Chapter Ninety: The Whole Nation Opposes Our Intimacy!

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Having a familiar face makes things easier. Under Senior Tian Tian’s guidance, Tang Fei went to the information center for facial recognition, registered his information, and then collected his student ID and study card.

The New Star University operates paperlessly; all study materials are stored on cards and accessed via computers or intelligent robots after returning to the dormitory.

Once all procedures were complete, Tian Tian looked at Tang Fei and said, “Junior Tang Fei, from this moment on, you are officially a student of our Mechanical Engineering Department. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, Senior. Do you have time at noon? I’d like to treat you to lunch.”

“No need to be polite. I still have work to do. We have plenty of time ahead.”

“Alright then, plenty of time ahead.”

“By the way, something to remind you. Our Mechanical Engineering Department has two main research directions: civilian and military. Those who can delve into both military and civilian applications are extremely rare—true geniuses among geniuses.”

“So, you should consider which direction to focus on. Different research paths require different elective courses.”

“I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Senior,” Tang Fei said gratefully.

“See you tomorrow.” Tian Tian waved her hand and clicked away in her high heels.

Phoenix noticed Tang Fei staring after her and asked, “You like high heels too?”

“I do. But I can’t wear them.”

“...”

Seeing Phoenix speechless, Tang Fei couldn’t help but laugh and said, “You mentioned she’s a genius in the Mechanical Department, won a Luban Award in her first year, and later won the Tiangong Award four times. With such talent, why would she be content as an assistant director at school? How much salary could the school possibly offer her?”

“Didn’t she say? Director Lu is like an ocean of knowledge; there’s still much to learn.”

“I just feel there’s more to it than that,” Tang Fei shook his head.

“You seem to distrust everyone,” Phoenix said.

“Not really,” Tang Fei replied. “I think you and Little Fatty are pretty good.”

“Look at you—such a big country, and only two good people in your eyes. Isn’t that just the same as distrusting everyone?”

“Good and bad don’t really exist. When interests clash, good people can become bad, and when cooperation leads to a win-win, bad people can turn good.”

“What about me and Little Fatty?”

“You two are family. Not part of that calculation.”

Phoenix was pleased with Tang Fei’s answer and smiled. “Little Fatty lives alone in the Martial Arts Hall. He must be worried sick. Shall we go see him?”

“Let’s go,” Tang Fei said. “He insisted on coming back last night, but I refused.”

Phoenix winked teasingly. “Aren’t you scared sleeping alone? Why not let him come keep you company?”

“A man has to grow up and mature,” Tang Fei said.

“Like sleeping alone?”

“Or like sleeping together.”

“Tang Fei, where did you learn all these cheesy lines?”

“All from the old man,” Tang Fei said confidently.

Since the old man wasn’t around—they were even on different planets—he was the perfect scapegoat.

Phoenix thought about the old man’s appearance—it was indeed quite sleazy.

That old coot has corrupted our Tang Fei.

On the way to the Martial Arts Hall, many people pointed at Tang Fei and Phoenix, whispering.

“Look, that’s Tang Fei—the pride of Old Earth.”

“He took down Shen Qingping! Incredible—border-crossing kill!”

“I watched his fight videos; forest combat was amazing. He’s quite handsome too.”

“I heard he’s with the Empire’s princess. Psst, the princess is right by his side.”

—

Tang Fei looked at Phoenix, who strode confidently forward and said aloud, “If you’re not afraid, why should I be?”

“I’m just afraid of causing you trouble,” Tang Fei said softly.

He knew how much pressure this would bring to Phoenix. While enjoying endless royal glory, she had to bear the corresponding responsibilities.

From what he had learned since arriving at New Star, the Phoenix Empire was technologically advanced but relatively conservative in thought.

Of course, this wasn’t about conservatism but about the fact that even the most open countries wouldn’t want a royal princess to marry a penniless commoner.

At least, the emperor himself wouldn’t agree.

“It’s nothing. Don’t overthink it,” Phoenix comforted him. “Once I’ve settled you and Little Fatty, I can finally breathe easier.”

Phoenix thought—what trouble could idle gossip really cause?

The real pressure came from the palace, from her father.

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If he disapproved, the royal family disapproved.

If the royal family disapproved, the entire empire disapproved.

Thus, the whole nation opposed our closeness.

Sheng Xinhui, that chesty and brainy woman, was right: the more you care about someone, the more you have to pretend not to.

She cared too much about Tang Fei, which would put him in extreme danger.

From now on, she would pretend not to care.

Tang Fei immediately understood the deeper meaning in Phoenix’s words, clenched his fist, then quickly relaxed it.

He nodded, squinting with a smile: “Yes, you have your life, we have ours. Everyone should do well.”

Although sad and reluctant inside, this was the best arrangement.

Otherwise, what? Really marry the princess and bring her home?

With what? Where is home anyway?

This vast country belonged to her family; where he lived and stood was all given by her...

She had already done enough. What more could he demand?

The best way to let go is not to disturb.

Give her freedom, and give her royal pride and dignity.

“Everyone should do well,” Phoenix said quietly, her expression somber.

She thought she could quietly distance herself, but Tang Fei was so perceptive he heard her meaning from just a few words.

Is that it?

Then let it be.

They spoke no more and quietly walked down the campus’s tree-lined path.

The school was planted with huge phoenix flowers, now in full bloom.

Under the blue sky, the vast clusters of phoenix flowers blazed like wildfires, spreading across the heights, forming a sea of red blossoms.

Bright, fiery—just like love.

—

Little Fatty had become agile again. When he saw Tang Fei and Phoenix, he was overjoyed, quickly jumping from the bed, grabbing Tang Fei and shouting, “Big brother, I finally see you! I finally see you...”

“What’s going on? Haven’t seen me for one night? You’re pretty strong holding me; looks like you’ve mostly recovered?” Tang Fei asked.

“Recovered? Last night they made me lie in that big box. As soon as I went in, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I felt refreshed, no problem at all,” Little Fatty said. “Just a bit hungry.”

“That’s a recovery pod,” Phoenix said. “There are few in the school, yet they gave you one alone and let you sleep overnight—it’s the dean’s personal disciple treatment, totally different.”

Tang Fei felt a bit frustrated. “Yeah. I was so badly injured, and they didn’t put me in a recovery pod to rest.”

“You went out with me,” Phoenix said. “If you stayed here overnight, maybe you could’ve used one too.”

“Not necessarily,” Tang Fei shook his head. “I’m not as favored as Little Fatty in school anymore. He’s my big shot now.”

“Bro, why do you want me as your big shot?” Little Fatty asked. “It’s not that I don’t want to, but if I do, I’ll become a cripple.”

“I mean I want to lean on your big shot.”

“Why lean on me? My legs are so thick you couldn’t hug them.” Little Fatty grinned. “Phoenix’s legs are slender—go hug hers.”

“...”

For a moment, Tang Fei didn’t know if this guy was really stupid or just pretending.

If stupid, he said he wanted his legs.

If pretending, he arranged another leg for big brother.

Good brother, never letting big brother suffer.

“What did the doctor say? Can you be discharged?” Phoenix asked.

“The doctor said I’m fine and can leave anytime,” Little Fatty said. “But I don’t know where to go, so I just stayed in the ward.”

Then Little Fatty beamed at Tang Fei: “Bro, the food here is delicious and free. I’ve already eaten seven pig’s trotter meals.”

“Have another one,” Tang Fei said.

“Bro, I’m full.” Little Fatty rubbed his belly, looking a bit embarrassed.

“I haven’t eaten yet,” Tang Fei said.

“Oh, I’ll order one now.” Little Fatty nodded eagerly, then looked at Phoenix. “Phoenix, do you want some? The pig’s trotter rice here is delicious. If you don’t like pig’s trotters, there are other dishes. Here’s the menu—you can order.”

“I don’t need any,” Phoenix declined with a smile. “I’m not hungry.”

After clearing things up with Tang Fei, she really had no appetite.

Tang Fei was so heartless that he could still eat pig’s trotter rice...

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No wonder they say men are such big pigs.

“Oh, if you get hungry, I’ll order for you again,” Little Fatty nodded.

Just as Ran Ran pushed open the door, Tang Fei was hunched over the table eating.

Her eyes sparkled as she rushed over excitedly. “Tang Fei, you’re finally awake. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Tang Fei said, chewing on a big pig’s trotter—it really was delicious.

“Have you decided which teacher and class to choose?” Ran Ran asked.

Tang Fei glanced at Phoenix but didn’t answer.

A faint smile appeared at Phoenix’s mouth as she said, “Tang Fei and I discussed it. We’ll join Teacher Ran Ran’s class. I believe with her care, Tang Fei and Little Fatty will achieve excellent results.”

Phoenix knew that for a long time ahead, she’d have to keep her distance from Tang Fei.

Tang Fei and Little Fatty were to rely on each other in this unfamiliar land. She had no reason to forcibly separate them. It was better for them to look out for each other.

As for the so-called dangerous love rival nonsense—that was pure joke.

She was Zhong Yuxiu Xue. Her only rival was herself.

“Oh, thank you, Xiu Xue,” Ran Ran said happily. She knew her father’s advice wouldn’t be wrong. Finding the right person first was key.

She had asked Zhong Yuxiu Xue to help persuade Tang Fei, and sure enough, no other teachers had any issues.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Tang Fei and Little Fatty. I will design the best education and training systems to get them ready in the shortest time.”

Ran Ran glanced at Little Fatty, thinking he hadn’t yet practiced cultivation and couldn’t sense yin-yang energy.

Well, whatever; he wasn’t really her student anyway. How far he could go was the dean’s business.

So she looked at Tang Fei and said, “We must get Tang Fei into the Tongyou realm as soon as possible.”

“Okay, I trust you,” Phoenix nodded.

Ran Ran was very pleased and satisfied with Tang Fei’s enrollment.

Compared to Little Fatty’s “simplicity,” she preferred Tang Fei’s gifted talent.

Moreover, Ran Ran could see Tang Fei was naturally skilled in combat.

Some people might have high realms and strong power, but poor combat ability.

Tang Fei’s ability to kill a Tongyou realm opponent while still at the Yuyi realm was not only due to his fearless spirit but his incredibly strong adaptability in battle.

If not for the chase in the primeval forest, where Tang Fei cleverly used his agility and favorable terrain to drain Shen Qingping’s yin-yang energy, Shen Qingping would not have been forced to retreat repeatedly and lost the initiative, ending with his head severed.

Such a student—if his power and realm improved further—what kind of combat strength could he unleash?

Truly something to look forward to.

Ran Ran then said to Little Fatty, “I received a call from the dean. He wants to see you and talk.”

“Ah?” Little Fatty was nervous. “The dean? What does he want? Can I bring my brother along?”

“...”

Such a big guy...

Who would’ve thought he was such a mama’s boy.

Always turning to his brother for everything—what will happen when you get married? Still need brother’s help?

Ran Ran looked at Tang Fei and asked, “What do you think? Do you have time to go?”

Tang Fei pondered a moment and said, “If the dean doesn’t mind, I’m willing to go with Little Fatty.”

“Little Fatty is my brother. According to Old Earth’s customs, the elder brother is like a father. Since he has the honor of being the dean’s last disciple, I, as his elder, should go thank the dean in person.”

“Then let’s go together,” Ran Ran decided.

Though the dean hadn’t invited Tang Fei explicitly, he didn’t forbid it either.

Tang Fei was her student—the real student.

As a teacher, she hoped her student would show up and make an impression before the dean.

“I have other matters, so I won’t go,” Phoenix said.

“Alright, alright. Xiu Xue, you better get busy—you’ve been exhausted lately,” Ran Ran said, misunderstanding Phoenix’s words.

Tang Fei looked deeply at Phoenix and said, “Goodbye, Phoenix.”

“Tang Fei...” Phoenix looked at him, her voice soft, “Goodbye.”

(End of chapter)