A Chance Encounter

Chen Lie returned home and, before he even reached his doorstep, saw his family's airship parked outside.

He knew instantly that his father had returned.

As Chen Lie entered the house, he saw his father Chen Gequn, tidying up the Practice Room.

Seeing his son, Chen Gequn smiled and waved, saying, "Chen Lie, you went out to practice martial arts, didn't you?"

"Dad!"

Chen Lie approached Chen Gequn and said, "I didn't practice martial arts; I just wandered around."

"Yes, martial arts training requires a balance of intensity and relaxation; one cannot train relentlessly all the time." Chen Gequn nodded.

Whether martial arts training requires rigorous practice is something Chen Lie understands better than Chen Gequn. Seeing his father emerge from the Practice Room, he asked, "Dad, what are you doing?"

Didn't your mom say the newly bought Strength Detector was broken?

I contacted the Martial Equipment Company Martial Equipment Company, and they agreed to replace the equipment with a new one. I'll disassemble the equipment now and wait for Martial Equipment Company people to come."

Do you need my help?

"No need, I've already taken it apart. I just need to tidy it up a bit more. You can go and rest in the living room."

"All right.

Chen Lie nodded and went to the living room.

Soon after, the mother, Feng Yuelan, prepared a table of dishes, and the four members of the family sat down at the table.

At the dinner table, Chen Gequn said, "Chen Lie, Yaoyao, I heard from your mother that you two have made great progress in martial arts recently, especially you, Chen Lie. I heard that your Blood Qi Value has broken into four digits, meeting the standard for being shortlisted for the Provincial Youth Genius Group?"

"Yes!" Chen Lie nodded.

"Remember this: no matter who mentions it in the future, you must never say that the reason for your rapid progress in martial arts is because of Martial Arts Knowledge from Outer Stars."

"I know that."

Chen Gequn nodded and looked at his daughter, Chen Xingyao: "Yaoyao, you too, don't tell anyone this secret."

"Mm." Chen Xingyao nodded.

"And also," Chen Gequn Chen Liedao, "Chen Lie, Dad knows that your martial arts have reached an extremely profound level."

Even in the entire province, few can compare to you.

But you must remember not to become spoiled because of your achievements.

With your current grades, you're definitely good enough to get into Blue Star University. Within the province, you're truly outstanding.

However, Blue Star University is home to the most outstanding martial arts geniuses on Blue Star. Your martial arts skills may be considered above average, but there is still a long way to go before you are among the top geniuses.

Therefore, you must be careful not to develop an arrogant personality during this period.

Otherwise, if you go to Blue Star University, where geniuses abound, it will only harm you.

"I understand, Dad."

"That's true, but your mother and I are genuinely proud of your achievements."

You should know that only a handful of people can make it into the Provincial Youth Genius Group. And in the entire East River Province, there are no fewer than ten million school-age children. For you to have reached this point...

They are already among the millions who have found refuge.

Even your cousin Chen Ying, who was your age, is far behind you in terms of academic performance.

Dad remembers, your birthday is in two days. How about we invite all our relatives and friends over to celebrate with you?

"No, Dad, it's just a birthday. Our family can get together; there's no need to invite relatives and friends," Chen Lie said.

Feng Yuelan said, "Your dad wants to take this opportunity to show off to his relatives and friends."

After all, for a family like ours, joining the Provincial Youth Genius Group is no less significant than having a top scholar in the imperial examinations hundreds of years ago—it's a matter of bringing honor to our ancestors.

"Oh." Chen Lie understood his parents' feelings, but said, "We'll have to wait until I get into the Provincial Youth Genius Group."

"Okay, then let's not invite outsiders, just the four of us from our family get together."

Chen Gequn nodded as well.

As he spoke, Chen Gequn booked a table at the Starlight Hotel in the provincial capital.

"Chen Lie's birthday falls right before the Lunar New Year this year, and I see that the Starlight Hotel is almost fully booked."

"Thank goodness I booked a table today, otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to get one by tomorrow."

Having drifted in the starry sky for over fifty years, Chen Lie had almost forgotten what his birthday was.

He recalled his last birthday in his previous life, when his family had already incurred the wrath of a powerful enemy. It was a birthday filled with worry, but he managed to find joy amidst the hardship.

Since leaving Blue Star, no one has reminded him of his birthday.

After finishing his meal and returning to his room, Chen Lie received a message on his Communicator in the Green Bubble Genius Training Camp's main group chat.

Chief Instructor: Students, we will be returning to the training camp on February 26th, 7365 in the Galactic Calendar. Please be informed.

A series of "Received" messages followed, and Chen Lie also replied "Received" in the group chat.

Two days passed quickly.

The day before the new year arrived, which was also Chen Lie's 18th birthday.

Early in the morning, as soon as Chen Lie stepped out of his room, he saw his younger sister, Chen Xingyao, waiting outside the door.

Upon seeing Chen Lie emerge, Chen Xingyao immediately went to greet him, "Happy birthday, brother!"

Chen Lie hummed in agreement, then looked at Chen Xingyao and said, "Thank you."

He remembered that in his past life, except in the final, desperate moment, his sister had never been so kind to him.

"This is a birthday present for you. I certainly can't provide what you need right now, so I could only find something you used to like."

As she spoke, Chen Xingyao took out an exquisite gift box from behind her and gave it to Chen Lie.

Chen Lie accepted the gift and said, "The gift itself doesn't matter; it's the thought that counts."

"Yes, brother, Dad just said you should get ready, we're going to the Starlight Hotel for a banquet later."

"Okay, I understand." Chen Lie nodded.

After Chen Xingyao left, Chen Lie opened the gift and took a look.

He discovered that what his sister had given him was a co-branded access card to Thirteen Virtual Experience Pavilions.

He smiled. The Virtual Experience Pavilion pass—in the past, he would have treasured it like a precious gem, but now, even if he just wandered around, he wouldn't go into the Virtual Experience Pavilion anymore.

Urged by his parents, Chen Lie left home and boarded the airship outside.

The airship took off, and Chen Gequn piloted it towards the Starlight Hotel in the provincial capital.

On the airship, Feng Yuelan asked, "By the way, did you book a private cabin?"

Chen Gequn said, "There are too many people, and we couldn't get a private room. But even the regular seats at the Starlight Hotel are very quiet, so don't worry."

The airship flew for about ten minutes before stopping outside the Starlight Hotel.

After disembarking from the airship, Chen Lie and his family of four went into the Starlight Bar.

Although the Starlight Hotel was full, it was indeed very quiet, with three screens next to each seat.

Upon seeing Chen Lie and his family, the hotel staff immediately approached them and asked, "Hello, do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, seat number six," Chen Gequn replied.

"Are you Mr. Chen? Please come with me!"

As he spoke, the staff led Chen Lie and his family to a seat in the middle.

"Seat number 6 is right here, Mr. Chen. Would you like to order now?"

Chen Gequn asked his family to sit down, and then said to the hotel staff, "Let's have a premium family set meal."

"Okay, Mr. Chen, would you like any other drinks, such as energy drinks or Spirit Medicine- like beverages?"

"Four energy drinks, please. As for the Spirit Medicine wine, how is it prepared? What types are available?"

"It's wine made from common Spirit Medicine, which can be categorized into 30-year-old Spirit Medicine wines, but 100-year-old Spirit Medicine wines are also available."

"Prices range from Star Dollar to 500,000 Star Dollar per jar," the service staff explained.

"Then let's have a jar of Spirit Medicine wine brewed with thirty-year-old Spirit Medicine."

"Okay, please wait a moment."

After the staff member finished speaking, they left.

Chen Gequn sat down at the seating table.

"Son, it's your birthday today. Let's have a couple of drinks later."

"Okay!" Chen Lie nodded.

Feng Yuelan said, "The Spirit Medicine wine is very potent. Yaoyao, your brother is strong, so drinking a little Spirit Medicine wine won't hurt him. You shouldn't drink any alcohol later; just have a soft drink."

"I see.

Chen Xingyao knew that the Outer Star Body Tempering Technique her brother had passed down to her was very powerful, and that she was not afraid of any potent Spirit Medicine wine. However, since her mother had spoken, she naturally had to obey.

Soon after, the hotel staff brought out a variety of dishes to the table.

A jar of Spirit Medicine wine and four servings of energy drinks were also served on the table.

Chen Lie poured a glass of wine for his father Chen Gequn, and his mother, Feng Yuelan.

Feng Yuelan handed Chen Xingyao a drink, raised her glass and said, "Today is your brother's birthday. With his grades, it's a sure thing that he'll be specially admitted to Blue Star University."

We raised our glasses together, wishing him a happy birthday and all the best at Blue Star University, and hoping he would reach even greater heights in martial arts.

"Cheers!"

Chen Xingyao raised his glass, clinked it with his family, and then drank it all in one gulp.

Then, the four members of Chen Lie's family started chatting about everyday things.

Seeing the smiles and happy expressions on his parents' and sister's faces, Chen Lie understood his family's feelings; they probably felt hopeful about the future.

Before we knew it, most of the dishes on the table had been eaten.

Just as the family was chatting and laughing, a voice suddenly came from inside.

"Brother Chen? You guys are here today too?"

Chen Gequn turned around and saw that the person speaking was Lu Qidong.

"Oh? Qidong, you're eating here too?"

Lu Qidong said, "I'm here to have a get-together with Qingchan's uncle's family. What brings you here—"

"It 'Chen Lie's birthday today, we're just here for a meal," Chen Gequn said.

"Is it Chen Lie's birthday today? Brother Chen, why didn't you tell me?"

"I was originally going to invite you guys to get together, but Chen Lie said there was no need to make such a fuss, and besides, it's not a big deal," Chen said, waving his hand.

"Alright then, I'll come back and say hello to you in a bit. Everyone inside is waiting for me."

"Okay, you go ahead and do your thing."

After Lu Qidong finished speaking, he left.

Not long after, Chen Lie and his family finished their meal.

As they were preparing to leave, Feng Yuelan said, "Should we go and say goodbye to the Qidong family?"

"Isn't that unnecessary? Besides, I didn't even ask him which private room he was in," Chen Gequn said.

"Let's wait a bit then. Didn't Qidong just say he'd be coming over to talk to us later?"

"Alright, let's wait a bit. If he doesn't come out within half an hour, we'll leave!"

"Alright."

Chen Lie waited with his parents at their seats.

Just then, a soft voice suddenly sounded behind Chen Lie.

"Chen Lie? What a coincidence, you're eating here too?"

Chen Lie turned around and saw a beautiful young woman standing gracefully beside him behind the screen.

"Chen Lie, is this your classmate?" Feng Yuelan asked.

"He was a classmate from junior high school," Chen Lie said.

The beautiful girl waved to Chen Lie's parents. "My Qin Siyu. Chen Lie and I were classmates in junior high school. You two must be Chen Lie's parents, right?"

Hello, uncles and aunts.

"Oh, so you're a classmate from junior high."

It's rare to still be in touch with a junior high school classmate. Chen Lie, why don't you go and talk to your classmate?

Qin Siyu quickly replied, "No, no, I was just passing by, so I won't waste Chen Lie's time."

"It's nothing, we're waiting for someone too," Feng Yuelan said.

"Oh? Auntie, would you like me to help us change to a private room for someone? My dad is very familiar with this hotel."

"No need, we've already eaten."

Qin Siyu nodded slightly and looked at Chen Liedao, "Chen Lie, East River Province is really small. We've only been apart for a few days, and we've already bumped into each other again."

Do you think we'll bump into each other again before we enter the Genius Training Camp?

"Probably not," Chen Lie said.

"That's true, it seems the Genius Training Camp will reopen in a little over a week."

Just then, Lu Qidong and his family arrived.

As soon as he arrived, Lu Qidong said, "Brother Chen, I'm sorry, I was going to come out and say hello, so I was a little late."

"It's alright, we just finished eating too," Chen Gequn said.

Lu Qingchan, who was standing next to Lu Qidong, then came to Chen Lie's side.

"Chen Lie, is today your birthday? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Chen Lie said, "It's just a birthday, what's there to say?"

"Is it Chen Lie's birthday today?" Qin Siyu asked in surprise. Chen Lie nodded.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know beforehand, otherwise I would definitely have prepared a gift for you."

Lu Qingchan then noticed Qin Siyu and asked, "Chen Lie, who is this?"

Chen Lie and I were just classmates in junior high school.

Qin Siyu said with a smile, then turned to Chen Lie's parents and said, "Uncle and Aunt, I won't bother you any longer."

After saying goodbye to Chen Lie, Qin Siyu left.

Qin Siyu approached the hotel reception desk, where a woman in her early forties asked, "Siyu, who did you just run into?"

"A classmate with exceptionally high martial arts talent," Qin Siyu said, "Mom, can I use your Star Dollar Card for a moment?"

The woman in her early forties pulled out a Star Dollar Card and handed it to Qin Siyu, asking, "Are you perhaps going to..." Qin Siyu nodded, took the Free Star Dollar Card, and went to the hotel reception.

"Hello, I'm here to settle the bill for that seat."

As she spoke, Qin Siyu pointed to the location of Chen Lie's family.

"Is this seat number 6? Seat number 6 has a total bill of 210,000 Star Dollar," said the hotel receptionist.

"Swipe your card!"

Qin Siyu handed the Star Dollar Card to the staff member.

With a "beep," 210,000 Star Dollar were gone.