004. The Three-Year Deadline Has Arrived, Dragon King Please Enter the Prison to Eat Pork Cutlet Rice
Twin Star University is the public institution of higher learning that students in the Frost-Plated Republic dream of attending. Even in the capital city of Twin Star, where various private colleges gather, frequented by the children of high-ranking officials and wealthy tycoons, in the hearts of the Frost-Plated people, no school compares to Twin Star University, which was personally approved and established by the Twin Star Queens.
With the best scientific research equipment, the most extensive library collections, and even a comprehensive education system for training extraordinary individuals like [Biochemists] and [Mechanics], Twin Star University holds a unique political position and is the only institution in Frost-Plated with Beta-level extraordinary individuals on staff.
Every graduation season, major companies and government units eagerly recruit from Twin Star University. It can be said that this place gathers the nation's elite, and those who can enter Twin Star University and successfully graduate are almost destined to become part of the ruling class.
However, for Li Huixi, a second-year student in the economics and management department, life at this school was extremely stressful.
As soon as Professor Feisimi's National Economics class ended, Li Huixi ejected the teaching chip and rushed to the restroom, not even acknowledging the little rich girl Linda, who usually fawned over her.
She closed and locked the stall door, opened her terminal, stood on the toilet seat, and nervously dialed her home number.
"Do... do... click."
Before she could hear a voice, she shouted:
"Hey! Mom! Why hasn't this month's money been transferred? Did Aozi die out there?"
"Sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable."
"Tsk! What are you old folks doing? Why aren't you answering at such a crucial time?!"
Impatiently, Li Huixi dialed again, and suddenly there was a knock on the locked stall door.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Hey, I'm in here!"
Li Huixi shouted anxiously without turning her head.
"We are looking for you, Ms. Li Huixi."
A low, seductive female voice said, making Li Huixi's bionic eye pupils constrict. Her health monitoring system showed her heart rate skyrocketing to 135. She turned apologetically and opened the stall door—three female students, dressed plainly but in high-quality materials, appeared before her.
"Sorry, Luliwei. I didn't know it was you outside." Li Huixi forced a smile. "I'll pay back the money this month—"
"No, no, Ms. Li Huixi, you misunderstand. That was just a gift for you to play with."
The girl leading the trio spoke gently. Her golden twin-tails and natural tan skin, coupled with the unique changing patterns of high-end cybernetics, indicated her status as a wealthy family's daughter.
"Is... is that so?"
Li Huixi was about to cry.
The petite woman in front of her was Luliwei Aishta, the daughter of Congresswoman Katie Aishta.
Even in this elite school, she was among the top tier. Next month, Frost-Plated would hold mid-term elections, and Katie Aishta's 'People's Choice Party' was likely to win, defeating the current president's 'Progress Party'.
If that happened, this noble-looking student in front of her might become the daughter of the next female president.
Realizing this, Li Huixi could barely stand. Although she was taller than Luliwei, she could only lower her shoulders and hang her head, not daring to meet her eyes.
"Of course, it was my invitation to Eibor's party. It was just an accident that you spilled red wine on an artwork. Such trivial matters, I, Luliwei, can still afford."
Nonsense—Li Huixi thought—she had searched online; the oil painting "The Grand Display of Telaji" was so precious that even the most advanced robots couldn't easily repair it. Fixing it would cost at least ten million Derbies.
Ten million Derbies was an astronomical figure. Even as a student of a prestigious university, she wouldn't earn that much in twenty years, even if she didn't eat or drink.
"Really, thank you..."
Just as Li Huixi finished speaking, Luliwei changed the topic:
"However, compared to the painting, a prominent figure is more interested in you."
She stepped forward, gently brushing Li Huixi's bangs aside. Unlike her brother's pale skin, Li Huixi had a soft amber complexion, her features well-defined, exuding an air of sophistication that matched the aesthetic preferences of Frost-Plated's upper class.
"—Are you saying I should sell myself to pay off the debt?"
Li Huixi trembled upon hearing this.
Attending a school full of intellectual elites, she had heard about the entertainment activities of the upper class. Even daughters of provincial-level officials sometimes casually mentioned things that shocked her for a whole year.
The perverse hobbies of the elite were unimaginable. Many men and women had been ruined by their whims.
"You misunderstand. It's just a normal social gathering. With your knowledge and demeanor, you're far above that."
Luliwei gently patted Li Huixi's cheek:
"Think about it. If you've decided, come to the auditorium of the comprehensive building before Friday. The famous conductor Mr. Karon will host a wonderful exhibition there. Wear the dress I sent you—don't wear this tacky sweatshirt, or you'll look like a rustic bumpkin to Mrs. Hofska."
She chuckled and left with her followers, leaving Li Huixi slumped on the toilet, expressionless and dazed.
It's over.
—A normal social gathering? Then why sneak her out of school during the concert when no one is watching?
It's completely over.
—Above that? Mrs. Hofska, such a powerful figure, had the right to demand anything. Once there, could she really have any say?
It's all fucking over.
—She would be defiled, her soul eroded. Those malicious things would lure her into an abyss of no return.
Damn it, what should I do?
What would her family think if they knew the trouble she had caused despite their sacrifices to get her into this top university?
Li Huixi sat on the toilet, biting her thumb nail, trembling. Her stomach growled; she couldn't even afford the school's cafeteria lunch.
"It's been a week. Didn't Li Aozi go out to earn money? Why hasn't he sent any yet?!"
Li Huixi picked up her personal terminal, desperately refreshing her bank account screen.
Damn it, silent when needed most, after being cared for all these years.
"Even if he sells his ass or kidneys, he must earn money. Without it, how can I survive in the capital? If I don't earn, who will support this broken family?"
When her classmates talked about the future, they either planned to study abroad in Red Arrow or emigrate to Zhengxu for high welfare. At worst, they aimed for civil service jobs.
Hurry up and send money. Damn, Li Aozi, always useless when needed, only licking his face when not needed, promising to support the family.
Without even considering his own capabilities, after coming to the capital, Li Huixi quickly realized the absurdity of those patriarchal ideas: Frost-Plated girls don't need Frost-Plated men to protect them.
In her view, the biggest progress after coming to the capital was understanding this: there was no need to be grateful to a poor original family. In fact, they hindered her development.
"People are selfish. When Li Aozi sends the money, I'll have a good meal and find a part-time job in the afternoon. No matter what, I'll pay off the debt myself and completely cut ties with that backward, outdated family."
She thought for a moment and decided to call Li Aozi.
Although she never liked having a man in the family, especially one who looked good but never used his looks to help the family, after all, he was just a second son, knowing neither sacrifice nor gratitude, always dreaming of going to college—leaving aside the facts, how many men could succeed even if they went to college?
But now, as his elder sister, a few comforting words, a show of sympathy, might get him to send money early.
If necessary, she could ask him to take out a loan, sell his eyes, testicles, and kidneys, whatever. She needed money now. As a secondary school graduate, what could he do? At most, security or delivery jobs, earning two to three thousand Derbies a month. But as a prestigious university graduate, she could start with thirty to fifty thousand Derbies a month, and a million a year wasn't impossible.
It was just some money... she could always replace his organs with prosthetics later.
As she refreshed the page for the 27th time, her finger accidentally hit a news pop-up. Before she could react, the video started playing:
"Shocking! After 214 years, Frost-Plated issues a global manhunt again!"
The striking yellow font and AI-generated voice grabbed her attention. Just as she was about to close it, the background revealed a handsome male face.
"Take a good look, this man is named Li Aozi. He's said to be from the remote village of Fengrao in Jianning County, Yaoguang City, Frost-Plated."
...Huh?
"Charged by the Frost-Plated Prosecutor's Office with treason, espionage, murder, terrorism, intentional injury, arson, assault on the military, obstruction of justice, and insulting women, he is currently wanted globally by bounty hunters commissioned by the Frost-Plated government."
Wait, wait? What's going on?
Could that well-behaved, timid little vase of a brother do such things?
"According to the Rule Four agency's investigation, a month ago, Li Aozi, working as a bank security guard, deliberately killed his colleague, set fire to rob the bank, making off with millions in cash, and quickly colluded with the rebellious Rose Army. During this time, he also attacked the Abyss Humanitarian Relief Organization, committing heinous acts. Agents discovered that Li Aozi was well-versed in Red Arrow's culture and could sing Red Arrow's national anthem, strongly suggesting he is a Red Arrow Empire spy—Red Arrow Empire has made no comment."
Li Huixi was dumbfounded.
Her classmates dreamed of going to Red Arrow Empire to enjoy the benefits of monetary dominance, yet her cowardly brother... was already a spy for Red Arrow?
What a joke, what did her hard-earned university admission mean now?
"The Frost-Plated government has issued a high bounty equivalent to a ninety-year property in the capital city of Twin Star, valued conservatively at twenty million Derbies. They have also permanently frozen all related financial accounts to prevent terrorists from transferring funds. Li Aozi is currently being pursued."
At that moment, Li Huixi received a text message informing her that due to malicious activities, her account was listed as a high-risk account and had been frozen.
Her face turned green instantly.
Why? She hadn't done anything; why should she be implicated for the mistakes of that weakling brother?
"Law IV agency spokesperson Ms. Lieberolle stated: We are collecting evidence, and due to the severity of Li Aozi's crimes, we do not wish for his female relatives to suffer online violence. Please do not extend malicious intent to Li Aozi's female family members. We will provide protective custody for the criminal's family."
Knock, knock, knock—
The stall door was knocked, and a low female voice said:
"Law IV Special Agent Case, Ms. Li Huixi, come with us."
Gulp...
Li Huixi swallowed hard, nearly suffocating, dropping her terminal. The AI-generated voice continued:
"Regarding this matter, the editor believes: Such men are truly terrifying. As viewers, if you had such a family member, what would you think?"