Chapter 11: Three Demands

But reality has never been swayed by one's will.

Xiao Ningxue had just been immersed in the joy of receiving her own Light Brain, paying no attention to her surroundings.

Now, upon closer inspection, she noticed that the staff at the application office were all subtly glancing at her and then at the Light Brain, exchanging knowing looks with each other.

Could she not understand what this implied?

It was clearly about her!

Her Light Brain and identity had both been processed by this office—they must know who she really was.

Or, thinking even deeper, her identity as a Botanist might have been leaked from within their ranks!

Xiao Ningxue closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.

This time, Hu Lingfei was busy on the battleship, so Qin Yixuan accompanied Xiao Ningxue to collect the Light Brain.

Seeing her expression, Qin Yixuan pondered briefly, then took out his own Light Brain to examine it, his face darkening.

Xiao Ningxue composed herself and gave Qin Yixuan a forced smile, her eyes cold as she said, “Truly worthy of the Federation—always so well-informed. I suppose the cooperation between the Federation and the Empire must be very close, with no secrets at all.”

Xiao Ningxue and Qin Yixuan were personally received by the director of the application office, and the three sat together in the hall.

Originally, the director wanted to invite them into his office, but Xiao Ningxue felt that since she only needed to test the Light Brain and leave, there was no need to go out of the way; she simply started fiddling with it at the reception table in the hall.

Once she sat down, Qin Yixuan and the director naturally stayed, accompanying her as she familiarized herself with the new Light Brain.

Her remark was made openly in front of Qin Yixuan and all the staff, her casual tone like an invisible slap across their faces.

The relationship between the Federation and the Empire was maintained solely by the Zerg.

It was well known that if there were no external threats among humans, internal strife was inevitable.

Though the Federation and the Empire appeared inseparable, both nations were secretly holding their breath, each hoping to surpass the other.

Xiao Ningxue’s words instantly brought to Qin Yixuan’s mind the issue of confidential documents being leaked.

The director’s face grew even grimmer.

He subtly shot a glare at the onlookers, who immediately snapped back to their “work” mode, their expressions serious as if the documents in their hands were unsolved mysteries of the universe.

The director forced a smile and said, “Esteemed Botanist, the breach of your identity is our office’s fault. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused…”

Xiao Ningxue listened impatiently, her frown deepening.

Because as the director spoke, he even suggested that this office incident had somehow helped her gain the attention of a distinguished female?

The director grew more convinced of his reasoning.

Before him was a young male with rosy lips and pearly teeth, his skin smooth and soft-looking—the type favored by females. To be favored by the most beautiful female and to enter her chambers would be the highest honor for this young male!

Xiao Ningxue felt the anger inside her growing, tighter and tighter…

Until it finally clogged up completely!

Just kidding.

Her face darkened further as the director continued his voluble speech.

Qin Yixuan, seeing that the director’s words had hit Xiao Ningxue’s sensitive spot, quickly interrupted, “Mr. Xiao, I will give you an explanation regarding this matter.”

Xiao Ningxue’s expression was utterly grim. “An explanation? What can you explain? Are you able to take down the trending topics or stop those females???”

Even Qin Yixuan could not.

In the interstellar society, females held a very high status, and laws placed many restrictions on males, reminiscent of ancient constraints imposed on women.

But there were hardly any limitations on females.

If they wanted two more males, the internet would not criticize them; instead, they would be praised as charming and beautiful, while their males were disparaged in the same breath, with offers to share their beds.

Qin Yixuan said, “I can clarify things online… and offer a… 200-cubic-meter space ring as an apology, and next month… everything will proceed as usual.”

Xiao Ningxue’s cooperation with the military was not something to be discussed here.

After her previous words, Qin Yixuan did not fully trust the people here.

Moreover, such matters were confidential even to the Crimson Blood Battleship and could not be aired publicly.

Two hundred cubic meters…

Xiao Ningxue’s anger slightly subsided.

She glared at the director, “This was your work’s failure. Isn’t it reasonable for me to make some demands?”

As the commander of a ship, Qin Yixuan chose to appease the situation; naturally, a small director like him had no authority to refuse.

“Mr. Botanist, you name it. As long as it’s within my power, I will comply!” The director’s confident demeanor vanished, now hoping only for Xiao Ningxue to calm down soon.

“First, my privacy and information rights were violated by you, causing me psychological harm and irreparable disturbances in my life. I demand financial compensation. That’s not unreasonable, right?” Xiao Ningxue composed herself, conveniently applying the legal knowledge she had been studying tirelessly on the battleship.

The director began sweating, “Of course, rest assured, I will apply for the highest standard of compensation.”

Xiao Ningxue was still not satisfied. “Second, find out who leaked my information and punish them. I have just joined your Federation, but I am still a member with citizen rights. Their actions constitute national security violations and privacy breaches. According to the latest amended Federation laws, this crime carries a prison sentence of five to fifteen years. Am I not correct?”

The director wiped his brow, “Ah! Don’t worry, we will deal with it sternly.”

Seeing Xiao Ningxue was not finished, he inwardly groaned.

Xiao Ningxue continued, “Third…”

She paused briefly, then carefully organized her words and resumed, “The trending topics have caused me great distress. My final request is that the esteemed females cease focusing their attention on me.”

Seeing the director’s incredulous expression, Xiao Ningxue realized her request was extraordinary. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she decided to explain: “Our species forbids intermarriage with outsiders, or severe punishment will follow.”

Her words fell into a heavy silence.

Everyone in the application office hall, without exception, instinctively looked at her.

Their gazes were indescribably complex.

Qin Yixuan was no exception.

Looking at her delicate face, his first reaction was an unexpected sense of loss.

His mind involuntarily recalled the sensation of their first touch when they met…

Realizing what he was thinking, Qin Yixuan wished he could slap himself awake on the spot.

Qin Yixuan! She is a male!

Xiao Ningxue looked resolutely at the director.

The director replied, “We can only do our best in that regard.”