wait two minutes before emerging. Once they've surrounded us, I’ll give them an opportunity.”

Yiqiong nodded, smiling. “This ‘inviting the enemy into the trap’ tactic only worries me they won’t take the bait. Surely they know we have more forces than this.”

“Not take the bait? With me here, they never fear overeating. No matter how full, they'll still come. Destroying me and capturing a Zhan family scion? The temptation is enormous. If they don’t act now, they’ll never get another chance. I’ll hand them an opportunity myself.” Wanqi Lianhao plotted his timing, coldly amused. Those people had insatiable appetites—like goldfish, always eating, never realizing when they've had too much.

Xuanxuan shivered. Being small was a disadvantage—she seemed always on the brink of catching a cold.

“Indeed, Master, you are wise. I’ll make the arrangements,” Yiqiong said.

“No rush. Where is Baluo?” Sensing Xuanxuan’s shiver, Wanqi Lianhao held her closer, remembering he needed to assign someone to attend to her.

“Baluo is almost ready. When would you like him to come?” Baluo had spent days familiarizing himself with Xuanxuan’s habits. Originally one of Wanqi Lianhao’s aides, he was now well acquainted with her, and would soon be prepared.

“Let’s wait until this matter is settled.”

“Yes.”

“Alright, go ahead and make the arrangements.” Raising Xuanxuan, Wanqi Lianhao’s mood improved. Even watching his daughter gnaw on dried meat was pleasing.

Xuanxuan failed to see anything worth smiling about. She wriggled her plump little body—Wanqi Lianhao was holding her tightly. She felt like a chubby little girl, soft and round everywhere.

Still, she was about to experience firsthand a battle in this technological world. The last mech competition had amazed her; she wondered if this interstellar battle would disappoint.

Lately, she’d gained some understanding of the interstellar world and developed a keen interest in mechs. She hoped to dismantle one herself someday.

She was also intrigued by the robots around her. If she combined her doll-making skills with robotics, she believed she could make significant improvements. Pinching her tiny arms, she sighed—her limbs were too small to do much.

Wanqi Lianhao watched her squeezing her arms and legs and laughed, “So young and already sighing? Little chubby girl, if you mind being fat, eat less meat.”

Xuanxuan stared at her father in disbelief. Was he truly her biological parent? At such a young age, he was already calling her fat. Surely she wasn’t his real daughter—he denied her meat and criticized her for no reason. Covering her face in mock tears, she thought, “Chubby girl? I’m destined to be a beauty when I grow up.”

Wanqi Lianhao patted her head, reluctant to dampen her spirits, but Xuanxuan had indeed gained weight these last two days. Her double chin was becoming obvious. He pinched her soft, squishy cheeks, marveling at how pleasant they felt—why hadn’t he noticed before?

Xuanxuan knocked his hand away, wondering what Wanqi Lianhao would prepare for dinner after dealing with the wormhole incident.

But these two seemed to have forgotten about the enemy. Did their adversaries truly have such a weak presence? Did they really feel no pressure at all?

Bean Sprout can shamelessly beg for favorites and recommendations, right?

A friend’s book—ps: Let me recommend a few more for everyone...