Chapter 2 - A New Home

In the year when the villain turned nineteen, his father, the admiral, decided to remarry. This turn of events saddened readers, as they couldn't fathom why such an esteemed father would have a villainous son who couldn't get along with the male protagonist. Despite the admiral never forcing his son to acknowledge his new stepmother's existence, he went ahead and married her.

The stepmother, who became an afterthought throughout the story, was often referred to as a background character with minimal appearances. Hu Yufeng, now embodying the role of the stepmother, couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loneliness. However, it became evident that the villain's father held no affection for his new wife.

If Hu Yufeng hadn't lost her life at the hands of her mentor, she wouldn't have accepted the notion of being relegated to a grave without having experienced love to its fullest. Yet, she recollected the words of the fortune-telling masters who had advised her, "Your fate is in another realm. Love yourself more and wait for the right time." She instantly entered a state of rejecting romantic pursuits, no longer burdened by earthly desires.

Now, she embraced her identity as a married woman and led a quiet and uneventful life. A week had passed since Hu Yufeng's transmigration, and through diligent investigation, she had gathered many pieces of information that shed light on her current situation. She discovered that the original Hu Yufeng had also been a scientist who had suffered an injury two years ago, significantly reducing her chances of conceiving.

This made her virtually useless in her profession and as a woman. Unexpectedly, before she resigned, the admiral compensated her for her service and even proposed marriage, leaving Hu Yufeng dumbfounded and desperately searching for answers. "What could be the goal of the admiral for marrying this sick body? If not for childbirth and not for mothering a motherless son, what could it be then?"

It had been a few days since she arrived at the admiral's main residence. Previously, she had been stationed at the border, helping to defend citizens against bandit invasions and occasional encounters with the Zergs while completing her final experimental mission. Due to the nature of her work, she had spent a year apart from the admiral, barely having any contact with him, let alone meeting her stepson.

In the interstellar era, technological advancements had revolutionized how people lived. The large mansion where Hu Yufeng currently resided stood atop a magnificent mountain, boasting state-of-the-art security systems. The pinnacle of home automation was embodied by the presence of three 4S robotic butlers, which provided round-the-clock professional services to cater to every need.

These robotic butlers were equipped with advanced AI, capable of anticipating and fulfilling the occupants' desires with utmost precision and efficiency. In addition to the butlers, numerous robotic servants effortlessly carried out various household tasks, ensuring a seamless and comfortable living experience. The original host of Hu Yufeng's body and her husband had celebrated their wedding the previous year, although it had been a relatively simple affair.

However, considering the circumstances, it was understandable why the event had been modest. After all, the villain had already reached the age of nineteen that year, and rebellion was looming on the horizon. As a responsible father, the admiral had to carefully consider his son's emotions and maintain a delicate balance within the family dynamic.

Within the interstellar era, societal norms had undergone significant changes. The concept of the family had evolved, encompassing a broader definition that emphasized understanding, empathy, and compromise. The admiral's role as a father extended beyond merely asserting his authority; he sought to foster an environment where his son felt heard and respected. In this advanced society, emotional intelligence and communication were valued as much as military prowess and strategic thinking.

As Hu Yufeng adjusted to her new life, she explored the vast residence, acquainting herself with its grandeur and history. She marveled at the intricate architecture and the remnants of battles fought and victories won, immersing herself in the admiral's legacy. However, her desire to understand the dynamics of her relationship with the admiral and her stepson grew with each passing day.

She yearned to bridge the gap between them and uncover the truth behind the admiral's decision to marry her. Additionally, she couldn't help but wonder how her presence would impact the story's trajectory and if she could alter the fates of the characters around her.

Hu Yufeng's scientific mind, driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, compelled her to delve into the admiral's archives, meticulously studying historical records and confidential files. Through this exploration, she discovered clues and hints, slowly piecing together the puzzle of her newfound existence.

Outside the confines of the mansion, the interstellar era flourished with remarkable advancements in transportation, communication, and entertainment. Space travel had become common, enabling individuals to traverse galaxies easily. Advanced spacecraft and interstellar highways connected civilizations, promoting cultural exchange and cooperation on an unprecedented scale. It was not uncommon for people to embark on interstellar vacations, visit distant planets, and experience diverse cultures, languages, and customs.

Communication technology has also reached extraordinary heights. Holographic displays and immersive virtual reality systems allow individuals to interact with others across vast distances as if they were in the same room. This facilitated seamless collaboration between scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs, sparking innovative breakthroughs in various fields.

In terms of entertainment, the Interstellar era provided an abundance of options. Virtual reality games and simulations offered captivating experiences that transported individuals into vivid and thrilling worlds. Holodramas and immersive storytelling techniques captivated audiences, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. In this era, people could step into their favorite novels or movies, becoming active participants in the narrative.

Moreover, advancements in healthcare and longevity technology have significantly extended human lifespans. Diseases and ailments that were once considered incurable had become manageable, if not eradicated entirely. People could maintain youthful vitality and vigor well into their later years, contributing to a society enriched by the wisdom and experiences of its elderly population.

In the interstellar era, progress and innovation were not limited to technology alone. Society has evolved to embrace diversity, equality, and sustainability. Interplanetary organizations focus on preserving the environment, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring the well-being of all sentient beings.

"But food recipes and mutated plants still tasted bad no matter how expensive!"