MORIC - Chapter 105
Chapter 105: Who Uprooted the Telephone Pole
Wen Xinghuo stood at Entrance C of Mechanical City, waiting for Chi Yueshan.
This was the cargo transport area. Large shipments and AIs directing the cargo handling came and went.
In the current society, machinery was used on a large scale, making it difficult for many who previously performed manual labor to find work.
If a place required manual labor, it would inevitably be high-paying.
Wen Xinghuo was wearing navy blue work clothes, her hat hanging from her wrist. She watched the latest batch of mechanical goods being loaded onto a spaceship, then opened her light-brain.
Sheng Yangkui still hadn't sent her a message.
Even though she had never really believed that online chats could represent a person's feelings.
At this moment, she couldn't help but feel a bit of irritation.
The sky had already darkened, and the stars in the heavens overlapped with the lights of the hovercars.
Wen Xinghuo turned around with a frown, just in time to see Chi Yueshan running over from a distance.
The direct sky-rail to Mechanical City was on the west side, and Chi Yueshan had gotten lost after getting off.
The Mechanical City of the Upper World was completely incomparable to the one in the Lower World. It was clearly the largest hub for interstellar mechanical trade, with an astonishing area and number of shops.
Chi Yueshan had only been here once, sneaking in furtively, and hadn't dared to take a proper look around.
Fortunately, the location Wen Xinghuo had given was precise, and she was also easy to recognize, so Chi Yueshan spotted her from a long way off.
She looked so much better now than Wen Xinghuo remembered, like a wildflower that had been carefully tended to and moved into a magnificent flowerpot, unexpectedly taking on the grace of a prized bloom.
It was just that her personality was still carefree and she didn't pay much attention to her appearance. She smoothed back her wind-tousled hair and called out cheerfully, "Hi, Senior Wen!"
Wen Xinghuo: "Is it all done?"
Chi Yueshan nodded. The technology of the Upper World was perfect. The only excruciating part was the cleansing process; the medicine applied afterward was very soothing.
She grinned foolishly, feeling refreshed and invigorated. "Which shop is hiring? I'll go take a look."
The small mechanics shop Wen Xinghuo mentioned was in a corner of E-District. The owner was only hiring temporary workers to manually dismantle decommissioned mechas.
Movers and the like were easy to find, but people who could dismantle and assemble mechas were not.
Wen Xinghuo had also heard about it from the owner of the shop where she worked part-time.
She gave a brief introduction and then let Chi Yueshan go talk to them herself.
Xi Shuang's communications came in intermittently, reporting on the progress of the practical training roster, sighing for the umpteenth time.
【Xi Shuang: I'm telling you, Xinghuo, just make do with what you can get. Our practical training isn't like going to a real battlefield. It's fine if the compatibility rate is less than ninety percent.】
【Xi Shuang: Besides, even if we run into danger, we have teachers on patrol. Don't worry, no one's going to die.】
That wasn't what Wen Xinghuo was thinking about.
She stood at the entrance, rooted to the spot like a hesitant old tree.
【Wen Xinghuo: The feeling is different.】
【Xi Shuang: Feeling? I know a mecha can be considered a wifey. But these are special times. If you're short on money, I can lend you some, but if you're looking for a 'feeling,' sis, that's really hard for me to find for you.】
【Wen Xinghuo: It's just not right.】
She had always been clumsy with words. When she was a wanderer in her childhood, there was no need for verbal sparring; she could just use her fists.
Even after arriving in the Upper World, there were few occasions to express her inner feelings. The Wen family was a joke among the aristocracy, and at home, Wen Xinghuo was even more of a mute.
She had never considered this a shortcoming before.
But after she and Sheng Yangkui had their talk, this shortcoming became somewhat fatal.
She didn't know how to express herself.
Especially after Sheng Yangkui confessed that she had been reborn.
Sheng Yangkui was timid and cautious, and she was even more careful when discussing such topics, using abbreviations and classical language that took Wen Xinghuo a long time to decipher.
Not to mention the shock of the other's identity.
Sheng Yangkui's guilt was all too obvious, and her secret was a heavy one.
No matter how Wen Xinghuo asked, she would only say to wait a little longer.
Wait for what?
Wen Xinghuo grew even more anxious, but the other's silence made her even more afraid of that predetermined future outcome.
Sheng Yangkui would be killed by her.
Xi Zhoumeng would die, and Chi Yueshan would die too.
Was that really the future she was destined to experience?
It was simply too terrifying.
【Xi Shuang: But I told Zhoumeng about this, and she said you should try the one in the storage room that's opening next semester.】
Wen Xinghuo was stunned.
【The War God Mecha?】
【Xi Shuang: She has so much confidence in you.】
Xi Shuang had no idea that this group of people all knew about the future. She was still immersed in her guilt as a friend for not having one hundred percent faith in Wen Xinghuo.
【Since she said so, I think you should give it a try too.】
Wen Xinghuo didn't know what to say.
Should she ask Xi Zhoumeng?
Was she so certain because her future self would obtain that legendary mecha?
A hero?
Was it really that great?
"Senior Wen! What are you thinking about!"
Chi Yueshan came closer. Her hair was loosely tied in a small knot at the back of her head, with a few stray strands falling in front of her eyes, which she casually blew away.
She said happily, "The boss said I'm good to go. I have a job now, and the pay is pretty high too."
Wen Xinghuo: "Congratulations."
Chi Yueshan could tell she wasn't very happy and asked, "Is something on your mind?"
Wen Xinghuo: "A little."
Chi Yueshan said, "Oh," and added, "Me too."
Wen Xinghuo didn't know what to say and awkwardly changed the subject. "Are you hungry? I'll treat you to a meal, or are you heading back now?"
The sky was completely dark now, but Mechanical City was still bustling.
As a major hub for interstellar exports, R-Galaxy's Mechanical City handled most of the transportation.
Many merchants from other galaxies also came here to purchase mechanical goods.
From small daily-use items to large mechas.
Even though mechas were objects for Alphas to fight with, many wealthy families would choose to have one custom-made for their children.
It was a way of anticipating the results of their differentiation, and also a kind of blessing.
Chi Yueshan: "No way, let me treat you. Xi Zhoumeng is out having a feast by herself, so I want to eat something good too."
She had stopped wearing glasses long ago. Her beautiful eyes blinked as she gave Wen Xinghuo a teasing smile. "You didn't get into a fight with the little princess, did you?"
Wen Xinghuo: "No."
Chi Yueshan: "Xi Shuang told me you were drowning your sorrows late at night and almost sent someone's motorcycle flying."
For once, Wen Xinghuo gritted her teeth. "I did not."
Chi Yueshan: "Alright, alright. What should we eat? You recommend something, big sis. There should be places nearby, right?"
Wen Xinghuo: "Mhm."
Chi Yueshan stood next to Wen Xinghuo, her light-brain screen showing a chat window with Xi Zhoumeng.
That girl was making a huge fuss over the palace banquet, sending Chi Yueshan countless "pick one of three" messages.
It was probably more like "pick one of three hundred" by now—a classic sweet sorrow of the rich.
【Xi Zhoumeng: What were you doing just now? You were three seconds late replying to me.】
【Chi Yueshan: I already told you, I was looking for a job. Senior Wen introduced me to one. Dismantling mechas, it's super cool, and they pay by the hour.】
【Xi Zhoumeng: I found you a job with a daily salary of ten thousand and you wouldn't take it. So unpromising.】
【Chi Yueshan: Are you really going to object to me doing something I like?】
【Xi Zhoumeng: I can't be bothered with you. So what about now? Still with Wen Xinghuo?】
After that sentence, Xi Zhoumeng sent a super cheeky sticker: You're not just going to dump her, are you?
Chi Yueshan had never had anything to do with the word "love" before, but from her understanding based on the people around her, romance was always accompanied by jealousy, possessiveness, and desire.
It wasn't that she and Xi Zhoumeng didn't have these three things, but it was all like a game.
It was probably an effect of their one hundred percent compatibility.
It was as if their hearts were completely connected, allowing them to read each other's true thoughts.
How could there be anyone else?
How could I possibly have anyone else?
【Chi Yueshan: That's right, I'm dumping her! You spendthrift.】
【Xi Zhoumeng: Some people are so heartless, they turn on you right after sleeping with you. When things were good, you were saying things like 'I'll lick you there,' and now you're calling me a spendthrift.】
Is that something you can just say?
Good thing my light-brain screen is private. Damn it.
【Chi Yueshan: I don't have time for you. I'm going to eat with Senior Wen.】
【Xi Zhoumeng: Check on her for me. Ask if she's heartbroken. That picture Xi Shuang took of her is just too tragic.】
Chi Yueshan looked at Wen Xinghuo.
Wen Xinghuo: "What is it?"
Chi Yueshan turned her head to look at the photo Xi Zhoumeng had sent.
It was the picture Xi Shuang had taken of Wen Xinghuo drowning her sorrows.
Ah, her reliable and steady Alpha image had completely collapsed. How could a grown person cry while hugging a telephone pole and break it?
For a moment, Chi Yueshan didn't know whether to laugh or to curse Xi Shuang for being so wicked.
Chi Yueshan: "It's nothing. I just feel like you're really strong, Senior."
Wen Xinghuo was baffled.
Chi Yueshan: "What should we eat?"
Help, I really don't want to lie, but seeing Senior Wen's face just reminds me of that photo, it's hilarious.
Her image is shattered!!
On the outskirts of Mechanical City were some small food stalls. Chi Yueshan recognized it at a glance as the place where Xi Shuang took the photo and subconsciously looked for the telephone pole.
Ah, only the ruins remained.
Wen Xinghuo was completely oblivious. She and Chi Yueshan sat on opposite sides, and she said to Chi Yueshan, "Order whatever you want. The skewers here are very cheap."
Chi Yueshan looked at the menu and said, "It's even cheaper than in the Lower World. Sigh, a pampered princess like Xi Zhoumeng would never eat at a roadside stall like this."
Wen Xinghuo: "If you asked her, she would probably come."
Chi Yueshan: "Forget it. Who knows if she'd do something like make everyone here go out of business because the chicken feet skewers aren't pretty enough."
Wen Xinghuo: "..."
It was cold outside. Most of the people sitting outdoors were eating barbecue and drinking, and the air was filled with the smell of shochu.
Chi Yueshan was cold too. She took a couple of sips, and her throat burned a little.
Wen Xinghuo thought for a moment, then asked her, "How did you get by in the Lower World after... everything?"
After Sheng Yangkui told her the truth, Wen Xinghuo felt increasingly guilty toward Chi Yueshan. She dared not even think about the "past life" Sheng Yangkui had described.
In truth, she was also well aware that even without Sheng Yangkui, even if Chi Yueshan had really reunited with Wen Xinghuo, that kind of future would not have come to pass.
Chi Yueshan: "That day, I was going to find a doctor for you, and a kind auntie helped me."
Chi Yueshan picked up a skewer of small gizzards. "She later adopted me. She was a Beta who ran a shop in the Lower World's Mechanical City."
There were many working-class people in this area. The prosperity of the Upper World could also be further categorized, just like commoners and nobles.
Commoners could be ranked by their professions, and nobles could also be distinguished between upper and lower tiers.
But at this moment, Chi Yueshan felt that this kind of environment was also quite nice.
She thought: If that Xi Zhoumeng wasn't so delicate, she could try these skewers too. They're really delicious.
Wen Xinghuo: "So that's what you did? You also learned to repair mechas?"
Wen Xinghuo was still wearing her blue work pants, but she had put on a jacket over them, which made her look even bigger.
When she lowered her eyes, the scar on her face seemed to blur, carrying a hint of sorrow.
Chi Yueshan: "I don't know either. I just really like it. My master said I have a lot of talent. I don't even think the academy's mecha theory is taught very well anymore."
Chi Yueshan's mouth was covered in red chili oil, and with the shochu, her face was flushed.
She wiped her mouth carelessly and, propping her chin on her hand, said, "But anyway, I just love mechas. Sometimes I wish I were an Omega from M-Galaxy."
Wen Xinghuo also knew that the Betas and Omegas from that galaxy were born with superior physical constitutions. Coupled with their first-class mecha craftsmanship, if the previous generation of mechas could be genetically bound, Omegas could also fight against the Zerg.
Wen Xinghuo: "It's not impossible."
Chi Yueshan let out a sound of surprise. "Me?"
Wen Xinghuo nodded as if it were a matter of course. "Zhoumeng said you're very skilled. You're proficient in both theory and practice, just lacking materials and opportunities."
Chi Yueshan's jaw nearly dropped. "For real? Xi Zhoumeng actually praises me?"
Although she said that, she couldn't hide her smile. "I want to, of course. The rules right now are so rigid."
Wen Xinghuo: "When the Queen changes, you can make requests."
Chi Yueshan: "What right do I have to make requests?"
Perhaps because she had gone on a drunken rampage before, Wen Xinghuo was much more restrained, afraid she might do something stupid like uprooting a telephone pole again.
Today, she had even deliberately chosen a different shop to eat at.
Wen Xinghuo: "The Xi family is the foremost noble family. They have the right to make demands."
The more she said this, the more Chi Yueshan stared at her.
It made Wen Xinghuo's skin crawl, and she asked, "What is it?"
Chi Yueshan lowered her voice slightly and asked Wen Xinghuo furtively, "Senior Wen, do you think the future the little princess talked about is real?"
Wen Xinghuo's eyes darkened. She shook her head, then nodded.
Chi Yueshan: "Then if she really becomes the Queen, you two won't be able to be together."
Another knife stabbed into Wen Xinghuo's heart. To make matters worse, Chi Yueshan's expression was sincere, her worry plain to see.
Wen Xinghuo thought: As expected of Xi Zhoumeng's girlfriend. Even her concern makes me miserable.
Chi Yueshan: "But it doesn't matter."
She lowered her voice again, her breath tinged with alcohol. "That kind of future can just be overthrown. Xi Zhoumeng even said I would die. I don't believe it for a second."
"If I died, who knows if she'd go out and fool around."
Wen Xinghuo's mouth twitched. She thought, Definitely not.
Who in their right mind would get involved with Xi Zhoumeng? It felt like you'd have to go through an eighteen-step bathing ritual just to sleep with her. You'd be exhausted before you even started. It was comparable to an imperial concubine attending to the emperor in a historical drama. What normal person could stand that?
"I think it'd be great if A'Kui became queen. She could just change the rules, kachak kachak, change them all."
Chi Yueshan counted on her fingers. "Like the discrimination in the Lower World, like Omegas not being able to pilot mechas, like why on earth can't the Queen get married."
"You two should have a huge, grand wedding, have ten or eight kids, and piss off all those idiots who support the old system."
"As for me... let me think."
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