Zhenzhu's Self-Reproach

Jingxing added, "And I already have a clue how to pay off my debts."

"Um?"

"In short, I'll first establish myself as a painter," Jingxing said. "I can pay off this debt on my own."

"Your parents died for the company because of my orders." Zhenzhu's tone turned somber. "Whether it's 3 billion or 30 billion, I owe them more than that."

Jingxing already knew the reason for his parents' sacrifice. Zhenzhu could be said to have acted on her orders, but his parents had no idea they would encounter the Antimatter Legion when they went to carry out their mission. Jingxing didn't think Zhenzhu was primarily responsible; rather than resenting her, he preferred to seek revenge against Nanook's retinue.

The air in the reception room seemed heavy, as if weighed down by Zhenzhu's words.

"Precisely because my parents are gone, I don't want to live my life as just a number on the company's ledger," Jingxing said after a moment of silence.

Zhenzhu didn't insist any further. She picked up the cup of tea, which had already gone cold, and took a small sip, as if she wanted to use this sip to clarify what she was going to say next.

Setting down her cup, she said, "Alright. There's one more thing; I hope you leave Dual-Phase Paradise tonight."

Jingxing was taken aback. "What happened?"

"I've investigated thoroughly since I got back," Zhenzhu said. "The people from the Technical Research and Development Department sent by Yaboli were ostensibly there to investigate the living conditions of the Imagenae in the Dual-Phase Paradise, but in reality, they were also infiltrating the local residents with the Technical Research and Development Department new experimental products."

Jingxing's fingers tightened unconsciously.

"Lady Zhenzhu," he began, "Yaboli this time is most likely for the Voracity Beast Molt."

Zhenzhu's eyes suddenly sharpened. "How did you know?"

"I am, after all, Pathstrider of Beauty, so naturally I can sense the aura of opposing Path," Jingxing said. "Besides, I also smelled it on that girl handing out flyers in Haiyuan City."

Zhenzhu looked at him for a long time, then sighed deeply, "No wonder I felt relieved when you said you were giving up on going to Ismael."

"Huh?"

"Since you've embarked on Path of Beauty, Yaboli, who's obsessed with studying Path of Voracity, will certainly not let you go," Zhenzhu continued. "After all, the forces between paths of Path conflict. You will become an important experimental subject for her."

"I see..." Jingxing mused. It seemed the Stellaron Hunters back then was indeed thinking of him.

Seeing that Jingxing didn't pursue the question of "the driving force of Path," Zhenzhu realized that he probably already knew about it, so she simply leaned back in her chair.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice carrying a weariness Jingxing had never heard before. "Jingxing, the Dual-Phase Paradise is going to run into trouble. I'm not confident I can protect you while dealing with Yaboli. So, leave here—the sooner the better. Go back to Klimt, or go to any safe planet."

She paused, looking directly into his eyes, "Only when you're gone can I deal with Yaboli without worry."

"I understand." Jingxing nodded.

"Let me know you've arrived safely." Zhenzhu stood up and saw him to the door. "As for your debt, come find me anytime you've figured it out."

Jingxing wanted to say thank you, but in the end he only said, "Take care too."

He walked to the door, then stopped, took the flyer out of his bag, and gently placed it on the low cabinet in the entryway. "This is a flyer from the Haiyuan City 'Re-entering the Painting' Association. You might find it useful when you're looking into the Technical Research and Development Department."

After saying that, Jingxing pushed open the door and walked out.

It was already dark when I left the Pearl Star Building.

Jingxing stood on the steps, glanced back at the Pearl Star Building, and suddenly remembered the first time he came to Dual-Phase Paradise, when Zhenzhu pointed out the appearance of the World-Painting Academy to him from the office window.

At that time, he thought he could spend a peaceful time there.

"Perhaps we're already among the luckiest in the universe," Jingxing muttered to himself.

He took out his terminal and dialed Sampo.

"Mr. Sampo, I'm ready to leave Dual-Phase Paradise. You don't need to refund the tour guide fee for the remaining day."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, then Sampo's laughter came through. "What a coincidence, I'm leaving soon too."

"You're leaving too?" Jingxing was taken aback. "Where to?"

"Going back to my hometown." Sampo's tone was still as nonchalant as ever, but Jingxing vaguely sensed a slight difference in his voice. "I've been away for too long. I'm a little worried about the people back home; I need to go back and take a look."

Worried about his hometown? Jingxing didn't understand, but he didn't press for details. Everyone has their own secrets, just like he did.

"Take care," he said.

"You too." Sampo chuckled. "By the way, things haven't been peaceful at night at Dual-Phase Paradise these past few days. If you're going to set off, do it during the day, don't travel at night."

"Thank you for reminding me, I've noted it down."

"Next time we meet, I'll be your tour guide again—I'll give you a 20% discount if you're a regular customer." Sampo reverted to his usual irreverent tone and then hung up the phone.

After hanging up the phone, Jingxing sent Robin, reporting his itinerary again—he was preparing to leave Dual-Phase Paradise and begin the next leg of his journey. He just hadn't decided where to go yet. Not long after, Robin's reply appeared:

[Robin: What a coincidence, I'm leaving Thousand Stars City too. I'm starting a new film crew, and I'll be filming on another planet for a while.]

[Jingxing: What play?]

[The Robin: A workplace drama with an urban theme, and it's rare that the main theme isn't romance, which is why I agreed to play the lead role.]

[Jingxing: Then I'll visit the set later.]

He thought for a moment, then added, "[Well, I'll choose a Sunday when my husband isn't there.]"

[Robin: Brother won't eat people.]

[Jingxing: But the way he looked at me was dangerous.]

The Robin sent a laughing emoji, followed by a voice message that lasted only a few seconds.

Jingxing opened the app and heard her cheerful voice carried on the evening breeze. "Okay, I'll wait for you. But don't forget to bring me a gift when you visit the set—just a painting you like."

Jingxing listened to the voice message several times before finally replying with a smile, "Deal."

He put the terminal in his pocket, stood by the hotel room window, and took one last look at the night at Dual-Phase Paradise. There were still paintings he hadn't finished, twilights he hadn't witnessed, and things he hadn't investigated on this planet. But now, he had to leave.

Before leaving, he sent Xuzhao a message: [I'm leaving the Dual-Phase Paradise.]

This time, Xuzhao replied very quickly as well.

[Xuzhao: Hmm. Be careful, don't die on the way. I'm still waiting for your future self to finish up here, great painter.]