patreon.com/StarMoon10
for Advance Chapter
Chapter 7: Memories of the Express Trio
Time flies. Since Jingliu moved into the villa, life seems to have returned to a strange sense of tranquility and warmth. With Lingsha's gentle thoughtfulness, the occasional melting of Jingliu's icy exterior, and the presence of Silver Wolf—who constantly causes mischief but brings boundless vitality—my Xianzhou "harem" life has achieved a bizarrely delicate balance.
One afternoon, the sun was just right. I was curled up on the living room sofa, playing the latest interstellar combat game with Silver Wolf. Lights flashed across the screen as the battle raged fiercely. Not far away, Lingsha was holding a soft silk cloth, meticulously wiping the porcelain on the curio shelf. Her movements were graceful and light, carrying a sense of peaceful elegance. As for Jingliu, she was likely sitting cross-legged in some corner of the courtyard, meditating on her swordsmanship and her newly acquired power of Abundance.
In the heat of the battle, just as I was preparing to coordinate a brilliant combo with Silver Wolf, the communication terminal by my side suddenly vibrated. A familiar name popped up on the screen, making my heart skip a beat—Ruan Mei.
My pulse quickened. I immediately paused the game, earning a dissatisfied glare from Silver Wolf. I gave her an "apology" gesture and said, "I have a call; I'll take it in my room." Silver Wolf waved her hand, signaling me to go ahead.
I hurried back to my second-floor bedroom, closed the door, and took a deep breath to calm my excitement before answering the video call. The screen lit up, and Ruan Mei's cold, peerless countenance appeared. Compared to when she left, she seemed a bit thinner, but there was a newfound softness in her brow. Most striking of all was her abdomen—the once flat area was now high and rounded like a basketball, swathed in loose, comfortable maternity wear, clearly showing the vigorous growth of the new life within.
Counting the time, it really has been about six months since I first arrived at this villa. Seeing that both she and the child were well, half the weight on my heart was lifted. We greeted each other and exchanged a few pleasantries about our recent lives. Then, Ruan Mei got straight to the point.
She told me that research into the "Path Stratification" phenomenon had made significant progress. Several "important guests" helpful to the research would be visiting soon, and she hoped I could help receive them.
Important guests? Who could they be? I was curious, but mostly I felt a deep sense of longing and care for Ruan Mei. I agreed immediately, saying repeatedly, "No problem, leave it to me! But Ruan Mei, you must take care of yourself and the baby. Don't overwork. I miss you."
Hearing my words, a extremely faint but genuinely tender smile appeared on Ruan Mei's face—a smile like the first melting of snow, instantly warming my heart. "Mhm, I will," she responded softly before ending the call.
Looking at the darkened screen, I felt full of anticipation and a hint of trepidation. It was good that Ruan Mei's research was progressing, but who were these "important guests"? I hoped they wouldn't bring trouble.
After the call, I looked around my bedroom. Honestly, ever since Lingsha returned and Silver Wolf and Jingliu became regular residents, the common areas—under Lingsha's care—had remained spotless, embodying the elegant style of a Xianzhou dwelling. But my own bedroom... because I spent most of my time either clinging to them or lost in games, I had neglected it. Game controllers, snack wrappers, haphazardly piled books... it was a bit of a mess.
Thinking that the guests Ruan Mei mentioned could arrive at any moment, it would be quite rude to let them see my room in such a disheveled state. Sigh, since guests are coming, I'd better tidy up a bit.
I sighed and resignedly picked up a rag to start cleaning the desk. When I wiped one corner, my movements paused. There sat a photo frame I had placed there shortly after arriving at the villa. Inside was a "family photo" of the Astral Express crew taken at the end of our adventure in Penacony, when Sunday and Black Swan officially joined us. The frame was covered in a thin layer of dust; it seemed I hadn't paid attention to it for a long time.
I picked up the frame and carefully wiped the glass surface. As the dust was swept away, the original vibrant colors of the photo became clear again.
In the center was March 7th, smiling mindlessly and flashing a peace sign, her pink hair glowing under the lights, radiating youthful energy. Himeko stood behind her, hands resting gently on March's shoulders, her red hair like flame, a mature and gentle smile on her face, her gaze warm. Dan Heng, Mr. Sunday, Welt, and I stood behind them, forming the background row. In the corner, the newly joined Memokeeper, Black Swan, stood gracefully with a faint, mysterious smile, as if she perceived some future beyond the lens.
Looking at the familiar faces of my companions, my thoughts were involuntarily pulled back to a few months ago. Back then, I had just boarded the Express. I had no idea I would go on multiple planetary adventures, let alone end up in this villa on the Xianzhou Luofu assisting Ruan Mei's "research" and experiencing such a bizarre, even "enviably romantic" turn of events... Life is truly unpredictable.
Looking at Himeko's gentle smile and March 7th's energetic look, my thoughts drifted back to an even older time—the moment I first boarded the Express...
Wait, strictly speaking, the first person I encountered in my life before boarding the Express was March 7th. When I slowly woke up from that cold container in Herta Space Station, my consciousness still a hazy mess, the first thing I saw was that splash of lively pink.
An energetic voice rang in my ear: "Hey! You're awake!" I remember being dazed then, seeing only a pink-haired girl with a strange camera leaning in close, her big eyes sparkling with curiosity, almost pressing against my face.