Volume Six: Theft Is Robbery Chapter One: Jealousy and Rivalry (Part Two)

Chapter One: Jealousy and Rivalry (Part Two)

Hearing Jing’er’s words, Kuang Chi furrowed his brow. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go; after all, Kuang Chi loved food more than anyone. The problem was that he was now effectively penniless. Before being exiled to the forsaken star region, in accordance with regulations, all of Kuang Chi’s personal accounts had been frozen.

Jing’er, well aware of Kuang Chi’s penchant for food, noticed his expression and paused for a moment before asking, “What’s wrong? Don’t want to go?”

Kuang Chi had no choice but to tell the truth.

Unexpectedly, Jing’er burst into laughter. After a moment, she said, “Let me treat you then.”

Led by a hotel attendant, the two walked into a restaurant tucked away in a corner of the building. As the heir of the Kuang family, Kuang Chi couldn’t help but inwardly marvel.

The interior was extravagantly decorated to an almost excessive degree, truly worthy of the word “luxurious.”

Jing’er, passing by, also froze in surprise, clearly stunned by the opulent decor. The walls were inlaid with the most expensive gems known in the current interstellar era, including a type of illusion crystal that emitted a faint glow naturally. These crystals were among the priciest jewels but here were used as mere lighting fixtures, as common as grains of sand.

Jing’er turned her astonished face toward Kuang Chi, who shared the same amazed expression, and said, “Fatty, if I didn’t know for sure this was Qingye Star, I’d swear I’d stepped into an imperial palace.”

Before Kuang Chi could respond, Jing’er’s face lit up with excitement. “Fatty, it seems this Devil Star region really is wealthy. We must work hard in the future—I want my place to look like this, too.”

Kuang Chi nodded vigorously in agreement, his mind drifting to thoughts of his three wives.

Though the restaurant was large, it wasn’t crowded; tables were spaced far apart. At the center, a stunning young girl played a piano piece highly favored by the human elite.

Jing’er, evidently a piano enthusiast, immediately took a seat nearest to the performer.

Once seated, Jing’er ordered a mountain of food for Kuang Chi, then quietly settled in to listen to the music while Kuang Chi indulged in his feast.

Kuang Chi was indifferent to these aristocratic tastes. To him, such music paled in comparison to a delicious meal in bringing joy.

Perhaps it was Kuang Chi’s unkempt appearance that displeased many, especially when he sat beside a beauty like Jing’er. Neither bore any visible insignia of status, so it was inevitable that some troublemakers might approach.

Just as Kuang Chi was enjoying his food and Jing’er was lost in the melodies, three men, who were somewhat more agreeable in appearance, slowly approached their table.

They barely glanced at Kuang Chi, instead stopping directly before Jing’er. One of them politely interrupted her reverie.

“Beautiful lady, may I have the honor of inviting you to dinner?”

Jing’er naturally turned her head, as if only just noticing them, and frowned in apparent impatience. Then she suddenly smiled and looked at Kuang Chi. “Fatty, someone’s asked me to dinner. How about we go together?”

If Kuang Chi were asked what he hated most, he would say it was men who dared to cause trouble when he was with a beautiful woman.

His brow tightened as he coldly growled, “Since I’m in a good mood, I’m telling you all to get lost.”

But with food still in his mouth, his words lacked potent intimidation. The three men didn’t retreat; instead, they laughed.

The man inviting Jing’er paid no heed to Kuang Chi’s warning and said, “Beautiful lady, how could you dine with such a crude man? His vulgarity insults your beauty. Your elegance deserves a more fitting companion…”

Hearing such flattering words that stroked her vanity, especially while glancing at Kuang Chi’s fiery gaze, Jing’er couldn’t suppress a smile.

At that moment, the entire restaurant took notice of the scene. Many were surprised to see Jing’er and Kuang Chi together, some voices murmuring disapproval. Kuang Chi’s deliberately raised tone made his warning audible to many.

Jing’er glanced at Kuang Chi as he slowly wiped his mouth, then looked again at the three men with a sigh.

“I suggest you leave quickly. Someone here is about to lose their temper.”

With such a beautiful woman advising retreat, no man would dare refuse—especially since Kuang Chi appeared harmless.

The three men turned to face Kuang Chi silently.

After wiping his mouth, Kuang Chi stood up. The chairs were tall—at least for him—which drew a burst of laughter from onlookers.

This only deepened Kuang Chi’s scowl. His body emitted a series of crisp, cracking sounds as he activated his martial technique.

The muscle contractions gave his body a noticeably slimmer look, shrinking by at least a full size.

His physical transformation drew gasps from many spectators.

Kuang Chi coldly strode to stand before the three, glanced at Jing’er, then said, “I’m giving you one last chance—get lost as far away from me as possible.”

The three men said nothing. After sizing up Kuang Chi for a moment, one finally spoke.

“We are from the Cheng family of the Galactic Federation. May I ask where you hail from?”

Kuang Chi wasn’t well-versed in many famous human families; unless they were particularly renowned, he usually paid them little mind. But since they claimed to be from the Galactic Federation, humanity’s strongest power, he turned toward Jing’er, curious about this Cheng family’s background.

Jing’er thought for a moment before replying, “I recall the Cheng family in the Galactic Federation specializes in the gem trade.”

Her words brought a smile to the young gentleman who had invited her.

“I happen to have brought a few exquisite accessories that perfectly suit your temperament. If you’re interested, I could accompany you to see them after dinner.”

Jing’er smiled but didn’t reply, instead looking at Kuang Chi again.

“Fatty, you don’t want everyone knowing you’ve arrived on Qingye Star, do you?”

Then, smiling at the three men, she said, “Gentlemen, thank you for your invitation, but my boyfriend clearly isn’t willing to let me accept it.”

Kuang Chi snorted angrily. Just as he was about to retort, Duke Yeluo arrived with a dozen companions. Seeing the situation, he coldly snorted at the three men claiming to be from the Cheng family.

“Gentlemen, you better recognize where you are. If you want to cause trouble, Qingye Star won’t welcome you.”

The three men clearly recognized Duke Yeluo. Their expressions changed, and after casting Kuang Chi a cold glance, they turned and left.

Once they were gone, Duke Yeluo smiled and pulled the still-angry Kuang Chi down onto his seat.

“Young Master Kuang, Qingye Star is the most famous commercial planet in the Devil Star region. Many nations and families have stationed personnel here. You’d best keep a low profile. Though you and your family have nothing to fear, if your presence here becomes known back in the Caro Empire, it could cause trouble.”

Jing’er smiled from the side and said, “Exactly. They just wanted to invite me to dinner. Why get so worked up?”

She snorted, as if annoyed, then suddenly added, “I’m not even your wife. Is it wrong for others to invite me?”

Kuang Chi was momentarily stunned. Duke Yeluo wore a strange expression.

Recovering, Duke Yeluo quietly suggested, “Jing’er, shall I notify the Empire’s agents here to report your safety back home?”

Jing’er blushed slightly and shook her head.

“No need. I’ve already informed my father the emperor by other means. I want to take this opportunity to enjoy Qingye Star a bit—I’ve never had a chance to explore before.”

Understanding her intentions, Duke Yeluo sighed deeply and nodded.

“Then let me arrange some experts to protect you and Young Master Kuang. If anything happens, they can handle it. But Young Master Kuang, try to stay low-key here and avoid intervening personally.”

He paused, then gave Jing’er a peculiar look.

“Jing’er, since you want to be a space pirate captain, shall I find you some experienced deputies?”

He finished with a smile directed at Kuang Chi.