"Thank you, Sixth Uncle."
Su Ming took the jasmine tea and walked towards the reception room.
....
More than an hour later, inside the reception room.
Hilis and Olissa were enjoying some pastries and drinking tea, listening to Su Ming describe the wonders of wormhole space-time.
The two were utterly fascinated.
Though they were no strangers to interstellar travel, they had never ventured to such dangerous places; the Three Forbidden Zones seemed like mere legends to them.
At this moment, the sound of footsteps approached.
Su Ming and the two others turned their heads to see Su Cheng coming over, smiling broadly as he spoke.
"How are you doing, ladies? Had a good rest?"
"Quite well."
Hilis replied with a smile.
"That’s good. I’m really busy on this side, still have to prepare for the live weapon combat performance, so I can’t personally entertain you. I hope you’ll understand."
"It’s fine, Mr. Su Cheng, you are too polite."
Olissa replied courteously.
"It’s my duty. Oh, I have a few VIP tickets here; Su Ming, you can take the two ladies to watch the performance."
Su Cheng then took out three VIP tickets and handed them to Su Ming.
"Alright."
Su Ming reached out to take them.
"You all have a good rest here. If you need anything, just ask the staff here. I’ll take my leave."
Su Cheng gave a quick briefing and hurriedly left.
Olissa watched Su Cheng’s departing figure with some envy and said to Su Ming.
"Mr. Su Ming, you must have quite a high status in your family; your uncle seems to hold you in unusual regard."
"It’s okay, our status is probably similar."
Su Ming replied with a smile.
"We are still different, Mr. Su Ming. Your influence comes more from your own strength, while I only rely on a bit of cleverness."
Olissa said self-deprecatingly.
"No, I think Miss Olissa, it’s not just cleverness, but abundant talent; you just lack an opportunity."
Su Ming shook his head and replied earnestly.
Olissa was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then showed a warm smile.
"Thank you for your kind words. Well, we’ve rested enough. Let’s head to the stargazing area."
"Sure."
Su Ming and Hilis stood up in agreement.
The three of them then left the Thunder God Group’s exhibition area and walked towards the stargazing area.
...
More than half an hour later.
Su Ming and the others reached the entrance of the stargazing area.
The whole place was lively, filled with tens of thousands of travelers waiting to enter.
The surroundings were dotted with numerous food stalls selling all kinds of snacks and toys.
"So lively!"
Hilis said happily.
"I didn’t expect the weapon combat performance to draw such a crowd."
Su Ming was somewhat surprised; he initially thought the audience would mainly be men.
However, he observed plenty of couples and families here.
"There’s still some time left before it starts; let’s wait here for a bit."
Olissa checked her wristband and said.
"Mm."
Hilis nodded.
At that moment, a group of children eating ice cream bounced past them.
Hilis couldn’t help but glance at the ice cream in the children’s hands, revealing a hint of desire.
Su Ming caught sight of Hilis’s unusual behavior unintentionally, followed her gaze, and saw the ice cream in the children’s hands.
He glanced around the area and then walked towards an ice cream shop.
Before long, Su Ming returned with two strawberry-flavored ice creams.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
Hilis was momentarily stunned, then showed a joyful expression as she happily accepted them.
Olissa was also a bit surprised but politely accepted hers.
Watching Hilis blissfully eat her ice cream, Su Ming smiled and said.
"The weapon performance later is expected to be quite long. How about we buy some snacks to enjoy while watching?"
Hilis’s eyes lit up upon hearing Su Ming’s suggestion, though she tried to restrain herself and hesitantly said.
"Is that really okay?"
"It’s fine; it’s a rare chance, so we should relax and enjoy it, right Olissa?"
Su Ming chuckled.
"I think Mr. Su Ming makes a good point."
Olissa, understanding Su Ming’s intention, smiled and agreed.
"Let’s just buy a little."
Taking a deep breath, Hilis seemed to make a huge decision.
"Let’s go, there are plenty of snacks over there, see what you like."
Su Ming led the two towards the nearby snack shop.
Soon, they arrived at the snack shop’s counter, where various snacks like popcorn, dried fruits, and pastries were displayed.
Hilis’s gaze immediately landed on the popcorn, though she hesitated, keeping silent.
After all, popcorn’s calories are quite high and could affect her figure, especially her favorite caramel flavor.
Su Ming smiled and said to the female server.
"One caramel-flavored popcorn, please."
"Sir, would you like a small, medium, large, or extra-large size?"
The female server asked politely.
Hilis, hearing this, nervously looked towards Su Ming.
"Uh, extra-large."
Su Ming had intended to get a large size, especially since he wouldn’t be eating it. But seeing Hilis’s nervousness, he instinctively ordered an extra-large.
"Alright!"
The server promptly picked up an extra-large cardboard tub and filled it with popcorn.
Hilis happily reached out to take the popcorn.
Su Ming showed a hint of surprise at the generous portion but didn’t mind much, turning to ask Olissa.