When Liu Fei passed by Corrupt Street, he didn't linger. Corrupt Street formed an angle of nearly ninety degrees, described as one street but actually composed of two intersecting streets, with countless narrow alleys crisscrossing between them. For those unfamiliar with the layout, entering for the first time could evoke a sensation akin to entering a maze.
Corrupt Street is divided into two ends: one end opens into the school's perimeter wall, while the other end leads out onto a main street. The main reason for Corrupt Street's prosperity is that it offers a route through which one can reach the main street in half the time it takes through the school gate. Over the years, this has led to the abnormal prosperity of Corrupt Street.
...
Crossing Corrupt Street and emerging from the narrow alley, Liu Fei entered a main thoroughfare parallel to the grand entrance of the Zuoer Mecha University, less than two kilometers away. This bustling boulevard, about three kilometers from the university gate, was a renowned pedestrian street.
Though less than a kilometer in length, this street was the most famous pedestrian thoroughfare in the Zuoer Galaxy. Here, almost every luxury item in the Human Alliance could be found, and describing it as "every inch valuable" would not be an overstatement.
Even though it was already nine o'clock in the evening, the pedestrian street remained bustling. Hovercars and shuttle vehicles buzzed in and out of the parking lot at the entrance of the street, their rear ends emitting a slightly orange flame against the backdrop of the blue-green sky, appearing exceptionally vibrant.
"Cheng's Woodcarvings"
Walking less than two hundred meters into the pedestrian street, Liu Fei easily found his destination amidst the densely packed shops.
This particular shop was tiny, not exceeding thirty square meters in size. It lacked the flashy holographic signs typical of other shops, opting instead for a simple wooden sign carved with the words "Handcrafted Woodcarvings." The characters were bold and natural, with a touch of simplicity and elegance. Overall, the sign exuded a dispersed yet concentrated charm, carrying an enduring essence throughout.
Every time Liu Fei visited this shop, he couldn't help but stop and admire these four unsigned characters, as if they contained the vibrant essence of life itself.
One should not underestimate this small shop, as it boasted a history spanning centuries, tracing back to the era of the mother planet. Enduring the interstellar migrations and the rise of space mechanical civilization, shops like these, steeped in profound historical and cultural significance, were synonymous with luxury. The average person couldn't even dream of shopping here; the value of a single piece of handicraft here could easily equal a year's living expenses for an ordinary individual.
"Little Fei, you're here!" A graceful and slender young girl greeted him. She was about the same age as Liu Fei, dressed in a snow-white gown, exuding an air of elegance and purity. A hint of shy blush adorned her fair face, giving off an immensely tranquil aura.
"Mm," Liu Fei nodded slightly, his gaze not turning towards the girl's shy face but heading straight into the shop.
Outside the shop were several wooden display racks, with woodcarved crafts casually arranged on them. Inside the shop, there was a small workbench where an old man, with a snow-white beard and tall, slender figure, around eighty years old, was working with intense concentration. In his hands was a half-meter-tall sculpture of a general adorned in ancient armor, wielding a large sword, with fierce eyes and a towering stature.
Liu Fei recognized the figure wielding the crescent blade as Guan Yu, a formidable historical figure from Earth, renowned for his unparalleled valor and revered as a martial deity.
Seeing the old man engrossed in his work, Liu Fei didn't disturb him. Instead, he stood in front of the display racks, admiring some of the woodcarvings. Of course, what Liu Fei cared about more was whether his own creations had sold. Fortunately, only three of Liu Fei's carvings remained, indicating good recent business.
Liu Fei felt pleased; good business meant he could take on more projects.
"Please have some tea," the gentle voice of the young girl interrupted Liu Fei's thoughts. A pleasant fragrance filled the air, whether from the tea or the girl herself, Liu Fei couldn't quite tell, and he never bothered to dwell on such matters.
"Thank you," Liu Fei took the teacup and drank in one gulp, then handed the pristine porcelain cup back to the girl.
For Liu Fei, tea was simply for quenching thirst; he didn't think much of it. Therefore, he didn't notice the slight disappointment on the girl's face. Little did he know, the tea leaves used for this cup were part of the girl's precious collection, something her grandfather wouldn't even touch casually.
Liu Fei's gaze returned to the woodcarvings, studying the techniques involved.
As time passed, Liu Fei became completely absorbed in the intricacies of the carving techniques, losing track of time entirely. He didn't even notice when another customer arrived.
"How much for this piece?" The voice of the customer startled Liu Fei out of his reverie. Almost instinctively, Liu Fei distanced himself from the customer; he wasn't used to being so close to strangers.
"Mr. Wang, this is a half-body woodcarving of General Han Qing, crafted from rare and exquisite Moer Star's Yao Cai Huali wood, dense and heavy in texture, hence the slightly high price of eighty thousand Zuoer coins..." The girl's voice was extremely soft, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Liu Fei couldn't help but sneak a glance at the customer beside him because this half-body woodcarving of General Han Qing was his work. However, due to its high price and the unfamiliarity of people in the Zuoer Galaxy with General Han Qing's life story, the piece had been on display for over two months without any takers.
The customer was a man, over forty years old, tall and robust, with a dignified demeanor and a refined sense of style. His every movement exuded an air of authority, giving off an aura of quiet power.
"Well, I understand the high price given the Moer Star's Yao Cai Huali wood and the exquisite craftsmanship, but why is there no signature from Master Cheng?" The customer seemed knowledgeable, scrutinizing the woodcarving carefully.
In the woodcarving industry, renowned artists would often sign their works, and in shops like this with centuries of history, the authenticity of each piece sold could be verified.
"Long time no see, Mr. Wang. How have you been lately?" At this moment, the old man walked over, smiling at Liu Fei and nodding in greeting to the customer.
"Hehe, Mr. Wang, I'm doing alright, but Cheng lao is truly in great shape. His carving skills are sharp and flowing like clouds and water, becoming increasingly smooth. It's incredible that at his age, Cheng lao can still advance further in the art. It's a cause for celebration indeed." The customer known as Mr. Wang wore a smile on his face, clearly an acquaintance of Cheng lao.
"I'm ashamed, ashamed. But this half-body sculpture of General Han Qing is not the work of this old man." The old man chuckled and spoke calmly.
"Hmm... Could it be the work of Master Rodin? But no, if it were, it wouldn't be unsigned..." Mr. Wang first looked surprised, then puzzled.
"Hehe, Mr. Wang, you jest. This shop naturally cannot attract the attention of Master Rodin, nor accommodate his works. The owner of this piece is far away yet close at hand." The old man laughed heartily.
"Far away yet close at hand?!" Mr. Wang's gaze first fell on the girl, then shifted doubtfully to Liu Fei.
"It's him." The old man seemed unwilling to keep the mystery.
"Him?!" Mr. Wang looked incredulous. "So young?"
"I couldn't believe it myself, but there's no denying it." The old man sighed.
"Well, congratulations to Cheng lao. Truly, a master has produced an even greater disciple. The student surpasses the master indeed!" Mr. Wang cast a deep glance at Liu Fei.
"Wrong, he is not my disciple." The old man shook his head with a wry smile.
"Ah... Not a disciple?" Mr. Wang grew more astonished.
"It's a long story. Mr. Wang, you've been a longtime patron of this shop. Let's offer you a 30% discount for this half-body sculpture of General Han Qing."
"Thank you, Cheng lao."
Seemingly uninterested in discussing further about Liu Fei, neither the old man nor Mr. Wang pursued the topic. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mr. Wang paid and left. The half-body woodcarving of General Han Qing was neatly packed and stored away in his spatial button.
Although Liu Fei overheard the conversation between Cheng lao and Mr. Wang, he didn't dwell on it. While he knew he had remarkable talent in woodcarving, he never intended to make it his life's pursuit. His dream was to pilot mechas and roam the battlefields against alien threats.
Compared to the intricate wood, Liu Fei preferred the cold, metallic feel. Whenever his hands touched the cold metal, Liu Fei felt his soul stirring, an indescribable pleasure and excitement.
Cheng lao knew Liu Fei was a man of few words. After accepting Liu Fei's work and transferring a commission to his card, he returned to his work. Liu Fei took a piece of black wood and left without a word. There seemed to be an unspoken understanding between them; no more words were needed.
As Liu Fei walked out, the girl still held a cup of hot tea in her hands. Watching Liu Fei's figure recede, she opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
When Liu Fei disappeared into the bustling crowd, Cheng lao suddenly stopped his work, staring blankly in the direction Liu Fei had vanished, enveloping the shop in a heavy silence.
"Chen Chen, he didn't drink it. Give it to Grandpa, don't waste it." The old man sighed heavily.
"Grandpa..." The girl suddenly lowered her head, a blush spreading across her shy face, creeping up to her ears and neck, as if her crystal-clear white skin was set ablaze.
"Chen Chen, Liu Fei won't fancy a delicate girl like you." The old man stood up, towering over the girl, gently stroking her hair with affection.
"Why?" The girl lifted her charming face abruptly, her clear and bright eyes gazing at the old man, as if seeking answers from his face.
"Liu Fei's carving technique is magnificent and grand, flowing and natural. You can tell from his technique that he prefers a heroine with a heroic bearing, rather than a gentle and virtuous housewife..." The old man paused for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Grandpa has always pursued that majestic aura in carving techniques, yet he's always been a person who settles for the status quo, lacking ambition, confined to this small world. This is also the main reason why Grandpa couldn't surpass Master Rodin. It's a pity, a pity... Liu Fei's ambitions lie elsewhere. Otherwise, this shop would have had a successor. Ah..."
A quiet and somber atmosphere filled the shop. The old man wore a look of desolation, while the girl's expression fluctuated, as if pondering something deeply.
Liu Fei, naturally, was oblivious to what was happening in the shop. Since the death of Ironhead, besides mechas, there were few things left in this world that could stir Liu Fei's emotions.
Liu Fei's first encounter with mechas dates back to when he was five years old. He found a comic book about mechas from Ironhead, and from that moment on, he was deeply intrigued. Starting from the age of five, he spent most of his time on mechas. To gain a thorough understanding of mechas, at the age of eleven, Liu Fei even used a caliper to remeasure the ancient mecha he lived in...
For an eleven-year-old child to remeasure an ancient mecha was indeed a colossal and intricate undertaking. Caliper measurement was not as easy as holographic automatic scanning; it required complete manual operation, and even a single screw was a highly complex task.
...
When Liu Fei arrived home, it was already past ten o'clock, just twenty minutes before his bedtime. Liu Fei's daily routine was incredibly stable, unchanged for ten years.
After tidying up his room and doing some stretching exercises to relax his muscles and nerves, Liu Fei went to bed. The night passed without incident.
In the morning at five o'clock, Liu Fei got up from bed. In less than five minutes, he completed all his morning routines. Ten minutes later, he appeared outside a makeshift shack located five hundred meters away.
Outside the shack, piles of debris were stacked like mountains, emitting a pungent odor that almost engulfed half of the shack. The door of the shack was made of metal. Liu Fei pulled it instead of pushing, and upon hearing the metal friction from inside, he pushed it open.
Inside was a pitifully small shack. Although the door was sturdy and heavy, upon opening it, there was only a bed with barely any space to move around. Compared to the simplicity and frugality of the shack, Liu Fei's mecha seemed like a luxurious palace.