TCPUAAV Chapter 9

 

The mall, located at the heart of the Inner City, was bustling with activity and teeming with stylishly dressed customers. Every passerby, regardless of gender, was impeccably groomed and exuded sophistication. Their appearances bore some resemblance to ancient humans but with taller builds and more refined features.

 

They lacked the distinct traits of Beastkin but clearly weren’t ancient humans either.

 

Ruan Shiqing’s eyes darted everywhere, brimming with curiosity. “Are they all evolvers? But they don’t quite look like the ones I’ve seen before.” These individuals seemed leaner and lacked the raw, explosive power he’d observed in Outer City evolvers.

 

Xiong Fangfang’s bear ears twitched slightly. His dark complexion masked the blush on his face as he explained, “Most of them here are Beastkin.”

 

Ruan Shiqing was about to ask why they didn’t exhibit any beastly traits but stopped himself when he noticed the brothers’ drooping black bear ears. It dawned on him.

 

Not all Beastkin revealed their animal characteristics openly.

 

He recalled the curious glances they had been attracting since entering the mall. Initially, he thought it was due to their shabby attire. Now, he realized it was likely because of the brothers’ prominently displayed furry ears.

 

The Xiong brothers couldn’t retract their bear ears, a trait not unusual in the Outer City. However, to the Inner City’s Beastkin, this might mark them as genetically flawed or underdeveloped.

 

Realizing this, Ruan Shiqing tactfully changed the subject, refraining from further questions.

 

Xiong Yuanyuan, however, couldn’t resist touching his ears and explained in a muffled voice, “Normally, adult Beastkin can fully control their forms. Only immature cubs occasionally show half-human, half-beast traits. But some adults, due to genetic defects or developmental issues during their cub years, still can’t fully control their forms.”

 

This explained why so many adult Beastkin in the Outer City retained animal traits.

 

“I see.” Ruan Shiqing responded naturally and smiled warmly. “But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Humans themselves are imperfect creations. I think your bear ears are very cute.”

 

“Really?” Xiong Yuanyuan’s face flushed as his ears perked up and twitched energetically.

 

“Of course,” Ruan Shiqing replied, seizing the chance to pat his ears. “Soft and smooth fur—very nice.”

 

Xiong Yuanyuan: QwQ

 

As they chatted, they arrived at the smart terminal counter.

 

The three of them stood out starkly in the upscale mall. The sales representatives had noticed them early on. Most of the Beastkin staff dismissed them as impoverished Outer City dwellers and couldn’t be bothered to offer assistance. Only one young human sales representative greeted them warmly.

 

The young man was about the same size as Ruan Shiqing, probably in his early twenties, with a hint of boyish immaturity in his demeanor. His smile was sincere and approachable.

 

“You’re a human too?” Ruan Shiqing asked, intrigued.

 

“Yes, sir. My name is Gu Feng,” the young man replied, scratching his head with a shy smile. “I’m a new intern here. But don’t worry, I’m familiar with all the store’s products and can recommend the best model for you.”

 

Guided by Gu Feng, Ruan Shiqing browsed the selection and finally settled on a sleek, ceramic white wristband-style smart terminal.

 

“Could you tell me more about this one?” he asked.

 

“Of course,” Gu Feng replied enthusiastically, launching into a detailed explanation of its features, pros, and cons.

 

Nearby, some Beastkin sales reps muttered among themselves as they watched Gu Feng engrossed in his pitch.

 

“That’s a classic model from Naxi Corporation. Outer City folks can’t afford it.”

 

“Maybe he’s hoping to land a nouveau riche customer. If he doesn’t sell something soon, he’ll probably get fired.”

 

“Pfft, don’t underestimate the nouveau riche. Though humans are such a useless race, most of them will never even get to that level.”

 

The three Beastkin sales reps chuckled, their voices loud enough for Gu Feng and Ruan Shiqing to hear.

 

Gu Feng froze mid-sentence, turned to scold his colleagues, then apologized to Ruan Shiqing. “I’m sorry, sir.”

 

Uncertain how to smooth over the awkwardness, he forced a lighthearted smile and added, “If your budget is tight, we have more affordable models you can consider.”

 

Ruan Shiqing glanced at the price tag. “88,000 star coins? I’ll take this one.”

 

Gu Feng blinked in surprise before breaking into a relieved grin. Casting a smug glance at his embarrassed colleagues, he bowed slightly to Ruan Shiqing. “Thank you. Please wait a moment while I process your purchase.”

 

“No need for packaging. Activate it directly,” Ruan Shiqing said, handing him the crystal card.

 

Gu Feng swiped the card and helped him insert his ID card into the terminal for activation.

 

Ruan Shiqing slipped the device onto his wrist. The slightly oversized band automatically adjusted to fit snugly, surprising him.

 

“This model is made with memory metal, allowing it to adjust its shape. It can also transform into a simplified holographic headset for full-network access anytime, anywhere,” Gu Feng explained, sending an electronic manual to Ruan Shiqing. “The manual contains detailed instructions.”

 

After thanking Gu Feng, Ruan Shiqing left the mall.

 

Gu Feng watched him leave, then turned to his three colleagues, their faces shifting between regret and embarrassment. Mimicking their earlier tone, he quipped sarcastically, “Only fools love to flaunt their prejudice.”

 

*

 

Exiting the mall, Ruan Shiqing couldn’t help but frown as he recalled the earlier incident. “Is racial discrimination in the Inner City really this severe?”

 

Previously, he’d heard that ancient humans were looked down upon, but it had been hard to grasp the reality. In the Outer City, where survival was a struggle, people barely had the energy to target others. Experiencing it firsthand today, however, felt utterly absurd.

 

He didn’t believe that being physically weaker made ancient humans useless. When physical prowess fell short, there were always other ways to excel.

 

Things were always fair—no race was a perfect creation. Where one lacked, there would always be compensations elsewhere. The reverse was equally true.

 

Ruan Shiqing felt no inferiority, only ridicule and amusement at the absurdity.

 

“You shouldn’t pay attention to what those people say,” Xiong Yuanyuan offered a clumsy attempt at comfort. “In my eyes, you’re already better than a lot of Beastkin.”

 

Ancient humans were supposedly a “discarded species.” Beastkin who couldn’t achieve perfect human forms were seen as “defective” and “inferior.” Such views were deeply ingrained, to the point where even the Xiong brothers had passively accepted them.

 

But Ruan Shiqing’s arrival had upended those assumptions. He showed them that not all ancient humans were failures and reminded them that imperfection was part of being human. “Your bear ears are adorable,” he had said.

 

“People are quick to believe words that belittle them,” Ruan Shiqing said, “but we should know that those words are wrong. Only we can define who we are.”

 

He smiled faintly. “I’ll prove that those who discriminate by race are fools. The continuation of the ancient human race isn’t just so we can be targets of scorn.”

 

Every race that endured had its own unique strengths.

 

His eyes were bright as he spoke, a glimmer of starlight shining within. Despite his slender frame, he didn’t seem weak. He was like a young sapling, deeply rooted, basking in sunlight and rain, destined to grow into a towering tree.

 

The Xiong brothers were momentarily stunned. Then, as if infused with a strange strength, they stood taller. Their bear ears perked up with newfound pride.

 

From within Ruan Shiqing’s coat, Rong Heng, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly looked up, reevaluating the boy.

 

He had heard similar words before.

 

Every race that survived had its strengths.

 

Every life deserved respect, not artificial hierarchies that trampled one another.

 

Otherwise, it marked not progress but the regression of civilization—a tragedy for the Empire.

 

His mother, Queen Farrah, had spent her life advocating for racial equality to reform the Empire, only to die on the frontlines. The Empire, meanwhile, continued its descent into decay.

 

A wave of irritation swept through Rong Heng. If the Empire had more individuals like this boy, perhaps it wouldn’t have rotted so thoroughly.

 

Sensing his agitation, Ruan Shiqing gently stroked his back. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable somewhere?”

 

Rong Heng locked eyes with him briefly, then looked away, his tense body relaxing under the soothing touch.

 

Ruan Shiqing assumed it was due to the cub’s injury. Considering that Inner City medical facilities were likely superior to those in the Outer City, he decided to take him to a hospital.

 

The attending doctor, an elderly Beastkin with a gentle demeanor, handled the young cub with exceptional care, putting Ruan Shiqing at ease. It seemed not everyone in the Inner City was arrogant or dismissive.

 

“This injury has been here for some time, hasn’t it?” the doctor asked while writing a report. “It’s very serious. Most cubs wouldn’t have survived something like this. Yours is remarkably resilient to have made it this far. But to be safe, I recommend a full check-up and a three-day hospital stay.”

 

“If everything checks out, it’ll just be a matter of waiting for the wound to heal.”

 

Ruan Shiqing’s worry deepened, and he immediately paid for the examination and arranged for the cub to be admitted.

 

Rong Heng watched his anxious expression and snorted softly, though his tail flicked slightly.

 

It’s just a small injury—what’s all the fuss about?

 

The Xiong brothers, feeling out of place at the hospital, returned to the Outer City. In addition to the 20,000-star coin payment he had promised, Ruan Shiqing transferred them an extra 50,000 star coins to help find a suitable property. He planned to return to the Outer City after the hospital stay and set up a repair shop.

 

The books from the mysterious benefactor had sparked some ideas in his mind. Although the technology in this world differed from that of his own, there were overlaps in principles. However, theoretical understanding wasn’t enough; he needed hands-on practice.

 

Three days later, with the cub and a bag of medications in tow, Ruan Shiqing left the Inner City. The Xiong brothers were waiting for him just outside the gate.

 

Xiong Yuanyuan ran up eagerly, a mischievous grin on his face. He leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “I found something good. You’re gonna love it.”

 

“…What is it?” Ruan Shiqing asked, confused. “A good house? Rare materials or parts?”

 

“Neither.” Xiong Yuanyuan chuckled and grabbed his arm, pulling him along at a brisk pace. The further they walked, the more remote the path became.

 

By the time they reached the western edge of the junkyard, he finally stopped and lifted a battered spacecraft hull. With a proud grin, he beckoned Ruan Shiqing over. “Take a look.”

 

Beneath the hull was a small hidden space. Inside, a child was curled up in the corner, unable to move and staring at them with terror-filled eyes.

 

Calling it a child wasn’t entirely accurate—their lower half was a fish tail, stripped of its scales and gruesomely mutilated.

 

“Is this… a merfolk?” Ruan Shiqing asked.

 

“Exactly!” Xiong Yuanyuan beamed. “I found them yesterday. You like that nine-tailed fox cub, right? But that one was too expensive for us. Raising a merfolk cub is just as good! They’re even prettier and more valuable once they recover.”

 

Ruan Shiqing: …

 

Wow, thanks so much.

 

 

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WHO WOULD DO SUCH A TERRIBLE THING TO A BABY OMG????

 

Anyways, lil mermaid cub! I love mermaids~

 

Happy new year! Double release today to celebrate~

 

Thanks for reading!