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Walking through the tranquil Cloudford, Bochang said, "Next, I'm heading to Herta's laboratory. What about you all?"
"I'll hang out here. Just let me know when you're done," responded March 7th.
March 7th had no interest in watching experiments; they were simply too dull.
Bailu, Qingque, and Stelle decided to accompany March 7th as well.
And so...
At Cloudford's port, Bochang and his companions boarded a star ferry back to Central Starskiff Haven.
As for the pilot?
It was none other than Big Pillow Li. Knowing that Bochang's group would return, she had specifically waited there.
Sushang truly enjoyed helping others.
"Well then, I'll head out now. See you all at dinner time."
Bochang bid farewell to March 7th and the others.
Afterward...
He proceeded toward Herta's laboratory.
Walking alone through the streets of Central Starskiff Haven, Bochang couldn't help but think about Silver Wolf, wondering what she might be up to.
"The Stellaron Hunter has probably left Xianzhou by now, though...not necessarily, she could still be around."
Bochang slowly shook his head, strolling leisurely through the city.
Before long, he arrived at Herta's laboratory.
The icy atmosphere cast a somber mood over its surroundings.
Upon announcing his arrival, Asta personally emerged to greet him.
"Lady Herta is waiting inside. Please follow me."
"Ah," Bochang nodded gently.
He followed Asta through a long corridor.
Bochang once again encountered Herta, dressed in her usual short dress. With a glance at the black-haired youth, she said, "You're quite punctual. Well then... let's continue our experiment."
Bochang had no objections.
Today's experiment didn't differ significantly from yesterday's.
They continued testing the power of the Mouse Talisman, with the exception that the physical examination step was omitted.
Time passed leisurely.
After several rounds of experiments,
Herta gained valuable insights while Asta diligently recorded data, fulfilling her role as an assistant impeccably.
Bochang pondered for a moment before finally asking, unable to resist his curiosity.
"Um... Miss Herta, I have a question. Could you help me understand something?"
"Just ask, there's no need to beat around the bush." Herta looked up from adjusting the microscope.
Bochang queried, "Miss Herta, how much longer will these experiments continue?"
"We've gathered most of the necessary data... There isn't much more to do now. Today, Asta and I will be returning to the Herta space station." Herta mannequin placed her hands on her hips. "Don't worry, I won't take the Astral Express's mannequin with me. From now on, it'll remain aboard the Astral Express—consider it a gift to you."
"But... don't do anything peculiar with my mannequin."
Herta's gaze turned slightly icy.
"But... didn't you say the mannequin was given to me?" Bochang asked hesitantly.
"Even if it's gifted to you, I won't tolerate any mischief. Occasionally, I'll remotely access it," Herta replied. Then she abruptly changed the subject, "There's one more thing. I heard you have something called a teleportation ring, which allows for instant travel between two locations—is that correct?"
Bochang nodded. "Yes, that's right."
"In that case, give one to Asta. This way, you can freely visit the space station anytime, making future experiments much more convenient."
"Do you mean... I still need to conduct experiments at the space station?" Bochang furrowed his brow slightly.
He had initially thought the experimentation phase was over, only to realize it was just beginning.
"Yes." Herta looked up at Bochang. "The power within your body is quite complex; studying it solely with the equipment here provides only a general understanding. Therefore, we must go to the space station where there are far superior facilities."
"Asta, transfer ten million Credits to Bochang as compensation for today's cooperation with the experiment."
"Certainly, Lady Herta."
Asta bowed respectfully and then took out her phone, promptly transferring ten million Credits to Bochang's account.
[Dating Option] No reaction whatsoever.
For a moment, Bochang wasn't sure whether he should accept the payment or not.
After a moment's hesitation,
Since we need to leave a teleportation ring at the space station anyway, let's consider it a fair trade.
Bochang retrieved a silvery-white teleportation ring from his system inventory and held it out, palm open, saying, "Then this ring is for you, Asta."
The acting station director felt slightly perplexed for a moment.
After all, rings were typically used during marriage proposals.
But now...
Asta, oh Asta, don't read too much into it. With that thought, Asta reached out, took the teleportation ring from Bochang, and under his explanation, quickly understood how to use it.
With the experiment concluded,
Bochang had no intention of lingering longer. He turned and departed.
Upon returning to Yuchen Inn,
Bochang checked his phone to confirm the payment receipt.
One million Credits credited, instantly making him considerably wealthier.
However...
His heart remained unflustered as he pondered, Should I go buy a bass guitar now... or head to the Divination Commission to deliver the teleportation ring to Fu Xuan? Alternatively, I could give it to Qingque, so she can pass it on to Fu Xuan; that way, I wouldn't have to travel so far myself.
Seated on the bed, deep in thought, Bochang opened the group chat with his Astral Express family and began typing.
Bochang: What's everyone up to?
Bochang: Cat Peeking Out.JPG
Within just a few minutes, Stelle replied first.
Stars: I'm out shopping with March 7th; we've bought some more things already.
Stars: How about you? Did you finish your experiment?
Bochang: It's wrapped up for now.
Stars: Where are you?
As Bochang prepared to respond to Stelle, another message arrived:
Welt Yang: Dan Heng and I just rescued the daughter of the Yukong Division Captain at Stargazer Navalia. We're heading back to Central Starskiff Haven now.
Stars: The Yukong Division Captain's daughter? She has a daughter already?
Welt Yang: Yes, but... They don't look very alike.
Bochang recalled that Yukong was a fox-eared maiden with teal hair and a white tail; her daughter should have teal hair as well.
Stars: Pom-Pom Shocked.JPG
Welt Yang: No time to chat further—we've returned to Central Starskiff Haven and are now headed to the Palace of Astrum as guests. Anyone want to join us? We've decided to dine there tonight.
Stars: Count me in!
Bochang: Count me in.
March 7th: Me, me, me!
Having read this far, Bochang put away his phone.
The prospect of meeting Yukong's daughter, who bore little resemblance to her mother, piqued Bochang's curiosity immensely. Besides, it was already dinnertime, and with the Sky-Faring Commission inviting them, there was no reason not to accept.
He stood up, stretching lazily before setting off.
Yuchen Inn wasn't far from the Palace of Astrum. Bochang arrived quickly; as for why he didn't fly? This is Xianzhou Luofu, not Jarilo VI. Unregulated flight is prohibited here, and numerous star ferries continuously traverse the skies. These conditions made it impossible for Bochang to freely soar around Xianzhou Luofu without risking accidents.
Upon reaching the entrance to the Palace of Astrum, Bochang found Welt Yang and Dan Heng already waiting. However, March 7th and Stelle had yet to arrive.