Chapter 77 - The Charity Gala and Broken Vows
At the end of February, Fanli spotted an inconspicuous headline in the newspaper: The Yar Vessel Company of the Red Moon Sea was traveling to Saint Yegana to host a benefit for disabled children, culminating in a charity gala at the Frost Moon Hotel on March 4th.
On the surface, Yar Vessel Company appeared to be a mid-sized enterprise. Its registered scope of business included the production of civilian vessel components, the import and export of spare parts, and providing maintenance and technical consulting for passenger ships. At first glance, it seemed utterly unremarkable. However, a company of that scale typically lacked the prestige to host a charity event in a metropolis like Saint Yegana.
Fanli dug into its background and discovered that forty-nine percent of the company was owned by the Luoya Fudi Arms Company.
With that, the picture became clear.
Luoya Fudi was the largest arms dealer in the Red Moon Sea. They currently possessed core research and development technology for uranium bombs. Even after the Red Moon Sea had officially submitted to the Holy Capital Party, Luoya Fudi continued to act independently, maintaining a covert partnership with the Storm Sea. This gala was a rhythmic step intended to follow the broader political currents of the Red Moon Sea government.
Fanli dialed the office of Ye Jia.
"Hello, I’m looking for Professor Buke Yejia."
"Speaking." Ye Jia paused for a moment. "Wait, this voice... is it my little commoner fairy? Does the student have business with her teacher?"
"Mhm. I wanted to ask if the professor is free on March 4th to take me to an event."
"The little commoner fairy is actually taking the initiative? I’m truly moved. Speak—where do you want to go? I’ll do my utmost to satisfy your request."
"The Yar Company charity gala at the Frost Moon Hotel. Is that possible?"
"..."
"Professor? What’s wrong?"
"Good grief... don't talk to me in that tone. It’s terrifying." The teasing lilt in Ye Jia’s voice vanished, replaced by sheer alarm. "How did you come back so quickly? I thought it would take at least another ten or twenty years."
"As expected of the man who was perpetually stuck in second place during our university days—so clever. I mention one gala, and you know exactly what I’m planning."
"You woman! Stop mentioning the second-place thing!" Ye Jia snapped irritably.
"Oh? Where did that flirtatious energy go? It was so adorable when you were trying to charm me."
"I think you should just change back. You were so much better as a 'little cutie' these past three years. No aggression, just pure innocence. It was quite heart-melting." Hearing Fanli’s soft laughter on the other end of the line, he realized his suggestion was futile. "Fine, fine. You are the irreplaceable Academician Su Yi; there’s no need to play cute... But seriously, why do you want to attend the Yar gala? You aren't planning to sabotage their deal with the Saint Yegana government, are you?"
"What are they trying to sell to Saint Yegana? The MI-200 series?"
"Likely. The MI-200 is their most formidable battleship. But with Su Shiye holding his 'Number Nine' treasure and sufficient reserves, he shouldn't need to buy their uranium bombs."
"That’s unlikely then. The MI-200’s capacity, payload, and engines are on par with Saint Yegana’s K-38b series. Moreover, they still use fixed-pitch propellers, which makes them inferior to the K-38b. What would Su Shiye be buying? Their 'wrinkled metal' hull, unique in all the seas?"
"If you're asking me, I wouldn't know."
"Fine, I’ll go see for myself. Get me two invitations, and remember to show up on time."
"I say, Su Yi, can't you change your attitude when talking to me? Where is that delicate, lovely persona you use in front of Su Shiye?"
"Do you really want to see me act delicate? The way I do with Su Shiye?"
"...Never mind." Ye Jia’s lip twitched. "The fact that you can fool Su Shiye is impressive. But I don't think it's entirely because your scheme is flawless. It’s because... he’s actually fallen for you."
"Regardless of the reason, the goal has been achieved."
"Don't you find it shameless? Using your advantages as a woman to achieve your ends."
"Not at all. Being beautiful is a skill in itself. If you're jealous, you can always undergo a gender transition. With your looks, you wouldn't be any less effective at using womanhood for political gain than I am."
"Forget it. You aren't even that beautiful as Fanli, but you’ve benefited from that lack of perfection. If you faced him every day with your original face, he’d probably run for the hills—a woman that stunning suddenly loving him so much she’d give up everything? Even I would think something was fishy. I don't know what you put in that memory potion, but you’ve made yourself look like you’re hopelessly in love with Xinghai, all while being innocent and sweet... If I didn't know the truth, even I would believe you. No wonder Su Shiye fell for it."
Ye Jia’s words caused Fanli to daze for a brief moment. She closed her eyes, forcing herself not to dwell on the memories of her time with Xinghai. She smiled and said, "Well... being innocent and sweet is also a skill, Professor Ye Jia."
"Good grief, shameless!"
"Enough talk. Before the gala begins, remember to prepare these things for me: the military strength map of the Gath Clan, a summary of the types and quantities of vessels in the Red Moon Sea’s maritime department, and the latest personnel deployment list of the Luoya Arcane Academy..."
"Yes, yes."
"By the way, Ye Jia... thank you."
"Why the sudden gratitude?"
"Nothing, I just think you’ve done well," Fanli said with a faint smile. "Keeping my secret all this time and protecting me. If it weren't for you, I might have lost my head long ago."
After a long silence, Ye Jia gave a soft chuckle. "Don't be a stranger with me."
Afterward, Fanli contacted another person. When the call connected, a man’s synthesized voice crackled through the line. "Hello."
"Xitian," Fanli said softly. "I’m back."
"So soon?"
"Is it too early?"
"Mhm. Can you buy us another four months?"
Four months? With her acting skills, the moment she faced Su Shiye, she might not even last a day. However, that man had used a Mimicry Xinghai to interfere with her emotions, causing her to give up and stop taking her medication prematurely. What should she do now?
There was no other way; she had to focus on researching the potion. If Su Shiye discovered her, she would simply drink it and lose her memories again. If he didn't, she would develop her strength in the shadows and wait for Xitian.
"I’ll find a way to stall. Don't rush; just proceed according to plan." Fanli thought for a moment. "Also, send me a copy of your agreement with the Fudi Company."
"Understood. Stay safe."
***
**Memory Fragment Nine**
On the day the invitation to her brother’s engagement to Feng Jin arrived, Ye Jia was the first to rush to the research institute to vent. "I can't believe Su Shiye is actually entering the grave of marriage so early. He still has tens of thousands of years of life ahead of him. Is he really so willing to degrade himself and be tied down by one woman?"
Most people were saying her brother and Feng Jin were a match made in heaven, a perfect pair. Ye Jia’s response was a muddy torrent amidst a sea of praise. Fanli looked at him expressionlessly. "Marriage isn't that terrifying. It’s just starting a family."
"Then I’ll never start a family in my life."
"Just how much of a prejudice do you have against marriage? Without your parents' marriage, you wouldn't even exist."
"If a child’s existence only brings hardship to the adults, it’s better not to have them at all."
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know about my parents?"
Fanli then recalled an old scandal from the Red Moon Sea. "I know. Is it because of them... that you don't want to marry?"
"I don't know, and I don't care." Ye Jia slumped into a chair, shaking his head dejectedly. "I don't believe in marriage. Most of the Sea Race are naturally polygamous anyway. As long as we procreate, why force ourselves to swear to Deep Blue that we’ll love one person forever?"
Fanli didn't respond, sitting quietly across from him, letting him pour his heart out.
Perhaps because they were too handsome and prone to attracting trouble, the men of the Buke Clan were notorious for being divorce-obsessed. Even Buke Balu was no exception. However, he was slightly better than his cousin, Buke Yejia (the original), who had divorced three times; Balu had only married once and never entered the institution again after his divorce.
Buke Balu’s ex-wife had once been voted the most glamorous and wealthiest woman by the citizens of the Bodhi Sea. She also possessed a pair of purple eyes, unique in all the Light Sea, a trait she passed down to Ye Jia.
But such a beautiful woman had not found happiness in marriage.
Like all the men of the Buke Clan, Buke Balu was fond of keeping mistresses. However, Ye Jia’s mother could not be like the other clan wives who turned a blind eye. Her perspective was simply: "Why?"
Why should someone as excellent as her be betrayed by a man like Buke Balu? When they married, Balu wasn't even the heir to the Buke Clan. It was only after being with her and learning so much from her that he finally replaced his older brother as the Patriarch.
This husband, over a thousand years younger than her, had been "raised" by her hand. Every time she caught him trysting with young girls, she would be so enraged she’d suffer a heart attack. Eventually, she couldn't take it anymore, divorced him, and forcibly took Ye Jia back to the Bodhi Sea.
"Wait..." Hearing this, Fanli narrowed her eyes. "You grew up in the Bodhi Sea?"
"Mhm."
"You and Xun Yue have known each other since childhood?"
"...Xiao Ye?"
"You finally remembered me."
Before being sent to the Starry Sea, among the Sea God children Fanli played with, there was a boy named "Xiao Ye." He was extremely introverted, squatting in corners every day to play with his fingers. Because he was physically frail and looked too much like a girl, he was often bullied by the other boys.
"Deep Blue Lord! You’re actually Xiao Ye!!" Fanli looked at him in disbelief, then scratched her head sheepishly. "Uh, I think I used to pinch your cheeks a lot back then..."
"At least you remember," Ye Jia rolled his eyes.
Though he was young then, Ye Jia understood that his mother was proud of her beauty, and that pride made it impossible for her to bow to her husband. The two had been ill-suited from the start. His father’s infidelity and constant neglect only worsened her health, leaving her with no one but her son to whom she could vent her sorrows.
Buke Balu was born with a taste for wild beauties. Once, he took up with a shark-tribe starlet as fiery as a chili pepper, which successfully made Ye Jia want to vomit. He was still a small child then, and seeing the starlet shamelessly sitting on his father’s lap, he couldn't help but curse, "You shameless stinking bitch." Buke Balu scolded him mercilessly, while the starlet played the peacemaker, saying the child didn't know better.
In the end, she said one thing and did another. Taking advantage of Balu’s absence, she sneaked into the Red Moon Sect Palace to find trouble with Ye Jia. Ye Jia had been sharp-tongued since childhood, hurling every insult imaginable at her. The starlet lost her mind, pulled out a radiation gun, and fired at him.
Ye Jia didn't die, of course, but his mother, who rushed over to shield him, did.
Normally, a Sea God mother wouldn't be so fragile against a radiation attack, but she had been ill for a long time. Her constitution was weak, and the radiation spread rapidly through her body. By the time she reached the hospital, it was too late.
The doctors said her weakened state was heavily linked to her psychological condition and urged the family to find peace.
From then on, Ye Jia suffered from a long period of withdrawal. Once he recovered, his personality shifted drastically, and he began spending his days with famous courtesans and socialites. Unlike most men, however, Ye Jia understood women; he dated courtesans, and when they went out, the women were often the ones paying—he didn't say this part directly, but it could be inferred from the details.
Buke Balu naturally disliked his son’s profligate lifestyle, which was why he had been pressuring him to return to Luoya to live under his supervision.
"So, why can't you be a bit sweeter to me and understand women more?" Fanli stroked her chin, delivering a piercing conclusion. "If you were sweeter to me, I might even pay to support you."
"Su Yi!" He glared at her indignantly and turned his head away. "You aren't like a woman at all. You have zero feminine charm."
Looking at his innocent purple eyes, Fanli laughed for a long time. "How long do you plan to punish yourself like this?"
"I’m not punishing myself. I’m having a great time, okay?" Ye Jia’s gaze was distant. "If you’re asking when I’ll forgive my father—never in this lifetime."
But Fanli felt that when he said he wouldn't forgive his father, he was actually saying he couldn't forgive himself.
Later, she chatted with him about her own family. He sighed, "No wonder Su Shiye is willing to marry so young. Your parents made him feel the beauty of love. I really don't know whether to be happy or worried for him."
And so, her brother and Feng Jin were engaged. Fanli attended the ceremony.
Recently, she and her brother had been in a cold war, their relationship deteriorating. Furthermore, just two days prior, she had learned that the results of her racial-ascension potion experiments had been leaked. It was circulating in small pockets of the Starry Sea, and though it was being suppressed, it was spreading like a plague through the black markets of other regions. They had even given it a name: "The Heart of the Styx."
They all knew that once a potion formula was out, it couldn't be taken back. They could only increase the penalties, but it was nearly impossible to eradicate.
Because of this, she had argued with her brother all night. By the end, it resulted in nothing but him repeatedly saying "I’m sorry" and her shouting, "What use is an apology? Does saying sorry help the Ocean Race members who lost their lives because of this?"
Though she knew it was leaked by her brother’s subordinates and not authorized by him personally, she felt he was too focused on political maneuvering. His carelessness in this matter proved that their political stances had long since diverged. The thought that the man who had once forbidden the circulation of such drugs was now the one responsible for the leak was profoundly ironic.
Thus, she attended the engagement ceremony with a heavy heart.
It was the last peaceful and quiet night in the Light Sea. At the end of the hall in the Holy Sea Temple, the High Priest finished reciting the vows. Anu approached her brother, holding a red cushion with the marriage ring. His gaze was one of mournful blessing, but it was directed at Feng Jin. Feng Jin sat upon a snow-white bridal chair, and her brother knelt on one knee, personally placing the ring on her fin.
The hall erupted in thunderous applause, and Feng Jin covered her mouth, weeping. She was always so well-bred that even in her tears, she feared disturbing others; her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
Simultaneously, blue whales sang sacred oceanic hymns, and Great Arcanists transformed the seawater into a kaleidoscope of colors. It was as if seven-colored stars were falling from the night sky into the sea, dancing everywhere. All of Saint Yegana celebrated on the scale of a major festival, setting off 160,000 underwater fireworks. Nearly every television station in the Light Sea was broadcasting this momentous news.
Fanli clapped as hard as everyone else, shouting "Congratulations" along with the crowd. Unbeknownst to her, tears began to well in her eyes. After the ceremony, her brother gave Feng Jin a brief hug and patted her back before taking her hand and turning to wave his thanks to the guests.
As they swam down the aisle, her brother glanced at her.
In that instant, Fanli’s heart skipped a beat, as if she had belatedly realized something.
As they passed her, Feng Jin also looked back, then rushed over to hug her tightly. "Thank you, Su Yi. My dream has come true. I’ve really become his fiancée."
She was crying so hard that Fanli finally had an excuse to let her own tears fall.
"That’s wonderful. From now on, you’re my sister-in-law-to-be. When the wedding comes, you have to let me be your bridesmaid."
"I will!!"
It turned out she wasn't someone who could freely control all her emotions.
It turned out that love wasn't something that could be controlled.
She loved her brother.
That love didn't disappear just because their political views differed, or because he had changed bodies, or because his appearance had altered, or because his personality had become aggressive, or even because of her frequent disappointments in him.
Subconsciously, she had known for a long time; she simply hadn't wanted to admit it. As his kin, she could give selflessly, fighting for their mutual interests and the clan. But once that feeling changed, it brought only the agony of unfulfilled desire.
She also felt a sense of relief. Maintaining their current relationship was for the best; otherwise, the sacrifices of so many would have been in vain.
But that night, she suffered from total insomnia. Because her brother did not return to the White Eagle Palace.
According to the traditions of the Saint Ti Clan, Feng Jin’s first night should be given to her partner on the wedding night. But times had changed, and there were no guarantees. Perhaps they had talked, felt a spark, and ended up in bed together.
That would be for the best. It would mean they weren't just a political union. She wouldn't have to worry.
As she thought about how wonderful it was that her best friend was becoming her brother’s beloved wife, her mind was simultaneously filled with images of them in intimate embrace. Especially since, not long ago, he had treated her that way in her room. The thought of him kissing Feng Jin, caressing her, or engaging in even more intimate acts made her toss and turn. She couldn't deny it—it felt like a knife to the heart.
At 2:40 AM, 4:15 AM, and 6:30 AM, she got up to check, but they never returned. It wasn't until nearly 7:00 AM, when the day was fully bright, that she finally succumbed to exhaustion. Her last thought before sleep was that it would be nice if she could just sleep forever...
However, the next day, she learned from Feng Jin that the princess had slept even less than she had.
Feng Jin told her that her brother hadn't touched her yesterday.
Fanli felt a wave of relief, but immediately despised herself for it. "It’s normal. You’re only engaged, not married. Don't worry, my brother is a responsible man. He probably intends to wait until after the wedding..."
"No, what I mean is, he didn't even hold my hand. We had no interaction at all. And then, this morning..." Feng Jin pulled out a photograph and handed it to her. "Someone gave me this."
In the photo, her brother was arm-in-arm with a woman, entering a bar. The woman wore a shawl made of polar bear fur, had long, golden curly hair, bright red lips, and a curvaceous figure. She had an Orca tail. Fanli rubbed her eyes, stunned. "This is my brother?!"
"Who else could it be?"
"And who is this woman!"
"I had someone look into it. She’s a resident singer at a bar in Eternal Square. She’s quite famous; she makes nearly a hundred thousand Fu a month in tips alone."
"He didn't spend time with you, and instead went to a place like that to carouse?!"
"Yes..." Feng Jin’s face fell, and her eyes quickly reddened. "Actually, with a man like your brother, I didn't expect to be his only woman. He told me long ago that he follows a polygamous system. I was prepared for that... but to do this right after the engagement is too much, isn't it? Is it because my mother pushed him too hard? Does he want to run away the moment he sees me now?"
"What nonsense are you talking?" Fanli pinched her cheeks. "Feng Jin, this isn't your fault, it’s his! Why are you taking the blame? Wait here, I’m going to find him right now!"
Learning from Anu that her brother was working at the City Hall, Fanli stormed over, ready to demand justice for Feng Jin. But as she passed the outdoor restaurant outside the City Hall, she saw the singer from the photograph. The woman sat there lazily eating sashimi. Seeing Fanli, she looked her up and down provocatively, playing with her waterfall of golden curls and her expensive necklace.
She was truly beautiful, truly sexy, and truly vulgar.
Just then, her brother emerged from the City Hall with a group of attendants. The woman immediately went to meet him. Fanli blocked their path, speaking bluntly to her brother. "Brother, you can play if you want, but this is too soon. You just got engaged yesterday; doing this now is inappropriate. Besides, the women outside aren't as good as Feng Jin. You should spend time with your fiancée."
She had been prepared for a massive argument, but to her surprise, her brother merely raised an eyebrow and smiled. "In what way is Feng Jin better than her?"
"Family background, temperament, upbringing, education... in what way is she *not* better?"
Her brother chuckled. "Lili, you’re still too young. You don't understand men. A man has two different standards for a wife and a mistress. From now on, don't interfere in my business."
Hearing her call him "brother," the singer’s attitude shifted instantly. She swerved in front of Fanli, blinking eyelashes like butterfly wings, her gaze charming and full of worldly grace. She seemed very comfortable in such situations. "So this is Miss Su Yi. Miss Su Yi, I..."
"Academician Su Yi," Fanli interrupted.
The singer faltered, her momentum weakening. "Academician Su Yi, I believe Princess Feng Jin is a good wife. But for most successful gentlemen, a wife is for respect, not for romance. Your brother is the man under the most pressure in the Light Sea; he needs some women who bring no burden for short-term companionship and stress relief. Please, try to be more understanding of him."
"What kind of bullshit logic is that! Am I not under pressure? Should I go find a bunch of male singers to help me decompress? Shut up and step aside."
"Yes... yes, Academician Su Yi is right to lecture me. I’ll take my leave." The singer immediately swam away, looking intimidated.
Her brother continued to smile faintly, his expression full of mockery.
"You can't keep doing this," Fanli said to him again. "Don't bully the Winter Sea just because they seem weak. They uphold the traditions of the Light Sea and hold great influence. If they defect to the Storm Party, we will be in a very difficult position."
"Is your head filled with nothing but politics? Do you even know what it feels like to love someone? Academician Su Yi."
How could she not know?
She had fallen for him before he ever did for her. And while her brother could have her in his heart while accepting other women, once she had fallen, she could never let another man touch her.
But after witnessing the deaths of so many, things like a beloved partner, a stable and happy family, or the simple joys of a young girl felt so far away...
Her heart was heavy, but she told herself to remain rational and not show her vulnerability in front of him, lest they both be unhappy.
"Brother, love doesn't last long," she said with a smile. "Chasing love and sacrificing so many lives, only to end up with a brief moment of passion that drives you into a dead end—there’s no point in that, is there? Think about the long term."
"You’ve truly changed."
"It’s time we both grew up, Lord Dictator." She sighed, her tone softening significantly. "Go back and apologize to Feng Jin. Be sincere. I’ll put in a good word for you."
As expected, he went to apologize, but he continued to see the singer.
Fanli had thought the singer’s appearance might lead to the end of her brother’s engagement to Feng Jin.
But things turned out completely different from what she expected. The woman stayed by his side for less than a month.
Soon, various other glamorous and seductive women appeared around her brother. But he was skilled at keeping it quiet; in the news, the reports of his engagement to Feng Jin remained a picture of peace and prosperity.
***
**New Glossary Terms**
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Her 4.3 Billion Years | Chapter 77 | The Charity Gala and Broken Vows | Novela.app | Novela.app
