Five-star General Eric von Bloomberg, Minister of Defense of the Commonwealth of Immortals, and General Leonid Mikhailovich Lepnin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Wehrmacht, were whispering about open military work as they walked towards the corridor outside the door.

Robb hurried up and saluted the two generals.

"Robb, you're here too?" Bloomberg asked, somewhat surprised.

"Come out and breathe." Robb replied embarrassedly, "Sir, I heard that our fleet in the 'Yi' Star Domain has been severely damaged, and if the President wants to send reinforcements, I would like to be able to join the reinforcements." ”

Lepnin glanced at Bloomberg with some delight, and then said to Robb, "Major, the investigation into the failure of your operation on the planet 'Taiji' is not over. ”

"Yes, sir. As a commander, I am responsible. However, I still hope to be able to make a meritorious contribution and restore my reputation. Robb said firmly.

Bloomberg pondered a little, "Major, I would not have remembered your name if it weren't for your father. You have to keep that in mind. We can help you, but to get everyone's approval, you can only rely on your own efforts. Do you understand? ”

"Understood, sir."

"Ask your boss for help, and I'll take care of it." Lepnin said to Robb with a smile.

"Yes, sir!" Robb happily responded.

Bloomberg turned to leave with Lepnin, but suddenly he turned to Robb and said, "Major Robb, do you know? The enemy commander we sent to the 'Yi' planetary tracking fleet was none other than the man named Jiang Ziyue. ”

With that, he twisted his head back and left with Lepnin.

General Bloomberg's words deeply stimulated Robb. He leaned against the railing of the iron vine and thought back to his old rivals.

From last year's thirteen-on-one fleet battle in space near the planet "Taiji" to the "Void Zen Temple hijacking" incident not long ago, this enemy military officer of the same age as himself has defeated himself one after another. Now that he has become the commander of the fleet, he has once again humiliated the Immortal Interstellar Bundeswehr.

Upon his return from the planet Taiji, Robb learned that the tracking fleet under the command of Commodore Nicholas Wolfensohn had been crushed by an inferior enemy and had returned in defeat. But he didn't know who the commander of the enemy army was at first, but he didn't expect it to be the nondescript Feng Jiang Ziyue again!

This person's talent is really incredible, and it is likely that he will become a fierce rival of the Immortal Star Federation in the future, and that will inevitably become a powerful obstacle on his path to glory. It seems that he started to collect information about Jiang Ziyue earlier, and defeating Jiang Ziyue is likely to be the first step towards success.

"Robb, what do you want?"

Only then did Robb notice that Song Xiaoyu had returned to him. In such a short period of time, she actually made up all the makeup on her face, and she no longer had the embarrassment of crying her nose just now, and completely restored the arrogant and dignified demeanor of a young lady.

Recalling Song Xiaoyu's angry and sad appearance just now, and now she looks unattainable, Luo Bo thinks that this girl is cute and interesting. So, he pursed his lips and smiled at Song Xiaoyu and said, "I'm thinking about you." ”

"Hmph, you don't blush when you lie." Song Xiaoyu said disdainfully, and then prepared to leave Robb behind and return to the hall alone.

But Robb quickly grabbed her and said seriously, "What I said is true. I'm thinking about the way you were sad and crying just now, and why I only make you sad but not happy? ”

is only eighteen years old, and Song Xiaoyu, who has not been deeply involved in the world, is still a little unbearable in the face of Luo Bo's rhetoric. In a sincere tone, she said, "I just feel unreasonable about my parents' requests. ”

"Me too. But that's okay, we don't necessarily have to achieve some kind of predetermined result. Although I have just made you sad, I must be honest with you, I like you, and I am happy to be with you. Robb looked very sincere. Of course, what he said was not a lie, he liked the beautiful Song Xiaoyu in his heart, although he was still thinking about Dana Pontik thousands of light years away at this time.

"Robb." Song Xiaoyu was a little moved and asked, "Are you sincere?" ”

Luo Bo didn't answer directly, but let go of the hand that grabbed Song Xiaoyu's arm and nodded gently. In fact, only he knew in his heart that he had already said the latter words to Dana Pontick on the planet "Taiji". Tonight is just a repetition of the same old tricks, but the object and the occasion are different.

"Robb, thank you, I'm happy too." Song Xiaoyu looked excited, then turned around and strode towards the hall.

Watching her swaying beautiful back blend into the crowd, Robb had a smug smile on his face again.

Subsequently, the huge tower cake was rolled out, and everyone gathered together to wish Song Xiaoyu a happy birthday. The lights went out, and after Song Xiaoyu acquiesced to her wish in her heart, she blew out eighteen candles, and then cut the cake and distributed it to her parents and everyone in the cheers and applause of everyone.

In order, Song Xiaoyu served the cut cakes to his parents, Song Tingrong and his wife, Ben Sharif, General Bloomberg, Dai Yunong, Luo Zhaobing, and Watt Bullard, and then announced to the guests: "Thank you for coming, please enjoy it as you like." ”

So, everyone gathered around and took the cut cake from the handmaid. At the same time, the long tables around the hall are also placed with a variety of buffet delicacies and wines.

Song Xiaoyu specially brought a piece of cake to Luo Bo and instructed: "Wait for the dance to start, you have to invite me to dance with you." ”

"Why can't you invite me?" Robb asked mischievously.

"Yes, too." Song Xiaoyu deliberately glared at him and said, "But then I won't be happy." ”

Luo Bo smiled, pretended to be helpless, and said, "Obey, my Miss Xiaoyu." ”

"That's pretty much it, out of company." Song Xiaoyu turned around with satisfaction and went to entertain the others.

At this time, Luo Shilin walked up to Robb and said, "Robb, it seems that you are also very good at dealing with women." ”

"Big brother, I'm actually just playing on the spot." Luo Bo said without thinking, but his eyes kept on Song Xiaoyu who was far away.

Luo Shilin said with a smile: "I don't think so." ”

Only then did Robbo turn his eyes to the old brother and said, "Big brother, didn't you say, 'There is wine today and drunk tomorrow'?" If there's a girl clubbing tonight, let's go clubbing. ”

Luo Shilin still kept a smile on her face and said: "It is normal for a man to like several women at the same time. But in the end, you can only choose one, and it is often the one you least like at the beginning. Luo Shilin's tone was full of emotion, as if it was a summary of her own personal experience.

"You mean to say that I don't like Miss Song, but I will marry her in the end?" Robb followed the other party's words and asked.

"I didn't say that." Luo Shilin hurriedly denied it, so as to hide her inner intentions, and then said in a confident and soothing tone in the attitude of preaching to the young people: "For a man, marriage is to find a woman to live with, as long as this woman can make you happy in bed and make you happy in daily life, it is enough." ”

"Thank you, big brother, for your teachings." Luo Bo expressed his gratitude to his brother for imparting his experience, but while speaking, he moved his eyes to Song Xiaoyu in the distance, as if he was observing whether he could see the "happiness in bed" and "the smoothness in life" that his brother said from Song Xiaoyu.

"Take advantage of it, unaccompanied." Luo Shilin patted Robb on the shoulder and left.

After tasting the cake, the dance begins. After Song Xiaoyu danced with her father and mother, Robb walked up and invited her to dance.

To the soft music of a small band, the young people danced gracefully in the simplified slow four steps of the foxtrot.

Song Xiaoyu said to Robb in a satisfied tone: "I can see that you are still quite obedient." ”

"What does it mean to be obedient?" Robb retorted, seriously correcting her misconceptions, "This is called respect, respect for you, the eldest lady." ”

"Very good, I like it most when people respect me." Song Xiaoyu looked at Luo Bo and said sweetly.

"When are you free?" Robb, who was also looking into the other person's eyes, asked gently.

"I'm going to school tomorrow." Song Xiaoyu looked helpless.

"I'll have to report back to the fleet tomorrow." Robb was also helpless.

At this time, on the other side of the dance venue, Luo Shilin, who was wearing a tuxedo, walked up to Song Tingrong, who was dancing with Luo Zhaobing, and said with a smile: "Song Gong, you don't mind giving up your dance partner." ”

"Of course not, Luo Gong." Song Tingrong handed over Luo Zhaobing to him with a gentlemanly demeanor, and then found a new dance partner.

In her seventies, Luo Shilin gently held her stepmother's waist, held her left hand, and danced skillfully and accurately to a soothing beat.

"Aunt Zhao, it seems that Robb is in love with Miss Song, and the two seem to have a tacit understanding." Luo Shilin said happily.

"Shilin, isn't this exactly what you're looking forward to?" Luo Zhaobing's tone was very calm.

"Didn't you say he liked another girl? I didn't expect him to change his mind so quickly! Luo Shilin said in a slightly surprised tone.

"There is an old saying: a woman's face is fickle, and a man's heart is fickle." Luo Zhaobing was unimpressed by the rapid changes in his own son.

"Aunt Zhao, this is not only an old saying, but also the truth." Once again, Rothlyn resonated.

"I can see that you were also a merry person when you were young." Luo Zhaobing said and looked at his stepson's old face with an interested gaze.

"Thank you, Aunt Zhao, for the compliment." A wrinkled Rothlin said with a hippie smile.

After Song Tingrong gave up his dance partner, he found Dai Yunong, and while dancing, he was more about exchanging information.

"My people have found out that the planet 'Yi' is not the legendary 'Antenest'. However, Milhouse was determined to expand the conflict on the planet Yi, even to the point of triggering an all-out war. Dai Yunong said expressionlessly.

"It's no secret. Sharif and I are preparing to plot a proposal for impeachment against him, and if this increase is defeated by the Empire, we will initiate an impeachment motion. Song Tingrong said proudly.

"You politicians are so hateful. But will Rothlyn and Brad agree with you doing this? ”

"A change of president doesn't mean there won't be a war. For them, whoever can place more orders with them will be supported. It's not that you don't know that Milhouse has been able to sit so firmly in recent years, not because he has put the expansion of armaments in the first place. ”

"I think you're playing a dangerous game." Dai Yunong admonished softly.

"It's not you, it's us." Song Tingrong rolled his big eyes behind the lenses and seriously corrected Dai Yunong's statement. "The Empire advertised the interstellar planet 'Yi' as 'Antnest' with the intention of sparking a new war. Since the Senate of New Rome needs a new war to maintain their interests, and the President and we need to gain new interests through a new war, why not go to war with pleasure? ”

"But from the very beginning, you thought of passing the buck when you were defeated." Dai Yunong blamed.

"General Su Yu famously said: As a commander-in-chief, before the war begins, you must think about what to do when you fail." Song Tingrong slyly argued.

The beautiful music, accompanied by the joyful dance steps of the nobles, echoed in the golden hall, and finally drifted into the chaotic night sky above the bustling city. Above that night sky, thousands of light-years away, one after another fierce starships were constantly spewing light, entering the speed of light, and rushing to the outside of the Immortal Spiral Arm.

There, a black interstellar planet awaits them, and there, the predetermined battlefield.

After the party ended and the other guests left, Luo Zhaobing and Luo Bo said goodbye. The three members of the Song family sent them outside the door, and Song Xiaoyu also held Luo Bo's hand, looking a little reluctant.

"Xiaoyu, I'll make an appointment with you right away when I'm on vacation." Robb solemnly promised.

"Okay, I'll write to you." Song Xiaoyu said affectionately to Robb.

So, after saying goodbye, Robb and his mother got into the car and went home the way they came.

In the car, Luo Zhaobing smiled and said to his son: "It seems that you have another concern." ”

"Mom, don't laugh." In front of his mother, Robb still looked a little embarrassed.

"There are very few boys who can make such rapid progress in the first meeting as you do." Luo Zhaobing praised.

"I'm twenty-eight, and I'm not a boy anymore, Mom." Robb objected dissatisfied.

"Not a boy? So what did you do on the planet Taiji? Luo Zhaobing asked sternly.

"Nothing." Robb shook his head resolutely in denial.

Luo Zhaobing showed a motherly smile again and said, "Whether you do anything or not, it's your own business." But you and Xiaoyu have to thank us. ”

"Thank you?"

"Yes. If it weren't for us adults telling you clearly, hoping that you can become husband and wife in the future, and giving you a psychological hint, your relationship would not have been sublimated in such an instant. ”

"How is that possible?" Luo Bo denied it, "At the beginning, Xiaoyu hated me because of this. ”

"Haha." Luo Zhaobing couldn't help laughing, "That shows even more that our words really worked." flirting and scolding, since she says she hates you in front of you, it implies the opposite. Then she put away her smile and asked, "The jade pendant is still in your pocket, right?" ”

"Yes. I think it's so easy to give it to Xiaoyu, isn't it too casual for me? ”

"Now that the things have been handed over to you, it's up to you to decide. Also, how did you talk to Xiaoyu's friends? Luo Zhaobing asked with concern, although this is not the main purpose of going to the meeting tonight, it is also the beginning of his son's establishment of his own social circle in high society.

"I don't think her friends are very good." Robb said with a look of disdain on his face, "The man's eyes are empty-eyed, he talks exaggeratedly, and he is greedy for pleasure; The woman, like Xiaoyu, is purely brainless. ”

"What did you say?!" The mother was angry at her son's vulgar use of words.

Robb felt that he shouldn't use indecent words in front of his mother, and quickly said, "I'm sorry, Mom." I mean, they only think about makeup and dressing, what fashion they pursue, they don't study seriously, and they don't have any plans for their careers and lives. They are all children who rely on their parents to grow up, and I can't talk to them. ”

Luo Zhaobing put away his angry expression and said calmly:

"You don't have to belittle them. They are generally younger than you and do not have the special experience you have. So naturally I don't have any common language with you. When I was a child, I didn't have a thrifty father like you, who was indifferent to fame and fortune, nor did I experience the pain and unhappiness of losing my father at a young age and living under the fence of others, let alone the excitement and thrill of galloping in the universe, crisscrossing the sea of stars, and crossing the light of death. ”

So these people may indulge in fun because their family is too good, or they may be empty-minded because they have little experience. But after all, their families can be among the upper class of the Federation and become members of the ruling class that affects the fate of the country, and they also have desirable advantages and the possibility of future growth. Of course, there are some people who will forever indulge in the material possessions they have. However, there are those who will wake up at the right time and take advantage of the conditions that are superior to others to create greater causes. ”

Mother went on to make it clear: "Every man's success depends on his own efforts, and this effort includes not only the efforts of his own career, but also the use of interpersonal relationships." You have to keep in mind your responsibilities, be clear about your goals, and put those who are useful in the process of achieving that goal, whether they are people you like or hate. ”

"You've grown so big, and you're still quite an officer." Luo Zhaobing's tone became quite emotional, full of vicissitudes and sensuality. "You should understand by now that I have been a mother for 16 years, right? If I didn't marry your stepfather against public opinion back then, do you think that just by virtue of your father's merits and reputation, those local tyrants and inferior gentry would take our orphans and widows in their eyes? Do you think you'll be able to fall in love tonight with your baby daughter in your arms like a congressman? To put it mildly, your father's deeds, no matter how great they are, are dead to them and to those of us who are still alive. ”

"The poor can change the fate of the country and become rulers only through revolution, because they have little opportunity to share in the resources of domination. But we don't, because we can smoothly integrate into the ruling class, and we can make full use of the existing ruling resources to serve us, so that we can fulfill the mission and responsibility entrusted to us by the people, the country and history in a non-violent way! ”

is worthy of being known as the "godmother" of federal politics, Luo Zhaobing's words are far from being described by "earnest teachings". As a son, Robb had to accept it with great convincingness, and he said to his mother with the same devotion that a believer had for the Virgin: "Mother, I can understand your painstaking efforts, and I will work hard for the promise I have made, and I will go forward bravely, no matter how difficult the road ahead." ”

"It's good if you understand, but it's up to you how to do it. But I believe that you will achieve your goal in the end, and the people will thank and support you, because you are Su Yu and my son. Luo Zhaobing said with trust.

"Yes, Mom, thank you for your trust. I have already made a request to General Bloomberg and Lepning to participate in reinforcements on Planet Yi. Robb then explained: "Although the risk of dying in a war is very high, as in this operation on the planet 'Taiji', if it weren't for the kind Pontics, I would have either become a martyr or ended up in a prisoner of war camp in New Rome." And when you get to the front, you must be very worried. But only in this way can I win the trust of the people and achieve my goals. ”

Luo Zhaobing nodded and said, "As a mother, I'm really worried. Every time you go to work, I always fast and bathe, and every morning and evening in front of the Buddha to burn incense and chant sutras, praying for your safe return. But I will wholeheartedly support your actions, because I know that the battlefield is the shortcut, albeit a difficult one, to the pinnacle of power. I have already talked to Dai Yunong tonight, and Director Dai promised not to embarrass you in the investigation of the 'Void Temple Hijacking Incident'. Anyway, the agent named Felix Bridgeman has become a martyr, and a little more responsibility won't change anything. ”

"Actually, if I had thought it through, we could have easily been completely successful." Robb blamed himself a little.

"It's all in the past, you don't have to feel too guilty, it's important to learn the lessons. Bo'er, you have to remember that in politics, I can help you build relationships, move around for you, match you up, and even find women for you. But in military affairs, you can only rely on your talents, which are not only the command and use of the army, but also the use of comrades' relationships and various talents. ”

"Yes, Mom. I will not let you down, nor will I dishonor my father's name. Robb solemnly promised.

Luo Zhaobing raised the water glass, took a sip of water, and said lightly: "Okay, let's not talk about these heavy topics." You just mentioned the kind-hearted Pontick family, can you tell me if this mother, on the planet 'Tai Chi', is he in love with a Pontick lady? ”

"Mom, you're so good, you can guess it." Robb said admiringly.

"Dai Yunong told me." Luo Zhaobing smiled and said, "She said that in response to your agent's report, Mr. Pontik complained to them that after you ate your third meal every day, you would take her daughter to those crop greenhouses that simulated darkness for a long time. ”

"No, it's not like that, it was Miss Pontick who took it to take me." Robb hurriedly clarified, "Moreover, we are just walking and chatting inside. Because according to the laws of the Empire, she was soon to go into military service, so I told her a lot about the army. Mom, nothing happened to us that transcended friendship from beginning to end. ”

Luo Zhaobing kept a kind smile and said, "I don't really care what happens to you. My son is popular with girls, and I have no reason to be upset as a mother. ”

Then, her tone became serious: "It's just that Mom has to remind you that men must be responsible." Think of your women who want to call them 'aunts', who gave their youth for your stepfather, gave birth to flesh and blood, and although they ended up with a lot of property, but you also saw it, which of them had a happy expression on their faces? Everyone is like a resentful woman in the deep palace, just because your stepfather is irresponsible, and in fact he can't bear so much responsibility, so many orphans and widows suffer mental torture all day long. You can experience the days without a father, so don't let your children live without a father too. ”

"Yes, Mom, I will take your teachings to heart. As your son, the future leader of the people, I will be chaste and a responsible man. Robb swore in front of his mother.

"Don't mention chastity, who else remembers this thing in the current society." After Luo Zhaobing finished speaking, he sighed helplessly, and confessed to his son: "Even your mother can't control her chastity." You just need to know your responsibilities. ”

Mother's words made Robb bow his head in embarrassment and respond in a low voice: "Yes, Mom." ”