NOVEL NEXT 36
Chapter 36: Arrival
Xi Tian woke up from a restless dream, unable to recall its contents but remembering the pervasive orange-red hue. He moved his neck and realized he was lying on a reclined seat, covered by a heavy coat.
No wonder he felt suffocated in his dream.
Ellis was conversing with the gray-haired gentleman across the aisle, smiling warmly.
When Xi Tian made a small noise, Ellis quickly turned his head. Seeing that Xi Tian was awake, he apologized to the gentleman and turned back to Xi Tian. “You’re awake.”
Xi Tian nodded, folded the heavy coat, and handed it to Ellis. As expected, Ellis unfolded it and meticulously folded it back like a piece of art. He asked, “Do you want to eat or drink something?”
“Not right now.”
After a while, Ellis resumed his conversation with the elderly man, leaving Xi Tian to idly play with his terminal.
Ellis seemed to be enjoying the conversation, occasionally frowning in thought or shaking his head with a smile. He even forgot to lower his voice when he got excited.
Xi Tian felt inexplicably annoyed. When Ellis laughed again, Xi Tian propped his chin and pondered why he was unhappy.
Previously, Ellis’s attention was always on him when they were together. Now, Ellis was distracted by another person, and Xi Tian felt neglected and ignored.
Realizing this, Xi Tian felt helpless. Was he behaving like a kindergartener vying for the teacher’s attention?
However, wanting his partner’s attention wasn’t wrong.
Xi Tian hugged Ellis’s shoulder, leaning close with a smile. “What are you two talking about? You seem to be having so much fun; you’ve made me curious.”
“This gentleman is also going to Kenna Star for a vacation, just like us.”
“That’s quite a coincidence. But you still haven’t told me what you were discussing.”
The elderly man chuckled. “I served in the military when I was young and happened to touch on some shared experiences with Mr. Ellis. I got carried away. I’m sure a distinguished gentleman like yourself wouldn’t be upset with Mr. Ellis over such a small matter.”
The elderly man wore well-tailored, comfortable clothes that were clearly expensive. His hands were well-maintained, and he seemed very approachable with his smiling face.
However, Xi Tian felt awkward hearing “distinguished gentleman.” The elderly man noticed Xi Tian’s displeasure and seemed concerned that he might take it out on Ellis. Was the image of domineering and unreasonable males really that ingrained?
“I never said I was a male. How did you know my gender?” Xi Tian asked. Zerg star people’s genders are indeed easy to distinguish by appearance, but Xi Tian’s height often caused confusion, even among his own kind.
“I came to Zerg Star for a project and happened to catch the time when Mr. Xi became an internet sensation. Guessing that Mr. Xi is a male wasn’t difficult.” The elderly man winked playfully.
“Forget it. I’m not interested in military stuff. You guys continue your chat, I won’t interrupt.” Xi Tian instantly lost interest and seemed impatient.
He waved his hand, sat up straight in his seat, and focused intently on his terminal screen.
Ellis grew a bit nervous, his eyes filled with caution as he glanced at Xi Tian, but the male did not respond. Consequently, his conversation with the elderly man fizzled out.
Kenna Star, under the jurisdiction of the Star Alliance, is one of the hundreds of planets discovered in the past century suitable for habitation.
Planets are classified into five levels based on technological development. Kenna Star is a Level 2 planet, primarily focused on agriculture, animal husbandry, and high-tech modern livestock farming, exporting agricultural and sideline products.
The most noticeable difference between Level 2 and Level 3 planets is that Level 2 planets maintain a peaceful and slow self-sufficient state, whereas Level 3 planets heavily rely on the fast-paced interstellar flow of resources. Thus, Level 3 planets are often called “interstellar factories.” Zerg Star planets have a high level of industrialization, producing a vast number of products daily. They primarily acquire resources through interstellar expansion, opening up markets beyond their own.
Level 2 planets are mostly neutral, meaning they remain neutral during interplanetary wars and do not engage in conflicts. However, their trade relations with other planets are also very close, and they have large international airports for spaceship traffic.
The spaceship landed at the large international airport on Kenna Star.
Before leaving, the elderly man waved to Ellis, saying they would meet again.
Ellis nodded, mindful of Xi Tian’s cold attitude. Even though he didn’t know what he had done wrong, he felt guilty and cautiously asked Xi Tian for his opinion.
Xi Tian was noncommittal. As soon as he disembarked from the spaceship, the warm weather made him sweat, and he hurriedly took off the heavy coat he had just put on.
“Why are you walking behind me? I can’t see you.”
“…Ah, maybe the luggage is a bit heavy. It’s fine if I walk slower behind you; don’t worry about me.”
“Is the luggage heavy? I can carry it…” Xi Tian mumbled, walking over to Ellis and taking a small bag. “You seemed to enjoy chatting with that old man, didn’t you?”
“…Yes.” Ellis was unsure what Xi Tian was getting at and felt slightly apprehensive.
“But I felt uncomfortable when I saw him. I can’t explain it; it’s just a feeling. It was most noticeable when he smiled.” Xi Tian slowed his pace, walking slowly beside Ellis.
“Originally, you could chat with your friends and classmates about battles, guns, and mechs, but I’m not interested in those things, and we don’t have much in common.” Xi Tian looked up at the clear, blue sky of Kenna. “Actually, I regret dragging you to this place. Look, you even have to help carry my luggage.”
Ellis lowered his head without saying a word.
“We need to catch another flight to Nord Town. Let’s hurry up and go.” Xi Tian checked the map and said.
By the time they finally reached their booked hotel in Nord Town, Xi Tian felt like his bones were about to fall apart. It had been too long since he had experienced such a long journey.
All the luggage was thrown on the floor, and even Ellis seemed somewhat fatigued.
Xi Tian collapsed onto the bed, never having felt such a longing for a soft bed.
Ellis also got onto the bed, hugging Xi Tian and softly saying, “Master.”
Ellis’s voice was too light, so Xi Tian didn’t hear it clearly. The words were repeated.
“Master.”
“I’m here.”
Xi Tian finally responded.
“There are many people who can talk about battles and mechs,” Ellis looked into the male’s eyes, “but there’s only one master, and only one male named ‘Xi Tian’. Once missed, it’s gone forever.”
Xi Tian was stunned for a moment before realizing that Ellis was responding to what he had said after getting off the spaceship.
Xi Tian was momentarily at a loss for words. After thinking for a while, he replied, “You’re the same.”