Chapter 53: Meeting, Section 3

In the vast universe, a single planet floated alone, with countless ships shuttling back and forth. Several massive air traffic control stations moved slowly in orbit, emitting faint glows from time to time.
Death Star.
It had been over a month since Black Hair last left. Sulei had returned to her busy routine. Every day, she had to make decisions on countless reports and approve numerous requests. Without Black Hair around, she became the backbone of Death Star, acting like its mistress. Yet no matter how busy she was, the longing for Black Hair pierced her heart like a venomous snake, leaving no smile on her face.
On the outskirts of Death Star’s capital city, there was a small bar named Dreamland. It was tiny, with just a modest bar counter and a few scattered seats. Few customers came and went each day. Yet this was a place Sulei frequented often, as it was the only place where she could recall the past.
If Blood-Pupils were here, he would realize that this bar was exactly the same as the one where Black Hair first met him—that too was the place where Sulei and Black Hair first met.
The night was deep. After a day’s work, Sulei drove to this bar again, heading straight to a seat in the corner. A waiter soon appeared beside her.
“Miss Sulei, what would you like today?”
“The same as usual,” Sulei said with a soft sigh, touching her forehead gently. She had been extremely busy lately. Although Death Star wasn’t large, there were so many affairs—probably more than in the capitals of ordinary factions. Thousands of ships passed by daily, along with many aliens who came to seek refuge there.
All of this was due to policies set by Black Hair. Death Star had now become a legend among aliens. Almost all intelligent aliens knew that in some mysterious region, there existed a hospitable master who owned several planets and held no prejudice against aliens. Whoever came there could live happily, free from war and oppression. Their children wouldn’t be taken away, and their achievements wouldn’t be stolen.

So Su Lei is really tired now. The policies set by Hei Fa are fine, but the price to pay is truly high. To maintain the image of Death Star, Su Lei has almost exhausted all her efforts over the years. Indeed, with the power of the alien races, Death Star has developed at an almost miraculous pace. The resources it produces, in terms of both variety and quantity, dominate human society. But sustaining this requires enormous investment. The Thirty-One Star System must have enough planets to accommodate new residents, and the Blood Wolves must have sufficient strength to protect them.

It sounds simple, but it’s difficult in practice. Developing planets requires money. Building planets requires money. To ensure military strength, research, manufacturing—everything requires money. As Hei Fa’s manager, Su Lei is well aware of the hardships involved. Thus, every day she spends in this bar is her quietest time. Because only here can she completely let go of everything and, like a real girl, experience the joys and sorrows of love.

Though this atmosphere of love is one she created herself.

She is the behind-the-scenes owner of this bar.

“Miss Su Lei, your milk,” the waiter’s voice interrupted her thoughts. A crystal-clear glass was pushed toward her, containing milky white milk that swayed gently, like a piece of white jade. Then another glass of red wine was brought out from the tray and placed softly on the table across from her.

“Wish you a wonderful night,” the waiter said respectfully, with a calm and gentle smile, like a gentle breeze.

“Thank you. Here’s yours,” Su Lei said with a smile as she handed over a crystal coin. The waiter happily accepted it and then left obediently.

Although the bar is small, the prices are by no means cheap. They’re based on crystal coins. Such expenses are probably beyond the reach of ordinary nobles. After all, even a single mining planet costs only a few tens of thousands of crystal coins. Just one glass of milk for Su Lei costs one ten-thousandth of a planet’s worth.

Of course, as the mistress of Death Star, Su Lei spends at the same high level. Money is just a number to her. But here, she can let go of everything and return to the past.

As night fell and the darkness deepened, Death Star gradually quieted down. After a day of hustle and bustle, most residents drifted off to sleep. Only some alien races that prefer night activities were still out and about. The bar also became unusually quiet. In the hall, several seats were empty; aside from Su Lei’s table, there was no one else around.

Sulei quietly picked up the crystal glass and gazed through its wall at the empty seat across from her. Her gaze was distant. A dreamy expression slowly appeared on her beautiful and delicate face, as if she wasn’t there at that moment. She looked as serene as a fairy from another world.

“Black Hair, do you know? Today is the 1,271st day since we met.”

“You’re still so busy, and I’ve also started my own career. But… why do I always feel that this isn’t the life I wanted?”

“You’re such a strong man, from the day we met. That calm yet indifferent smile of yours—even when facing Blood-Pupil Brother. I remember being very scared back then, afraid that you and Blood-Pupil Brother would fight. Thinking about it now, it’s really laughable…”

With a self-mocking smile, Sulei took a gentle sip of milk. Then she fixed her gaze on the other side of the table, so intently, as if someone really were sitting there. Gradually, tenderness appeared in her eyes.

“You’re a hero. A hero in every girl’s heart. That’s why I want to be by your side. I told myself then that you belong to me, and no matter what the cost, I must have you.”

“That’s how I met Sister Lily, and I also witnessed your legend of rising from nothing.”

“But…” A bitter smile appeared on Sulei’s lips. “I never expected that you already had a woman in your heart.”

“Sister Lily didn’t know, that’s why she died. I knew, but it was already too late.”

With a soft sigh, Sulei leaned back gently in her chair. At that moment, she truly felt extremely tired—more tired than ever even from handling so many tasks daily. If only she could fall asleep and never wake up again.

Black Hair had never told her his secrets. She only learned these things after becoming his woman. And only Sulei knew Black Hair’s habits.

Black Hair didn’t talk in his sleep, but he had nightmares. If there were someone who could comfort him during those nightmares, who could care for him like a mother or a lover, then occasionally, she could get a glimpse into his inner world.

But Sulei didn’t realize that Black Hair’s inner world was so heavy, pressing down on her until she could hardly breathe.

Beauty…

That name carried great weight.

Sulei’s heart was filled with sorrow.

Time passed slowly, and soon new customers arrived at the bar. They seemed to be regulars as well; without waiting for the waiter to invite them, they went to a corner and sat down on their own. A few of them ordered drinks. As they sat down, they suddenly noticed Suri in the corner.

“Hm? Is there any surprise service here?” asked a burly man who looked like a dwarf, smiling. It was clear he wasn’t human—though he resembled one, his exaggerated muscles made it obvious he couldn’t be human.

“I don’t know,” replied another burly man sitting across from him, glancing at Suri before shaking his head slightly. “But the prices here are high, so maybe there really is something. And as for the quality, it seems to be on par with that place.”

“Then that must be it. Let me go talk to her. This woman is really stunning. Just looking at her is unbearable. If she moves around, it’ll be even more…” The first man chuckled and stood up. Before he could take a step, he was pulled back by his companion.

“Better not. This bar is a bit strange. Those who can afford to spend here are probably not ordinary people. Didn’t you see the drink in front of that woman? She’s likely a customer like us.”

“Then we should definitely talk to her. Don’t worry, with our physiques, we’re far stronger than those human men. I’ve checked—human women like guys like us…” The man laughed and pushed aside his companion’s arm.

A few seconds later, he stood in front of Suri and spoke in a very gentle voice.

“Beautiful lady, are you here by yourself?”

“Who…?”

Suri was confused. Disturbed from her inner world, she felt annoyed. But as soon as she opened her eyes and saw him, she understood what he meant.

The burly man’s eyes clearly showed desire.

“Get away…” She waved her hand lightly, as if shooing away a fly. Her voice was soft and faint. “I’m not your target.”

“Lady, don’t say that. Can’t you see it’s a beautiful night? On a night like this, you might need a strong man by your side for safety. Otherwise, beauty is often the most illusory thing.” The man still didn’t give up, his polite demeanor hiding a hint of threat.

They are the Nomi. Since they arrived in human society, they have been very popular due to their appearance and physique. They haven’t encountered any setbacks yet. Especially human noblewomen take pride in having a Nomi man as their lover. So being rejected today left this strong man somewhat dissatisfied.
However, he didn’t know that Death Star is a very strange place. Aliens can indeed live there in peace, but if any alien dares to cause trouble, the Blood Wolf, the guardian of Death Star, isn’t afraid of suddenly turning into a demon.
So, he quickly saw Suri gently tap on the ring. Then, as if in a daze, she spoke up.
“There’s a problem. Come and clean it up.”
“Understood!” A cold voice came from within the ring.
The door of the bar suddenly swung open…