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70: Above the True Strongest
The courtyard gate slid open silently, and warm light poured in, outlining a small figure at the entrance wearing a princess dress adorned with fine starlight.
Su Xingyao looked up with her small face, her big eyes, pure as a star lake, interweaving the nervousness of her first solo visit with an irrepressible light of anticipation.
Her small hands tightly gripped the corners of her skirt. Su Wan was nowhere to be seen behind her; clearly, she had received her mother's permission to come alone.
Inside the door, an unreserved, extremely warm smile instantly bloomed on Chen Jun's face—a joy coming from the bottom of his heart.
He stepped forward quickly and naturally crouched down to bring his line of sight level with his daughter's.
“Yaoyao, come in quickly! It's sunny outside!” His voice was gentle yet full of strength, like a warm breeze that instantly smoothed away the slight unease in Su Xingyao's heart.
“Uncle Chen!” Su Xingyao's eyes lit up as she called out crisply. She took small steps across the threshold and naturally reached out her little hand to grasp the index finger Chen Jun offered.
The warm touch and the sense of closeness from deep within her Bloodline made her relax immediately, a sweet smile appearing on her small face.
Holding Su Xingyao's soft little hand, Chen Jun's heart was filled with a massive sense of satisfaction.
This feeling of being relied upon and trusted by his daughter made him feel a more tangible happiness than the steadily ticking lifespan numbers deep in his consciousness.
“Have you had lunch? Where is your mother?” Chen Jun asked softly as he led Su Xingyao into the house.
“I've eaten! Mommy dropped me off at the intersection. She said... she said Yaoyao is a big girl now and can come find Uncle Chen to play by herself.” Su Xingyao looked up, her tone carrying a bit of small pride as she leaned dependently against Chen Jun's arm. “Uncle Chen, are you going to tell me stories about the stars again today?”
“I will, of course I will! As many as Yaoyao wants to hear, Uncle will tell.” Chen Jun agreed with a smile, ruffling her hair.
Just then, a pitter-patter of footsteps came from the living room.
“Yaoyao? Daddy, is that the Big Sister Yaoyao you told me about?” A voice as crisp as jade beads falling on a plate, yet with obvious childishness, rang out.
A little girl about four years old appeared, with two small buns in her hair, carved like a porcelain doll. She ran out of the living room like a gust of wind—it was the four-year-old Chen Xingyu.
She had inherited her parents' excellent genes; even at her young age, one could see she was a beauty in the making. Extremely faint starlight flowed around her body—the unconscious Origin fluctuations of an Innate Star Body.
When Chen Xingyu saw Su Xingyao, her large, dark eyes were immediately filled with curiosity and joy.
Although Su Xingyao was two years older than her, as fellow Innate Star Bodies, that shared source of aura made Chen Xingyu feel exceptionally close to her.
“Is it Little Sister Xingyu? Hello, Mommy told me about you.” Su Xingyao was also happy to see this pretty little sister. She let go of Chen Jun's hand and walked over to take Chen Xingyu's small hand proactively.
The System's hidden rule [Kin Source] quietly took effect between the two children. The thirty points of initial favorability made them become familiar with each other instantly.
“Sister, your dress is so pretty! There are stars sparkling on it!” Chen Xingyu praised in a milky voice.
“Sister's braids are also very nice!” Su Xingyao responded with a smile.
Watching the heartwarming scene of his two daughters holding hands and chirping away with laughter, Chen Jun's heart turned completely soft.
These were his daughters, so cute and so harmonious...
“Alright, don't block the door. Everyone, come in.” Lin Wei's gentle voice came from the living room.
She walked out carrying a plate of freshly cut spirit fruit that emitted a sweet fragrance and faint energy fluctuations, her face wearing a satisfied and peaceful smile.
Her War God Peak cultivation made her look radiant, her skin glowing, and her eyes filled with the charm of a happy woman.
Seeing Su Xingyao, a flicker of complex emotion appeared in her eyes before quickly turning into pure maternal love: “Xingyao is here! Come in with your sister and eat some fruit.”
“Hello, Auntie Lin!” Su Xingyao greeted her politely.
“Mommy!” Chen Xingyu lunged toward Lin Wei.
Chen Jun looked at his wife and daughters, feeling that this was the life of his dreams.
Just as he was about to lead the children inside to enjoy this rare afternoon, another slightly hurried, babbling little milky voice came from the inner room.
Chen Changxi, just over a year old, came waddling and stumbling out of the room.
She was wearing a cute onesie, her face was chubby, and her large eyes were like black grapes, full of curiosity about the world.
Though only a little over a year old, her Aptitude as an Innate Star Body made her far more intelligent and mature than ordinary children. Not only could she already walk steadily, but she could even clearly articulate simple words.
“Da... Daddy! Sis... Sister!” Chen Changxi waved her small hands, moving with a clear target toward Chen Jun and her sisters, her small face overflowing with the joy of seeing her family.
Chen Jun's heart was instantly melted by the cuteness. He stepped forward, bent down, and scooped up his youngest daughter, giving her a kiss on her soft cheek: “Oh, our little Changxi is awake too? Did you miss Daddy?”
“Miss!” Chen Changxi nodded her little head vigorously and answered clearly. Then she pointed her small finger at Su Xingyao and asked curiously, “Da... Daddy, new... sister?”
Chen Xingyu rushed to answer: “Changxi, this is Sister Xingyao! She is our big sister!”
Su Xingyao also looked curiously at this even smaller sister, finding her incredibly cute. She proactively reached out a finger to gently touch Chen Changxi's small hand: “Hello, Little Sister Changxi.”
Feeling the friendly aura from Su Xingyao, Chen Changxi giggled, not being shy at all.
Lin Wei watched her husband and three daughters in such harmony, her eyes full of happy smiles.
She placed the fruit plate on the coffee table in the living room and called out, “Don't just stand there, come sit and eat some fruit. Xingyao, try this ‘Crystal Jade Pear,’ it's very sweet.”
The family sat around the soft carpet in the living room, sunlight streaming through the windows, warm and bright.
Chen Jun held Chen Changxi while Lin Wei sat beside him, carefully handing out fruit to the children.
Su Xingyao and Chen Xingyu sat side by side, nibbling on the sweet, juicy spirit fruit and occasionally whispering about childhood fun.
Chen Changxi sat in her father's lap, struggling to grab a small piece of pear with her little hands, her face getting covered in juice, making everyone laugh.
Watching this scene, Chen Jun's heart was filled with endless peace and gratitude.
It had been thirty-seven years since his Transmigration. From being a corporate slave on Blue Star to struggling at the bottom of Zhiyuan Star, and now being surrounded by his wife and daughters in his 'old age'—the ups and downs in between felt like a lifetime ago...
He especially cherished this reclaimed time with Su Xingyao as father and daughter. Seeing her get along so well with her sisters made him even more gratified...
He picked up a fruit that looked particularly translucent and handed it to Su Xingyao: “Yaoyao, try this. They say it's good for Mental Energy.”
Su Xingyao took the fruit, took a bite, and her eyes curved into crescents: “Thank you, Uncle Chen, it's delicious!”
In this moment permeated with warmth, an extremely faint but deliberately controlled hum of an energy engine came from outside the manor, then stopped.
Chen Jun's eyebrows twitched slightly, feeling somewhat surprised.
His manor was located in a relatively secluded spot. Usually, apart from Adjutant Lan Qing and a few Stellar Level big shots, very few people visited.
Soon, an incredibly respectful, even slightly trembling voice rang out from outside the courtyard gate: “Excuse me... is Mr. Chen Jun home? This humble subordinate is Wang Youcai, the Director of the Logistics Department of the Kunlun Star Administration Bureau. I have come... by the order of District Chief Power Overwhelming Heaven, to deliver some daily supplies to your residence.”
District Chief Power Overwhelming Heaven?
Chen Jun thought for a moment. He seemed to be the highest administrative official of the Pillar of Leaders area, a Planetary Level Peak powerhouse.
What did he want with him?
And delivering daily supplies?
Chen Jun and Lin Wei exchanged a look, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.
Lin Wei said softly, “I'll go take a look.”
Chen Jun nodded and continued to stay with the children.
Lin Wei walked to the courtyard gate and opened it.
Standing outside the gate was a portly middle-aged man in a crisp Administration Bureau uniform. His cultivation was impressively at the Primary Planetary Level!
Behind him followed several War General Rank staff members, carrying several boxes made of special metal that looked quite heavy.
When Wang Youcai saw that the person opening the door was a woman of gentle temperament and exquisite beauty, his heart tightened even more. His attitude became increasingly respectful, almost bowing to the ground:
“You... you must be Madam Lin Wei? This humble subordinate is Wang Youcai. Forgive the intrusion! This is a small token of District Chief Power's appreciation—just some common items that might be useful for the household. There is no other intention, just a gesture of respect! I hope Madam will kindly accept them!”
His tone was hurried, carrying a fear of being rejected.
Lin Wei was even more confused. District Chief Power Overwhelming Heaven was a big figure; why would he suddenly send things to their home?
And with such politeness?
She looked at the boxes and said hesitantly, “Director Wang is too kind. We don't lack anything at home, this...”
"Madam! You must accept this!" When Wang Youcai heard Lin Wei's intent to refuse, his face instantly paled by three shades, and his voice carried a hint of a sob.
"This is just... just a bit of care from the district for outstanding residents! District Head Power re-emphasized that we must... must let the Mister and Madam feel our sincerity! If you don't accept, I... I won't be able to give an account when I return! District Head Power will skin me alive!"
His words were half-true...
Power Overwhelming Heaven's original words were much harsher than "skinning alive"...
Lin Wei was stunned by his extreme reaction. Her heart softened, and seeing his earnest attitude, which didn't seem fake, she could only nod: "Then... thank you, District Head Power and Director Wang. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble! No trouble at all! It is my honor to serve the Mister and Madam!" Wang Youcai felt as if he had been granted a grand reprieve. A smile instantly broke out on his face as he hurriedly directed his subordinates to carry the boxes into the courtyard with the utmost care. Then, he practically fled to take his leave, as if afraid Lin Wei would change her mind.
Lin Wei looked at the extra large boxes in the courtyard, shook her head helplessly, closed the door, and returned to the living room.
"What's going on?" Chen Jun asked.
"They said District Head Power Overwhelming Heaven sent some daily supplies. That Director Wang's attitude was terrifyingly respectful; he almost cried when I tried to refuse..." Lin Wei smiled bitterly.
Chen Jun was also completely baffled.
Power Overwhelming Heaven?
He had absolutely no connection to the man.
Could it be because of yesterday's banquet at the Qin Residence?
But that was a circle of Stellar Level big shots. What did it have to do with a Planetary Level district head?
He walked to the boxes and opened one at random.
Inside, top-quality "Meditation Sandalwood Incense" was neatly stacked. Each stick contained pure calming energy. Looking at the quantity and quality, it was worth a fortune.
Another box contained various beautifully packaged gentle supplements suitable for children, and another held the latest top-tier holographic childcare auxiliary equipment that could simulate various natural environments.
They were all excellent items and could indeed be considered "daily supplies," but this scale of generosity... for a district head, wasn't it a bit too much?
And the attitude was simply too bizarre...
Chen Jun muttered to himself, "I'm not his father, why is he showing me such filial piety?" He vaguely felt this probably had something to do with the attitude of those Stellar Level big shots yesterday. Once the news spread, the people below started following suit to curry favor.
He shook his head, too lazy to look into it. Since the things were delivered, he might as well use them.
He picked up a box of cute-looking children's supplements and handed it to Su Xingyao: "Yaoyao, this looks good. Take it and eat."
He then picked up the holographic childcare equipment and said to Lin Wei: "Weiwei, this is perfect for Changxi to play with. It can simulate the starry sky and the seabed. It's quite interesting."
Lin Wei smiled at her husband's nonchalant way of "giving away gifts from others": "You... you really know how to take credit for others' gifts."
Chen Jun shrugged: "They insisted on giving, so we might as well use them with peace of mind. They're all good things, beneficial for the children."
He naturally integrated these "filial offerings" from Planetary Level figures into their family life. The children were happy, and his wife was satisfied.
That was enough...
As for the reasons behind it, he was too lazy to think. Since his "time was limited," enjoying the present was the only thing that mattered.
However, this was only the beginning.
For the next half day, the villa's doorbell became like a popular tourist attraction.
"Is Mr. Chen home? I am Li Guangliang, the Deputy Director of the Kunlun Star Branch of the Federal Ministry of Energy! Our branch recently cleared out the warehouse and found a batch of idle 'Household Energy Concentration Cores.' They are high-efficiency and zero-pollution. We've specially come to replace your home's System as a small token of our appreciation!" — Thus, the villa's energy System was upgraded for free to the top federal military standard...
"Mr. Chen, Madam Lin! I am Zhao Kuaitui, the manager of the Kunlun Star headquarters of 'Star Ocean Logistics'! Our company just received a batch of 'Moonlight Velvet' carpets from 'Elf Star.' The material is special—warm in winter and cool in summer—and it has a calming effect. It's perfect for the children's room! Please, you must do us the honor of accepting!" — Thus, the carpet in the children's room was replaced with a top federal brand...
"Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Chen! We are the 'Heavenly Sounds Orchestra.' We were commissioned by... by a certain adult who wishes to remain anonymous to hold a small garden concert for you and your family. The pieces are all soothing and peaceful classical music, hoping to add a touch of elegance to your residence..." — Thus, the family enjoyed a pleasant afternoon tea amidst the melodious music...
...
Every time, the visitors were humble to the point of panic. Their reasons for giving gifts were strange yet incredibly "legitimate," as if it would be a capital crime if Mr. Chen didn't accept...
Chen Jun went from initial bewilderment to being caught between laughter and tears, and finally to complete numbness...
While dealing with these inexplicable "kindnesses," he ranted wildly in his heart:
"Holy crap! Again? What's the reason this time? Clearing the warehouse? Is the Ministry of Energy's warehouse opened specifically for me?"
"Moonlight Velvet carpet? I remember this stuff being incredibly expensive! And 'a small token of appreciation'? This token is way too heavy!"
"And an orchestra coming to the house? Isn't this a bit much? I just want to spend some quiet time with my kids!"
But he had to maintain a calm expression. Under the pleading gazes of "if you don't accept, I'm doomed," he "helplessly" and "tearfully" accepted these gifts he couldn't even use up.
Lin Wei also went from initial surprise to being used to it, and even started helping her husband manage these endless "donations," distributing suitable items to the children or using them to improve the home.
Su Xingyao watched the endless stream of people delivering things and whispered to Chen Xingyu: "Little sister, why do so many people always come to give Uncle Chen gifts?"
Chen Xingyu tilted her little head and said in words a four-year-old could understand: "Because Daddy is a very, very good person! Everyone likes Daddy!" In her simple world, this was the most logical explanation.
Su Xingyao nodded, half-understanding. Looking at Chen Jun's busy yet gentle profile, she felt that Uncle Chen was indeed a very good person; no wonder so many people liked him.
Chen Changxi sat on the exclusive "Moonlight Velvet" carpet, playing with a newly delivered toy that projected a dreamlike starry sky, giggling and babbling, completely unaware that the value of these toys was enough to buy a small spaceship.
At dusk, the last wave of "sincerity" was finally sent off, and the villa finally regained its peace.
TheSunset dyed the sky a brilliant rosy red, and the courtyard was filled with the elegant scent of Meditation Sandalwood Incense.
Chen Jun let out a long sigh of relief and slumped on the living room sofa, feeling more tired than he would after a day of dealing with Stellar Level big shots...
Lin Wei smiled and poured him a glass of water: "Today was truly... bustling."
Chen Jun took the glass, took a sip, and shook his head helplessly: "I don't understand what these Planetary Level big shots are thinking... I don't know them at all! Do I look like the kind of person who takes bribes?"
Lin Wei covered her mouth and chuckled: "Perhaps... they think you're worthy of respect."
Chen Jun rolled his eyes and thought to himself: "Respect my foot. I bet they're just following the trend of those Stellar Level big shots who are afraid my Sun Body daughters will settle scores with them after I die..."
However, he couldn't say that to Lin Wei.
He watched his two young daughters playing with new toys on the brand-new carpet in the living room, led by Su Xingyao, and saw his wife's gentle smile. The helplessness and complaining in his heart were gradually replaced by warmth.
No matter how the outside world surged with storms or how they misunderstood and speculated, this home would always be his warmest harbor.
He stood up, walked to the children, and joined their game.
"Daddy, look! The stars are out!" Chen Xingyu pointed at the brilliant galaxy projected by the holographic toy and shouted excitedly.
"Yes, it's beautiful." Chen Jun hugged his daughter, looking at the artificial starry sky, then looked through the window at the real, eternally moving stars of the Universe.
Deep in his consciousness, the string of numbers representing his lifespan continued to tick steadily.
【Remaining Lifespan】: 32 years ...+10 seconds...+10 seconds...
A true powerhouse!
Is not about how many enemies one can destroy, but about how many potential enemies one can make afraid or unwilling to become enemies, even... scrambling to become "filial descendants"...
A curve that no one could understand formed at the corner of Chen Jun's mouth.
Such days, though a bit noisy, seemed... not bad?
He looked down and gave the daughters in his arms a supremely gentle smile.
"Come, Daddy will tell you another story about the stars going to sleep..."