A week after Sui Yan had woken up, an official announcement—in the form of a press conference, was made regarding the situation onboard Colony Three.
It goes without saying that the press conference was streamed to the entirety of the fleet.
And throughout Xu Qingxiang's explanation of how she intends to handle the situation going forward, all colony leaders listened closely without asking too many questions.
That's not to say that the other colony leaders do not have a few issues with Xu Qingxiang's plans, but such matters are conversations that should only be discussed in a more private setting.
That being the case, a private online meeting with all the colony leaders in attendance occurred the day after, and upon Xu Qingxiang providing a bit more detail—
[…So, you're saying that even if we created a similar vessel, it's no longer possible to replicate the situation on Colony Three—because there are no longer any more planetary souls present in our star region?]
Towards this question, Xu Qingxiang replies—
"Correct."
In response to Xu Qingxiang's answer, all the colony leaders raised a sigh. As much as they wish to raise a few complaints, it simply isn't possible.
[This is that sort of thing, isn't it? The thing about eating crabs?]
[Be careful of being the first to attempt to eat crabs because you might end up being counter-killed by the crab, right?]
[Assuming it's a success, which it is in this case, I tend to call this the pioneers' benefits.]
Clearing her throat, Xu Qingxiang remarks—
"Well, the opportunity of merging another vessel to ours in the future isn't impossible. In fact, we will have to do that—before we can even begin phase two of the star region's revival plan."
Towards this remark, the colony leaders raised an eye, and—
[How would we go about it?]
[In what order will this merging be conducted?]
[Phase two of the plan?]
Gathering her thoughts, Xu Qingxiang explains—
"The merging process itself requires magic array to be carved onto the vessels. Further details will be shared later. As for this so-called phase two of the plan, let's just say—unity of the entire fleet will be the key to its success, so let's not try any underhanded schemes. I'll promise all of you here that the merging of all colony vessels is guaranteed—not a single one of you will be left out. As for what order to conduct the merging… I'm thinking of deciding it with the talents' selections event in the future. How about this? The strongest participant in the next selections event—beneath the age of sixteen category, their colony of origin will receive the first opportunity to merge? And if the strongest participant comes from my own colony, then… Contribution of resources from all eight colonies shall be gifted to them, while the second-best performer's colony of origin gets the merging opportunity?"
Hearing this, all colony leaders put on an expression of contemplation.
Despite the distastefulness of it, none of them had any issues with Xu Qingxiang's final remark.
Considering how the participants of Colony Three will have access to the densest natural energy-filled environment possible, it's all but guaranteed that their strength will surpass the other participants greatly.
Momentarily, one of the colony leaders asks—
[Every five years, was it? Hmm, how about making it every ten years instead? We also have genetic materials that we wish to use. Provided with ten years, the children produced for the next selections event will all be peerless talents.]
[It would also give child production banned colonies time to catch up.]
[Exactly our situation. This seems fair.]
Contemplating the advantages, several individuals voiced their agreements with this suggestion, to which, Xu Qingxiang replies—
"Sounds good. I'll be looking forward to the selections event in ten years then."
Settling this matter, more are brought up, which consists of—
[When will we be able to send those who are on the verge of making breakthroughs out?]
[Schedule for food supply deliveries in the future?]
[Child production should still be temporarily limited in the other colonies, I assume? We still need to avoid overpopulation, correct?]
Maintaining her patience, Xu Qingxiang answered the concerns of the others one by one.
...…
By the time the online meeting is starting to end, Xu Qingxiang's eyes seem to be on the verge of glazing over, and when it finally ended—
"…Haaaaa...…"
She can't help but raise a heavy sigh of exhaustion.
Despite having been prepared for this meeting, she still finds it exhausting.
"…"
Entering the room, Sui Yan walks over to the desk, and places a cup of coffee down, while remarking—
"Good work out there."
"…"
Picking up the cup of coffee, Xu Qingxiang directs a begrudging glare at Sui Yan, while taking a sip of the hot beverage.
Setting the cup down, Xu Qingxiang remarks—
"They were asking where you were in the beginning."
"I see."
"…"
Twitching an eye, Xu Qingxiang continues to ask—
"…Shouldn't you have been there with me, instead of letting me handle it all on my own, my dear partner-in-crime?"
Taking a sip of coffee, Sui Yan replies—
"I don't like being in the spotlight."
"This isn't a matter of personal likes and dislikes. It's a matter of you being there to share my burdens."
Chuckling lightly, and setting the cup down, Sui Yan places her hands onto Xu Qingxiang's shoulders, and applies just the right amount of pressure onto them for a massage.
"Nnh…!"
Leaning her lips near Xu Qingxiang's ear, Sui Yan whispers—
"Well? Feeling any lighter?"
"Uh…! Can you not whisper into my ears like that! It's…-"
Sensing her ears turning red, Xu Qingxiang averts her face away from Sui Yan, who asks—
"By the way, what exactly are we having for dinner today?"
"…"
Narrowing her eyes, Xu Qingxiang asks back—
"…The fact that you're asking me about dinner, you're expecting me to cook for you again?"
"Besides you, who else in this residence is there that can cook?"
"…I swear, you must be the only person who has the galls to ask a colony leader to be your chef."
"Aren't partners-in-crimes supposed to cover for one another's shortcomings?"
"This is completely diff- Nnh…!"
Applying greater pressure to Xu Qingxiang's shoulders to cut her off, Sui Yan continues to say—
"It isn't all that different."
"…"
Gritting her teeth, Xu Qingxiang eventually raises a sigh, and says—
"Rice and fried shrimps."
"Looking forward to it."