The year Xie Yuxin confessed to Zhou Tengyun, after a period of hesitation, he agreed to begin dating her. Five years of shared time later, mutual understanding blossomed into genuine love.

In 2025, Zhou Tengyun and Xie Yuxin, that unique couple, finally walked down the aisle, becoming husband and wife by law.

After marriage, their affection was like glue; Xie Yuxin conceived quickly.

And by April of 2026, Xie Yuxin successfully delivered a healthy baby boy in the hospital. This newborn son filled Zhou Tengyun with ecstatic joy, and good friends like Liu Hui immediately flocked to the hospital to share in the good news of his progeny.

Seeing Zhou Tengyun’s newborn son in the ward, Hu Xian’er was overcome with maternal longing, intensifying her anticipation for her own unborn child, while Liu Hui’s other women could only watch with immense envy.

With the arrival of his son, Zhou Tengyun shed his former aloofness, smiles now gracing his face frequently. Seeing his good brother finally emerge from the shadow of his past, finding new love and welcoming a son, Liu Hui was genuinely happy for him. Zhou Tengyun had dedicated so much of his life to the "City of Starlight"; the "City of Starlight" therefore owed him a profound debt. Only now, with Zhou Tengyun achieving happiness, did Liu Hui truly let out a breath of relief.

Liu Hui’s female companions, upon seeing Zhou Tengyun’s adorable son, immediately abandoned Liu Hui and settled into the room, refusing to leave. Liu Hui was left somewhat helpless; the room had become the women's domain, and he couldn't possibly force his way in to drag them out. Thus, he could only wait in the hallway for them to tire themselves out.

Suddenly, a woman’s voice sounded beside him: "Uncle, I didn't know you were here to visit Yuxin as well?"

Liu Hui started, turning to see Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao’s attire was refreshingly neat, radiating vibrant youth, and she carried gifts in her hands.

The moment Liu Hui saw Xiao Yao, a cold dread gripped him. He managed a strained smile: "Well, if it isn't Xiao Yao. Are you here to see Zhou Tengyun’s baby too?"

Xiao Yao smiled sweetly: "I came to see Yuxin’s child, yes, but upon seeing you, there are things I need to discuss. Will you listen to me?"

Liu Hui was startled; the thing he most dreaded was finally arriving. But before he could speak, Xiao Yao placed her gifts on a chair, then grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward the hospital exit. Liu Hui felt powerless, unable to resist as he was swept along by Xiao Yao.

Xiao Yao pulled Liu Hui along in a swift run, leading him to a nearby subway station. She bought two tickets, then ushered him onto the train, finding seats for them both.

Looking at Xiao Yao, who was slightly breathless beside him, Liu Hui asked guiltily, "Xiao Yao, what is all this rushing about?" Xiao Yao’s face was flushed as she replied, "Uncle, I have things on my mind I need to tell you, but there were simply too many people back there. I wanted to find a quieter place to speak. You don't mind, do you?" Liu Hui protested, "Xiao Yao, I actually have some urgent matters to attend to!" Xiao Yao just laughed: "Uncle, you are the boss; you can delegate your work to your subordinates. Why involve yourself directly? Besides, what I need to say is very important. I beg you, indulge my wish?"

Liu Hui lamented internally: Here it comes, Xiao Yao is finally going to confess to me. What should I do? Should I stop her confession right now? But if I stop it so bluntly, won't I hurt Xiao Yao’s feelings? She is still a girl full of romantic fantasies. If she loses hope in love, what will become of her future life?

Gazing into Xiao Yao’s wide, liquid eyes, Liu Hui conceded with a sigh, "Fine then, I will listen to what you have to say, Xiao Yao." Xiao Yao beamed, saying, "That’s my Uncle…" For some inexplicable reason, he had agreed to her request, leaving Liu Hui feeling somewhat crestfallen. Throughout the journey, he wrestled with strategies to counter Xiao Yao’s impending confession, but no good solutions presented themselves. Conversely, Xiao Yao kept gazing at Liu Hui with those captivating eyes, making him feel increasingly uneasy.

When the subway reached a certain stop, Xiao Yao tugged Liu Hui out of the car. As they exited the station, Liu Hui realized they were standing in the plaza of a temple. Liu Hui immediately recognized it: this was the same temple where Xiao Yao and Sister-in-law Gao had discussed their feelings for him that night.

Liu Hui’s heart pounded. He resolved firmly not to follow Xiao Yao to any secluded spots. Xiao Yao, however, pulled him into the temple grounds and immediately steered toward the deserted area near the sea in the back.

Liu Hui objected, "Xiao Yao, let's just talk here; it looks deserted enough." Xiao Yao tugged him along, "These words cannot be spoken in front of too many people, of course we must go somewhere less crowded. Besides, you are the Uncle, what’s wrong with going to a quiet place with a young woman like me? Are you afraid I might assault you?"

Xiao Yao’s words effectively blocked any further protest from Liu Hui, and he followed her dejectedly to the secluded spot facing the sea.

Upon reaching the isolated area, Xiao Yao finally released his hand, walking to the cliff edge facing the ocean and turning her back to Liu Hui.

Liu Hui felt a surge of panic and began grasping for small talk. "Haha, Xiao Yao, look at that seagull over there, it looks so strange..." Xiao Yao ignored his interruption and stated, "Uncle, there is something I have always wanted to tell you...". Liu Hui blurted out, "Oh, Xiao Yao, I just remembered something incredibly important; I have to leave now."

Xiao Yao turned, grasped his arm, and looked at him with a pitiable expression, whispering, "Uncle, please don't go..." Liu Hui's heart softened. "Well, perhaps hearing what's on your mind wouldn't be a bad thing after all..." Xiao Yao replied, "I originally had something heartfelt to tell you, Uncle, but after thinking it over carefully, I realize the timing is not quite right."

Liu Hui breathed a sigh of relief, just as Xiao Yao continued, "Uncle, why don't we make a pact? What do you think?"

Curious, Liu Hui asked, "What kind of pact does Xiao Yao want to make with me?" Xiao Yao then said, "Uncle, you know my academic performance has always been poor. I’ve failed the third year of high school multiple times and still haven't gotten into my ideal university."

Liu Hui tried to comfort her, "Xiao Yao, you really don't need to rush. People’s lifespans have extended to over two hundred years now; you have plenty of time to study."

Xiao Yao’s tears began to fall. She choked out, "Uncle, I know I have a long time to study, and I will eventually graduate from high school, but that one sentence has been bottled up in my heart for too long. I really can’t wait that long to tell you."

Liu Hui was moved by Xiao Yao’s genuine emotion, but he couldn't accept her now; he would have to disappoint her affection. He said, "Xiao Yao, you haven't told me about your pact yet!"

Xiao Yao declared loudly, "The pact between us is this: If I successfully graduate from the third year of high school this year and get accepted into my dream university, you must come back here and listen to what I have to say."

Liu Hui started, watching as Xiao Yao retrieved a small box from her bosom. She tucked this little box between the fingers of the nearby standing Bodhisattva statue, saying, "Uncle, I am hiding this small box here now. Only the two of us know this spot. If I really do graduate and get into my desired university, I will tell you what’s in my heart here, and then you will give me what is in this box back, okay?"

Liu Hui wanted to refuse, but seeing the heartbroken look in Xiao Yao's eyes softened him again. He murmured vaguely, "We'll discuss it then!"

Xiao Yao instantly brightened. She took Liu Hui’s hand and said, "I'll take that as a yes. Oh, you haven't visited this temple before, have you? I’ll give you a tour! The scenery here is actually quite beautiful."

, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~, ~, ~, ~, ~~~, ~, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~, ~~~

Two months later, as Liu Hui felt a touch of boredom in his office, several of his closest brothers suddenly showed up. Not only Zhou Tengyun and Yue Wang from the "City of Starlight," but even Mei Peng, who usually stayed on Apex Star, had returned. They settled into Liu Hui’s office, claiming they were there to brief him on recent work progress.

Liu Hui was, despite himself, very pleased to see his three brothers appear together. He joked, "You claim you're here to report on work, but I suspect you’re actually here to fleece the rich, divide the spoils, and freeload off me, right?"

Mei Peng chuckled, "Boss, while we have certainly done such things before, you don’t have to keep bringing it up, do you? Actually, we are here this time because we have genuinely important matters to discuss. Third Brother, Fourth Brother, am I right?"

Zhou Tengyun and Yue Wang nodded repeatedly. Zhou Tengyun said, "Third Brother, we truly do have something serious to discuss with you."

Liu Hui grew curious. "What matter requires our consultation that you have to be so mysterious about it? Go on and tell me?"

Yue Wang explained, "Boss, the people we represent today are not entirely ourselves. In fact, we represent all the senior leadership of the 'City of Starlight.'"

Since this occasion was an informal meeting among brothers, Yue Wang still addressed Liu Hui as 'Boss.'

Mei Peng added, "That's right, Boss. This time, we truly are here representing the entire executive body of the 'City of Starlight' to discuss an extremely important and serious matter with you."

Liu Hui became increasingly bewildered. "What is this crucial matter? Could you just tell us already..."

Zhou Tengyun stated, "Boss, our 'City of Starlight' is a very unique entity. We have achieved immense success, achievements perhaps unprecedented and unrepeatable. Yet, this organization that achieved such greatness is merely a city. Don't you find that strange?"

Liu Hui replied, "What’s so strange about that? If the 'City of Starlight' isn't a city, what else could it be?"

Mei Peng proposed, "Boss, given the current international standing of the 'City of Starlight,' establishing a nation wouldn't even be questionable, would it?"

Liu Hui paused, "Are you telling me that you’ve come here to persuade me to use the 'City of Starlight' as the foundation for establishing a country?"

Yue Wang confirmed, "Precisely. We are here to urge you to found a nation. This isn't just our collective opinion; it’s the sentiment of all the 'City of Starlight' leaders. They just don't dare approach you directly, which is why we were invited here as lobbyists."

Liu Hui stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Although the 'City of Starlight' lacks the title of a nation, it already possesses the substance of one. Is there really such a huge difference whether we formalize it or not?"

Mei Peng argued, "Boss, without a formal state, certain actions lack legitimacy. Right now, our 'City of Starlight' is immensely powerful and can suppress resistance from other nations. But what if we weaken in the future? If they claim our governance over them is illegal and rise up against us, what then?"

Zhou Tengyun elaborated, "Boss, the 'City of Starlight' is effectively split into two parts: the city on Earth and the human settlements on Mars. These two parts are extremely far apart. If they aren't connected by the nominal unity of a single state, aren’t you afraid they might fracture?"

Yue Wang added his point, "Boss, only when we have a common, dependable organization worth striving for can all of us truly unite and ignite our fervor for work! The current city-organization named 'City of Starlight' absolutely cannot achieve this effect. The only thing that can accomplish this is a nation."

Liu Hui ran a hand through his hair. "I was planning to maintain the identity of the 'City of Starlight'; I never considered the issues you mention. Do we truly have to establish a country?"

Mei Peng, Zhou Tengyun, and Yue Wang spoke in unison, "Boss, of course we must establish a nation! How else can your ideals be realized?"

Liu Hui considered this. "I will keep this matter in mind. If it proves absolutely necessary, I will consider founding a country."

Mei Peng pressed, "Boss, don't hesitate any longer. Everyone has actually been planning the foundation of a nation already. Don't dampen their enthusiasm! They’ve even come up with a name for the country for you."

Liu Hui was intrigued. "They’ve already decided on a name? What did they choose?"

Zhou Tengyun announced, "The Starlight Empire!"

Liu Hui was startled. "The Starlight Empire? Does that mean there will be an Emperor involved?"

Yue Wang confirmed, "Since the name of the state is an Empire, naturally there must be an Emperor..."

Liu Hui's expression hardened. "Absolutely not. Even if we establish a nation, it absolutely cannot be an Empire. The concept of an Emperor is something history has already discarded and must never reappear in human society."

Mei Peng countered, "Boss, 'City of Starlight' transforming into the Starlight Empire, with you as the founding Emperor—what's wrong with that?"

Liu Hui stated coldly, "My ideal is to establish a utopian society, one filled with fairness, transparency, and justice, devoid of corruption and privilege. Therefore, I absolutely forbid the emergence of anything like an Emperor. If that is the required path, I would rather not found a nation."

Zhou Tengyun reasoned, "Boss, we understand what you are worried about. While you are alive, having risen from ordinary people, you understand the hardships of the populace, and you constantly remember your grand ideals. Thus, you can guide the entire nation’s construction according to your vision of a perfect society. But what if, after you are gone, the successor Emperor destroys this ideal society you painstakingly built? Is that your concern?" Liu Hui nodded. "Yes, that is precisely my apprehension. I would rather resolutely reject the Imperial system now than allow this nation to be ruined by a future Emperor. Relatively speaking, I prefer establishing a democratic nation."

Yue Wang laughed lightly. "Boss, your worry would hold weight for the first few decades. Why? Because the lifespan of people back then was too short. Even if they became Emperors, their reigns lasted only a few decades at most, leading to frequent successions and administrative chaos that caused social instability. However, now, due to rapid advancements in gene technology, our lifespans extend beyond two hundred years. This means you can remain active for at least two centuries. During these two centuries, as the Emperor of an Empire, you can completely mold the country according to your vision, shaping it into the society you desire. If you build this into a democratic nation, and then, should an unforeseen event cause you to lose control over the state, and other leaders take over, only to dismantle all your life's work—what would you do then?"

Listening to Yue Wang, Liu Hui sighed deeply. "At this stage, I won't hide it from you anymore. In my original plan, once the 'City of Starlight' was completely stable, I intended to depart and wander the cosmos. I killed so many people on Earth; my accumulated sins are too great, and I have no face left to remain here."

Mei Peng and the other two were shocked by Liu Hui’s words and hurriedly protested, "Boss, you cannot leave us! The 'City of Starlight' is your creation, essentially your private domain. You are our pillar; if you leave, no one can sustain the 'City of Starlight,' and it will likely collapse immediately..."

Liu Hui countered, "I’m not leaving immediately, not until the 'City of Starlight' is fully stable. Besides, I’ve dedicated so many years to the 'City of Starlight'; can’t I have my own life?"

Mei Peng urged him on, "Boss, if that's the case, you should definitely become the Emperor. Only then will your power be maximally centralized, allowing the nation to develop faster and more stably. That way, when you finally decide to leave, the foundation you laid will prevent it from crumbling!"

Zhou Tengyun intervened, "Boss, you cannot leave the 'City of Starlight' within the next fifty years, because the 'City of Starlight' cannot function without you for at least five decades. They genuinely cannot imagine what they would do if you departed."

Yue Wang offered a compromise, "Boss, how about this: when we establish the nation, we still institute the Imperial system, allowing you to focus entirely on guiding society according to your pace. Then, when you wish to leave, you can gradually transition the nation from Imperial rule to a democratic system. However, I agree with the Third Brother: your tenure as Emperor cannot be short; it must not be less than fifty years."

Liu Hui blinked, "Fifty years? Doesn't that mean it will be a very long time from now?"

Mei Peng advised, "Boss, try investigating this yourself. If the citizens of Starlight learn that you are unwilling to be their Emperor, or that you plan to leave after just a few decades on the throne, they surely won't let you go. Some extremists might even commit suicide in front of you."

Zhou Tengyun affirmed, "That's right. You have always been their Boss; you solved countless problems for them, and they have become dependent on you to fix things. You are their central pillar. It would be strange if they weren't panicked by your potential departure."

Yue Wang concluded, "Therefore, once you accept the role of Emperor, they will be at ease, because an Emperor like you will not exploit them but will plan for their welfare. They will support you forever."

Liu Hui muttered to himself, "Is this position of Emperor truly that crucial?"

Mei Peng and the other two stated together, "Yes, the position of Emperor is critically important. It is now tied to the very survival of our 'Starlight Empire.'"

Hearing the words of the three, Liu Hui felt his resolve waver. If he truly chose to leave the "City of Starlight," would it really descend into collapse as they claimed?

"Starfall City" was the life's work of Liu Hui; if it truly collapsed, it would send the entire society into chaos, resulting in countless deaths. At that point, forget about an ideal society—merely ensuring a stable community would be a miracle. If that were the ultimate outcome, how could he ever face those who followed him without reservation?

Liu Hui asked, "What if I only serve as emperor for ten years, and then choose to step down, would that be acceptable?"

Mei Peng, Zhou Tengyun, and Yue Wang spoke in unison, "Boss, that is absolutely not possible."

Liu Hui felt a touch of exasperation; in this world, there were actually people forcing someone to be an emperor. He sighed and said, "Then allow me to discuss it with my family. After all, being an emperor is no small matter..."