"Mr. Zhao, so you were sent by the Earth Federation to look for the lost transport ship. Thank you for telling me so much. Your reminders have brought back a lot of things. It seems there was one important person missing from what you just said—who was it? Who was it? Why can’t I remember?"

I gently reassured Zhou Ni, "Don't worry. Your situation is different from Cheng Susu's; she suffered brain trauma during the crash landing, whereas you only have some memory loss caused by the mysterious energy in the wormhole. The memories you've lost should gradually return later."

"Mm," Zhou Ni nodded firmly.

"Then, is there anything I can do to help you?"

"Leave the search for the others to me. I want to take you back to Feiyu County first to stay with Cheng Susu. That way, you can look out for each other, and your mutual presence might help speed up the recovery of your memories."

"Then is the matter of the diamonds completely unimportant?" Zhou Ni asked again, as she had originally come here for that reason.

I replied, "No, those diamonds have great potential for use. It was incredibly lucky that I could find both of you so easily. Finding the other six will cost us a fortune in funds later. Can you help me figure out a simple way to process the diamonds? They might be very useful down the road."

Zhou Ni said, "Yes, even if they aren't useful on Twin Stars, we can make a fortune when we get back to Earth. Alright, I’ll do whatever you say."

I took out my mobile phone and asked Zhou Ni, "Do you have one of these?"

Zhou Ni replied, "A mobile phone? I didn't bring mine; it sank to the bottom of the sea with the escape pod."

"Then never mind. We'll set off for Feiyu County first thing tomorrow morning."

As soon as I finished speaking, Da Li Wan started knocking vigorously on the door.

"Brother Zhao Qian, Brother Zhao Qian! Prefect Wu has sent someone to deliver a summons for you."

I quickly said, "Come in, come in! You’ll break the door down with all that knocking."

Da Li Wan, sturdy as a tiger, rushed in. He gave Zhou Ni a sheepish grin and handed me a piece of fine bamboo plank. I said to Zhou Ni, "Look how backward this place is; they don't even have paper. We don't have much time, or we could introduce the Four Great Inventions here."

Zhou Ni finally understood her origins, and her mood lifted considerably. She laughed, "Why not? You go look for the others; leave this matter to Cheng Susu and me."

I glanced at the writing on the plank and slapped the back of my head. "Look at me, why am I looking at something I can't read? Please wait a moment while I find Linglong to read this for me."

Linglong was staring blankly in her room. I walked up behind her without her noticing. "What's wrong, Linglong? You seem quite unhappy. Don't be so sentimental at such a young age."

Linglong jumped. "When did you get here? You didn't even knock."

"I did knock; you just didn't hear me. By the way, please read this for me—what does Prefect Wu want?"

Linglong took the bamboo plank and glanced at it. "Prefect Wu has invited an opera troupe tonight, asking you to come watch the beauties dance."

I scoffed, "Beauties? Heh. Prefect Wu is exaggerating a bit. On Twin Stars, only you count as a little beauty; the others..."

Linglong was secretly pleased but maintained a sharp tone. "I know. Your wives are all exquisite flowers, delicate and charming. You are very capable, very impressive, alright?"

I laughed. "Look at what you're saying. Coincidentally, I was just planning to take my leave from Prefect Wu, so I might as well go see how these beauties dance."

Linglong was still holding the bamboo plank. "What piece? 'The Ballad of Liangshan'? I’ve never heard of such a thing."

My heart skipped a beat. Liangshan? Is there a place called Liangshan here? It shouldn't be related to Liangshan County back on Earth, should it? Maybe I miss them too much. Hearing the name Liangshan instantly brought to mind Yun Yao, whom I met in Liangshan County. She was a master of dance, especially that seductive striptease... Tsk, tsk... I can’t even think about it. When will I find her?

Because of the unexpected finding of Zhou Ni, my mood was quite good. Humming the tune of "A Carefree Journey," I followed the servant’s directions to Prefect Wu’s backyard. The backyard was usually restricted to the female police officers, and outsiders shouldn't be allowed to visit casually. However, Madam Wu had just narrowly escaped death, and at the same time, the famous opera troupe of the Twin City Nation was touring Feiying Prefecture. Prefect Wu invited them to set up a stage in the backyard to celebrate Madam Wu's survival.

Although no outsiders were invited, all the prominent figures and their families from Feiying Prefecture were present. It was rare to see so many women gathered, many of whom were quite attractive. However, I wasn't interested. Even if I were, it wouldn't matter; most of them already had children running around. Women here marry very young; those unmarried by sixteen are considered old maids and mocked. This is not unlike ancient times in the Great Dragon Nation.

"What, Brother Zhao is returning to Feiyu County? What attraction could that place hold that makes you leave? Isn't it better to stay here and accompany your elder brother? Don't worry, I won't shortchange you on your monthly stipend." Prefect Wu tried hard to keep me when he heard I was leaving. Besides gratitude, he thought it would be good to have a renowned physician around in case of minor ailments.

I explained, "Brother Wu, I still have a dilapidated shack in Feiyu County. Moreover, several of my friends are missing, and I need to go search for them. How could I possibly stay here waiting?"

Prefect Wu looked slightly embarrassed. "That’s right, that’s right. Brother Zhao is a man of deep sentiment. It’s a pity that your brother still hasn't been able to help you. Your seven friends' whereabouts remain unknown; I am truly ashamed."

I dared not mention that I had already found one. What if Prefect Wu insisted on meeting Zhou Ni? Given Zhou Ni’s beauty and figure, if he were accidentally captivated, I would be in trouble. It's better to avoid one problem than create many. I’d sneak Zhou Ni back to Feiyu County quietly.

"Brother Wu, there's no need for guilt. I believe finding them is just a matter of time. Heh heh, didn't you say there were beauties dancing? Let’s go out and take a look."

Prefect Wu burst out laughing. "Brother Zhao, you are indeed a man of feeling! Your seven friends are all beauties who could rival celestial beings. I wonder if you’ve already... hehe..."

I was afraid that Prefect Wu, having healed his wound, had forgotten the pain; now that his wife was fine, his philandering nature was resurfacing. I quickly interrupted his train of thought by agreeing along. "Yes, yes, they are all my confidantes. We are mutually affectionate, deeply in love, soaring together..."

Prefect Wu chimed in, "Enviable! Brother Zhao, you are so blessed. It's just that my wife is too strict, and her father is the Prime Minister. Your brother wouldn't dare overstep."

I subtly nudged Prefect Wu. He looked up and saw his wife walking out of the inner room. He shivered and immediately shut his mouth, stepping forward to greet Madam Wu. "My dear, let's accompany Brother Zhao to watch the show. He plans to return to Feiyu County tomorrow; we can set up a farewell banquet for him in the garden pavilion."

Madam Wu was slightly taken aback, reluctant to part ways. "What, Brother Zhao is going back? Are you not accustomed to staying here, or have my husband and I treated you poorly in some way?"

I quickly repeated my explanation to Madam Wu. She was highly appreciative and ceased trying to persuade me to stay, only repeatedly instructing Prefect Wu to see me off properly early the next morning.

The stage was set up in the garden of the backyard, which was now as bustling as a marketplace. The performance had already begun. Of course, this wasn't a modern song and dance drama from Earth. It was a mishmash: a nonsensical opera segment, followed by a martial artist engaging in mock combat, then a dance interlude, followed by a mincing man singing affectedly, and then acrobatics. Frankly, it gave me a headache, yet everyone else was shouting praises. It seems that even between two planets, some generational gaps remain.

Lanterns and torches illuminated the entire garden brightly. The influential figures were seated in a small pavilion, while ordinary family members could only stand in the open air. Fortunately, people here weren't too concerned with status; they probably rarely saw such a 'splendid' performance and were too engrossed in watching the stage to care about unequal treatment.

The table in the pavilion was laden with wine, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Prefect Wu kept signaling servants to refill my wine as he watched. I truly had no interest in this performance that didn't suit my taste, so I excused myself under the pretext of needing to relieve myself for some fresh air.

In a corner of the garden, a young nobleman anxiously asked his subordinate, "Have you seen Miss Yun? Did she agree to meet with me after the final performance?"

The subordinate looked distressed. "I saw her, young master. She is indeed as beautiful as the rumors say, but Miss Yun flatly refused your invitation, saying she had no time and had never entertained guests before. She also asked the young master to respect himself and not tarnish her reputation."

The young nobleman became furious. "Bah! She’s nothing but an actress! What right does she have to refuse my invitation? Didn't you mention I am the adopted son of the Grand Preceptor Cai?"

The subordinate replied, "I did, but Miss Yun said that even if you were the Crown Prince, she wouldn't care. She said that the performances of actors and actresses have nothing to do with officials in the court, and no matter how high their rank, they cannot interfere with their freedom."

"Insolent! Utterly insolent! This presumptuous girl is practically inviting rebellion!"

"Oh, it’s Young Master Cai Deng. Why the anger?" Another young man suddenly appeared from the corner, appearing detached and elegant in his long robe and folding fan.

The youth called Cai Deng recognized the newcomer. "Ah, Brother Guan Tong. I was trying to invite Miss Yun, the star of this troupe, to spend the night with me, but she actually refused and dared to insult my status as the adopted son of the Grand Preceptor. I will not let this matter rest."

The youth called Guan Tong laughed. "Young Master Cai is indeed a talented romantic! You even covet the troupe’s lead actress. Rumor has it that Miss Yun not only dances divinely and enchantingly, but her figure is also top-notch. Although our Twin City Nation has many beauties, they all have chests as flat as a field. But this Miss Yun, despite all efforts to conceal it, has a pair of ample breasts that tremble up and down when she dances, a sight that those who see it can never forget, leading to her 'milk name' being spread far and wide."

Cai Deng chuckled. "Does Young Master Guan also want a touch? Everyone says dancers' breasts are exceptionally springy. I’ve never tried it myself."

Guan Tong replied, "Which man who has seen her wouldn't want to touch and sleep with her? But rumor has it that Miss Yun is highly self-respecting, and no man has ever moved her—not with money, and certainly not with power. Once, a prefect tried to coerce her, but she threatened suicide, and the prefect, unwilling to see her perish, dared not pursue the matter further. Do you have a good strategy to subdue her?"

Cai Deng’s face darkened. "If I did, would I still be standing here angry? I refuse to give up tonight without having her."

Guan Tong said, "I have a plan. I wonder if Young Master Cai is interested."

Cai Deng’s face brightened. "Oh? Tell me this clever plan quickly."

"My age is suitable now, and I plan to go to the capital to seek an official post..." Guan Tong hesitated.

Cai Deng smiled. "Good. I will recommend you to my adoptive father, the Grand Preceptor Cai. I can easily secure a satisfactory position for you then."

"Thank you, Young Master Cai," Guan Tong said happily, bowing to Cai Deng, then pulled a packet of powder from his (bosom/sleeve). "This is the **Hehuan San (Aphrodisiac Powder) that I worked tooth and nail to acquire. Even the most virtuous or fierce woman will turn into a whimpering doll after taking this. Then, you won't even need to lift a finger; she'll willingly crawl beneath your legs for you to toy with—tasting her rear, engaging in rear entry... Heh heh..."

Cai Deng also grinned sinisterly. "A wonderful plan, a wonderful plan! Let’s see if that Miss Yun dares to refuse me now! I will play with her until she is ruined and worn out! Of course, if Brother Guan fancies her, I can give her to you tomorrow night. When you rise in success, don't forget your good brother."

"Thank you, Young Master Cai, heh heh..." The two of them cackled simultaneously.

"Scum! Bastards!" I muttered inwardly after eavesdropping on their conversation from behind some rockery.

Guan Tong then addressed Cai Deng's subordinate. "Miss Yun will surely drink water when she performs, right? Find an opportunity to slip this packet into her drink. Once she drinks it, immediately report back to Young Master Cai. Then, we prepare a sack and sneak her out of Prefect Wu's residence while she’s unconscious. Will the opera troupe dare to blame Prefect Wu for losing someone? After we’re done playing, we’ll dump her somewhere—where would she go to report us? How would she know who we are?"

Cai Deng laughed heartily. "Good, good! You, follow Young Master Guan’s instructions and find an opportunity to do it immediately. If you fail this time, you don't need to come back to see me; just find a way to end things yourself."

The subordinate shivered in fear. "Young Master, rest assured. I guarantee success this time. You just wait in bed for Miss Yun."

Cai Deng said happily to Guan Tong, "Brother Guan, let’s go. Let's go back and listen to the opera first, building up energy for the bed later. As long as I enjoy myself tonight, I guarantee you will too tomorrow night."

The two walked away laughing. The subordinate, clutching the paper packet, furtively approached the temporary tent behind the stage. I quietly followed him. Regardless of who this Miss Yun was, I couldn't stand idly by when witnessing such a thing—that would completely violate my principles. It seemed this fellow was going to suffer first.

I stealthily picked up a stone from under the rockery, tiptoed up behind him, and smashed the stone onto the back of his head. The force wasn't great, but it was enough to knock the fellow senseless. Unfortunately, as he fell backward, he managed to grab and dishevel my clothes! I quickly dragged him into a corner, smoothed down my attire, and returned to the small pavilion to continue drinking.

Prefect Wu looked anxious when he saw me return. "Brother Zhao, you're back! Otherwise, I would have ordered men to look for you. You can ignore other acts, but you must see the finale—Miss Yun’s dancing is famed throughout the world. If you miss it today, you will regret it. Quickly, sit down; it’s her turn to perform."

Good. I had just been thoroughly entertained by Cai Deng and Guan Tong's conversation. Now I wanted to see what skills this Miss Yun had that could outshine my Yun Yao. Wait—'The Ballad of Liangshan'? Yun? Damn it, could it be this coincidental?

Prefect Wu grew anxious when he saw I wasn't paying attention to his words. Madam Wu, noticing this, became quite jealous. "Do you think Brother Zhao is as lecherous as you are? No matter how beautiful she is, you better drop any improper notions, or I won't let you off lightly."

Prefect Wu was too embarrassed to explain my eight beauties to his wife in front of me, so he could only complain internally, Your Brother Zhao here is even more of a rake than I am! Aloud, he said to me, "See? I kindly tried to remind you, but my sister-in-law misunderstood. Please sit down quickly; don't waste my good intentions."

I hadn't gone backstage to see what instruments they had, but listening to the sounds, I detected something akin to a piano and a wooden flute. The music was melodious and graceful, like clear water rushing through a mountain stream, like a ray of morning sun slowly rising. A young girl carrying a water bucket walked with difficulty along a winding mountain path.

Bucket after bucket of clear spring water was poured onto the parched crops, finally bringing a trace of life to the dried fields. But the girl seemed increasingly exhausted. Suddenly, the music quickened, and the girl staggered and fell down the slope!

Everyone gasped, but at the critical moment, a young, tall, handsome, and dashing man descended from the sky, catching the girl just as she was about to tumble over the cliff! The crowd collectively let out a sigh of relief, but I slammed the table and leaped up.

That son of a bitch dared to take liberties with my wife! I’ll vaporize him with my laser gun! I reached instinctively to draw the laser pistol at my waist, but Prefect Wu grabbed me and pulled me back to my seat. "Brother Zhao, you're too invested in the play! Even I wanted to jump up and help that Miss Yun."

Madam Wu became jealous again. "What did you say?"

Prefect Wu replied, "I didn't say anything, dear. I was just joking with Brother Zhao. Madam, can you please stop interrupting our conversation..."

I had no patience to listen to the couple quarrel. The Miss Yun on stage—even if she had turned into an 180-year-old crone—I would recognize her. She was Yun Yao! That's why I heard 'The Ballad of Liangshan'; it was the play where I once saved her.

What to do? What to do? Countless thoughts flashed through my mind. Unable to contain my excitement, I wanted to rush up and acknowledge her. Moreover, watching that young man entwined with Yun Yao on stage enraged me; I wanted to jump up, throw him off the stage, and take his place. Of course, I wouldn't dance, especially such high-caliber art, but if I didn't teach that kid a lesson, I would surely die of anger.

But now, I don't know how much of the past Yun Yao remembers. If I rushed up and beat that young man, I'd earn the reputation of a lunatic. But staying to watch their tender affections was infuriating. Fortunately, I had dealt with Cai Deng's subordinate; otherwise, my Yun Yao would have fallen into the hands of a black-hearted villain tonight!