On the far side of a moon orbiting the planet Davo, a colossal starship rested shrouded in shadow. This vessel was not Davian; markings on its hull indicated it was privately owned.

But why was this ship lurking here?

Suddenly, a small scout craft detached and shot out from the deep azure atmosphere of Davo, flying directly into the immense ship. A short while later, the main vessel engaged its drives and vanished into the boundless expanse of space.

Approximately thirty light-years from Davo, toward a cerulean planet, a blazing meteor streaked closer, burning fiercely in the atmosphere before plunging into the world below. It was no meteor, however, but a gargantuan starship. On the ground, countless creatures sensed impending doom, scattering in panic, much as animals behave before a great quake.

The ship orbited within the planet for half a day before finally settling onto a vast, flat plain—a coastal area bordered by an unbroken expanse of green vegetation, untouched and pristine.

One of the ship’s hatches hissed open, deploying four massive exploration vehicles that rolled out onto the surface, heading off in different directions.

Inside the ship, Zhong Yun stared blankly at the panoramic view displayed on the massive screen. “Are we… actually on another planet?” Zhong Yun still struggled to process it; in just a few days, he had been transported to a world tens of light-years away. “To be precise. You are on a primal world, thirty light-years from Davo. This is a planet perfectly suited for human habitation.” ZER’s voice materialized. “According to data from the Omi Star System database, this is an undiscovered primal world, and it falls outside the jurisdiction of any established power. Per Grand Federation law, this world automatically becomes your private property.”

Zhong Yun’s mind momentarily crashed. ZER had merely told him they were going to establish a base on some planet; he had assumed it would be some desolate rock near Davo. He never imagined ZER would ferry him tens of light-years away and then declare the entire planet his. He had been an ordinary university student, and even now, he was still just a student. Suddenly owning a planet—who could ever accept that reality? “I have already filed the necessary documentation with the Omi Star System governing body. According to the statute, you must pay a processing fee equivalent to one-tenth the assessed value of the planet.” “What?” Zhong Yun, just snapping out of his ecstatic daze, nearly leaped up upon hearing this. One-tenth the value of an entire planet—how much money was that? No need to calculate; it had to be an astronomical sum. “Where would I get that kind of money? Selling me wouldn’t cover it,” Zhong Yun blurted out in frustration. Heavens, was his newly acquired planet about to slip through his fingers already? The feeling of tasting paradise had instantly been replaced by a plummet into the eighteenth level of hell; Zhong Yun felt like cursing his ancestors. “Since you are unable to remit the processing fee, the alternative solution is that they will take over the planet’s management rights for a period of fifty years,” ZER stated, completely unmoved by Zhong Yun’s distress, his tone as cold as ever. “Fifty years? Damn it.” Zhong Yun couldn't help but swear. Fifty years from now, he'd be an old man. “Let me consider it.” ZER did not press him. Silence descended upon the interior of the ship. Ten minutes later, Zhong Yun sighed. “I suppose that’s the only way.” There was little to consider, really: either pay the money or surrender fifty years; was there a third option? Even if he was old then, he could leave it to his son or grandson, Zhong Yun reasoned to comfort himself. “Which national management corporation do you intend to delegate the administration to?” ZER inquired next. “National management corporation?” Zhong Yun was broadening his horizons; even national administration had specialized companies for it. ZER then listed several such corporations, and Zhong Yun casually selected one. Seeing that there was nothing else pressing, Zhong Yun returned to his cabin to continue his "Simulated Combat Training." With ZER in charge, he felt perfectly secure. In the main control room, ZER’s holographic projection also vanished. Soon after, the ship’s upper hatch opened, launching a dozen unmanned reconnaissance drones that scattered in all directions. This was followed by the launch of three small artificial satellites, which ascended past the atmosphere. Information about the planet began flooding into the ship almost immediately. Exploring a primal world was never simple. The cosmos was vast and held endless strangeness. These planets might harbor evolved, powerful, and savage lifeforms, some incredibly dangerous; numerous once-prominent exploration teams had been wiped out by indigenous creatures. Therefore, when ordinary people were fortunate enough to discover a habitable primal world, they typically hired expensive, powerful exploration teams to scout the situation rather than venturing themselves, even though hiring a team came at a steep price. These expedition forces possessed massive manpower, formidable military strength, and professional exploration gear. Even so, exploration remained a high-risk profession. For ZER to come exploring a primal world with only a single ship, especially with the entirely inexperienced Zhong Yun in tow, was reckless in the extreme. Should they encounter any dangerous species, it was entirely possible that both man and intelligent core program would perish here.

The next few days passed in uneventful quiet. “What is it, Xiao Ling, any findings?” In the ship’s main control room, Zhong Yun burst through the door, excited. He had been working out in the gravity chamber and rushed over after receiving a notification from ZER about something important. “The Omi National Management Corporation has dispatched personnel; they are requesting a secure channel connection,” ZER reported. “So fast.” Zhong Yun was slightly surprised; it had only been three days—their efficiency was remarkable. “Then connect them.” Saying this, he retrieved a drink from the nearby cooler and settled into the captain’s chair. “This is Qin Qianli, Area Manager for Omi National Management Corporation, Sector 00502, at your service.” A Caucasian face appeared on the screen, bearing a peculiar accent, and a name that clashed oddly with his appearance, making him instantly memorable. “You must be Mr. Zhong. First, congratulations on finding a primal world; you are truly fortunate. Of course, choosing our company is also a stroke of luck; we possess the most complete equipment and the most attentive service, guaranteeing your satisfaction.” Finally, Qin Qianli added with admiration, “Mr. Zhong, your youth is truly astonishing to me.” “Your name is equally astonishing to me,” Zhong Yun replied, mimicking the man’s tone. “Mr. Zhong is quite the joker,” Qin Qianli smiled faintly. “Let’s return to business.” His expression then became serious. “I have been assigned by the company to assist you in managing this planet. If you have any requirements, you may present them to me, and I will forward your applications to the corporation.” Zhong Yun pondered for a moment before speaking, “I don't need anything for now. I’ll contact you once I’ve decided.” “Very well. I will set up a dedicated line for you; you can reach me anytime.” “Aren’t you staying here?” Zhong Yun felt a bit strange; the radar indicated this man named Qin Qianli, who looked Caucasian, was still lingering in deep space. “No, I have many other matters to attend to.” Qin Qianli said with a slight smile, “I have brought the first batch of aid supplies; please receive them.” “Oh, thank you.” Zhong Yun found this unexpected. He owed them money, yet they were sending him aid. Did this company possess some noble spirit of internationalism? P: Finally, a small advertisement for a friend's book, The Little Security Guard of the Metropolis, ISBN 1177257. Those interested in urban ambiguous romance might enjoy it.

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