Chapter 225: 'Big Star' Arrives

Steam Capital’s train station.

Outside, the Upper City and Lower City were still locked in fierce combat.

Inside the station, Jing Ruli, clad in gleaming sneakers, tiptoed like a mischievous kitten, eager to sneak out and peek at what was happening beyond the glass.

But before she could take a single step, a firm grip clamped onto the back of her jacket.

“Stay here. I’ll arrange the company’s transport.”

Jing Ruli turned, and there she was—her guardian, her agent, and all-around no-nonsense enforcer: Catastrophe-Level Stellar Envoy · Mei Ling.

One hand held a Data Terminal, the other firmly restraining her.

Jing Ruli stuck out her tongue, then pouted with exaggerated sweetness. “Mei-ya, just one peek! I promise I won’t cause trouble.”

“No.”

No room for negotiation. Mei Ling’s voice was cold, final.

Though she didn’t believe anyone in Steam Capital—aside from the branch head, Liam—could actually harm Jing Ruli under her watch, she preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.

After all, she still had no idea why Jing Ruli had suddenly shown up at such a remote location.

Seeing Mei Ling unmoved, Jing Ruli puffed out her cheeks, then sauntered over to the station’s large glass window and peered outside with curious eyes.

She wasn’t the only one trapped in the station hall. Other passengers, freshly arrived, were also stuck, caught in the chaos.

Jing Ruli’s striking star aura—her flawless, high-fashion elegance, her iconic violet hair—drew glances from every direction. Passengers subtly nudged each other, whispering, pointing, clearly trying to signal something.

But Jing Ruli didn’t care.

Big Star, after all, was supposed to be recognized.

Bored, she pulled out her premium Data Terminal and reached out to Chen Xing.

She had mentioned she might come to Steam Capital, but she’d never told Chen Xing when.

Click.

She twisted the terminal, snapping two photos of the blazing streets behind her—flames licking the sky, smoke billowing from shattered steam pipes.

In the selfie frame, she tilted her head, gave a cheeky peace sign.

And with a tap, the message shot off.

【Big Star has arrived. Come pick me up!】

She didn’t have to wait long.

Her terminal chimed with a soft ding.

【Chen Xing: ???】

Three question marks.

Jing Ruli couldn’t help but smirk.

Her fingers danced across the screen.

【Jing Ruli: What, no welcome? (Angry face)】

【Chen Xing: ???】

【Chen Xing: What are you doing in Steam Capital?】

Jing Ruli’s oversized sunglasses flashed a sudden, icy gleam.

Ohhh. Chen Xing was hiding something.

If this were the old Chen Xing—her usual cold, sharp, no-nonsense self—she’d have already sent a furious reply, threatening to come storming over and tear her apart after that first message.

But this? This was too calm. Too… controlled.

Something was off.

Very off.

This wasn’t the Chen Xing she knew.

This was someone else.

Definitely hiding something.

Instantly, the detective mode in Jing Ruli kicked in.

She typed with feigned innocence.

【Jing Ruli: Of course I came to see you~ (Heart emoji)】

【Chen Xing: …】

“Miss, is everything alright?”

Foxes, watching Chen Xing frown at her terminal, couldn’t help but ask.

Chen Xing rubbed her temples, sighing with a weary, exasperated tone.

“Nothing. Just a certain troublemaking little violet-haired brat showing up.”

Foxes glanced toward the train station entrance, as if sensing something. Then she smiled.

“If it’s her… well, that is quite the headache.”

Chen Xing typed rapidly.

【Chen Xing: I’ve got something to handle. Go to Gear Tower in Steam Capital. I’ll meet you later.】

Jing Ruli huffed, muttering under her breath.

“Make me go to Gear Tower? I’m Big Star—don’t I have dignity?”

But as soon as she sent the message, her tone flipped completely.

【Jing Ruli: Okk~ (Sweet.jpg)】

【Chen Xing: Stop pretending.】

【Jing Ruli: Whatever. (Tongue out)】

She snapped the terminal shut, then tugged on Mei Ling’s sleeve, launching into her signature pouty charm.

“Mei-ya, can you find Star’s guardian?”

Mei Ling, in her unassuming business attire, adjusted her glasses with a sigh. “He’s not hiding his aura. Easy to find.”

“Great! Then let’s go!”

But Mei Ling wasn’t so easily swayed. “Still… from what you just said, Chen Xing seems to have something important to deal with. Going over there now… isn’t ideal.”

Jing Ruli lifted her chin, mimicking the old, cool swagger she’d once copied from Tian Dao. She adjusted her massive sunglasses with a flick.

“Why not? Legs are on me. I’m Jing Ruli—I go where I please. Can she really stop me?”

Mei Ling stared at the smug, defiant expression on Jing Ruli’s face—‘Heaven’s first, I’m second, Chen Xing? Just a nobody.’

And in that moment, her mind drifted to the countless times Jing Ruli and Chen Xing had clashed in the past.

Jing Ruli would always make bold threats.

Chen Xing would always deliver the punishment.

And in the end, Jing Ruli would cling to Chen Xing’s arm, whining for mercy.

Every time. Without fail.

Even though, on paper, Jing Ruli—Scion of the Shuangyin Family, the strongest prodigy of the Xingyin Sect—was nearly equal in status to Chen Xing, heir to the Liyang Family.

But personality, and their relationship—those were the real factors.

The families never took such matters seriously.

Still, Mei Ling knew this request was reckless.

Yet, with a soft sigh, she relented.

“Fine. But no trouble.”

“Huh? You don’t trust me?” Jing Ruli grinned.

Mei Ling gave her a dry look. Oh, I do trust you. That’s exactly why I’m worried.

Just as the words left her lips, a teenage boy carrying a bundle of mechanical parts approached.

He hesitated, glancing at Jing Ruli’s unmistakable purple hair.

“U-um… Excuse me… Are you Jing Ruli? The singer from Stellar Ballad?”

Recognition sparked in Jing Ruli’s eyes.

Her posture shifted instantly. She took a subtle breath, then smiled—her signature, flawless Big Star charisma flaring to life.

“Mm.”

The moment her identity was confirmed, the station erupted.

“Wait—is that really her?! I saw your concert last week!”

“Ruli-san! Can I get your autograph? My little sister’s your biggest fan!”

“When are you doing a concert here in Steam Capital?!”

Jing Ruli laughed, caught between amusement and disbelief, as she accepted the first fan’s marker and signed on the boy’s mechanical arm.

All the while, she quietly gathered intel.

“Hey… uh, what’s going on around here? Why’s it so chaotic?”

The boy blinked, then explained Steam Capital’s current situation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end