Chapter 35: The Mansion

Tang Xiao arrived at the Dawn City municipal building, where Graham was leading an administrative team to manage the city's operations.

Graham’s team worked in tandem with Daphne Clement’s team; the former handled the intricate, logistical details, while the latter focused on overarching planning. Clement was also responsible for coordinating and planning construction projects in outer space, and at times, resources produced by the interstellar mining stations were diverted to support Dawn City.

Tang Xiao’s visit to Graham was primarily regarding the master aerospace engineer. This expert’s field of study was vast, encompassing everything from aircraft engines and energy supply to aerodynamics and materials science. However, his requirements included a sufficiently luxurious detached residence, a large testing facility equipped with at least one wind tunnel laboratory, and a seasoned research team.

Tang Xiao needed to meet these conditions as soon as possible to awaken him and have him lead Feng Yongwang’s team to accelerate the development of the Wraith fighters. Yet, several days had passed without any progress, which made him increasingly anxious.

The recent bounty hunter attack served as a wake-up call. The technology from "Homeworld" that the mothership could seamlessly integrate—especially the early-stage tech—was leagues behind the standards of the "Star Wars" universe. It simply could not compete with the starships of this world. To ensure the safety of the mothership and the planet Dawn, the Wraith fighters had to be equipped immediately.

"Administrator, I truly apologize. We have already arranged for engineering teams to work overtime on the construction of the large testing site, and the production lines on the mothership have been prioritized for manufacturing the necessary experimental equipment. But the problem is... we simply cannot find a 'luxurious residence' as the master expert requires," Graham explained to Tang Xiao, sweating profusely.

"Is a mansion really harder to provide than a laboratory filled with precision instruments?" Tang Xiao frowned, dissatisfied with the answer.

"We have no source for the furniture, decorations, carpets, crystal chandeliers, or antiques that a mansion requires!" an administrator added, wiping sweat from his brow.

Tang Xiao paused, almost blurting out a curse word before swallowing it. He composed himself and sighed. "It is the year 1202; why do you still think a mansion must be filled with those things?"

He immediately saw both the cause of the problem and the solution.

"Administrator, your wisdom and knowledge are beyond our reach. Please, guide us," the administrator said, bowing his head.

"Let’s go take a look at the mansion you’ve prepared for him," Tang Xiao said, beckoning them.

Graham and several administrators hurriedly followed him to the outskirts of Dawn City. The site was situated by a lake, adjacent to an open-air farm, and was indeed a scenic location. A two-story villa had been built there; its design was elegant and unique, showing that the architect had put in genuine effort. However, the interior was completely empty, and the backyard featured a half-dug hole intended for a swimming pool.

"Administrator, this..."

"Enough, I know," Tang Xiao said, waving his hand to interrupt Graham. He gestured to the surrounding space. "We all came from concrete jungles, but who told you that luxury requires velvet carpets and crystal chandeliers? Nowadays, the trend is to return to nature. Look at those—ahem, look at those wealthy people; don't they all buy estates in the countryside?"

The administrators scrambled to take notes.

Tang Xiao walked to a window and gestured toward the pristine, natural landscape outside. "To have a mansion, one must return to nature! See those wildflowers? Have someone transport them here. What? Just a pot? That’s only enough to decorate a bathroom! I want them planted all around every room!"

"And look at this exterior wall—no tiles or paint, right? See those vines on the trees? Pull them over and wrap the entire house in them. One layer isn't enough; make it two! Find someone to place a few bird nests near the windows. Waking up to the sound of birds and the scent of flowers—isn't that far more luxurious than your crystal chandeliers?"

"And the swimming pool! Yes, go to the lake, scoop up some water plants, and throw them in. Find some fishermen and get a few brightly colored fish! Arrange the water plants in a heart shape; that’s what we call romantic!"

"Furniture? That’s even simpler! Isn't solid wood furniture the most popular thing right now? Go to the forest, saw down a few trees—isn't that solid wood? No Golden Nanmu? This is planet Dawn, not Earth! If there’s no Golden Nanmu, just use that! Look, isn't that tree red? Saw it down, bring it over!"

"Who told you to strip the bark and branches? Keep them! Leave them all! We want it raw and natural! Just saw a section of the tree, split it in half, attach some legs, and there’s your table! How eco-friendly and green is that?"

"Flooring? You don't know how to make wood floors? Just strip the bark and branches, and level it out. Then add a few rugs. Where to get rugs? Didn't I see someone shearing the Ewoks yesterday? Trade them some chocolate, get a bunch of fur, and glue it together—done!"

"The bed is the easiest part! Return to nature, do you understand? Didn't the agricultural department spend yesterday weeding? Go get some grass, pile it in a circle, and cover it with wheat stalks. Watch your tone! Who said this was a pigsty? Graham, mark it down to deduct half a month’s wages from that man. Ahem, if you think wheat stalks aren't high-class enough, use furs! Furs are high-class, right?"

"Right, furs! How to get them... oh, didn't I see the Marines hunting those dangerous beasts the other day? Yes! Have them hunt a few more! Send a sharpshooter—aim for the eyes or the mouth, just don't ruin the pelt! Skin them entirely, and yes, lay it right on the bed! Don't cut off the head! That’s the essence! Keep the skull too!"

"See? Every night, surrounded by the fragrance of plants, breathing in the scent of grain, and sleeping on the pelt of a beast—how much prestige is that? What is luxury? This is luxury! If you don't believe me, go check the city center—how much does a house like this sell for? 100,000 per square meter? That’s the starting bid! What? You want one for me too? No need, I’ll suffer through it and make do on the mothership."