Having an acquaintance makes things easier. Under the lead of Senior Sister Tian Tian, Tang Fei had his face scanned at the information center, entered his details, and then went to collect his student ID and learning card.
New Star implemented paperless office procedures, so all learning materials were stored on the card, which could be accessed later through a computer or smart robot for studying.
After all the processes were completed, Tian Tian turned to Tang Fei and said, "Tang Fei, from now on, you’re officially a student of the Mechanical Department. Welcome aboard."
"Thanks for your help, Senior Sister. Do you have time at noon? I’d like to treat you to lunch."
"Don’t mention it, I still have work to do. We’ll have plenty of time in the future."
"Alright then, we’ll have plenty of time."
"Oh, there is something I should remind you of. Our Mechanical Department focuses on two main research directions: civilian and military, and it’s extremely rare to find Mechanics who specialize in both... Those who explore and research both areas are truly geniuses among geniuses."
"So, you should consider which direction you want to concentrate on. Depending on your research focus, the elective courses will differ."
"I understand, thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister," Tang Fei gratefully said.
"See you tomorrow." Tian Tian waved her hand and walked away with the clack of her high heels.
Seeing Tang Fei still gazing at her retreating figure, Phoenix asked, "You like high heels too?"
"I like them. But I can’t wear them."
Observing Phoenix at a loss for words, Tang Fei couldn’t help but laugh and said, "You just mentioned she’s a genius of the Mechanical Department, won the Lu Ban Award in her first year, and later took the Heavenly Craftsmanship Award four times... With such talent, why is she willing to work as an assistant director at the university? How much could the school possibly pay her?"
"Didn’t she say it? Director Lu is as deep as the ocean, and there’s still a lot to learn..."
"I always feel there’s more to it," Tang Fei shook his head.
"You think everyone is up to no good."
"Not at all," Tang Fei said. "I think you and Little Fatty are quite good."
"Look at that, such a big country, and in your eyes, there are only two good people... Isn’t that the same as distrusting everyone?"
"What’s good or bad? When interests clash, good people can turn bad. If cooperation benefits both sides, bad people can become good."
"What about me and Little Fatty?"
"You two are our own people. You’re not within that scale of judgment."
Phoenix was quite pleased with Tang Fei’s answer and said with a smile, "Little Fatty must be going crazy living alone at the Martial Arts Hall, right? Shall we go check on him?"
"Let’s go," Tang Fei said. "He insisted on coming back last night, but I refused."
Phoenix blinked mischievously and teased, "Aren’t you scared to sleep alone? Why didn’t you let him come back and keep you company?"
"A man has to grow up and mature," Tang Fei said.
"Like sleeping alone?"
"Like having someone to sleep with."
"... Tang Fei, where did you learn all these greasy tricks?"
"The old man taught me," Tang Fei said with conviction.
Anyway, the old man wasn’t around; they were even on different planets. Could there be a better scapegoat?
Thinking of the old man’s looks, Phoenix indeed found them quite greasy...
That old guy has led our Tang Fei astray.
On their way to the Martial Arts Hall, many people pointed at Tang Fei and Phoenix.
"See, that’s the Tang Fei... the Light of Old Land, Tang Fei..."
"He took down Shen Qingping, so impressive, it’s like a cross-realm kill..."
"I watched his combat video, his forest warfare is amazing... and he’s quite handsome..."
"I heard he and the Empire Princess... shh, keep it down, the Princess is right beside him..."
Tang Fei looked at Phoenix, who walked with her head held high and her chest out, and said aloud, "If you’re not afraid, then what do I have to fear?"
"I just worry about troubling you," Tang Fei said softly.
He knew this kind of thing could bring immense pressure to Phoenix; while she enjoyed the endless glory of the Royal Family, she naturally had to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
From what he understood since arriving at New Star, the Phoenix Empire was a nation where technology was highly developed, but the mindset was relatively conservative.
Of course, it wasn’t a matter of being conservative or not, even the most liberal nation wouldn’t want the Little Princess of the Royal Family to marry a penniless refugee...
At least, the Emperor himself disagreed.
"It’s okay, don’t overthink it," Phoenix said to comfort him. "Once I’ve settled you and Little Fatty down, I can breathe a sigh of relief."
Phoenix thought to herself, what trouble could these idle gossips cause?
The real pressure came from inside the palace, from her father.
If he disagreed with something, then the Royal Family disagreed. And if the Royal Family disagreed, the Empire disagreed.
So now, it seemed like the whole country was against us being too close...
As Xin Huai, that clever and busty woman, said: the more you care about someone, the more you have to pretend you don’t.
She cared too much about Tang Fei, so it could bring him great danger.
From now on, she would pretend not to care.
Tang Fei immediately understood the deeper meaning in Phoenix’s words; his fist clenched, then instantly relaxed.
He nodded, squinted his eyes with a smile, and said, "That’s right, you have your life, and we have ours. We all need to take good care of ourselves."
Although he felt somewhat sad and reluctant, this was already the best arrangement.