Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1668: 535: A Well-Intentioned Lie

A few hours passed.

World Eye Interstellar Airport Hall.

With a luggage bag in hand, Su Ming stepped inside alongside Zhang Yi and Ankaga.

The boarding zone buzzed with noise, filled with travelers' laughter and lively talks all around.

“Boss, where to next?”

Ankaga inquired with curiosity.

“Back to Starlight City, then transfer to the Thirteenth District.”

Su Ming guided the pair to the boarding gate, already lined with a lengthy queue.

Sunshine, loaded with salvaged debris and left for Rhein and his crew to inhabit, couldn't make the trip to Starlight City, forcing them onto a civilian vessel.

Soon enough, the trio climbed aboard a compact interstellar craft; last-minute tickets meant economy seats only.

Economy class crammed thousands of chairs, every one taken, amid constant clamor and hustle.

Su Ming and his companions located their spots, settled in, and moments later, the announcement blared.

“Esteemed passengers, vessel DCC-12 prepares for departure, bound for Third Planet Starlight City, with a travel duration of 2 hours…”

Thanks to Shabask Kingdom positioning World Eye close to the Third Planet, the trip stayed brief.

Su Ming reclined silently in his chair for some rest.

Right then, thrilled chatter drifted from nearby.

“Zhou Yan, word is you've done great things—gonna join the public commendation?”

“My minor feats are nothing special; promotion, if any, won't hit lieutenant rank. But classmate Gatome? He's skyrocketed to Lieutenant Colonel and gets to join the commendation, I hear.”

“So jealous! Wish I could go too! They say commanders, generals, and Military Department legion leaders will all show up.”

“Dream on—watching via live TV's the best we get. Attendees this time are Federation heavyweights and rising stars.”

…

Su Ming glanced over, spotting plenty of lieutenant-clad officers aboard the same flight.

Zhang Yi whispered then.

“Boss, any shot at the public commendation for us?”

“Yeah!”

Ankaga eyed Su Ming expectantly too.

“Relax, absolutely—after I wrap up, I'll push for your military merits.”

Su Ming gave a faint nod in response.

“Mm-hmm.”

Ankaga and Zhang Yi beamed at the words.

…

Two hours flew by.

Vessel DCC-12 docked smoothly at Starlight City Central Interstellar Terminal.

Su Ming's group exited the craft, traversed the underground tunnel, and emerged into the vast transfer area.

Crowds jammed the massive hall.

“What's with all these folks?”

Ankaga and Zhang Yi stared in amazement.

Su Ming felt the shock too, yet sharp observation revealed travelers in distinctive outfits from neutral nations.

Saint Joex, Shabask Kingdom, plus key neutral powers had arrived—the Federation was booming back to life.

“Enough gawking, time for the high-speed rail to the Thirteenth District.”

Su Ming told them, lifting his wristband to snag three tickets.

“Okay!”

Ankaga and Zhang Yi chimed in eagerly.

Then Su Ming ushered them to the platform zone.

…

Hours later, Thirteenth District Central Station.

The trio emerged from the exit into the hall.

Beyond throngs of passengers, reporters swarmed the exit hall alongside order-keeping guards, red banners draped everywhere.

Center stage, District Chief Xiao Lie headed a posse of officials, poised in wait.

“Boss, that's Chief Xiao Lie, right? Here for you?”

Zhang Yi grinned as he asked.

“Nah, no one knows I'm back.”

Su Ming denied with a headshake.

Suddenly, exit 1 stirred with uproar; a temple-grayed middle-aged vice admiral strode out gravely, trailed by aides.

Xiao Lie rushed ahead with his team, greeting the man cordially.

“That general looks familiar—Admiral Xiao Shi of Cosmic Army HQ? Gotta be kin to Chief Xiao Lie?”

Zhang Yi pondered, rubbing his head.

“Likely. Let's move.”

Su Ming shrugged it off.

“Mm-hmm.”

The pair trailed after Su Ming.

…

Dusk fell over Upper City Echo Street.

Su Ming guided Ankaga through the lively avenue, hunting their mark.

Echo Street 141, 142…147.

Su Ming halted, gazing at the storefront ahead—Flower Dream Language, Lin Chuyu’s mother’s bloom shop.

Yet shutters sealed the entrance tight, rental notices slapped across.

“Uh, gone out of business?”

Ankaga blurted in dismay.

“We'll check with locals.”

Su Ming drew a steadying breath, heading to the adjacent cosmetics store.

“Welcome! How can I assist?”

The refined shopkeeper smiled warmly.

“Hi, Ms. Shopkeeper, got a question for you.”

“Sure, what's up?”

She answered kindly.

“What shut down the flower shop next door?”

Su Ming queried courteously.

“Ah yes, business tanked. Ms. Qin Qing was lovely, but the Federation's economic slump proved too much—nobles and rich folk admired flowers without purchasing. Losses piled up; she vacated abruptly not long back. Such a shame she couldn't endure.”