Shadow of Deep Space

Chapter 448 Passing by
In the Lei Ji room.

Sinrad sat sideways on the sofa, his chin resting on one hand, playing with a butterfly knife out of boredom.

dong dong~
There was a knock on the door.

"come in."

Sinrad said expressionlessly.

Soon the door was pushed open, and Natsu walked into the room and stood in front of Sinrad, saying with his head lowered.

"I'm sorry, sir. I messed up. That Shilis didn't give me face at all. I begged her again and again and told her your name, but she just didn't give you face."

"I see."

Sinrad listened to what Natsu said and replied in a calm tone.

"But sir, I have another idea."

Natsu said with a roll of his eyes.

"explain."

"Since Hillis is so disrespectful, why don't we settle for the second best and find the second-ranked star, Miss Diane Lu? She will be responsible for hosting the banquet. Although the effect may not be as good as Miss Hillis, it is better than nothing."

"Well, go and do this, and don't mess it up again."

Sinrad replied calmly.

"Understood, I'll go right away."

Natsu backed out respectfully.

Soon Sinrad was the only one left in the room.

His eyes wandered, and he would occasionally run his thumb across the blade of the butterfly knife.

The cut skin and internal tissues squirmed for a while, and then they were restored to their original state in the blink of an eye.

Inside the central control of the Fallen Light.

Su Ming sat in the command chair, lowering his head and swiping his wristband.

Timmy reported to Su Ming.

"The fleet is currently in good condition and is expected to enter the next round of superluminal flight after 16 hours and 12 minutes of normal sailing."

"Well, hard work."

Su Ming raised his head and replied.

At this time, a communication prompt popped up.

Timmy took one look and immediately reported.

"Commander Su Ming, we have received a communication request from Lieutenant General Alife."

"Alife? He's also in this fleet? Hurry and bring him in."

Su Ming was also a little surprised. He didn't expect that Alife from the First Legion was also in this escort formation.

"Yes!"

Timmy immediately entered the command to operate.

Swish!
Alife's virtual image suddenly appeared in front of Su Ming and spoke with a smile.

"Master Su Ming!"

"Ahem, Alife, you are being disrespectful to me. We all have the same rank, and we are so familiar with each other, why are you calling me Sir? Just call me by my name."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

"How can they be the same? It's been such a short time since we last met, and your deputy commander has already made it big."

"Ah~"

Su Ming also had a lot of grievances that he couldn't express.

"Haha, no more kidding. We finally meet, how about having a drink together?"

Alife immediately suggested.

"Okay, you come over here, or should I go over there?"

Su Ming agreed readily.

He had a good impression of Lieutenant General Alife. When he openly confronted Mo Xiu, Alife and the others all stood on his side.

Otherwise, he would have been drowned by the spit of those ruffians in Sky City.

And during the city exam, I had some small tricks on Alifei. Now that I've met him, I have to treat him to a meal anyway.

"Don't bother with that. Let's go to the Moonlight. I know a really good restaurant there."

Alife suggested to Su Ming.

"Okay."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

"Then we'll meet in Hangar 17."

After Alifi gave Su Ming his instructions, he cut off the communication.

Su Ming stood up from the command chair and said to Timmy.

"Timmy, I'll leave this to you. Let me know if anything happens."

"Ok!"

Timmy responded respectfully.

"Lain, Ankajia, Zhang Yi, Anqi, the four of you come with me."

Su Ming named him directly.

"Great, I'm just bored."

Rhine and his companions responded happily. They were almost bored to death on the boat, and the only thing they did was exercise.

The voyage was smooth along the way. Not to mention enemies, there were not even a few monsters on the road.

"Come on, let's go change our clothes."

Su Ming took them away.

in the starry sky.

The boarding exit for the Tier 5 battleship Zephyr is opened.

Alifi logged out in the mecha with two subordinates and flew towards the Moonlight.

At this time, Su Ming, driving the pseudo V-generation mecha, Shadow Lord, and flew out from the Fallen Light with Rhine and others, and they flew towards the Moonlight.

Soon Su Ming entered Hangar No. 17 and parked the mecha in its position.

Click!

Su Ming and his companions floated down from the cockpit.

At this time, Afeli came over with two subordinates and greeted Su Ming with a smile.

"Hey, it's only been a few months since we last met, and you've made a fortune again."

"How is that possible? I've always been poor and stable, okay?"

Su Ming responded with a smile.

"Haha, the adjutant is already driving a pseudo V-generation mecha and an advanced fourth-generation custom machine, and you still say you don't have it. How dishonest!"

Alifi glanced at Rhine and Ankajia's mechas casually and said in surprise.

"It's okay, they're all about the same."

Su Ming replied modestly.

"Don't give me that. My two lieutenants are only driving the fourth generation mecha Shadow Killer. If you have a way to make money, you have to take care of us brothers."

Alife replied jokingly.

"Haha, I'll definitely do it if I have the chance."

"That's great, let's go!"

"it is good!"

Su Ming and Alifi walked towards the mobile platform in the distance
Rhine and others followed behind them.

Not long after, Su Ming and his companions left the hangar on a mobile platform and arrived at the city inside the Moonlight.

The entire Moonlight City is very beautiful. All the buildings here are either built with white metal or very luxurious moonlight rocks.

There are various luxurious shops on both sides of the street, and the ground is paved with natural cobblestones, which is very exquisite and beautiful.

Su Ming looked over and saw that the streets were full of handsome men and beautiful women in bright and beautiful clothes, and it was very lively.

"This way."

Alifi led Su Ming from the main road to the side road.

"Alife, you are so familiar with this place, you must come here often, right?"

Su Ming laughed and teased.

"No way, my salary is not enough to afford squandering."

"Don't cry poor. After all, you are in the First Legion. There are many people of the same level who are richer than you."

"You boy."

Alife was also at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Soon they arrived at a restaurant called Jianfan. The restaurant was decorated in a very stylish way and the floor was paved with solid wood floors.

The owner of the restaurant is a plump woman wearing a red dress and very charming.

When she saw Alifi coming in with Su Ming and others, she came forward to greet them warmly.

"Mr. Alife, you are here, are you in your old seat?"

"Yes, just serve the dishes you want, and bring out the wine I left with you."

Alife explained simply.

"it is good!"

The proprietress responded with a smile.

Su Ming and Alifi walked to the dining table next to the glass curtain wall and sat down.

Rhine and others stood behind Su Ming.

Seeing this, Su Ming smiled and said.

"Rhine, don't just stand here. It's a rare trip to the Moonlight, so go shopping. Buy whatever you want and go back to Onit to get reimbursed."

"Thank you, sir. We're off now."

Rhine and others left happily.

Seeing this, Alife also said to the adjutant behind him.

"Zak, you guys go ahead."

"Yes!"

Zako and the other man left respectfully.

Soon, Su Ming and Alifi were the only ones left at the table, and the waiter quickly brought up the dishes and wine.

Alife picked up the high-quality tequila, unscrewed the lid and poured a large glass for Su Ming and himself.

"Cheers first!"

"it is good!"

Su Ming did not act pretentiously and raised his glass to clink with Alife.

The two drank it all in one gulp.

"Cool!"

Alife said happily.

Su Ming picked up a piece of bamboo shoots with chopsticks and asked while eating.

"Alife, you didn't invite me here just for dinner, did you?"

"Haha, you are really cunning. I can't hide anything from you. But it's not a big deal. I just wanted to remind you."

"Reminder of what?"

"You need to pay a little attention to that guy Sinrad."

"Admiral Sinrad? Isn't he a nice guy? He seems quite honest?"

Su Ming deliberately asked in surprise.

"What's good about that? Don't be fooled by his righteous appearance. He is a narrow-minded person. Few people who offend him will have a good ending. They will either be demoted for no reason or be bullied."

Alife said unhappily.

"There is also this matter?"

Su Ming was also a little surprised.

"I'm telling you, Admiral Sinrad made a lot of contributions in leading the team to support Guangying Star Sea this time. If the supplies had been successfully transported back, he might have been promoted to general. But at this critical juncture, you suddenly parachuted in as deputy commander. Isn't this definitely taking away his military credit? You have offended him."

Alife said with emotion.

In fact, there is nothing wrong with what Alifi said. For such large-scale escort missions, the military merits that can be rewarded are fixed.

Su Ming was suddenly parachuted in as deputy commander. Regardless of whether he had made any achievements or not, he could still get a lot of military merit.

This situation is no different from gold plating.

"Ahem, if that's what you mean, then I've offended him more than just this, my ships were also stolen from him."

Su Ming replied with a wry smile.

In fact, if Mo Xiu hadn't been so weak and failed to suppress the people below, the war would have been launched.

Otherwise, he would have even intercepted Sinrad's mecha.

When Alifi heard Su Ming's words, he laughed out loud.

"You are really amazing. You are really offending people to death."

"Oh, what should I do now? I'm a little scared."

Su Ming said with a smile.

"I believe others when they say they are afraid of me, but don't try to play tricks on me. How old are you and you have become a lieutenant general, and you are about to be promoted to general. If you don't have someone behind you, I won't believe it even if you kill me! Are you afraid of him? I think he is more afraid of you."

Alife teased Su Ming.

"There's no one behind me, but who's behind that Sinrad?"

"I'm not too sure. He's from Sin City, and I heard he has a close relationship with the Long family."

"Long family? This is a bit tricky. Never mind, let's not talk about this anymore. Thank you for reminding me."

Su Ming raised his glass and said to Alife.

"It's just a small matter. We are all brothers."

Alifi also raised his glass and clinked it with Su Ming.

Moonlight Star Hotel.

In the corridor, a girl wearing a burgundy evening gown, with skin as white as snow, deep blue eyes, a tall figure, waist-length black hair, and an extraordinary temperament in her demeanor, spoke to Admiral Sinrad in a nightingale-like voice.

"Admiral Sinrad, don't worry, I know what to do."

"Ms. Diane Lu, I have always been very generous to my friends. Since you helped me this time, I will definitely help you become the most dazzling star in the universe."

Sinrad promised with a smile.

When Diane Lu heard what Sinrad said, her beautiful face showed a hint of excitement, and then she replied respectfully.

"Then thank you, sir."

"It's no big deal. Let's go. Don't keep the guests waiting too long."

Sinrad said calmly to Diane Lu.

"Ok!"

Diane Lu then followed Sinrad and walked towards the closed door.

……

Ballroom.

The entire reception hall is in a circular layout, and the circular dome is covered with a bright moon and twinkling stars, emitting dazzling light.

The floor was covered with exquisite hand-woven carpets and filled with rectangular tables filled with a variety of high-end fruits, exquisite desserts, and various drinks.

At this time, everyone was chatting and laughing while holding their wine glasses.

At this time, the tightly closed main door slowly opened, and Admiral Sinrad walked out with Diane Lu.

The originally noisy scene suddenly became quiet, and everyone's eyes were focused on the two of them.

Sinrad was wearing a general's uniform, with a lot of medals on his chest, including 18 Red and Black Moon medals. Those medals sparkled under the light, very dazzling.

Diane Lu, wearing a burgundy evening dress, followed Sinrad and was also very eye-catching.

Everyone made way for them and applauded enthusiastically.

Sinrad walked towards the podium amid warm applause, a faint smile on his face, and he really enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention.

Soon Sinrad and Diane Lu walked to the podium.

The enthusiastic applause gradually died down, and everyone's eyes were focused on Sinrad and Diane Lu.

At this time, Diane Lulian stepped forward and spoke to everyone.

"Hello everyone, I'm Diane Lu. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend the banquet hosted by General Sinrad. I'm honored to be the host of this banquet."

clap clap!

When everyone at the scene heard this, they applauded.

Orisa in the crowd was also clapping and observing Admiral Sinrad.

"Now, please let Master Sinrad speak a few words."

Diane Lu said with a smile.

Sinrad coughed to clear his throat, then spoke seriously.

"Everyone, I, Sinrad, am not good at speaking nice words. I will just say a few words. Those who can come to the banquet today are all friends. Please don't be polite."

"it is good!"

Everyone responded enthusiastically. Then Diane Lu said with a smile.

"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment."

Everyone quieted down and looked at Miss Diane Lu.

"Everyone should know that recently, there have been frequent movements of alien races, and the Guangying Star Sea has been constantly attacked by monsters. At this critical moment, it was Lord Sinrad who led the support troops to rush here, fought bloody battles with those monsters, and finally pacified the Guangying Star Sea. Now he is personally leading the team to protect us to the Federation. General Sinrad is a light in the darkness, illuminating all of us."

Diane Lu said to everyone with a smile.

"Yes, thanks to Lord Sinrad!"

"With Lord Sinrad here, we don't need to worry about our safety."

Many nobles and wealthy people echoed this.

"My lords, there is a saying that goes, we cannot let heroes bleed and cry. Lord Sinrad fought the monster for us without caring about his own safety. We should do our best to support Lord Sinrad. I am here to propose a donation for General Sinrad, and I hope you can donate enthusiastically."

Diane Lu said to everyone.

As soon as these words were spoken, the nobles and wealthy people present responded enthusiastically.

"That's a good suggestion!"

"Yes, we are able to follow the fleet because of General Tosinrad's care."

Sinrad looked very satisfied with the crowd's reactions and immediately spoke.

"Thank you for your support. Everyone should donate according to their ability. It doesn't matter how much you donate. I will remember every penny you donate."

When Sinrad finished speaking, his tone became more serious.

The smiles on the faces of the nobles and wealthy people present suddenly became stiff.

They were not fools, so they naturally understood what Sinrad meant. He would see who donated more and who donated less, and it would be best if he didn't feel dissatisfied.

But they all responded with smiles on their faces.

"clear."

At this time, Diane Lu said with a smile.

"As the initiator of this donation, I will take the lead in donating 5 million federal coins!"

"On behalf of the Mugat Interstellar Heavy Industry Group, I am donating 10 billion federal coins!"

"I, Kudri, donate 7 million federal coins!"

The wealthy and nobles present raised their hands and donated.

Orisa looked at this scene and couldn't help but raise her hand and speak.

"I'm donating 5 million federal coins!"

Soon everyone had donated, and the final donation amount popped up on the virtual projection screen: 2142 billion federal coins!

This was no small amount of money. Although the nobles and wealthy people present were all very wealthy, they still felt very painful to pay this amount of money.

But the problem is that they have to pay for it, because Sinrad is not a small character who can be easily dealt with.

He was about to be promoted to general, and his methods were extremely powerful, so everyone present was a little afraid of him.

“Thank you all for your generosity, and enjoy your meals and drinks!”

Sinrad looked at this scene, a satisfied smile appeared on his serious face and he said.

"it is good!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Sinrad and Diane Lu then walked down from the podium, holding wine glasses and began to greet the guests at the banquet.

Everyone also came forward to greet Sinrad and the others enthusiastically.

"Lord Sinrad, I heard that you will be promoted to general when you return. You will have to take care of us more in the future."

"Easy to say!"

Sinrad responded very nicely.

However, if you look closely, you can find that Sinrad has a different attitude towards everyone who comes up to greet him.

He would say a few more words to people with more prominent backgrounds and who donated larger amounts.

If the donation is smaller and the background is weaker, his tone will be much colder.

Not long after, Sinrad raised his glass to toast Orisa.

He saw Orisa coming over and said enthusiastically.

"Ms. Orisa, you are here too."

"General Sinrad."

Orisa replied politely.

"Olisha, how is your brother, Lord Estin, doing these days?"

Sinrad greeted with a smile.

"I'm fine. Thank you, Lord Sinrad, for your concern."

"That's great. I wonder when Miss Orisa will be free. I would like to invite you to dinner."

"Lord Sinrad, it is my honor to receive your invitation. I will definitely invite you when I have time."

Orisa replied very politely.

She had seen too many people and ghosts when she followed her father. Although she had to keep a distance from a very dangerous big shot like Sinrad, she had to give him enough face.

"Then I'll excuse myself and go entertain others."

Sinrad nodded in satisfaction and then walked towards the others.

……

Inside Jianfan Restaurant.

Su Ming and Alife were also drinking to their heart's content. They finished the entire bottle of tequila, and there were piles of cans around them.

"I haven't drunk so much in a while. Do you want to know how you made me feel when we first met?"

Alife said to Su Ming with a smile.

"What does it feel like?"

Su Ming asked curiously.

"When we first met, I felt that you were difficult to get along with."

"Why do you think so?"

"Too dazzling. He is a major general at such a young age, so he must be unruly. But I didn't expect that after getting to know him, I found that he was not like that."

Alife said with a smile.

"You can also make mistakes sometimes."

Su Ming said with a bright smile when he heard what Alifi said.

"Haha, you're right."

Alife responded with a laugh.

At this time, Zake and the other man came over and spoke to Alifi respectfully.

"General, it's almost time."

Alifi raised his bracelet to check the time, then stood up and said to Su Ming.

"Su Ming, let's stop here today and meet again when we get back to the Federation!"

"it is good!"

Su Ming replied happily.

"gone!"

Alife left with his adjutant in a carefree manner.

Su Ming got up and went to the bathroom, then walked out of the restaurant, raised his bracelet and was about to send a message to Rhine and the others.

At this time, a number of escort vehicles whizzed past Su Ming.

Su Ming was slightly startled. He actually saw Miss Hillis through the window of the escort vehicle.

"Tsk, I didn't expect so many people were arrested?"

"Things are serious."

Passengers on both sides of the road talked as they watched the escort vehicle speeding past.

Su Ming thought for a few seconds, then walked up to a passenger and asked politely.

"Brother, what happened? Why are so many people arrested?"

"I'm not too sure about this, but I heard that Miss Hillis was holding a fan signing event, and I don't know what happened. Miss Hillis actually instigated fans to beat people up. After the fight broke out, the garrison came over to arrest people."

The traveler explained to Su Ming.

"Thank you."

When Su Ming heard this, he turned and walked towards the garrison.

The Moonlight interstellar cruise ship may seem like an industry under the group company, but in fact it is actually controlled by the federal government. Therefore, the garrison on it is actually all from the federal government.

Soon Su Ming arrived outside the garrison.

There was a huge crowd of fans and reporters gathered at the entrance of the garrison.

"Let us in!"

"We want to see Miss Hillis!"

Many fans shouted excitedly.

Reporters kept taking pictures and various flashes kept lighting up.

The guards of the garrison were also very tough. They were all wearing second-generation exoskeleton armor and holding beam rifles, pointing at the crowds and reporters.

“Whoever causes trouble again will be arrested on the spot! Those who resist will be regarded as thugs, and those with serious offenses will be shot on the spot!”

Captain Fedor, who was in the lead, snorted coldly.

At this time, the reporters at the scene stepped forward, holding their press cards and introducing themselves.

"I'm a reporter from Interstellar Poster. Can you let us in for an interview?"

"No, no one is allowed in."

Fedor replied very firmly.

At this time Su Ming walked straight forward and spoke to them.

"Step aside!"

"Who are you? You are so brave, are you looking for death?"

Fedor yelled angrily.

Su Ming didn't waste any words. He took out his officer's certificate and said in a cold voice.

"I am Lieutenant General Su Ming, the deputy commander of this voyage!"

Fei Duoxin trembled suddenly and saluted quickly.

"Sir, please come in!"

Su Ming walked straight into the garrison and saw a captured fan squatting in the corner.

If there is any irregular movement, the guards will kick you.

Su Ming took a quick look, reached out to stop a young man in uniform, and asked calmly.

"Where is Miss Hillis being held?"

Just as the man was about to retort to Su Ming angrily, Su Ming directly took out the officer card and showed it to him.

"Ms. Hillis, in the innermost interrogation room."

The young man shuddered suddenly and replied in fear.

After listening to this, Su Ming walked into the garden leisurely with his hands behind his back.

In the interrogation room.

Hillis sat in the chair and Marcy stood beside her.

A middle-aged man dressed as a colonel, with dark skin, handsome face and a strong physique, said very seriously.

"Ms. Hillis, this incident is extremely serious. You know that, don't you?"

"Lord Wakkenrat, please listen to my explanation. This time it's really not their fault. It was those people who started the trouble. My fans and bodyguards couldn't stand it anymore, so they took action."

Shirley tried her best to explain.

"Even if that person has a problem, the most you can do is to detain him or notify us to arrest him. Who allowed you to beat someone up without permission? You should also worry more about yourself. You are suspected of instigating bodyguards and inciting fans to beat others. You have committed a serious crime. And now it has spread online, and the impact is extremely bad."

Wakkenrath said coldly.

At this time, Marcy quickly said with a smile.

"Lord Vulcanrat, how could our young lady do such a thing? This is all a misunderstanding. We are very familiar with Councillor Derek and General Smilla."

"Humph, it's useless to find anyone. This matter has a very bad impact. We will definitely handle it impartially."

Wakkenrath said righteously.

Seeing that the other party was so tough and didn't give anyone face, Marcy took out a black card from her sleeve and secretly handed it to Wakkenrat.

"Lord Wakkenrath, this is really not my lady's fault. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

Wakkenrath took the black card and slammed it on the table, scolding.

"Ms. Hillis, please face up to this incident. You cannot trample on the rules of the Federation. Not only are you instigating and inciting fans to beat others, you are also improperly interfering with the trial of the case and blatantly bribing. Your crimes are even more serious!"

Masi was also dumbfounded. It was the first time he met someone who was so indifferent to the daily necessities of life.

In the past, everyone gave them some face.

At this time, the door of the interrogation room opened and Su Ming walked in with his hands behind his back.

When Wakkenrat heard the noise, he turned his head to look over. He was also startled when he saw Su Ming, and then he roared angrily.

"Who are you? How did you get in?"

"You just walked in like that, is there a problem?"

Su Ming replied nonchalantly.

"So arrogant!"

When Wakkenrat heard Su Ming's words, his blood pressure suddenly soared.

Shirley spoke in surprise.

"Mr. Su Ming? Why are you here?"

"Just passing by."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

At this time, a subordinate beside Wakkenrat hurriedly whispered to Wakkenrat.

"Sir, this guy must have been invited by Miss Shilis, so his identity should not be simple."

Wakkenrat snorted coldly and spoke righteously.

"Ms. Hillis, don't have any more illusions. It's useless no matter who you invite over!"

"Yeah?"

Su Ming looked at Wakkenrath with interest.

These words were obviously meant for him.

"And you, who are you? Can't you see I'm working?"

Wakkenrat looked at Su Ming in anger.

Su Ming picked up his officer card and said calmly.

"I am Lieutenant General Su Ming, deputy commander of the joint fleet!"

"Sir!"

Wakkenrat was also surprised when he heard Su Ming's words, and he quickly stood up from his chair and saluted.

"Go out now. I need to talk to Miss Hillis alone. Also, turn off all the surveillance equipment here. Don't let me do it on my own."

Su Ming said coldly.

Wakkenrat's expression changed and he replied respectfully.

"Yes."

Soon, Su Ming and Shirley were the only ones left in the interrogation room.

Su Ming asked with a smile.

"Ms. Hillis, what exactly happened? Can you tell me?"

"Master Su Ming, let me tell you something! My lady held a signing event, and it was going well. But when signing with a man, the man actually took off his pants publicly and asked my lady to sign on his butt. Isn't this deliberately making trouble and disgusting? The fans nearby couldn't stand it and attacked him. As a result, the guy's attitude was particularly arrogant, so the fans couldn't help but beat him up. Who would have thought that the guy brought a lot of friends, and the two sides started fighting! My lady's fans couldn't beat those troublemakers, and the lady couldn't bear to watch the fans get beaten, so she asked the bodyguards to go up, but the garrison rushed over and arrested them all without saying a word."

Marcy said very aggrievedly.

"So that's it."

Su Ming nodded slightly and replied
"In the past, we would have just found some people and given them some bribes to get over this kind of thing. But today, that guy was like he was on some crazy drug. He insisted on handling this impartially, and even accused us of interfering with judicial justice and blatantly bribed us! This is simply too much."

Marcy said very angrily.

"You shouldn't have offered bribes, at least not so early. Once the other party acts impartially, it will be troublesome."

Su Ming said with a frown when he heard this.

"Mr. Su Ming, what should we do now?"

Shilis looked at Su Ming and asked.

"This matter is not that simple. It is obvious that someone is targeting you. Have you offended anyone recently?"

Su Ming looked at Shirisi and asked.

"Yes, not long ago, Lord Sinrad sent General Natsu to me, hoping that I would attend the banquet he organized and help host the banquet to raise funds. However, since the money he raised was for the purchase of weapons, I refused."

Shirley thought for a moment and said.

When Su Ming heard what Shilis said, his head hurt even more.

What Lieutenant General Alife said is really true, Sinrad is a very narrow-minded guy, and he will never let go of any grudge!

PS: Happy New Year to everyone! Good luck in the Year of the Snake!
(End of this chapter)