Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'

"According to my inside information, the Crystal Tower base has been hit, resulting in some casualties."

"Now, the information I can receive is also very limited. Lord Leoz, as well as the enemy's Colonel Kadun, the two factions' aces confirmed missing 38 hours ago, and there has been no response until now."

"It's unclear what the situation is, but General Balkmon's report mentions that the place where they went missing is the same Dark Star Domain where the famous last signal of the Golden Dragon Monk originated."

"We cannot rule out the possibility that the two are still battling in the Dark Star Domain. However, I suggest we prepare for their return. Additionally, the issue of Lord Leoz's expedition is still not known domestically. I have implemented some public opinion control to prevent any problems."

On the projection screen, a dignified lady with golden hair and golden eyes conveyed the frontline battle report to the Baizhu Fleet command:

"The front line of the Crystal Tower is not optimistic, but the good news is that the Night Butterfly People seem to have halted military maneuvers. Thirteen years, six months, and twenty-two days later, the Eye of the Galaxy welcomes a ceasefire once again, with both fleets sitting quietly at the front, waiting for the next move."

"Thank you for your hard work, Secretary of State Dialan."

The Fleet Commander Dalian nodded:

"Our fleet's communication equipment is really outdated. Even though we are at the edge of the battlefield, we still have to rely on the headquarters' advisory group for news. You, amidst your busy schedule, have come to assist us, which is truly appreciated."

"Let's skip the pleasantries. The status of former President Leoz directly relates to the future of our nation. Offering extra assistance is simply my duty."

Dialan said plainly.

"No, you're being too modest. Before our independence, you were a top student at the Baizhu Interstellar Academy, an elite handpicked by the Crystal Tower for grooming, having received a complete education. You could have enjoyed a comfortable life or climbed the Pathway, joining the ranks of Kappa (10) level strong individuals."

Dalian admired such people immensely, not shy about offering praise:

"To be honest, for military professionals like us, it's our duty and job to defend the homeland. But as a highly skilled talent and student, you could have completely abandoned Baizhu nationality, joined the Crystal Tower, and become someone above others..."

"No, you're wrong."

Dialan interrupted:

"Baizhu Star is indeed poor, but it is my birthplace. The land here holds my foster father and records everything since I walked the earth. In other words, even though I am not human, my cultural belonging has taken root in Baizhu. This is my motherland."

"But your future would be much better developed at the Crystal Tower..."

"What is the future? I have duties to fulfill and tasks only I can accomplish. That is the path I pursue, not what others see as 'status,' 'wealth,' or Pathway. The things I can do can only be achieved on Baizhu Star, where my role can truly be wielded."

Dialan stated matter-of-factly:

"Taking a step back, it's precisely because Baizhu Star is so poor, broken, and weak that I must return to build it."

"... There has always been a rumor among the public about your alleged romance with former President Leoz, claiming that because of your connection with the former president, you became a secretary, then joined the House of Representatives, later became an ambassador abroad, and finally the Secretary of State."

Dalian interlaced his fingers and said with feeling:

"It now seems people's perspectives were too narrow: Secretary of State Dialan, a person like you is destined to shine regardless of the position."

"Wrongly praised, Leoz indeed valued our friendship. There's no need to deny that. I just didn't want to fail his expectations and trust."

Dialan spoke with great calmness. She casually tucked her loose hair behind her ear, and Dalian noticed a ring on her left index finger.

"It seems you're not very concerned about gossip and rumors."

"Are you referring to resilience? When I was still a student, such rumors were already flying everywhere—if anything, Leoz's ability to ignore public opinion and choose me from the crowd, that quality of 'appointing people based on merit,' I think, is truly valuable."

Indeed.

Dalian squinted slightly.

This Secretary of State maintained a rather indifferent, business-like demeanor, but when talking about Leoz, Dialan's attitude would become slightly more relaxed, her words imbued with more subjective colors.

Realizing this, Dalian's gossiping spirit started to burn fervently.

"No, I didn't mean resilience."

Dalian stroked his chin:

"I feel like you don't seem opposed to the existence of rumors, or perhaps... you tacitly approve of them?"

Upon hearing this, Dialan did not immediately change the topic, appearing somewhat surprised, blinking, then subconsciously glancing right and left, raising a hand to cover her mouth, falling silent for a few seconds.

"... The people will always be interested in this kind of mundane sensational news, 'What did you eat today, which book did you read, do you have a lover or an illegitimate child'—these private events unrelated to politics are what most easily stir ordinary people's emotions."

After a brief silence, Dialan began to explain:

"Rather than tacit approval, it's better to say it's to divert the public's attention, allowing them to speculate on these personal, sensational news, and steer clear of grand narratives like war and politics, easing our pressure a bit."

"After all, the former president is not just a political figure, he is also the religious, military, Azure Star immigration, and practical leader of this planet. To call him a lord is not enough; he's truly the Sovereign of this planet."

Dalian remarked teasingly:

"Especially such a Sovereign, still unmarried at a young age."

"Generally speaking, keeping political marriages internal can also be a way to promote political prosperity and stability..."

Dialan casually said:

"If former President Li Aozi freely chooses marriage, many diplomatic strategies would have to be replanned from scratch, but keeping it domestic allows for much more freedom..."

Before she finished speaking, the bridge door suddenly opened, and a grey-haired, green-eyed woman in a white lab coat walked over indifferently..

"Oh, Captain Dalian, you're here. I was just looking for you, there are some items in Li Aozi's gear that can be recycled. I haven't told him the specific passwords; you should find a way to pass it on. First, the VCL aerodynamic tools and the Samolo Bacterial Colony System, the key is VBSDUW, but be careful, these colonies are space species and are no match for even yeast in the atmosphere..."

N4 muttered to herself and then looked up, adjusting her glasses before noticing the projection screen beside her.

"—Huh, are you in a call?"

"Uh, yes—right, let me introduce you."

Captain Dalian immediately introduced N4:

"This is the Secretary of State for the Baizhu Government: Dialan. Essentially, she's equivalent to a diplomat and Deputy Prime Minister. Of course, our Baizhu Star adopts an oligarchy system, the government and council only handle politics and internal affairs, the real ruler of Baizhu Star is Lord Leoz."

"Oh, I see."

N4 suddenly understood:

"So, you're working for that kid Li Aozi as well?"

Dialan didn't speak and just silently looked at the other party.

"Secretary Dialan, this is Ms. N4, a genius Biochemist and a private expert hired by Lord Leoz."

"Understood."

Dialan didn't care, she couldn't really gauge the social hierarchy of the woman across the screen, so she casually said:

"Welcome, and I hope for a pleasant cooperation in the future."

"Well then—if you stop consuming the 'Yinfin Creek' functional drink to your left, your kidney function won't be compromised, and we can collaborate longer."

"I'm half dragonkind."

"Then that's fine, drink away."

Dalian twitched his mouth.

The two were sparring back and forth upon their first meeting, clearly in the command center, yet he smelled a strong scent of gunpowder.

"Ms. N4, you look like... an immigrant from Azure Star?" Dialan asked tentatively.

"How dare you assume my origin? A Biochemist doesn't only have one body."

N4 chuckled.

Though there was no evidence to indicate which nationality N4 belonged to, it was undeniable that her most commonly used body was that of a Frost Plated Person.

Frost Plated martial arts, feared across the cosmos.

Unfortunately, playing the identity card was useless for a real official, Dialan pulled out a set of legal documents, explaining:

"You misunderstood, I'm not discriminating. It's just that entering Baizhu Star requires following the procedure. We are a lawful nation."

"Hmm, my documents all fell into the Void, applying for replacements would be troublesome."

N4 squinted her eyes, smiling:

"But I was personally hired by Li Aozi, who himself is the owner of the planet, in theory, I'm just managing his assets, so technically, I'm not entering Baizhu Star, merely visiting Li Aozi's 'back garden'."

"Truly unfortunate, our council recently passed a new visa bill; under your circumstances, you can only apply for a tourist visa. A work visa will only be granted after a two-year tourist visa duration. If you wish to officially immigrate to Baizhu Star, you must have a fixed residence, a stable job, and pay social security on Baizhu Star for 8 years—furthermore, I noticed you still use a translator. Please master our language soon to pass the exam..."

Dialan remained unruffled.

Due to Li Aozi's long-term offline monarchy, various tasks have landed on her shoulders; domestic laws and regulations, great and small, are all within her grasp.

'This woman doesn't seem like a good person at all, it's necessary to thoroughly review her background.'

But N4 wasn't to be underestimated either. As the hidden operator behind the Mingji Heavy Industries conglomerate, she didn't even require the legal team to exploit loopholes; all sorts of sophistry were at her fingertips.

Moreover, her current implanted gear body had a Main Attribute of Charm, exuding a powerful aura, so even slightly flawed logic was no big deal.

'This Little Dragon Lady's way of thinking is truly rigid; in the future, she'll likely encounter many like her causing trouble.'