Midnight.
Cen Yemeng held Jiang Ye, and the couple slept soundly, their bodies intertwined like primates sleeping together in the jungle.
Both of their phones suddenly vibrated and rang simultaneously, startling them awake as if from a shared nightmare.
Jiang Ye woke first, while Cen Yemeng grumbled and kept her eyes closed.
"Is it mine or yours?" Cen Yemeng whispered.
"Both our phones are ringing," Jiang Ye replied.
"Both? Don't tell me it's some mass-mailed advertisement. Take a look for me," Cen Yemeng said, not bothering to open her eyes.
"If a business is sending spam to both our phones, they must have a death wish," Jiang Ye chuckled. "It's unlikely."
He got up, grabbed both phones, and unlocked their screens.
They contained identical messages.
【Notice Regarding the Training Class for the Candidates of Bi Rong Planet Governor and Bi Rong Star Commander】
【Following fair competition and reasonable elimination, the Galactic Empire is preparing to launch the first batch of training classes for candidates of the highest leadership for planets with undetermined sovereignty. The training class will primarily focus on specialized instruction and training in the candidates' cultural literacy, management capabilities, comprehensive knowledge, and physical fitness. The duration will be approximately 30 days, and the location will be the Interstellar Education School in Garden City, within the vastness of the Milky Way.】
【After deliberation, it has been decided that Bi Rong Star Commander candidate Jiang Ye and Bi Rong Planet Governor candidate Cen Yemeng are required to report to the school on time for training. Round-trip ship tickets will be issued in electronic format after the issuance of this notice.】
【This training is extremely important. Please approach it with seriousness in both thought and action, and strive to pass the final examination on the first attempt. Failure to pass will require re-attending this training class next year.】
【Organizers of this event:】
【Galactic Empire Planetary Management Committee】
【Galactic Empire Stationed】
Jiang Ye summoned the heads and deputies of all work sectors, as well as a multitude of city lords, leaders of civilian organizations, and major entrepreneurs. He held meetings from morning till night without a break.
Cen Yemeng went to the school to see their son, informing him that his parents would be going away for training.
Jiang Senlin, perhaps understanding too much, looked noticeably suspicious. His expression suggested, "What kind of excuse is this? You just want to ditch me, your little burden, and have some couple time," or "Spouses are true love, and children are just accidents, right?"
Cen Yemeng showed Jiang Senlin the notice for the training class. Jiang Senlin was quite surprised. Such a thing actually existed? Did the highest leaders of a planet have to attend school?
"Don't worry about me. You two go and study well," Jiang Senlin said calmly, adding, "Strive for progress every day, and study for the rise of the planet."
Just as various tasks were being deployed, the couple received their spaceship tickets for the training program.
The schedule was relatively relaxed, with the departure set for seven days later. A dedicated ship would come to Bi Rong Star to pick them up.
Jiang Ye then spent a few more days catching up on backlog affairs.
Time passed quickly, and a week later, it was time.
The couple arrived at the space station early to wait.
Jiang Ye wore a comfortable black outfit that appeared formal, while Cen Yemeng wore a pure white tracksuit and a baseball cap. They looked less like participants in a high-profile event for planetary leaders and more like they were heading for a round of golf.
Their luggage was minimal, just one suitcase of personal items, and it wasn't even full. After all, they would have everything they needed once they arrived, and anything they lacked could be purchased. Only commoners packed large boxes, small boxes, and bags when traveling long distances.
Finally, the spaceship arrived.
Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng had seen countless types of spacecraft, but this was the first time they had encountered one so unique.
Its exterior resembled a black ceramic cube, reflecting light beautifully in the sunlight. However, the cube's sides were a full six hundred meters long. Landing on the spacious space station, it created an incredibly powerful visual impact. This impact stemmed from the intuitive feeling that this object was built by a civilization of an extremely high order. The technology was so advanced that it didn't require any aerodynamic shells; a simple cube would suffice.
Jiang Ye recalled pictures of fighter jets and UFOs he had seen as a child. They were all streamlined, with various designs to enhance lift and maneuverability, possessing exceptionally beautiful exteriors. At the time, he thought they were impressive, but compared to this massive, crude cube, ancient flying machines seemed so clumsy and laughable, like plastic airplanes assembled by a child.
Water droplets clung to the ship's surface, streaming down like a waterfall as it landed.
Upon boarding the spaceship, Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng discovered that all the crew members were dressed in dress uniforms. The male attendants were sunny and handsome, while the female attendants were alluring and charming. All the facilities and furnishings exuded a military aura, with a design aesthetic that was sturdy, practical, and robust.
The interior of the spaceship indeed resembled a small city, complete with everything from shopping malls to forest parks. Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng's rooms were located within the forest park.