Qin Cheng pulled up in his car and picked up Wang Xuan, driving them out of campus.
His family had been in business for years and was quite well-off. He had owned his own car for some time now.
It was a clear autumn afternoon, the sky high and pristine. The brilliant blue above felt like it could spill downward at any moment, purifying the entire city.
"Are we heading over too early?" Qin Cheng asked.
"No, perfect timing," Wang Xuan replied, gazing out the window.
The city was a mix of eras—ancient relics like centuries-old stone towers stood solemnly alongside sleek skyscrapers rising in rows, a vivid blend of old-world charm and modern vibrance.
As they neared the commercial district, the streets grew crowded. Streams of pedestrians and endless traffic turned the roads into a congested maze.
"I'm leaving soon," Qin Cheng said with a sigh. "I never thought much of this place before, but now, suddenly, I feel reluctant to go."
"When you've made it," Wang Xuan said, "you'll be able to travel freely between the old world and the new. None of this will be a problem."
The streets were lined with ancient ginkgo trees, their golden leaves fluttering down in swirls, forming a thick carpet of yellow underfoot. The sunlight made it glow brilliantly.
Maples were interspersed among the ginkgoes, their crimson leaves forming fiery patches like burning clouds. It was late autumn—most flowers had withered, and vegetation was turning yellow, giving off a sense of fading life.
Yet the golden ginkgoes and blazing red maples along the roads lit up the city in a stunning contrast of vitality and decline.
In this season, the same city held both the vibrancy of life and the chill of decay.
The gathering wasn't held downtown. Qin Cheng drove steadily to a hillside villa district just outside the city, offering a panoramic view of the skyline.
Though most of the classmates were modest in demeanor, several of them came from remarkable backgrounds. Holding the party here wasn't surprising.
The rented villa sat atop the highest hill in the area, occupying several acres, with a sprawling lawn, a pool, and even two helipads.
Two silver flying saucers—sleek and elegant—were already parked nearby. Qin Cheng was speechless at the sight.
"Don't compare yourself to aliens just yet," Wang Xuan joked.
Qin Cheng laughed. Now that he thought about it, many of their classmates weren't even from Earth—they were literally aliens.
Just then, Su Chan walked over, catching the end of their conversation.
"Wang Xuan, you look pretty sharp—handsome even—with those clear eyes of yours. But why's your mouth so mean? You make us sound like some kind of invasive species!"
She was lively and energetic, standing tall and confident in a shoulder-baring short dress that showed off her long legs—youthful and radiant.
"You've been complimenting me every time we meet lately," Wang Xuan said. "First saying I shine like the sun, and now calling me handsome. Honestly, I'm starting to wonder—do you have ulterior motives?"
Su Chan rolled her eyes with practiced calm. "Nice try. Don't change the subject."
The quiet and scholarly Li Qingzhu also smiled and chimed in, "I heard you too. You called us aliens. But we're from Earth—our families go back generations here. How are we aliens?"
Wang Xuan laughed, clapping his hands together in a playful apology as they all walked toward the massive lawn.
"Wang Xuan, over here!"
"You called me an alien? Come on, let's see if your strength has improved. If not, we're going to gang up on you."
The others greeted him warmly as he joined them. Everyone knew each other well—jokes, laughter, and camaraderie came easily.
Grills were set up on the lawn, and long tables were already being laid with buffet-style food.
Roughly twenty classmates had been selected to head to the New Star, while another dozen or so were staying behind in the city, returning to their hometowns.
With so many gathered together, the atmosphere was festive and familiar.
Still, those staying behind looked a little downcast. Word had spread—missing out on the New Star was like missing a brush with destiny. Something extraordinary was happening there.
There were rumors. Some said a new era was dawning—an age of the supernatural.
If that was true, and their classmates were on the frontlines of that transformation, the gap between them would only grow.
"Wang Xuan!"
A few of the students who were staying behind came over. They had complex expressions—after all, even Wang Xuan hadn't been chosen. That was unexpected.
Wang Xuan understood how they felt and spent time chatting with them.
They were clinging to hope, waiting for an updated list, in case new names were added. That persistence revealed their quiet confidence—many of them had impressive accomplishments in ancient martial arts.
But unfortunately, the selection criteria didn't take that into account.
"I heard our blood samples from the physical exam were taken to the New Star for analysis," one classmate said. "That was part of the screening."
Wang Xuan was surprised. He had thought it was only as Qin Cheng had analyzed before—he hadn't realized biological testing played a role.
Qin Cheng lightened the mood. "Forget it—what's done is done. No use moping. So we can't access the supernatural? Then let's work hard and become tycoons. Someday, we'll control the supernaturals instead!"
Everyone laughed.
Night fell. From this hilltop, they could see the city aglow—lights sparkling like threads of silver, streets weaving into a sea of brilliance.
Many had drunk a bit too much, and spirits were high.
Those selected to go to the New Star were the most excited, imagining what was to come—dreaming of becoming transcendent beings.
Some had overindulged and let loose completely.
Still, the overall atmosphere remained warm and supportive. Whether born on Earth or from the New Star, those who were leaving promised their classmates they'd lend a hand someday.
Above, the stars shone bright in the sky. Below, city lights shimmered just as brilliantly. Under the influence of wine, some couldn't tell where the stars ended and the lights began—it felt as if heaven and earth had merged.
Eventually, someone broke down—tears spilling from their eyes. He hadn't been selected, and the disappointment, buried deep, surfaced under the influence of alcohol.
Wang Xuan and a few others helped him to a room to rest, keeping things from getting out of hand.
Then someone approached Wang Xuan, holding a crystal wine glass, swirling the liquor within, releasing its fragrant aroma.
Qin Cheng followed quickly, stepping beside Wang Xuan to face the man.
He had shoulder-length hair, not particularly handsome, but his eyes were sharp and intense, exuding a dominant presence.
"Kong Yi, don't start anything," Qin Cheng warned.
If there was one person Wang Xuan didn't get along with among their classmates, it was him.
Normally, Wang Xuan was calm and friendly with everyone. But Kong Yi—who had once pursued Ling Wei before she became Wang Xuan's girlfriend—was the exception.
"You think I'd cause trouble at a time like this?" Kong Yi replied, irritated by Qin Cheng's tone.
Wang Xuan stepped in, raised his glass, and said, "Let's drink. We're all classmates, and we're parting ways soon. No need to hold onto the past—it wasn't that serious anyway."
Kong Yi shot Qin Cheng a glance, then clinked glasses with Wang Xuan and drained his drink. "Come. I've got some rare delicacies from the New Star. A private treat before we part."
They walked off together. Qin Cheng, worried, followed.
"Look at this—deep-sea dragonfish. I bet you've never tasted anything like it. Even on the New Star, it's considered a rare delicacy."
"And this—snow beef from the foot of the New Star's icy mountains. Incredibly tender, only the finest cuts are used for top-grade sashimi. These were specially reserved for VIPs."
Qin Cheng frowned. Kong Yi's tone—boasting, pushy—grated on him.
So he quipped, "What's so special? You know how I eat top-grade snow beef? At sunrise, under the first light, I chase the cows barefoot across the Hulunbuir grasslands and bite right in. That's when the meat's most tender!"
Kong Yi was dumbfounded. Even Wang Xuan was speechless.
Laughter erupted as a group of classmates pushed open the door.
"Fresh, definitely a fresh way to eat it. I might try that myself!" Even the usually cold Xu Wenbo cracked a smile.
Kong Yi realized what was happening—they had all come to keep an eye on him, afraid he'd pick a fight.
He seemed annoyed. "Do I really seem that untrustworthy? I wouldn't cause trouble here. Besides, if I tried now, I'd probably just get beaten up—he's way stronger than me. This meal was meant as a gesture of goodwill. I know he's into old-school martial arts. These dishes are great for his body."
"I can vouch for him," Su Chan said. "He did put in the effort to make peace before leaving."
Wang Xuan nodded. "I know. Let's leave the past behind. Wishing you the best—may you walk the path of transcendence."
They clinked glasses again. Qin Cheng, still chewing some beef, added, "Okay, I'll admit—this is better than the grassland beef."
"Wang Xuan, you're a good guy," Kong Yi slurred. "If it hadn't been for Ling Wei, we might've actually become friends."
"No reason we can't be friends now," Wang Xuan replied.
"Ling Wei isn't here yet," Zhou Kun quietly told Wang Xuan.
Later, Wang Xuan and Kong Yi stumbled out, arms around each other's shoulders. Everyone was stunned. Those two? Getting along?
Their reconciliation lifted the mood further. Drinks flowed, and laughter echoed into the night.
Several classmates bound for the New Star were still dreaming aloud.
"What are your hopes for the future?" someone asked, sharing his own.
"I want to buy a villa just like this one—somewhere scenic, maybe remote. Land values will skyrocket once more people arrive."
Wang Xuan chuckled. "If you thought of it, chances are others acted on it already. Whatever you admire or desire—"
Qin Cheng cut in, "I want to be alone with Zhao Qinghan—"
His interruption derailed the sentence completely.
"—will already be jam-packed and full of people," Wang Xuan finished dryly.
Everyone looked at him with strange expressions.
He slapped Qin Cheng on the shoulder. "Thanks for that."
But the crowd had gone quiet. They were all looking behind Wang Xuan.
He turned, heart skipping a beat.
There she was—Zhao Qinghan, radiant as ever.