Chapter 33: The Opening Ceremony

After finishing making the bed, Lin Yiwen straightened up and wiped the light sheen of sweat from his forehead.

Seeing that the bed was ready, Zhuang Yun splayed her limbs and threw herself onto the soft mattress.

"Brother Lin! You are so kind!" Zhuang Yun's voice drifted from the bed.

Lin Yiwen’s face flushed again. Fearing that Zhuang Yun might notice, he hurriedly said his goodbyes. After he left, Zhuang Yun began to tidy up her things to get some rest. Suddenly, she heard a tapping at the window. When she looked, it was Wangcai! She rushed to open it.

"Wangcai! You’re amazing! To fly all this way and still find me! I’m so touched!" With that, Zhuang Yun rubbed Mingxie’s head.

Having flown over ten thousand miles fueled by his anger toward Zhuang Yun, Mingxie found his prepared lectures vanishing into thin air. He nestled into her arms, enjoying the caresses.

*This woman is simply too wicked! Why am I so spineless!*

***

Lin Yiwen followed Wang Wan to the Mecha Research Institute. In the center stood the statues of his parents, commemorating the brilliant achievements they had once made: creating the most advanced mechas in the Cosmic Federation.

Yet, these statues felt like thorns, constantly reminding him of the pain of losing his parents and the loneliness he had endured over the years.

Upon arriving at the reception hall, Dean Qian and a group of faculty members greeted him warmly.

"Little Lin, you’ve had a long journey. You must be tired!"

"These are your parents' former junior schoolmates and some of their students." The group had moist eyes as they looked at Lin Yiwen—or rather, at the person they remembered.

"The resemblance, it’s truly striking! Little Lin looks most like his father!" one female professor could not hold back her tears.

A male professor, noticing Lin Yiwen’s awkwardness, quickly smoothed things over: "Little Lin, when your parents were alive, they led us in research, won awards, and set cosmic records. Those were truly nostalgic times!"

Dean Qian noticed the deep dark circles under Lin Yiwen's eyes. "Little Lin, it’s late and you must be exhausted. Let Wan'er take you to your quarters; we can talk more tomorrow!"

After Lin Yiwen left, several teachers embraced each other and wept. "Dean! Our school has hope again!"

Dean Qian nodded, his expression turning serious. "I heard news that after his parents passed away, Little Lin dropped out of the preparatory academy and lived alone, working odd jobs at a mecha repair shop."

"Furthermore, his mental power test was consistently at Grade B. Back then, the principal decided to give up on him, as Grade B mental power cannot pilot a mecha—they are essentially useless. I couldn't make any further demands."

"Who would have thought that he could improve his mental power on his own without formal schooling? It’s unheard of—he’s a genius!"

Another teacher added, "Indeed! His parents were both geniuses; it's no surprise he is a little genius himself!"

"However, he lacks some basic theoretical knowledge. We must help him catch up as soon as possible. And those research projects of his parents that we haven't cracked yet—they must be waiting for him."

"Let the long-sealed greatness see the light of day once more..."

The night deepened.

Dean Qian had arranged for Lin Yiwen to stay in the suite his parents once occupied—it wasn't just a dormitory, but a standalone villa within the school grounds. It was spotless, clearly cleaned on a regular basis. It also featured a private mecha manufacturing lab, fully equipped with tools.

Entering the study, filled with books his parents had read and annotated, Lin Yiwen sat down and became completely absorbed. Before he knew it, it was four in the morning, and he quickly washed up for a brief nap.

In the days that followed, Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen were each busy with their own studies and training. Although they saw each other less often, the friendship in their hearts never waned.

Zhuang Yun quickly made a name for herself in the Mecha Infantry Department. She possessed not only exceptional physical fitness but also a unique understanding and extraordinary talent for mecha control. Through day after day of grueling training, she mastered various high-difficulty mecha maneuvers and combat techniques, becoming a recognized standout in her department.

Lin Yiwen, meanwhile, devoted himself to research and innovation at the institute. He knew that as a future mecha warrior, one could only remain invincible on the battlefield by mastering the most advanced technology. Thus, he poured all his energy into his studies and research, achieving constant breakthroughs.

Despite their different paths, they kept in close contact. Whenever they had free time, they would share details of their lives and growth through calls or video chats. Whenever Zhuang Yun faced challenges, Lin Yiwen was the first to offer encouragement; whenever Lin Yiwen made a discovery or hit a technical snag, Zhuang Yun shared her own insights without hesitation.

As time passed, their bond deepened. They became each other’s strongest support, promoting and growing together in their respective fields.

In the blink of an eye, a year had passed. Tianfu Imperial Academy held its annual Mecha Competition, a major stage for testing the students' progress. Both Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen signed up, hoping to showcase their strength and style.

In the competition, Zhuang Yun relied on her superb control and combat wisdom to defeat one opponent after another, ultimately reaching the finals. Lin Yiwen served as part of the technical support team, providing crucial backing and tactical guidance for their mechas.

On the day of the finals, the entire campus was immersed in a tense and excited atmosphere. Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen fought side-by-side; their tacit cooperation and outstanding performance earned rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. After a fierce contest, the team they were on successfully claimed the championship.

Standing on the podium, Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen smiled at each other, their eyes shining with excitement and pride. They knew this honor was not just a validation of their individual efforts, but a testament to their deep friendship.

From then on, the names of Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen became legendary at Tianfu Imperial Academy. Their story inspired more young students to pursue their dreams and challenge themselves.

Following the brilliant success at the Mecha Competition, Zhuang Yun and Lin Yiwen did not slow down. They knew this was only a small victory on their life’s journey, and true challenges lay ahead.

Zhuang Yun continued her advanced studies in the Mecha Infantry Department. Her goal was not merely to become an elite warrior, but to make breakthroughs in mecha technology and contribute to the nation’s mecha industry. She used her spare time to delve into structural principles, constantly experimenting with new control techniques and combat strategies. Her efforts earned widespread recognition from teachers and peers, and she gradually became a leading figure in her department.

Lin Yiwen continued to toil away at the research institute, dedicated to the development and innovation of mecha technology. He led his team to overcome one technical hurdle after another, pushing the evolution of mecha technology forward. His research was not only highly acclaimed within Tianfu Imperial Academy but also drew significant attention from domestic and international peers. Numerous companies and institutions extended offers, hoping to collaborate with him to advance the field.