Above the Galaxy
Chapter 153 - 115, Riding Bird Youth!

Chapter 153: Chapter 115, Riding Bird Youth!

Listen to the words, hear the sound of drums and gongs.

Zhong Daolong, as the ruler of a nation, had told his daughter during her coming-of-age ceremony, "No matter where you are wronged, daddy will help you reclaim it many times over"...

What did this imply? Had the Old Land case not been closed?

Tang Fei had just publicly recounted the Princess’s encounter on the Old Land, were Zhong Daolong’s words a response to him? Had they reached some sort of tacit agreement?

The guests on the scene instantly interpreted countless versions and were pondering how to respond in their minds.

"Thank you, daddy," Phoenix said gratefully.

Zhong Daolong nodded, wiped the tears from the corners of Phoenix’s eyes, and said softly, "Proceed with the crown ceremony. Do not keep the guests waiting too long."

"Yes," Phoenix nodded.

She had just said she wanted to be the coolest Princess, but now she was the most obedient daughter at her father’s side.

The etiquette officer brought a white and gold court chair, Phoenix sat on the chair, and Zhong Daolong stood behind her for the "crown removal."

Before the crowning, the crown must be removed.

That is to remove the "Galaxy Sand" and then put on the more formal "Phoenix Dance Crown."

Zhong Daolong obviously was not adept at this task, under the guidance of the etiquette officer, he struggled mightily to remove the "Galaxy Sand" without ruining the hairstyle.

Then he carefully held up the Phoenix Dance Crown, brought on a tray by the etiquette officer, and carefully placed it on Phoenix’s head.

The body of the Phoenix Dance Crown was composed of a beautiful silver floral ring, surrounded by white diamonds. In the center of the ring, stood a lifelike, blood-red Phoenix ready to fly.

Exquisitely intricate and beautifully crafted.

It was truly a work of art.

With the Phoenix Dance Crown in place, the crown ceremony was officially complete. From this moment on, Zhong YuXiu Xue transformed from a little girl into a young woman.

From now on, she would be able to do many things only adults could do.

Of course, she would also bear many responsibilities and obligations only adults could bear, including complex social interactions...

"The ceremony is complete," the etiquette officer announced.

The applause was like thunder.

"Zhong Family has a daughter all grown up," Zhong Daolong, watching the Phoenix Dance Crown on Phoenix’s head wobbling as if it was about to fly into the sky, said with deep emotion, "From today, my precious daughter has grown up into a young lady..."

Zhong Daolong took a champagne glass from a servant and said, "Happy birthday to Phoenix."

"Happy birthday to the Princess," countless people raised their glasses in response.

"Happy birthday," Tang Fei, standing among the crowd, raised his glass and whispered.

Zhong Daolong drained the champagne in his glass and said aloud, "Thank you all for attending little Phoenix’s coming-of-age ceremony. I hope everyone drinks happily and enjoys themselves. I won’t disturb your fun any longer."

After saying that, he patted Phoenix on the shoulder, preparing to turn and leave.

He paused, as if remembering something, and looked down the stage and asked, "Where is Tang Fei?"

Boom...

The whole venue was in an uproar.

No one had expected that Zhong Daolong would call out Tang Fei at such an important occasion, at this time.

"What does the King mean? Does he intend to publicly grant Tang Fei an important status?"

"Does the King acknowledge Tang Fei’s relationship with the Princess? Really, as rumors say, planning to marry off his daughter?"

"This guy has struck it lucky, from now on, soaring to great heights..."

"Heh heh heh, soaring to great heights or a target for shooting... still uncertain."

"First, he defeated Qin Jianyi, and now he’s being personally received by the King. Anyway, he’s made quite the splash today..."

------

Boom!

Tang Fei felt his head explode.

He hadn’t expected Zhong Daolong to call him out at this time; he thought any time would be fine, but to choose such an occasion...

"What does he want to do?"

"Is he planning to kill me with kindness?"

"Or is his health failing, and he wants to entrust Phoenix to me?"

------

In an instant, his mind was in turmoil.

"Tang Fei....", Sheng Xinhua called out to remind him, "The King is waiting for you..."

"Bro, wake up..." Little Fatty also called out.

Little Fatty’s face was pale, looking even more nervous than Tang Fei, the person involved.

Tang Fei’s eyes suddenly cleared, he gathered his scattered thoughts, nodded to Little Fatty and Sheng Xinhua, and then walked decidedly toward one of the most powerful men on the planet, the Emperor of the Phoenix Empire, Zhong Daolong.

As he and Phoenix made eye contact, Phoenix nodded to him, signaling him not to panic, she had everything under control.

Tang Fei slightly reassured.

Tang Fei walked up to Zhong Daolong and, with a "plop," knelt down and spoke solemnly, "Tang Fei pays respect to Your Majesty the King... Thank you for graciously allowing my brother and me to migrate from the Old Land to New Star, so we can have this peaceful and fortunate life..."

"Allowing us to sleep well each day, to wear warm clothes, no longer needing to worry about acid rain and mutant beast attacks... allowing us to become citizens of the Phoenix Empire with dignity and aspirations..."

"Your Majesty’s great kindness, my brother and I don’t know how to repay..."

Zhong Daolong was startled by Tang Fei’s sudden kneeling and was stunned momentarily before he helped him up and said, "Why are you thanking me? I should be the one thanking you..."

Zhong Daolong pointed to Phoenix, who stood nearby with a clever and charming smile, and said, "Had you not intervened, Phoenix and I might never have had the chance to meet again, nor would we have this lively coming-of-age ceremony... Tell me, isn’t that a great accomplishment?"

"Your Majesty is too polite. I did something insignificant, but the Princess has already thanked me..."

His gaze drifted to Zhong Tianque, the Crown Prince standing behind Zhong Daolong, and he shyly smiled, saying, "Besides, the Crown Prince has given me a gun, and the Second Prince has given me a flying vehicle... Please, Your Majesty, do not give me anything more; the Royal Family’s favor... I’ve deeply felt it already, and truly, I don’t feel worthy..."

"..." Zhong Tianque.

"..." Zhong Tianyi.

Zhong Daolong, with a half-smile, looked at Tang Fei and said, "From what you’ve said, are you complaining that I haven’t given you anything?"

"How could I think such a thing? I’m just worried that Your Majesty is too enthusiastic, just like the Crown Prince and the Second Prince; I say no, yet you insist on giving..."

"It seems the Zhong Family are all very loyal and righteous. Those with grace must be rewarded, and debts must be paid."

"A model of virtue and loyalty," Tang Fei loudly praised, as smooth-talking as if it cost him nothing.

What dignity, what respect, what decency — he wanted none of it...

He found the right spot and licked with effort.

Licking his way to a future.

"Hahaha, interesting, really interesting..." Zhong Daolong chuckled as he regarded Tang Fei and said, "You’ve just arrived in New Star, got a school, a house, even a car... What should I give you? You seem to lack for nothing."

Tang Fei’s eyes wanted to glance toward Phoenix but he forcefully controlled himself.

He feared that Zhong Daolong, in a burst of anger, might have him dragged away and beheaded...

"Tang Fei, what do you want?" Zhong Daolong asked.

"Your Majesty, I want nothing," said Tang Fei.

"Wanting nothing, that’s indeed a big appetite," Zhong Daolong pondered briefly before saying, "Well then, let me offer you a future... Once you graduate from the Imperial First Military Academy, wherever you want to work, whatever position you desire, as long as it’s not too exclusive, all will be granted..."

The crowd gasped once more.

A king personally promising a student a bright future, that was a true promise of a future...

What did this represent? It meant Tang Fei had a secured, bright future ahead of him.

After he graduated, whether he chose politics or the military would depend on his preferences and future planning.

Naturally, that was just the first step. When entering politics or the military, he could freely choose his position, with civil positions in crucial departments, and military roles in units most likely to earn honors...

Moreover, during his career, no one would dare undermine him or put obstacles in his way. On the contrary, every promotional opportunity must consider him as a priority.

Why?

The King had promised him a future; what does it mean to keep him stagnant?

Seeking to make the King break his word?

Indeed, flattering was omnipotent.

Tang Fei wanted to kneel again but was abruptly held back by Zhong Daolong, who said, "No need to kneel, I called you here to thank you for reuniting our family and solidifying our father-daughter relationship... How appropriate is it to have you, our lifesaver, kneeling repeatedly?"

"I am just doing what I am good at..." Tang Fei said sheepishly, "I don’t know how else to express my gratitude to Your Majesty..."

"Hahaha, then diligently apply yourself, I await your return from your studies to serve the Empire," Zhong Daolong said cheerily.

After this interaction, he found Tang Fei less annoying.

"Yes, I will not let Your Majesty down," Tang Fei promised.

"Alright, we’ve met today, and there’ll be more occasions in the future..." Zhong Daolong took a deep look at Tang Fei and said, "You young people enjoy yourselves; I shall not hinder your fun here."

Having said that, he turned and walked towards the outside.

Zhong Tianque did not leave but looked at Tang Fei and said, "I’ve sent someone to get the gun, it will be delivered to you soon..."

"Crown Prince, you are truly too kind, really, there’s no need..."

"It’s decided then."

With that, he quickly followed Zhong Daolong.

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei, her long eyelashes fluttering as she said, "Tang Fei, are you satisfied now? On my birthday, you received more gifts than I did."

"The generosity is too difficult to decline..." Tang Fei said, embarrassed.

He felt uncomfortable meeting Phoenix’s gaze because, at that moment, Phoenix shone brilliantly, like a resplendent star close at hand, breathtakingly beautiful.

Just then, a bird’s call rang out in the sky.

A youth in white stood atop a white egret, slowly gliding toward the palace.

"Shen Xinglan has arrived."

Someone in the crowd exclaimed.