Compared to Li Chunyue’s sorrow, dejection, and inner turmoil, the news struck another person like a bolt of joy.

Her name was Siyue.

Siyue’s affection for Li Chunyue wasn't a recent development.

But she never dared to confess.

Because she had always believed Li Chunyue and Ziye were mutually fond of each other, and she refused to steal a friend's beloved.

Now, this sudden piece of good news—Ziye was with someone else—meant she could finally pursue her own happiness openly! The instant she heard the news, she nearly tumbled from the ** in sheer excitement.

Emma, this was unequivocally the best news of the year.

Four words summed it up: Ecstatically overjoyed! What should she wear to the celebration party tonight? This time, she absolutely had to make him notice her! Siyue thought, pulling clothes from her wardrobe, laying out every dress she liked, trying them on one by one, determined to show Li Chunyue her most radiant self.

Admittedly, she was far too nervous.

After trying on countless outfits and finding none satisfactory, with no time left for a last-minute shopping trip, Siyue reluctantly called over the better-off girls among her neighbors to ask for advice.

Five or six young women sat on the sofa, watching her model seven or eight different ensembles, and one finally asked, “Siyue, are you attending some major event tonight? These are all evening gowns—it’s terrifyingly formal.” Siyue blushed shyly, “I’m planning to confess my feelings to the boy I like tonight.” The girls exchanged glances, and one spoke up, “Does that boy like you?” There was an idiom for that, wasn't there? To the point.

This question was more than pointed; it pierced Siyue’s heart, “I don’t know.” The girl exclaimed, “Are you being dense? You’re going to confess without knowing if he likes you first? What if you end up humiliated?” Siyue instantly lost her cheerful mood, walked over to the sofa, and sat down, murmuring softly, “But I like him, I really, truly like him.” The girls teased, “Spill it! Who is it? We’ll help you analyze the situation.” Siyue became even more mortified, covering her face and refusing to speak.

The girls laughed heartily, “Don’t be like that.

Shyness doesn't get you anywhere.

If you’ve set your sights on him, and his character is decent, just go for it—pounce!” Siyue’s face flushed a deep crimson, and her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s whine, “Senior Brother Li Chunyue.” “Holy crap!” Siyue jumped at their unified exclamation, “What’s wrong?” The girls laughed, “You absolutely must win him! The genius youth, Li Chunyue—how prestigious!” Siyue deflated, “I don’t know.” The girls pondered for a moment, chattering amongst themselves.

One asked, “Are you worried he might not like you?” Before Siyue could respond, the others jumped in with suggestions.

Someone offered, “Senior Brother Li Chunyue seems gentle and approachable.

If you try a bit of forceful persuasion, a ‘domineering move,’ it should be fine, right?” Another girl countered, “What if the forceful move fails? Senior Brother Li Chunyue’s strength is surely greater than Siyue’s, and does Siyue even dare?” Siyue meekly shrank into a corner, trying to minimize her presence.

Just then, one girl dropped a bombshell suggestion, “If he doesn’t like you, why don’t you go to one of those underground cloning hospitals and have them make an exact replica of him?” All eyes turned to the girl who offered the suggestion.

What depth of obsession must one possess to propose such a thing! However, in this era, interstellar marriage and romance were nearly obsolete because cloning technology was so advanced that replicas wandered everywhere; distinguishing the original from the clone, or who was paired with whom, had become meaningless.

That marriage contract was rapidly losing its significance.

Furthermore, fifty years prior, interstellar law was enacted: clones could not possess reproductive capabilities.

Consequently, all clones became infertile individuals, causing even the condom market to lose a vast portion of its business.

Humanity grew even more unrestrained, completely abandoning the pursuit of love and marriage.

So, while the girl’s suggestion was ruthless, it wasn't uncommon.

Siyue’s face turned dark, “Can you give me some realistic advice, please?” The girls thought again, “Alright, alright, let’s be practical.

Are you planning to stay with him and develop your future within the Huaxia Legion? Or are you planning to pull him out? I doubt the Huaxia Legion would ever let you leave; you need to prepare for that reality.” Siyue immediately lost the desire to speak.

They were already discussing future career paths before the romance had even begun? Was this truly practical advice? Siyue was traditional; if she could be with Li Chunyue, she would certainly consider their future together, but right now, she was still in the phase of unrequited love! Unrequited love!!! Their suggestions were practically a giant leap forward! Siyue rolled her eyes at them, defeated, “I give up on you all.” Seeing her crestfallen expression, the girls laughed warmly, “There, there, stop agonizing.

Focus instead on how to secure Senior Brother Li Chunyue tonight.

What about those dresses you were trying on earlier? Bring them out again.” Siyue rallied her spirits once more, trying on the outfits for their critique and advice.

The girls chattered animatedly, deliberating for quite some time before finally settling on the dress and makeup.

Her fundamental features were good—delicate and gentle.

With makeup applied, she became captivating; in the girls' words, she looked positively tempting enough to bite.

Siyue finally felt a sense of calm.

She checked the appointed time, preparing to leave.

One girl caught her arm, “You’re just going like that?” Siyue blinked, “Why not?” The girl instinctively wanted to slap her hand away but restrained herself, fearing she might ruin Siyue’s painstakingly done hairstyle.

She retracted her hand, saying, “Silly, use your comms! Tell him to pick you up.” Siyue gasped.

This was something she felt utterly incapable of doing! The girl insisted, “Listen to me.

Just tell him your skyship is in for maintenance and see if he’ll come.

If he refuses, chances are slim; if he agrees, you get extra time alone—what’s the harm? If you just show up at the party venue and meet him there, I guarantee he won’t have time for more than a glance your way.” Siyue felt a stir of temptation.

“Trust me,” the girl urged.

Siyue decided to follow her advice.

She opened her comms, searching for his number.

However, she was terribly nervous! What if Li Chunyue refused to come for her? Her heart was filled with anticipation, anxiety, and a sliver of unease.

The girl couldn't stand her hesitation, snatched the screen, tapped his number with her fingertip, pushed it back towards Siyue, patted her own behind, and walked away saying, “That’s as far as I can help.” Siyue was so tense that she momentarily forgot to listen to whatever the girl said.

She reached out to hang up the call.

Just as she was about to disconnect, she realized Li Chunyue had already answered! That meant Li Chunyue picked up the call, and she hung up without saying a word.

Siyue nearly burst into tears.

She truly didn’t want to end his call! Wuwu, what should she do now? -RS