73: I've already thought about my posthumous name.

The news that Leader Yun Xi personally gifted the “Fusang Coffin” was like a nuclear bomb dropped into a calm lake; though not public, it stirred up monstrous waves within the small circle of the Federation's highest echelon.

All the Stellar Level big shots understood one signal: Chen Jun's “final moment” had entered the countdown; he was about to be liberated! It might happen within the next month or two!

A silent sense of urgency permeated the air above the Pillar of Leaders.

The first place to bear the brunt was Chen Jun's manor.

The previously somewhat regular “visits” instantly turned into a state of near “shift-based duty.”

The morning after Yun Xi departed.

Chen Jun had just “weakly” finished another bowl of Rare Delicacy Soup stewed by Lin Wei, and was pondering how to find an excuse to shove that ominous “Fusang Coffin” into the deepest part of the storage room—even his ten large Spatial Rings were full...!

It wouldn't fit, it absolutely wouldn't fit!

The doorbell rang again.

The ones who arrived together were Mo Heng and Chu Yueyao!

Both big shots wore expressions of sorrowful solemnity, as if they weren't visiting but attending... a rehearsal for a memorial service?

“Mr. Chen (Chen Jun)!” the two said in unison, their tones heavy.

Chen Jun's heart skipped a beat!

They're here!

The ultimate test for the Movie King has arrived!

But how did these two team up?

One is a researcher, the other a politician—what kind of performance are they putting on for me?

“Director Mo, Pavilion Master Yueyao, why have you two come together? Please, have a seat.” Chen Jun struggled to maintain a mixed state of “overwhelmed by favor” and “not long for this world.”

After sitting down, Mo Heng pushed up his glasses and spoke first, his tone marked by the scientist's characteristic “rigorous” sorrow: “Mr. Chen, in light of... well... the current situation, I plan to jointly establish a 'Chen Jun Life Summary' compilation group within our institute's History Department and Literature Department, aiming to objectively, fairly, and prominently record your life's contributions. This is the outline; please take a look. Do you have any additions or modifications regarding the narrative angle and focus?”

As he spoke, he handed over a thick Energy Tablet, densely covered with text.

Chen Jun took it and looked... Good heavens!

Chapter One: Childhood Hardship and Unyielding Perseverance (Picking up trash in the Shantytown was described as “delving deep into the grassroots to experience the hardships of the common people”).

Chapter Two: Heaven-Sent Destiny and Silent Dedication (The System activation was written as “Awakening a special Physique and a mysterious sense of mission”).

Chapter Three: Exhausting Oneself for the Next Generation (Having children was elevated to “burning the fire of life for the continuation of civilization”)... Final Chapter: Star Shining Through the Ages, Spirit Eternal (His spirit will inspire generations of Federation children).

Objective?!

Fair?!

They're practically praising me as a Saint!

His mouth twitched, and he forced a smile: “Director Mo... this... is too much praise. I truly don't deserve it... I'm just an ordinary person...”

“Mr. Chen, you are too modest!” Chu Yueyao immediately interjected, sounding even more high-flown. “Your life is an epic dedicated to the Federation! Director Mo's summary focuses on academic rigor. As for my side, I believe your spirit should be made visible and normalized!”

Her eyes were bright: “I propose that after you die... bah! After you pass away, the 'Tranquil Heart Road' in front of your manor be renamed 'Jun Nian Road'! So that every Federation citizen who walks past can remember your contributions! At the same time, we should push for the establishment of 'Chen Jun Day' to promote the spirit of dedication throughout the Federation!”

Jun Nian Road?!

And Chen Jun Day?!

The thought of all the Federation children having to write an essay titled “Chen Jun, My Idol” on that day made my scalp tingle!

He quickly waved his hands, his voice laced with genuine anxiety: “Absolutely not! This cannot be! Pavilion Master Yueyao, road names and holidays are major affairs; how can they be changed for one person? This... this is too much trouble!”

“Alas, Mr. Chen is simply too humble.” Mo Heng shook his head and sighed. “However, the name can certainly be reconsidered. But the general direction of the summary cannot change; it must highlight your spirit of sacrifice! I felt the first draft wasn't 'tragic' enough, so I sent it back for a rewrite!”

Not tragic enough?!

Do I have to be written as a tearful young Wife for it to be enough?!

I beg you all, please be human!!!

Just as Chen Jun was about to be overwhelmed, Chu Yueyao dropped another bombshell: “The name can be discussed later. However, to allow future generations a more intuitive way to remember you, we believe a statue should be erected in your honor! But the image... should it be sculpted as a frail, loving father, better reflecting your attachment and reluctance to leave your family? Or a resolute hero, better demonstrating your determination to dedicate yourself to the Federation? We'd like to hear your opinion.”

As she spoke, she actually pulled out several holographic design sketches!

Looking at the “himself” in the sketches—either sickly holding a child or gazing resolutely at the starry sky—Chen Jun nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.

Do you people have too much time on your hands?!

I won't die even if you do!!!

He took a deep breath, using all his acting skill to produce a bitter yet relieved smile: “Both of you... I appreciate your kindness. Posthumous fame is like floating clouds to me. If... if you truly wish to memorialize me, I only wish for the Federation to be safe, and for the children to be happy and well. That is enough... As for the statue... let's... just forget about it...”

Mo Heng and Chu Yueyao exchanged glances, their eyes filled with admiration and regret.

“Mr. Chen's Realm is beyond our reach...”

“Since that is the case, we shall respect your wishes, but we hope Mr. Chen will no longer decline the matter of the summary and the road name, as this is the will of the Federation's people!”

Ultimately, Chen Jun “reluctantly” accepted the ridiculous “Life Summary” outline and tacitly approved the proposal for “Jun Nian Road.” We'll just see who outlives whom! Only then did he manage to send off these two big shots who were eager to “close the book” on him.

Not long after Mo Heng and Chu Yueyao left, that afternoon, a life-filled, slightly immature Wood-Element Energy Fluctuation approached.

The visitor was Venerable Qinglin.

This relatively young Stellar Level Expert still maintained a maiden-like shyness, but her face now held a determined expression, as if she were about to complete a sacred mission.

“Mr... Mr. Chen.” Qing Lin's voice was a little nervous, and her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“Venerable Qinglin, please sit.” Chen Jun was a little surprised. This person usually had a low presence; why did she follow suit?

Qing Lin didn't sit. Instead, she twisted her fingers, hesitated for a long time, and finally mustered the courage to speak: “Mr. Chen... I... I thought about it for a long time after I left... I feel that your... your life has been too... too bitter...!”

“???”

Chen Jun was speechless... Where have I been bitter?

Am I really that miserable?

Qing Lin continued: “It was all for the sake of the Federation... constantly... you never... never truly experienced... that kind of... beautiful emotion...”

Her voice grew softer, and her face grew redder.

An ominous premonition rose in Chen Jun's heart.

Sure enough, Qing Lin took a deep breath, as if making a huge decision: “So... I think... during this final period... you should experience... true... love! Not a mission! But a pure, beautiful Twilight Romance!”

Chen Jun: “!!!”

Qing Lin was completely immersed in her own thoughts, her eyes shining with obvious shyness: “I've already decided! In my nine thousand years of life, no other man has even touched my hand. But... but... we have..., and I want to walk this last stretch of the road with you, and leave you with beautiful memories...”

Chen Jun's scalp tingled upon hearing this, and he nearly jumped off the sofa!

He quickly interrupted Venerable Qinglin, his tone more resolute than ever: “Venerable Qinglin! Absolutely not! Do not bring this up again!”

Seeing Chen Jun's fierce reaction, Qing Lin froze. Her eyes instantly reddened, and she said pitifully, “Mr. Chen... please... please don't misunderstand... I just... just wanted you to be a little happier... I meant no harm...”

Seeing Qing Lin looking like she was about to cry, Chen Jun couldn't speak too harshly. He softened his tone and brought out his universal shield: “I appreciate Venerable Qinglin's kindness. However... my Wife, Lin Wei, and I have supported each other through thick and thin, and our affection is deep. Having her in this life is already Perfection; I have no other thoughts. This kind of arrangement would be disrespectful to both me and Lin Wei. Please understand, Venerable Qinglin.”

Mentioning Lin Wei, Qing Lin seemed to realize what she had overlooked, and she was instantly overwhelmed with shame: “I'm... I'm sorry! Mr. Chen, Madam Lin! It was thoughtless of me! I... I'll leave now!”

After speaking, she fled quickly, red-faced, like a startled deer.

Chen Jun let out a long sigh of relief and wiped away a cold sweat.

That was close... this girl's method of care is too hardcore!

If that had triggered a 'One-Shot Soul Entry', the fun would have been immense!

...After seeing off Qing Lin, Chen Jun felt more exhausted than dealing with ten Stellar-level Experts... This “Hospice Care” was practically an extreme test of his heart's endurance!

However, before he could even take a sip of tea to calm his nerves, a familiar, icy coldness, like an arctic storm, swept in without warning, instantly freezing the warm atmosphere of the manor!

The energy in the air seemed to condense into Ice Crystals!

The expression on Chen Jun's face instantly froze, his recently relaxed body involuntarily tensed, and his heart violently constricted!

This aura... it's Leng Qingqiu!

Why is she here?!

And this aura... is colder and deeper than six years ago, even carrying a hint of... unyielding stubbornness?!

Damn it!

Aunt Leng couldn't possibly be... still clinging to hope, could she?!

Six years!

Did she find some folk remedy again, intending to make her fifty-first attempt?!

Holy crap! Why is this old woman so stubborn?!

...The thought of Leng Qingqiu's obsession, “Qingqiu's life, never losing to anyone,” and the even more outrageous “care” she might bring, made Chen Jun's scalp tingle!

Compared to the “storm” Leng Qingqiu might bring, the “care” provided earlier by Mo Heng, Chu Yueyao, and even Qing Lin felt as gentle as a spring breeze!

Chen Jun subconsciously sat up straight, his “weakness” almost slipping, and a flicker of genuine nervousness appeared in his eyes...