CHAPTER 451: CHAPTER 153: SALTWATER CHICKEN AND SPICY DUCK

The siblings each had their own things to keep busy with, and today’s video call might well be the rare downtime for Chen Yin. So when Du Xixi said this, Chen Yin deflated, leaning back against the chair with a bit of weariness: "Yes, both of us siblings are always so busy."

In front of Du Xixi, Chen Yin didn’t need any pretense. Although he seemed spirited, at this moment, the spark in his eyes dimmed. It was like a traveler returning home after a long journey, eager to confide his exhaustion to his family.

"You’ve seen that email and must understand the current situation of our Blue Star Empire," Chen Yin made no secret of it to Du Xixi, "I used to think there were just a few bugs, and removing them would let the Empire flourish. But now I’ve suddenly realized those bugs have been around too long and have already damaged the crops."

Chen Yin closed his eyes, thinking of those courtiers on that list he never would have imagined. He felt only a piercing pain added to his already heavy heart.

"I treated them as trusted allies, as the pillars of our Empire’s development, yet little did I know..." Chen Yin rubbed his brow, which had long creased into a frown, "Little did I know, they would be the ones to harm the Empire the most."

Du Xixi looked worriedly at Chen Yin, who was in a poor state, wanting to comfort him but not knowing how. Words circled in her mind before she asked instead, "What drove them?"

What drove them to become bugs? What drove them to harm the Empire?

Chen Yin, with a grim expression, spoke gently to Du Xixi: "It’s just because of the word ’interest.’ Either they didn’t stand to gain enough, or other empires offered too much."

"Noble people are guided by righteousness, while the petty are guided by profit," Du Xixi narrowed her eyes coldly, scornful of those who betrayed the Blue Star Empire for "interest." "If they can betray the Empire that nurtured them, they could easily betray those who offer them more. Their retribution is yet to come."

"Deprivation of political rights for life and sentenced to indefinite incarceration by the interstellar court," Chen Yin chuckled lightly, eyes devoid of emotion, "When such things happen in other empires, they usually try to cover it up. We’re different; we want to bring these bugs to light, so everyone can see..."

Chen Yin’s voice took on a mechanical coldness, filled with fury as it reached Du Xixi’s ears: "Our Blue Star Empire isn’t afraid of ridicule. If anyone still has too much money with nowhere to spend, just bring it on!"

Suddenly, Du Xixi glanced out the window — the weather simulation system updated by Rob perfectly matched one’s mood. At that moment, the initially overcast sky cleared, letting strands of golden light that had been hidden behind the clouds shine down.

"Brother, if the crops are damaged, just plant them again."

***

Du Xixi didn’t always return home to rest whenever she had no classes. But after having a video call with Chen Yin the day before and seeing her brother’s weary appearance, her heart ached. So today, she got up early to make some delicious dishes for Chen Yin, hoping to comfort him with food she prepared herself.

"You’ve never specially made anything delicious for me," Ke Lian, who also got up early, accompanied Du Xixi for breakfast after freshening up. He was just about to give her a goodbye kiss when he saw Du Xixi hurriedly heading to the kitchen.

So Ke Lian followed her to the kitchen. It was still early, and there was no rush for him to go to work. He hugged Du Xixi from behind, saying somewhat jealously, "You’ve never made something special for me to eat."

Du Xixi was just taking a chicken and a duck out of the fridge, handing them to 2569 when Ke Lian hugged her. She turned helplessly to face Ke Lian and gently said, "Haven’t I? What dish have I ever made that you didn’t love?"

Her tone was somewhat teasing, to which Ke Lian chuckled, bending down to kiss her forehead: "Indeed, I love everything you make."

A jealous lover in the morning requires soothing. By the time Du Xixi sent Ke Lian off, she had already spent quite some time. However, since Chen Yin was always busy, a little delay wouldn’t really affect his enjoyment of the dish.

— No matter when the food was delivered, there was a good chance it would be set aside by Chen Yin and forgotten until he was hungry and had a stomach ache or Rob reminded him. Only then would he remember the meal.