Published: February 13, 2025
The conversation took place in the office area previously used by the two clan leaders of the Star-Eye Clan.
Ye Zhongming arrived alone and found Aslan sitting at one side of the table, brewing a popular drink among the Star-Eye Clan — tea.
In the All Races of the Universe, there are indeed those who drink beverages made from plant leaves, but most do so for their health benefits, such as detoxifying, increasing fuleira, or removing negative states. Very few consider it a habit or even a culture.
Here, various drinks made from an array of natural or artificial ingredients are the most sought-after.
To be frank, the variety of beverages in the All Races of the Universe is so extensive that even Ye Zhongming feels a headache looking at the beverage shop menus. In every Survivor Fortress, the most numerous shops are these beverage stores, and even if you visit ten in a row, each one can offer nearly a hundred different drinks, with fewer than ten overlapping types. This demonstrates the popularity of drinks here.
Besides drinks, there are also alcoholic beverages, and, from Ye Zhongming's perspective, certain addictive substances. Due to the resilience of the All Races of the Universe, the harmful effects of these substances are almost negligible for their bodies.
However, since Ye Zhongming does not particularly enjoy fancy drinks or alcohol, he brought his favorite tea to the All Races of the Universe.
Here, he found plenty of magical leaves suitable for making tea. Ye Zhongming acquired a good supply and produced several varieties with unique flavors using various methods. This became one of his few leisurely activities after arriving in the All Races of the Universe.
His love for tea inspired many in the Star-Eye Clan to start drinking it as well.
On Earth, these magical Eastern leaves have swept the globe. The same is true in the All Races of the Universe; once adapted to the flavor, it becomes inseparable from them.
However, Aslan making tea?
Ye Zhongming had never heard that this girl liked it. Among the Star-Eye Clan, those who genuinely enjoy tea rather than following trends are mostly older figures like Commander Cheng Liujin and Zhong Hongke.
"I understand what my parents meant when they passed the leadership to me," Aslan spoke first, handing the brewed tea to Ye Zhongming. "Though they didn't say it outright, I truly comprehend."
"Actually..." Ye Zhongming took the tea, nodded in thanks, and wanted to speak, but saw Aslan shaking her head.
"My parents only said that everyone must take responsibility for their choices."
"When they made their decisions, I was watching. It's hard to say what I thought at the time — whether I agreed or disagreed; I had no opinion."
"I was just there, quietly observing."
"At that time, I didn't realize I should have my own thoughts. I wasn't aware that this clan would be handed over to me so soon."
"Honestly, I wasn't prepared at all."
Aslan's calm demeanor made Ye Zhongming slightly worried. He knew her feelings must be very complex at this moment. Facing the person who, to some extent, drove her parents away, and dealing with the skepticism of her clansmen regarding her leadership, a young girl of her age must be bearing an unimaginable burden.
Ye Zhongming understood this feeling but was not skilled at alleviating others’ emotions. He came today just to tell Aslan to let go and do what she needed to do, that both sides could cooperate in the future. As for the concerns many had, they were truly unnecessary.
Cloud Summit Manor did not have any thoughts of swallowing the Star-Eye Clan. First, Ye Zhongming himself had little sense of recognition toward non-Earthlings. This lack of recognition was not about distrust or unwillingness to work or fight together, but rather a feeling that he could not accept the external forms of other races.
For example, having multiple wings, tails, rings of bones, tentacles, or extra arms and legs.
He always found those to be rather strange.
He could become allies but didn't feel the need to fully integrate, which was an unspoken bottom line for Ye Zhongming.