Chapter 75: She’s An Excellent Girl

Li Xiaofei suddenly understood why Tan Qingying spoke and behaved in the way she did. However, he didn't ask further since it was her private matter.

But Tan Qingying seemed eager to talk. She continued in a low voice, "My mom passed away ten years ago. When she died, my dad was so busy with work that he didn't make it in time to see her one last time..."

Li Xiaofei understood even more now. No wonder the relationship between father and daughter was so strained. This kind of situation was common even five hundred years ago. Children left behind by workaholic parents had a tough time.

Tan Qingying went on, "At first, I resented him and hated him, but then one day I found him crying like a child in front of my mom's photo. I forgave him because sometimes he has to bear the lives and safety of four million people. He really has no choice."

Li Xiaofei looked at her in surprise. This was the second time he realized that Tan Qingying wasn't as spoiled and rebellious as she appeared.

Tan Qingying smiled and said, "Even though I forgave him, I still have to keep an eye on him. My dad is a notorious workaholic. He promised my mom he'd eat on time, not stay up late, and not overwork... but he often fails to keep those promises."

Li Xiaofei couldn't help but ask, "Did your mom... pass away from an illness?"

In this era, even cancer could be conquered. Many martial arts experts had greatly extended lifespans with universal cultivation. Saint-level powerhouses could live over three hundred years. It was surprising for the city leader's wife, who would have had access to the best medical care, to pass away so early. It must have been some kind of accident.

"My mom died of radiation sickness," Tan Qingying said. "She worked at the Thor Research Institute and was involved in many advanced star beast dissections and research. During one experiment, she was exposed to radiation from a King Grade star beast's corpse and got infected..."

Li Xiaofei understood. He had learned about this in his basic biology courses. Many high-grade star beast corpses emitted strong radiation. King Grade star beast corpses were the worst, with radiation levels reaching up to 20,000 roentgens.

Warriors who weren’t strong enough and didn’t have special protective gear faced extreme danger when dealing with untreated King Grade star beast corpses. This type of radiation was different from nuclear radiation. Current human technology couldn't cure it.

Many human pioneers and great researchers sacrificed themselves throughout history to unravel the secrets of star beasts and help humanity gain powerful abilities. They achieved significant results. Developments like power armor, power mechs, and powered chainsaw weapons were built on this scientific foundation. Many potent techniques and combat skills had also stemmed from this field of study. But humanity paid a great price for these advancements.

The ninth Saint of the Great Xia Republic, Madam Yuqin, also died in her prime due to starforce radiation from her research. This type of radiation was one of the reasons resources were so scarce for humans. Many water sources and plants in the wild were not directly consumable by humans. Similarly, much of star beast meat couldn't be consumed due to this radiation.

Fortunately, the Star Council had developed techniques to purify these resources. However, the costs were high. Overall, the star beast invasion brought immense disaster to humanity. It was not just the slaughter, the invasion had infiltrated every aspect of life.

"Idol, do you think I was being very bratty when I yelled at him in the office?" Tan Qingying asked, looking up.

Li Xiaofei's greatest virtue was his honesty, so he immediately denied it. "How could that be? I thought it was very cute."

Tan Qingying wrinkled her delicate, upturned nose. "Hmph, insincere."

Li Xiaofei smiled but said nothing.

Tan Qingying didn't throw a tantrum; instead, she explained, "Actually, I was imitating the way my mom used to talk to him. It's the only way he'll listen. Otherwise, he's incredibly stubborn and works nonstop as if he's trying to work himself to death."

Li Xiaofei looked at the girl in front of him and suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for her. Problematic children usually had problematic parents. Whatever the issue, it probably wasn't the child's fault to begin with.

Tan Qingying seemed to feel much better after she had explained herself. She looked at Li Xiaofei and said, "This is the first time in the last ten years someone has accompanied me here to eat. The last time was ten years ago, when my mom was still alive."

Li Xiaofei said, "If you can't find anyone to accompany you to this shop, you can call me."

Tan Qingying asked, "What about other shops? Would that be okay?"

Li Xiaofei leaned back strategically and said, "It depends. I'm actually quite busy."

Tan Qingying laughed again. "I get it, President Li. After all, you're managing so many gang members, and a lot of people depend on you for their livelihood."

Li Xiaofei was surprised. "You know about that?"

Tan Qingying said, "I've read your file at least ten times."

"File?" Li Xiaofei asked.

Tan Qingying replied, "What else? Do you think just anyone can casually meet my dad? Your entire background and behavior were thoroughly investigated before you came to the City Government Compound."

Li Xiaofei suddenly understood. It made sense.

Tan Qingying mischievously squinted her eyes and said, "I also know that the girl you like is named Zhong Ling, your master's daughter. But it seems she doesn't really like you."

Li Xiaofei couldn't help but laugh. He didn't argue because the previous owner of his body did indeed have a deep affection for Zhong Ling. It was logical that the government staff would uncover this information. However, his reaction seemed to have given Tan Qingying the wrong impression.

"Don't be mad." She quickly explained. "Honestly, a wonderful guy like you, she's really blind if she doesn't like you. There are many prettier girls who would fight over you. She'll regret it sooner or later."

Li Xiaofei couldn't help but laugh. It was a poor attempt at comfort, but coming from a top-tier rich girl like Tan Qingying, it was surprisingly persuasive.

He casually smiled and said, "To each their own."

After drinking a few more sips of the offal soup, he felt much more refreshed.

He continued, "Actually, everyone has the freedom to like someone and the freedom not to. I'm not a star coin; it's impossible for everyone to love me. If she doesn't like me, that's normal. As long as she's happy, it's fine."

Tan Qingying was stunned for a moment. "Idol, you're so carefree."

Li Xiaofei smiled and began to speed up, devouring the few remaining pieces of braised offal.

"Hey, slow down! I haven't had enough yet," Tan Qingying said anxiously.

The two of them started eating rapidly as their chopsticks flew. Before long, the bowls and plates were clean.

"Ugh... how annoying, you took most of it," Tan Qingying said, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. Her mouth was full of braised meat.

Li Xiaofei laughed proudly, "You were too slow."

They laughed and joked in a very relaxed atmosphere. It didn't feel like they had just met; it felt more like they had been childhood friends for years. At that point, the shop was getting busier. Then, a group of four or five high school boys, dressed in uniforms, noisily walked in.

"Old Eight, is this the super tasty place you were talking about?"

"It's too small, looks like a dog's nest, and there's no seating."

"We can't stand and eat, can we?"

"Let's find somewhere else, this place is a letdown."

"It's so dirty and shabby, even dogs wouldn't eat here... Hey, look over there... Damn, guys, check out that table. Wow, that girl is stunning."

One of the boys noticed Tan Qingying sitting at the far table.