Once the clip of this livestream hit the screens, it went wild across Star Network.
Jiang Ling’s face only flashed for a few seconds, yet netizens were on it like detectives, pausing frame by frame. For instance, in one second, his smile seemed gentle, probably because he successfully treated a patient, even if it was just in the virtual world. Then, in the next second, his expression seemed regretful, undoubtedly realizing it was all about a virtual character.
At that moment, everyone turned into serious language arts representatives.
As for the part where Alpha reached out to touch the virtual patient’s head, no one could figure out the intention behind it, no matter how hard they scratched their heads. They simply assumed Jiang Ling treated patients with such tenderness.
However, when it came to any traces of Jiang Ling on the entire Star Network, there was just this segment. No matter how skilled the paparazzi with their digging abilities were, they couldn’t find any other traces of him, as if this person didn’t exist beyond this moment. Whether it was due to a genuinely simple life or the unspeakable family background that hid information, most believed it was the latter.
Although Jiang Ling’s appearance was fleeting, not everyone in the interstellar realm was clueless about his identity.
A noteworthy figure was Professor of Therapy at Holy Dan Academy.
Jiang Qian’s enrollment at Holy Dan Academy was a big deal. While it wasn’t uncommon for princes to enroll, someone of Charles’s galactic stature was the first, not to mention being the academy’s only double S-level spiritual talent. Before Jiang Qian enrolled, there were thoughts of persuading him to join the Therapy Department. He had, in fact, checked some information about the royal family, naturally learning that Jiang Qian had an older brother.
Moreover, the striking appearance of Prince Jiang Ling had left an indelible impression in his mind. The fact that someone born into royalty lacked spiritual abilities was equally unforgettable.
Today, he learned it wasn’t the case.
Recalling the glitch in that livestream, since it was a virtual space, his perception of Jiang Ling’s spiritual fluctuations was not entirely clear, but one thing was almost certain—the prince’s spiritual prowess was impressive.
According to the information he received, it seemed this grand prince had been sent to Burke Star, and there was no news of his return to the country.
Since he could appear here today… he dared not think about what agreement Jiang Ling and the ruler of Burke Star might have reached.
The two princes of the Charles royal family seemed far from ordinary. The previously almost certain scenario might undergo some changes… and perhaps, it could affect the entire interstellar landscape.
Of course, this wouldn’t impact Holy Dan Academy. As an enduring powerhouse with a millennium of history, its foundation was extraordinary. Besides, he still intended to recruit Jiang Ling.
However, as he glanced at Ji Yun, he fell into contemplation.
“Ah Yun, you need to think carefully about your relationship with Jiang Qian. The Charles royal family… the future won’t be peaceful,” he sighed, offering his advice.
Ji Yun wasn’t sure why his teacher made such a remark, but he nodded nonetheless. He, too, had been startled by the sudden turn of events in the latter part of the livestream. Images of Jiang Ling’s face occasionally crossed his mind. He wasn’t that shallow, but after today’s comparison, he found himself somewhat intrigued by Jiang Ling, the young therapist with a starkly different demeanor.
Naturally, he could sense Jiang Ling’s proficiency in therapy, perhaps even comparable to Jiang Qian’s expertise in mechas. In this regard, Jiang Ling, obviously more outstanding in appearance, knew how to avoid attracting attention, a skill that Jiang Qian lacked.
Ji Yun didn’t dwell on it too much. The livestream had ended, and he was preparing to return to the hotel for a night’s rest before heading back to Holy Dan Academy.
With only a few people left on the scene, when Ji Yun found Ji Kai, he was sitting outside the exhibition center, looking somewhat lost.
“Let’s go, back to the hotel,” Ji Yun signaled to him.
Ji Kai followed Ji Yun somewhat awkwardly, not as talkative as usual along the way.
“You’ve got good taste; that therapist is really good-looking. Not too feminine, yet more elegant and noble than an omega,” Ji Kai commented. Honestly, in the face of such a face, any aesthetic standard seemed to lose its significance. Even he wondered if spending time with that person frequently could lead to developing feelings.
What Ji Kai least wanted to hear about was Jiang Ling’s matter, as it would turn his recent infatuation into a bit of a joke. Clearly, the guy already had someone, and not just anyone, perhaps even inferior to Ji Kai. Most importantly, he had faced some backlash on forums due to this, though it was all anonymous, being criticized still didn’t feel good.
Since the meeting ended abruptly, Ji Kai preferred to pretend that nothing had happened.
“Enough, let’s just go back. I’m a bit tired,” Ji Kai spoke with a cold tone, not wanting to tell Ji Yun what he knew, fearing he would become the subject of ridicule.
The two returned to the hotel, and on the way to their room, Ji Kai felt quite nervous for a while. After all, Jiang Ling and the others were staying on the same floor. Maybe it was because of his forum comments that made him feel uneasy, but he didn’t want to run into them.
Fortunately, just like the past few days, they didn’t encounter anyone.
However, not long after they entered the room, hotel staff urgently knocked on their door. Ji Kai, feeling impatient, opened the door with a glare. When he saw that the visitor was a hotel staff member, wearing the hotel uniform, his face became even uglier: “Why are you knocking on the door at this time? What kind of service attitude…”
To his surprise, the hotel staff member didn’t have the expected courteous tone. Instead, he slightly stepped aside, revealing a robust and powerful figure in his twenties behind him. Instantly, this imposing figure suppressed Ji Kai’s arrogance.
The man stood straight, exuding an air of authority, as if he had undergone training – indeed, he was a royal guard brought out by Chu Wenyu.
“Mr. Ji Kai, after reviewing the hotel’s surveillance, it was found that you mistakenly entered another guest’s room, resulting in a complaint,” the hotel staff explained on the side.
Only then did Ji Kai recall the incident.
The young man spoke in a low voice, “Come with me. My master’s lawyer is outside the hotel, and we can discuss this disturbance caused by both of you.”
“It’s just a mistake. Is it necessary?” Ji Kai’s expression turned unpleasant, and he instinctively looked at Ji Yun. His cousin’s family was influential and could surely resolve this issue.
Upon thinking a bit, he realized the one filing the complaint must be that old man who had shown extremely rude and aggressive behavior that day. He couldn’t understand how someone with such an attitude could be liked.
“Manager, my cousin is the only son of a prominent figure at Holy Dan Academy. He’s just here for a life experience. The two who filed the complaint can only afford a regular hotel room with the help of the show’s team. Are you sure you want to offend us?” Ji Kai threatened.
The young man only sneered but didn’t explain.
The manager, aware of the identity of the complainer, remained unwavering, “Sir, this is an issue between you two, and we won’t meddle. However, I need to correct you on one point. Based on the level of expenditure, the two of you and the complaining customer don’t belong to the same category in the hotel. That customer is a super VIP who has booked the hotel’s presidential suite.”
Having experienced such situations before, the manager found Ji Kai’s flaunting words to be among the most amusing in his professional career.
Ji Yun thought that mentioning his father’s name would resolve the issue, feeling a little irritated at the moment. In Yatai Star, people might not believe their claims for now, and his family couldn’t arrive promptly. Moreover, the man in front of them was quite assertive.
Reluctantly, the two were forced to check out, following the guard out of the hotel.
They didn’t even have time to pack their luggage, so they looked quite disheveled when leaving the hotel, especially Ji Kai. He couldn’t control his expression, appearing somewhat fierce.
At this moment, Chu Wenyu had already taken Jiang Ling back to Burke Star on a private spacecraft. Only on his own territory could he fully relax.
“Your Majesty, what are your further orders?” The guard who had successfully executed the command to entangle Ji Kai and the others in a legal dispute promptly sought instructions from Chu Wenyu.
“He wants to be famous, doesn’t he? Let him have it. After this, don’t bother me with such trivial matters again,” Chu Wenyu’s tone was cold.
He had no intention of spending more time on such insignificant individuals.
Of course, while Chu Wenyu might not have invested much thought, those who fell under his gaze suffered considerably, even to the extent of a life-altering experience.
Ji Yun and Ji Kai were left with no choice but to contact their respective families to resolve the issue. Initially, Ji Yun’s father, a director at the Academy, was prepared to send someone to handle it, and Ji Yun wasn’t overly concerned. Not only was his father a shareholder in Holy Dan Academy, but he also held the honorary position of vice president. With his business card in hand, who wouldn’t give him face?
However, within moments, the situation took an unexpected turn. Instead of resolving the matter, someone from the high tier of the Yatai Star government, whom they knew, directly contacted Ji Yun’s father.
“President Ji, you’d better come in person. Although I’d like to help, this time, your son has provoked someone not to be trifled with.”
Ji’s father, who had never experienced such a situation, furrowed his brow, “Isn’t it just a dispute with a hotel customer? I can compensate for any losses. Or does the customer not know who I am? At the very least, isn’t your reputation enough?”
The high-ranking official had some business ties with Ji’s father, but he knew his limits. Their star system was just a small part of the interstellar community, and only tourism could bring some development. They couldn’t afford to be reckless. Although the cause was pitifully small, it shouldn’t have escalated to the current situation. However, the offended party was someone important; even the king has to give him face.
“Old Ji, let me tell you, you probably can’t afford to compensate. Your son has offended a big shot, the one from Burke Star.”
Ji’s father hesitated, finding it hard to believe, “The person you’re talking about is…”
As soon as he guessed, he felt the absurdity of it. Why would that person leave Burke Star and come to such a place without any reason, coincidentally running into his son?
It seemed too absurd…
But the official didn’t elaborate, just acknowledging and suggesting that he should come up with a good explanation and visit.
With things reaching this point, Ji’s father didn’t dare to underestimate the situation. He hastily called Ji Kai’s father to travel to Yatai Star overnight. When they saw Ji Yun and Ji Kai, the two young faces looked worn out, clearly having endured considerable torment. However, Ji’s father didn’t show any sympathy; he even scolded the two in front of everyone for not behaving properly outside.
The guard representing Chu Wenyu on Burkestar, also a nobleman’s son, stood his ground, exhibiting no less authority than Ji’s father. He calmly watched Ji’s father reprimand his own son, showing no sign of being moved.
Seeing this, Ji’s father reluctantly slapped both young men across the face, even startling Ji Kai’s father. Instantly, their faces swelled.
Only then did the young guard, with the permission of Chu Wenyu, engage in a conversation with Ji’s father. Such scenes were child’s play; anyone targeted by the King’s lasting resentment would not have such a favorable outcome.
Ji’s father understood that the influential figure wouldn’t personally meet him. Still, he nodded and bowed even in front of the guard. Holy Dan Academy had a prestigious reputation, but it thrived only under the condition of not antagonizing anyone. Survival and prosperity relied on avoiding direct conflicts with major powers. If the other directors of the school found out he offended that person, they might sacrifice him for self-preservation.
After prolonged negotiations with the guard, Ji’s father reluctantly agreed to several conditions to barely secure the release of Ji Yun and Ji Kai.
It was the first time Ji Yun saw his father in such a humble state, leaving a lasting impression on him. Ji Kai, on the other hand, was in panic. He had realized the old man wasn’t an ordinary person, but the things he said on the forum… would definitely not be traced back to him; he was anonymous.
“Father, we were foolish. But, can you tell me who we offended? Is he more distinguished than Jiang Qian?”
His father had never bowed or bent to anyone before. Jiang Qian was the prince of Charles, a figure of considerable prestige at the academy, and he treated Ji’s father with great respect. So, who could have more influence than that?
“He is not on the same level as Jiang Qian. In his eyes, Jiang Qian is just a fledgling… He and Jiang Qian’s father are on the same level, even more brutal and bloody in terms of power and style. He showed mercy this time by sparing you both,” Ji’s father sighed.
A prince and a king were incomparable – one held actual power, while the other had prestigious status. Moreover, Burke Star had always been known for its strong rule, and the history of Burke Star’s monarchs was legendary, overshadowing even Charles Star. Even if Jiang Qian offended him, it’s likely King Charles would order an apology, and what would Ji’s family amount to in such a scenario?
Ji Yun, being a clever person, quickly guessed who it was. The thought of having had such a close encounter with that person made his legs weak. On the other hand, he felt fortunate.
But if this was the case, the young therapist he had encountered was actually involved with the ruler of Burke Star. Perhaps the interruption of the live broadcast was also orchestrated by him. Ji Yun couldn’t think of anyone else possessing such influence.
Ji Kai didn’t understand anything; all he knew was that the man was a big shot. The mere thought of being associated with him made his heart race. Even on the way home, he couldn’t close his eyes, and in his extreme fatigue, he dreamt of the man’s cold smile.
Indeed, the thing he feared the most had happened.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
