Chapter Thirty-Two: Failed Attempt, Severed

Third floor, inside Yang Xuan's office.

"You're awake?"

Yang Xuan gestured for him to sit, pouring him a cup of tea. "How's your recovery?"

"I'm fully healed," Jiang Taichu replied.

"That's good to hear. There was an accident during overtime this time, so we can't tally the resources you found." Yang Xuan looked apologetic. "The company has decided to compensate everyone with two months' salary, and as you saved someone, you'll receive a bonus equivalent to a year's salary."

Jiang Taichu had no objections to the compensation, but said, "Those people came from the Planetary Graveyard."

Any ordinary company would only compensate the deceased, the injured, and reward those who contributed. Earth Corp was generous, giving every employee two months' salary as compensation.

"The company investigated immediately. It was a malfunction at the Tianmen on the Planetary Graveyard side," Yang Xuan's expression darkened with anger, then he quickly composed himself. "The details will be officially announced by the company. What about your injury? I heard you went to rescue No. 71—why was there such a powerful energy inside you?"

Jiang Taichu hesitated for a moment before answering, "It was the Core Light."

He didn't conceal it. The Core Light couldn't be taken with him; Earth No. 1 was destined to be drained dry. Even after this beast riot, it couldn't stop the reconstruction of the Earth Mothership. Not mentioning it would only delay things for a while.

"The Core Light?!" Yang Xuan's body stiffened, gazing at him in delight. "Are you sure it was the Core Light you encountered?"

"I'm quite certain. The energy was overwhelming. I merely activated the locator, and the particle beam barely touched it..." Jiang Taichu explained without reservation. "It was pure luck, really. Because the Patrol Mech was malfunctioning, I went down to check."

There was no need to hide it; his luck this time was thanks to No. 71 fleeing for his life. If he hadn't run, Jiang Taichu wouldn't have had the time to investigate.

"The Core Light, touched by your particle beam?" Yang Xuan was elated. "You truly are my lucky star—No. 71 didn't have such fortune! How large was the Core Light?"

"About the size of a fist," Jiang Taichu replied.

"That's sizable, that's sizable." Both of Yang Xuan's hands trembled; the news was momentous.

Finding the Core Light meant locating the largest earth vein—now they could begin extracting stellar energy!

"Surely there will be a reward for discovering the Core Light?" Jiang Taichu asked.

This was a right he had to fight for; anything else could be negotiated, but not this.

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"Of course. But the reward will need some discussion," Yang Xuan calmed himself. "You know how crucial the Core Light is; ordinary rewards aren't enough. I can't decide on the most significant ones."

Jiang Taichu nodded. "Then give me a small reward for now—and a few days off. After all this, I'd like some rest."

"No problem. Take a good break. I'll let you know when the reward is finalized." Yang Xuan patted his chest reassuringly. "Once I finish my business, I'll contact you."

"I'll head to Earth No. 10 to pack my things," Jiang Taichu nodded and left.

On the first floor, Tang Yu and the others greeted him. "What did Supervisor Yang want?"

"Nothing major, just gave us a holiday," Jiang Taichu smiled.

"Just a holiday?" Tang Yu sounded disappointed. "The company just announced we all have three days off."

"And compensation—two months' salary for everyone," Jiang Taichu added.

"Only two months? Ah," Zhang Jing said, crestfallen. "After all that, hoping for a windfall, only two months' salary in the end."

"Just coming home alive is good enough," Lu Huaiyuan shook his head. "Come to my place for dinner tonight—I'll cook."

"Sure, we've risked our lives together, after all," Tang Yu and Zhang Jing agreed immediately.

Jiang Taichu nodded as well. He took the elevator to the Star Hall, donned his mech armor, and entered Earth No. 10.

In his room, he absorbed the Earth Mech, collected his pills, and went home with the others.

The four left together, rode a spirit-powered bus, bought some groceries, and headed to Lu Huaiyuan's home.

Uncle and nephew lived in the same neighborhood, just on different floors.

Lu Changqing's parents died mining gold on an alien planet. Lu Huaiyuan had looked after him ever since, and after graduation, brought him into Earth Corp.

"Dad, weren't you working overtime? How come—oh, guests?" A girl, her T-shirt adorned with the human-headed serpent emblem of the Wa Empress, opened the door and welcomed them in. Upon seeing the three strangers, her voice faltered and softened.

"The company gave us an early holiday. Come help me out," Lu Huaiyuan smiled. "Changqing, wash some fruit and entertain Taichu and the others."

"No need to be so formal," Jiang Taichu and his companions waved their hands.

Lu Changqing took fruit from the fridge, washed it, and set it on the coffee table. "This is my sister, Lu Yunling. She's got excellent scores in calculation—planning to apply to Wa Empress Life University."

"A genius, just like Taichu's younger brother," Tang Yu remarked in surprise.

From the kitchen, Lu Yunling poked her head out, curious. "Jiang Taixuan's older brother?"

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"You know Taixuan?" Jiang Taichu smiled. "Shouldn't you be at school?"

"I'm a day student. The coursework isn't much, so I have a lot of free time," Lu Yunling replied. "Jiang Taixuan doesn't come home? He's probably gaming again."

"You know him well," Jiang Taichu said, surprised.

There was hardly anyone at home; Jiang Taixuan found little reason to return, so he simply stayed at school.

"Of course—I’m the medic in their squad," Lu Yunling said, raising her chin slightly.

"Impressive. Medics are rare and valued everywhere," the others gave her a thumbs-up in admiration.

Medics, equipped with Life Mechs, possessed extraordinary healing abilities; they were indispensable to any gold-mining team.

After a few more exchanges, everyone became acquainted. Lu Yunling stopped helping in the kitchen and joined them in the living room for conversation.

Once games were mentioned, Tang Yu and Zhang Jing became animated, chattering non-stop about sniping targets kilometers away, one-shot kills, and spirit cannons taking out three foes at once.

Jiang Taichu listened quietly. These feats were real, though sometimes it was just dumb luck, especially when facing easy opponents.

Due to confidentiality agreements, no one spoke about the specifics of their overtime work, only alluding to mutual assistance during their shifts.

An hour and a half later, dinner was ready, and everyone gathered around the large table.

Lu Huaiyuan opened a bottle of wine, pouring for each of them. "Next, the company is forming gold-mining teams. Is it possible to arrange for Changqing to join yours?"

Lu Changqing looked at Jiang Taichu expectantly.

"Transfer to my team?" Jiang Taichu was surprised. "Wouldn't it be better for you to stay together?"

"I'm getting older—it's enough to look after Yunling. I've lost the drive. Changqing is still young," Lu Huaiyuan smiled. "You have a good relationship with Supervisor Yang. Tang Yu said you don't have many acquaintances on No. 10—why not bring Changqing along?"

"I'll bring it up with Supervisor Yang, but I can't promise anything," Jiang Taichu replied.

Lu Changqing graduated from Mining University and was better than most at finding resources on Earth Star. After the recent rescue, trusting him was easier than working with strangers.

"Thank you," uncle and nephew raised their glasses in gratitude.

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