Feng Mo entered the reception hall with Ai Er, Kailan, and Chu Yunjian by his side. The hall was staffed entirely by lifelike androids, controlled by a single smart terminal for efficient operation. The Federation's advancements in automation made life easier, but they were cautious about fully intelligent systems. Starships and mechs, for instance, relied on semi-intelligent systems, lacking self-learning capabilities.
In contrast, the southern regions of the Federation had minimal automation, with humans manually operating machinery due to the ongoing conflict with the Mechanoid Race. High levels of automation there risked turning their technology into tools for the enemy.
This reception was a large social event, and upon entering, Ai Er and Kailan found a quiet corner where they exchanged notes on how best to handle Feng Mo. Chu Yunjian, meanwhile, led Feng Mo around to meet the various elites who collaborated with the Chu family. Though Feng Mo had made a name for himself, most people were still courteous due to his connection with the Chu family. They complimented him generously, building relationships that could prove useful in the future.
True connections, as Feng Mo understood, weren't defined by people helping you directly in times of need. Real connections were those who, even in the face of opposing forces, chose to stay neutral or, at the very least, refrained from kicking you when you were down.
After making introductions with Chu Yunjian, Feng Mo returned to the corner where Ai Er and Kailan were waiting. He took a drink from Ai Er's hand, passed it to Chu Yunjian, then picked up a glass of red wine and downed it in one go.
"Most of the people I introduced you to work with the Chu family. It's enough to get acquainted and say hello; there's no need to become too close. They're typical businessmen, focused solely on profits," Chu Yunjian whispered in his ear, then playfully kissed his earlobe.
Feng Mo wrapped his arm around her waist, giving her a gentle squeeze, which earned him a few playful eye rolls from her. Leaning in, her cheeks slightly flushed, she whispered, "I'm ticklish."
Those three simple words, spoken with a hint of intoxicated allure, were almost more than he could bear. The tantalizing whisper in his ear made his heart race.
"Don't start. We're surrounded by guests, and you're the prestigious Miss Chu," Feng Mo replied, carefully choosing his words. Her teasing had stirred him deeply, and he could hardly resist the urge to whisk her away. But here, at the reception, he had no choice but to hold back.
Seeing his discomfort, Chu Yunjian giggled softly, her laughter like the sound of delicate bells.
"Come on, someone important just arrived," she whispered, pulling him toward the center of the hall. This was where the true elites gathered; the earlier introductions had only been for those with minor influence.
"Second Uncle, Uncle Mo, Uncle Zheng."
Her voice preceded her as she approached the group.
Standing together in small clusters, the people Chu Yunjian led him to were indeed the higher echelon. Among them, Feng Mo only recognized one person: her second uncle, Xiang Rong, who had once helped by bringing in Professor Luo.
Xiang Rong chuckled as the couple approached, introducing them to the others, "Let me introduce Feng Mo to you all—he's the sweetheart of the Chu family's beloved daughter, and now, our son-in-law. He's a renowned starship designer across the Federation, and a young earl of the Yunshan Empire—a true prodigy!"
Xiang Rong didn't hold back with his praise. Modesty wasn't called for in these circles, and compliments from elders sounded both appropriate and impressive.
"Xiao Mo, this is Mo Congyun, Marquis of the Radiant Empire, Vice Commander of the Radiant Fleet, and a Lieutenant General. You can call him Uncle Mo," Xiang Rong introduced.
"Uncle Mo," Feng Mo greeted politely.
"I've heard of you—the Federation's youngest master starship designer! Your starships are popular; let me know when you release a T4 model. The Radiant Fleet would love to place an order," Mo Congyun replied with a smile, nodding at Chu Yunjian before addressing Feng Mo.
Chu Yunjian teased, "You heard that, Uncle Mo! Fengyun Starship Trading Company has already released five T3 starships that are selling well. When Feng Mo designs a T4 model, the Radiant Fleet should support us with a big order."
Mo Congyun laughed, pointing a playful finger at her, "Absolutely! Consider it done!" With this informal agreement, Feng Mo was now positioned to present his T4 designs to the Radiant Fleet, and as long as the performance met expectations, he could count on a contract with their military.
"You little rascal, always making deals. Let me introduce one more person," Xiang Rong said, giving Chu Yunjian a light scolding. "This is Zheng Tong, the head of intelligence for the Radiant Empire and a member of parliament. He's an old friend from my university days, so keep in touch with him."
"Uncle Zheng, I'm Feng Mo."
Zheng Tong greeted him with a warm smile, "I know all about you. Just yesterday, Duke Hua took a copy of your profile from the council's records."
The hint of concern in Zheng Tong's tone wasn't lost on Xiang Rong, who patted Zheng on the shoulder. "Thank you, old friend."
"Old Xiang, after all we've been through together, you don't need to thank me like this in front of the youngsters," Zheng said, pulling Mo Congyun and Xiang Rong aside for drinks. Meanwhile, Chu Yunjian led Feng Mo to a seat near the stage, where the night's entertainment was about to begin—a provocative dance performance with men and women alike.
The performers were all humans with a similar quality: the men were strikingly handsome, and the women alluring. Any guest could request a private engagement with a performer, simply by notifying a service robot and paying a small fee.
It was convenient and direct, a discreet outlet for powerful figures who wore the mask of duty and morality in public. Here, in the shadows, they could unwind and indulge.
Feng Mo watched as a noblewoman selected six men for the night, leaving him momentarily stunned. She seemed ready for a night of non-stop indulgence, switching partners in rotation.
Chu Yunjian leaned against Feng Mo, her eyes on the stage, and said quietly, "Every major family has political rivals or long-standing enemies, and the Chu family is no exception. The Hua family of Radiant Empire is a political adversary, and Duke Hua personally requested your profile. Clearly, your talents have caught their attention. But rest assured, whether in the Radiant Empire or the Storm Star System, they can't lay a finger on you."
"Let them come. I've faced plenty of enemies and don't mind one more," Feng Mo replied, casting a look at the increasingly debauched scene in the hall. "Let's leave; this place is no longer suitable."
The other women nodded in agreement, and they made their way out of the hall.
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