At this moment, Jiang Lin couldn't help but fall into thought.
She didn't know much about this place, only some key information.
But he really didn't want to miss out on the Emperor's Scepter.
"I want to go."
Jiang Lin unhesitatingly cast his vote to go.
Star and the other two had both voted to go to Omphalos, so he also followed suit.
The final result was as expected: the next stop would be Omphalos.
At this point, Pam asked Himeko:
"So, how should we arrange our next itinerary, Pam?"
After all, Himeko was the navigator, and even Conductor Pam could not ignore her opinion on such matters.
Himeko thought for a moment and offered her perspective:
"Time is not pressing this time, and Omphalos is a special case. Before heading there, the Astral Express should also prepare for supplies and support."
"So, we're going to Xianzhou Loufu first then?"
March 7th was very excited; as she herself said, she loved joining in on the fun the most.
But Himeko hadn't finished speaking and continued:
"I originally planned to bring back an ancient beast's remains from the 'Jumplog Deep' for Ms. Ruan Mei of the Genius Society before departure, as a favor exchange.
However, this would take at least a few weeks to return."
"Oh, so we can't go to Xianzhou Loufu then."
March 7th's excited expression instantly vanished, her eyes drooped, and she made a pouty cat face.
Himeko smiled slightly, looking at her with a hint of indulgence, and said:
"Little March, maintaining relationships is the small price adults must pay in life.
Since the Xianzhou Loufu has extended an invitation, as friends, the Astral Express should indeed attend."
Saying this, Himeko looked at the others:
"I plan to arrange it this way: Pam will first send everyone to Xianzhou Loufu. Afterward, Mr. Welt and I will continue to fulfill the agreement with Ruan Mei.
Star, March 7th, Dan Heng, Jiang Lin, and Sunday can attend the ceremony as representatives of the Astral Express."
Welt expressed his agreement and asked everyone:
"How is it? Any problems?"
Star seemed to want to get revenge for Jiang Lin's "local specialty grudge," so she spoke with a mischievous smile:
"Isn't Jiang Lin also a member of the Genius Society? Why don't we let him handle the social niceties all by himself?"
After speaking, Star provocatively looked at Jiang Lin, secretly praising her own wit.
But Jiang Lin ignored her abstractness, because from what he just heard, he had become interested in the ancient beast's remains Himeko mentioned.
At this moment, March 7th suddenly spoke up:
"Oh right, I forgot Jiang Lin is also a genius."
Himeko smiled slightly:
"Perhaps it's because we've been together for so long that there's no sense of distance like with other geniuses."
"Indeed, now that I think back to the first time I met Jiang Lin, I was quite nervous."
March 7th nodded in agreement.
Jiang Lin smiled helplessly, not dwelling on the topic.
"Can you leave some of that ancient beast's remains for me?"
"You're interested in this? Right, you're also a researcher."
Himeko was a little surprised, but then she understood. However, this made her a bit indecisive.
After all, this item wasn't hers, nor was it the Astral Express's; she was just responsible for transport.
Jiang Lin also saw Himeko's predicament, so he said:
"Is it a bit difficult?"
Himeko nodded helplessly, then explained her concerns.
"Is that so? I'll contact her in advance later. If she agrees, I'll let you know."
"You still have her contact information? I thought all other geniuses, besides you, were solitary."
March 7th asked in confusion.
Jiang Lin silently shifted his attention:
"Star has it too."
Star: ... "Ah? You have such a wide network too?"
March 7th looked at her usually unreliable best friend in disbelief, truly not understanding how he knew so many important people.
Jiang Lin added at this point:
"Why don't we let Star handle the social niceties all by herself?"
Star at this moment completely did not expect that the arrow she had just shot at Jiang Lin would so quickly return to her own forehead.
Himeko and Welt exchanged glances, both shaking their heads imperceptibly.
"Let Mr. Welt and I handle this matter. You all just focus on attending the celebration."
At this point, Sunday spoke:
"I think I can help."
But Himeko refused.
"I don't doubt your abilities in this regard, but I heard from Welt that you still seem to have some ailments. You should rest well."
Hearing this, Sunday didn't say anything more.
"Ah? There's such a thing? Should we find a doctor to check it out?"
March 7th was a bit worried upon hearing this.
After all, no matter what he had done before, Sunday was now a companion on the Astral Express.
"It's fine, just some minor ailments. They won't affect me."
Sunday's lips curved into a smile, and a warm current rose in his heart due to March 7th's genuine concern.
"Ahem, it seems everyone has no more questions. Then let's prepare to warp to the Xianzhou Loufu, Pam."
Pam, seeing that everyone had reached an agreement, announced the next destination.
After speaking, Pam trotted off to the Conductor's office with his short legs.
After Conductor Pam left, the rest of the group began to do their own things.
Himeko and Welt discussed their future action plan nearby.
March 7th pulled Star, seemingly wanting Ruan Mei's contact information.
Dan Heng returned to the data bank to pre-organize any luggage that might be needed later.
Jiang Lin went to Sunday's side.
"How are you feeling?"
"Thank you for your concern, I'm fine."
"I just don't want you to mess up at a critical moment."
Sunday shook his head helplessly, but then immediately assured him:
"Don't worry, I have some confidence in this. I just don't know when you plan to start?"
"How about... now?"
(Normal updates have resumed, with one extra chapter.)
(The author did not intentionally skip updates, please forgive me, dear readers!)