Chapter Sixty-Five: Old Grudges and New Hatreds

The phoenix arrived swiftly.

She wore a loose black hoodie, blue skinny jeans, and white canvas sneakers. Retro style was currently all the rage on Nova, and clothes and shoes from before the Blue Planet Cataclysm were beloved by the fashion-forward. A fisherman’s hat sat atop her head, while oversized black sunglasses obscured most of her face. Paired with a mask fitted with a breathing valve, her mouth was covered tightly as well.

She exuded style, mystery, and youthful energy. If not for the fact that Tang Fei and Fatty had no other friends on Nova, they might not have recognized her immediately.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you recognize me?” The phoenix waved a hand before Tang Fei’s eyes and spoke.

“It’s just that your style has changed a lot,” Tang Fei replied.

Last night, she was in a sexy cocktail dress, regal as a little princess... Oh yes, she certainly was. Today, in a hoodie and jeans, she looked no different from the vagabonds of Old Earth.

The phoenix tugged at her hoodie’s collar. “I rarely wore these kinds of clothes before, but after wearing yours on Old Earth...”

“After I wore the clothes you gave me, I found them really comfortable—natural, casual, easy to clean... So after I got back, I had someone buy me a whole heap.”

Tang Fei glanced around and noticed she’d arrived alone. Worried, he asked, “How come you came by yourself? No one to protect you?”

“Don’t worry, safety isn’t our concern. There will be people prepared.” The phoenix reassured him.

“You shouldn’t have come yourself,” Tang Fei said. “Any young lady could have led us around.”

He recalled the phoenix always had several beautiful young women with her, each one perfect for Fatty to marry...

“What? Are you so dissatisfied with me? I personally came to show you around, and you still look unsatisfied?” The phoenix pretended to be annoyed.

“Phoenix, big brother isn’t unsatisfied, he’s just worried about your safety...” Fatty, thinking the phoenix was genuinely angry, quickly explained for Tang Fei.

The phoenix couldn’t bear to deceive Fatty; she broke into a broad smile. “I know, I’m just teasing your brother.”

She explained to Tang Fei, “I haven’t been out since returning from Old Earth. I need to stretch my legs. I could let one of the girls you like take you to dinner, but buying clothes is something only I can handle... Their taste isn’t as good as mine.”

“Besides, what do you think a princess’s life is like? Locked in the palace all day, never going out? Every outing with a grand entourage? How could I live like that?”

“In truth, we lived just like ordinary people before. Going out for drinks, playing sports, shopping with friends, watching movies... Only recently, after a few incidents, has my family started paying more attention.”

“Before all that happened on Old Earth, I didn’t need bodyguards at all. I was at school every day—wouldn’t bringing bodyguards there be absurd?”

“Phoenix City is very safe, and no one would be foolish enough to target royalty here... Some princes and princesses from other countries even study abroad.”

“No matter what others do, I care only about you,” Tang Fei insisted. “Safety first.”

If he were a prince of the empire, he’d have dozens of bodyguards when going out. Partly for safety, partly so others would know he was a prince...

“I know, with you two here, there won’t be any danger.” The phoenix waved her hand, grinning. “Come on, I’ll be your chauffeur today, and all expenses are on me.”

“What about tomorrow’s expenses?” Tang Fei asked. It wasn’t that he was shameless; he just didn’t have any money...

What on earth was a Starcoin anyway? He still hadn’t actually seen one.

The phoenix laughed, “I’d love to transfer you some money, but your identity information isn’t set up yet... No identity record, no bank account. No bank account, no way to receive money.”

“No paper currency?” Tang Fei asked.

Before the Cataclysm, everyone used paper currency. He’d collected some samples and brought them to Nova.

“There is, but very few people use it.” The phoenix turned to Tang Fei. “Nova is almost entirely paperless now.”

“Careful, there’s a car ahead,” Tang Fei warned.

Who turns around while driving? Does she not care for her life?

Whoosh!

The car automatically adjusted its speed and direction, swiftly overtaking the vehicle ahead.

“Autonomous driving...” the phoenix explained. “On Nova, self-driving and driverless technology has long been realized. Of course, there are speed restrictions... If you want the thrill of driving or racing, you can switch to manual. Every car offers several modes.”

“Can flying cars drive themselves?” Tang Fei asked. After all, he had one stored with the Second Prince.

“Of course.” The phoenix nodded. “Flying cars are the most futuristic, using the empire’s most advanced AI technology... That’s why they’re so expensive. The only hurdle is getting a flying license.”

Tang Fei looked at the phoenix. “I know you’ll find a way, right?”

“I’ve already thought it through for you,” the phoenix replied. “Of course, you need your personal identity file first. Otherwise, even enrolling in school will be a challenge... Once you have an ID card, you’ll be a true citizen of Nova. No limits on buying property, cars, or advancing your education or career.”

“I see.” Tang Fei nodded. After a pause, he continued, “The house you gave me doesn’t have a parking spot. Where will I park my flying car?”

“You’re already thinking about this before I even give it to you?”

“As a seasoned hunter, I like to plan ahead.”

“That’s indeed a problem.” The phoenix frowned. “I chose the house because I knew you’re used to courtyard living...”

“But those garden-style courtyards don’t have underground parking... Maybe I’ll modify the roof to add a flying car spot, or buy you a parking space nearby?”

“That’ll work,” Tang Fei agreed.

The phoenix had helped him many times, and Tang Fei never felt the need to be polite with her. It was within her power, so she did it.

Just like on Old Earth, when he gave her his favorite grilled field mouse...

He didn’t feel indebted to her, nor did she need him to.

If someone needs something and you’re able to help, then you simply do it.

That’s the meaning of friendship.

The phoenix genuinely liked Tang Fei’s unaffected, bold manner—embracing the role of a kept man with utter shamelessness—and laughed, “If Second Brother delivers it soon, you can park the car at my place for now... I have a garage.”

“Why haven’t you bought a flying car?” Tang Fei asked.

The phoenix shook her head. “Many people tried to give me one, but I refused... I’m just a student, no need to be so ostentatious.”

“I understand.” Tang Fei silently noted to himself: “The phoenix thinks the Second Prince is ostentatious.”

The phoenix first led them to a tea house for breakfast. There was a dazzling array of pastries and all sorts of meats, though the portions were small. Tang Fei ate five or six servings, while Fatty polished off more than a dozen baskets of buns before finally putting down his chopsticks.

He slowly sipped his preserved egg and pork congee...

After breakfast, the phoenix took them to the largest Galaxy Mall nearby.

Inside, the mall was a feast for the eyes.

Fatty was like an old granny visiting a grand estate for the first time—amazed by everything, curious about everything, and constantly asking questions.

Tang Fei was much calmer. He didn’t understand, but he didn’t ask...

After all, Fatty asked all the questions he wanted to.

The phoenix brought them to a clothing store and explained, “I like the styles here—mainly casual and comfortable... You’re both about to enter school, so you won’t need formal attire much. Better stock up on casual wear.”

“You decide,” Tang Fei said.

“Welcome!” The shop assistant greeted them immediately.

“Thank you.” The phoenix walked to the rack, selected a few items, and handed them to the assistant.

The assistant asked, “Are these for this gentleman to try on?”

“No, those are too flashy—we don’t want them.” The phoenix gestured to the packed rack. “Let them try everything else.”

“All of it?” The assistant stared at the phoenix in shock.

“Yes, all of it.” The phoenix nodded.

Had she not made herself clear enough?

“That’s a lot,” Tang Fei said.

He’d never seen shopping done this way; he hadn’t even seen others shop...

The phoenix looked at Tang Fei and Fatty. “I saw your clothes were badly worn and patched...”

“Though shabby clothes can’t hide your extraordinary charm, if conditions allow, why let others judge us through tinted lenses? After all, the world is full of the ordinary.”

“Alright,” Tang Fei agreed readily.

His clothes were indeed all worn and old, easily attracting strange looks.

Fatty was in even more need—he only had a few clothes to begin with, and thanks to his rapid growth, they were all too small. Sleeves too short, belly exposed...

See? After a few extra bowls of congee this morning, his round belly couldn’t be hidden. Even though Tang Fei had reminded him several times to suck it in.

Seeing a big customer arrive, other assistants came to help, all focusing on Tang Fei.

The phoenix pointed to Fatty. “He needs to try them, too.”

“Miss, I’m truly sorry...” The assistant apologized. Even with most of the girl’s face hidden, her bone structure and voice left them in awe of her beauty and bearing.

They wondered privately if she was some famous star. Such a customer could not be offended.

“We don’t have this gentleman’s size.”

“No plus sizes?”

“We do, but he still won’t fit...”

“Extra-large?”

“That we don’t have.” The assistant shook her head. “Our target clientele is limited...”

The phoenix sighed and told Fatty, “I’ll take you to another store later.”

“Alright, thanks, Phoenix.” Fatty agreed cheerfully.

He didn’t feel discriminated against. He knew he was fat; if the store didn’t carry his size, there was nothing to be done.

After all, every store wants to do business and sell their goods.

Yan Xinyou and her friend walked proudly ahead, arm-in-arm, followed by two tall bodyguards carrying a dozen shopping bags.

After surviving Old Earth, she’d stayed home quietly for several days. But after a week, her restless nature began to stir.

The weather was nice today, her mood was good, and when her friend called, she couldn’t stay inside any longer—she grabbed her bodyguards and went shopping.

As if the carnage on Old Earth had nothing to do with her, she’d already torn herself from those painful memories.

A few bodyguards dead—her father had plenty of money; hiring more was easy.

Just then, her gaze was drawn to two familiar figures.

Uncertain, she rubbed her eyes—one false eyelash even came loose—but she was sure: those two were the vagabond youths she’d encountered on Old Earth.

The fat one’s build was distinctive, and the slender one’s smiling face as he shot Simon dead was unforgettable, haunting her nightmares even now...

Her body’s reaction didn’t lie—the strong discomfort, her stiff limbs, goosebumps, a chill down her spine...

They’d come to Nova?

No, they were Nova citizens, masquerading as Old Earth vagabonds to hunt for treasure...

“What’s wrong?” her friend asked, feeling Yan Xinyou’s entire weight pressing on her, shuffling forward like a zombie dragged along.

“Just saw a couple of old friends,” Yan Xinyou said through clenched teeth.

She tapped her smart watch, dialed her father, and said, “Dad, those two... They’ve arrived on Nova. I saw them.”