The Chief's Past

She already knew about her origins, as well as why she had grown up in a laboratory.

Though it was cruel, she had survived. She would live in a brilliant era, and that was more important than anything.

Since Wei Lanshan had chosen to tell her everything, it was so she would be wary of the Tang Family and the Ye Family. No matter where she was in the future, she was not to approach them if she heard those two families mentioned.

Xi Xiu understood the stakes. She still valued her life.

There was even less chance that she would go to the Ye Family. But if the Ye Family found her one day, she needed the means to survive and the ability to fight back.

So she would work hard to improve her strength. In this world, strength reigned supreme.

The Star Shuttle docked at Ningkui Star's Third Spaceport. After passing through the transfer station, Wei Lanshan led Xi Xiu onto the Sky Rail bound for Ningkui Star's surface.

Looking at the planet before her, Xi Xiu felt incredibly excited. From the sky, it looked so much like Blue Star.

She had thought the border star system would be a sea of yellow sand, as barren as Q68, the planet where she had been born, with people even living underground.

Yet Ningkui Star's living conditions had far exceeded Xi Xiu's expectations. Towering trees stood everywhere, the surface environment was excellent, the air was fresh, and there were countless streams, rivers, and seas. One could walk on the surface without a protective mask, and the gravity was around level ten.

Xi Xiu had fallen in love with the planet at first sight. She had never expected to encounter a world so similar to her hometown in this starfield.

On the Sky Rail, Xi Xiu watched the ground draw nearer and nearer, joy welling endlessly in her heart. This planet was simply beautiful.

There were no forests of skyscrapers here, and few buildings stood on the ground. There were wide-open plains, lush grasses and trees, azure seas, and vibrant life everywhere.

"Aunt Lan, it's so beautiful here." Xi Xiu pressed herself against the window and looked down at the ground. Her tone was full of delight, and Wei Lanshan could feel her happiness.

"Yes. Though Ningkui Star serves as a guardian of the frontier for the Alliance, its beauty is obvious to all. People come here to settle down every year. The lifeforms here are incredibly diverse, and you'll see many races." Wei Lanshan explained the planet's basic circumstances to Xi Xiu.

Ningkui Star did not have a large population. Half its residents were extraterrestrial lifeforms from other stars, so Xi Xiu's identity could be well concealed here.

However, Xi Xiu would not be able to freely enter and leave the Orphanage until she was at least ten years old.

"It's impossible to describe. It feels so full of life, and it looks clean and fresh. I like the environment here. There are so many trees."

Xi Xiu let out a clear laugh. She would be living on this planet from now on. She would treat it as her home, her future shelter from the storm.

Seeing how much Xi Xiu liked the place, Wei Lanshan finally relaxed. Her lips curved into a smile as she looked at the little girl's lively eyes. The light in them silently spoke of her happiness and joy.

After reaching Ningkui Star's surface, Wei Lanshan took Xi Xiu directly to the local Orphanage. The person who received them was its director, whom Wei Lanshan called Vivian.

Vivian was very excited to see Wei Lanshan. Xi Xiu could tell that she held deep feelings for Wei Lanshan.

Wei Lanshan had Xi Xiu sit in the lounge outside, saying she had matters to discuss with the director. From Vivian's expression, Xi Xiu judged that the two women knew each other.

Wei Lanshan and Vivian entered the inner office. Vivian's eyes reddened when she saw Wei Lanshan. She stepped forward and gently embraced her, only releasing her after a minute. "Lanshan, have you been well these years?"

"Vivian, I've been well. What about you?" Wei Lanshan felt a sense of longing as well.

They had not met for a very, very long time. Even though technology was now so advanced and holograms were no different from real people, they had not seen each other since their hasty parting that year. It had already been more than thirty years.

"I've been well. You don't need to worry." Vivian smiled, radiant with joy, just as she had been in their youth.

"That's good. I came this time because I have something to ask of you." Wei Lanshan explained her purpose to Vivian, but she did not reveal Xi Xiu's true identity. She intended to let that secret remain buried in the depths of the starry sea, never to see daylight.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely take good care of her." Just as you took care of me in the past. Vivian did not say those words aloud, but she knew Wei Lanshan understood.

Vivian looked at Xi Xiu, who sat quietly in the lounge with graceful bearing and not a trace of restlessness. "What is her name? Is there anything forbidden?"

"Hong Xixiu. Her records are complete, and she won't bring trouble here. At least not before she goes to Capital Star for school."

Vivian understood. She appeared to be a gifted child. Since she was certain to go to Capital Star, her Mental Power had to be at least 2S.

"What an adorable child. She'll be as outstanding as you in the future, won't she?" Vivian sighed.

"Her character is more resilient than mine. In many ways, I was not her equal when I was younger." Wei Lanshan's impression of Xi Xiu had improved even further.

During their flight from danger, she had seemed to witness a New Star rising. Xi Xiu was a child willing to work hard, able to endure hardship, and blessed with talent.

Perhaps she would feel lost at times on the road of life, but Wei Lanshan knew that with Xi Xiu's intelligence, she would be able to work things out on her own.

Combined with her mature mind and courage, even if she had to struggle alone in the starry sea, Wei Lanshan firmly believed that she could forge a path of her own.

Vivian was surprised. She had never expected the once-proud Wei Lanshan to give a little girl such high praise.

For Wei Lanshan to admit that she was not her equal, the little girl's talent had to surpass that of many others.

Wei Lanshan's physical ability was 5A, and after working hard for so many years, her Mental Power had reached 3S. The reason she had studied medicine was because something had happened that changed their fates.

"I understand. Will you return to Capital Star after you leave?" Vivian began making plans for Xi Xiu in her heart.

"Yes. I received a summons from the Central Brain. In three star-months, I'll be going to the Alliance for study and exchange. My return date is uncertain."

It was a summons from the Central Brain that her terminal had received when she left Muye Star.

Once she had settled Xi Xiu, she would leave. They likely would not see each other again for a long time.

"We won't be able to meet again for such a long time? You really are heartless."

They had lived together for ten years, yet they had already been apart for several times that long. The future would still bring separation.

"Take good care of yourself, Wei'an. Let everything remain calm and peaceful." Wei Lanshan looked at Wei'an, who was still as radiant as she had been back then.

Time had separated them, and the years had granted them peace, yet they both knew that some people were gone forever.

"You too. Don't push yourself too hard." Wei Lanshan understood what Wei'an meant, but if she did not do this, her heart would never find peace.

"Mm."

After the two finished talking, Wei Lanshan brought Xi Xiu before Wei'an. "Xi Xiu, this is Tian Wei'an, the director of the Orphanage. You can call her Vivian. From now on, you'll live here with Wei'an and the others."

Xi Xiu politely greeted Wei'an. "Director Tian, my name is Hong Xixiu. Please take good care of me from now on."

Wei'an chuckled and nodded. "I hope you'll like it here. Treat this place as your home."

Xi Xiu knew that she would study here and receive the education that everyone in the Alliance had to receive before turning sixteen. Most of it was conducted through the Star Network, including the examinations.

Wei Lanshan had already told her all this on the way here.

From later chapters onward, Jiujiu will use the name Hong Xixiu.