Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1671 - 535: Well-Intentioned Lie (Part 4)

"Yay, we’re going home."

Excitedly, Zhang Yi and Ankaga responded.

"Yes, seize this chance to head back. However, return before year-end for the public award ceremony."

Su Ming reminded the pair.

"Got it, we’re heading out."

Zhang Yi and his companions departed together.

...

A few hours passed.

Carrying fresh bouquets, Su Ming made his way back to Imperial Court Academy.

The academy buzzed with energy, junior students hurrying about in their uniforms.

Su Ming went directly to the cemetery.

Over half a month prior, the academy hosted a solemn memorial, bringing back the fallen students’ ashes and possessions to the cemetery, though Su Ming and his team had missed it.

Shortly, Su Ming reached the cemetery gates. Captain Gatte, on guard duty, froze in astonishment at the sight of Su Ming but offered no greeting, merely observing quietly as he entered.

"Captain, what’s got your attention?"

A subordinate inquired with curiosity.

"General Su Ming is back."

Captain Gatte informed his subordinate.

"Whoa, that prodigy from our academy?"

"Exactly."

"He skipped the previous memorial—here to honor them now?"

"Likely. Enough chatter, let’s move on."

"Understood."

....

Within the cemetery.

Su Ming positioned himself in front of rows of tombstones, laying bouquets one by one on his classmates’ graves, offering deep bows, and whispering softly.

"Rest in peace here. Leave your families to me; I’ll handle it all."

Su Ming lingered there for quite a while before turning to depart.

He neared a fresh tombstone bearing Lin Chuyu’s name and a photo print.

Wilted flowers lay scattered before it.

Su Ming arranged the Jacaranda blooms he carried, setting them tenderly at the base, then stood lost in thought.

A soft wind swept by.

...

After a prolonged moment, heart weighed down, Su Ming exited the cemetery and strolled the wide avenues.

Without realizing, he reached the inner courtyard, eyes fixed on the Jacaranda trees bordering the walkway. Memories flooded back of walks here with Lin Chuyu and An Ruoxue.

Suddenly, it struck him how swiftly time altered fates—not much had passed, yet one had departed afar, the other gone forever.

A look of deep sorrow and gloom crossed Su Ming’s face.

Just then, a familiar figure crept up behind Su Ming unnoticed, then cheekily slung an arm around his neck in jest.

"You rascal."

"Teacher Mia, cut it out!"

Su Ming’s neck yanked, his face nearly pressed into Teacher Mia.

"Back without a word to me."

"I posted on the forum, remember? Anyway, release me—I can’t breathe."

"Fine."

Mia let go at last.

"Whew~"

Su Ming exhaled lightly.

Mia chuckled affectionately at him.

"You little punk, word is you’re thriving— even up for General?"

"Eh, nothing special."

Su Ming answered modestly.

Noticing Su Ming’s low spirits, Mia probed.

"What’s bothering you?"

"Nothing much."

"Don’t lie— it’s obvious. Down in the dumps? Come, I’ll show you a fun spot."

"Sure."

Su Ming agreed without protest.

"Follow me."

Mia led Su Ming off.

....

Forest Tavern.

Mia and Su Ming entered the lively tavern.

Patrons packed every booth in the crowded space.

Mia guided Su Ming up to the terrace with several tables.

The spot boasted a superb atmosphere, overlooking busy streets below, with Forest Square straight ahead featuring virtual holographic projectors flashing celebrity ads.

Mia chose a quiet corner table and signaled the bartender.

"One Supreme set, please!"

"Right away."

The bartender replied with zeal.

Moments later, an assortment of drinks arrived. Mia snatched two liquor bottles, uncorked them, and declared.

"Drinks fix everything—one won’t do? Try a few more."

"Teacher, what kind of reasoning is that?"

Su Ming remarked in exasperation.

Mia thrust a bottle at Su Ming, filled her own glass, swigged deeply, and confessed.

"Life lessons, kid. Truth is, I’m dealing with troubles too."

"What’s weighing on you, Teacher?"

"Guess—pure frustration, obviously. You all rack up triumphs, while I haven’t notched a single win. So humiliating."

"Pfft, minor issue."

Su Ming poured a glass and tossed it back.

"Minor? Hold on—are you smitten?"

Mia eyed the distracted Su Ming intently.

"Nope."

"Not admitting it? You’ve got that dumped look down pat."

"No such thing—don’t jinx it."

"Alright, bottoms up."

"Mm."

Su Ming lifted his glass to toast Mia’s.

Then dusk fell, streetlamps flickered on, amid bursts of thrilled cheers.

Su Ming and Mia glanced over, watching the projections over Forest Square shift to Thunder Angel’s battle clips from Mist Star Sea.

Mo Xiu, at the controls of Thunder Angel, confronted hordes of foes single-handedly, defying Dark Star Empire’s top warriors with fearless valor.

The footage brimmed with thrilling action, halting countless onlookers and passersby in rapt admiration.