701: Chapter 701 First Meeting

Li Yang was not in the least bit surprised by this invitation.

He was leading a full division in a grand entrance into a Galaxy Cluster focused primarily on entertainment and livelihoods; even if he had sent a notification in advance, it was impossible for the local high-level administration to ignore them.

The other party taking the initiative to send an invitation, reserve a port, and adopt a welcoming posture was both a matter of etiquette and a reasonable security consideration.

Li Yang nodded slightly, a peaceful smile appearing on his face as he spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Since they are being so sincere and their etiquette is so thorough, we naturally cannot lose our poise."

"Pass down the order: the entire fleet is to adjust course and head to the designated coordinates at the Lese Prime starport to dock. Maintain a neat formation and strict military discipline; no noise or violations of regulations are permitted."

After issuing the commands, Li Yang looked out the window again at that brilliant Star Domain, feeling a different kind of anticipation for the upcoming itinerary.

...

After a brief and steady voyage, the main starship formation of the Nineteenth Division slowly sailed into the exclusive docking port of the Lese Star Cluster's capital planet. The massive hulls appeared even more majestic against the backdrop of the shimmering planet.

As the boarding ramp landed smoothly and the hatch slowly opened, Li Yang straightened his simple yet solemn military fatigues and took the lead in stepping off the starship.

As soon as he stepped onto the grounds of the Administrative Center Department, he looked up and saw dozens of Officials and staff members in formal attire already waiting in formation on the Administrative Center's plaza. They were in perfect order and held a respectful posture, clearly having made thorough preparations for the welcome in advance.

At the very front of the crowd, a tall and upright figure was particularly striking; it was the Speaker of the Lese Star Cluster, Yu Lingyue, who had come specifically to welcome him.

Just standing there quietly, she carried an aura that could not be underestimated.

Seeing Li Yang walk down from the starship, a flash of excitement and anticipation that was hard to conceal flickered through Yu Lingyue's eyes. She immediately stepped forward a few paces, taking the initiative to close the distance and welcome him.

Seeing this, a hearty and gentle smile immediately rose on Li Yang's face. He stepped forward with a composed pace and took the initiative to extend his right hand, his tone humble yet dignified.

"Speaker Yu, our division came directly for rest and reorganization without discussing it in detail beforehand. I hope you will forgive this sudden intrusion, haha."

Yu Lingyue's palm was warm and slender, but there was a faint trace of tension and excitement when he shook it.

She had specifically changed into a sharply tailored light purple administrative dress with the Lese Star Cluster emblem pinned to her collar. Her usually cold and dignified features now curved into a soft arc, and her gaze toward Li Yang unabashedly surged with a hint of admiration and fervor.

"It is an honor for our entire Lese Star Cluster that Comrade Li Yang could come here; how could it be called an intrusion?"

Yu Lingyue released his hand and stepped aside with a 'please' gesture, her voice carrying an irrepressible excitement.

"I have long heard of your great fame; to be able to see you with my own eyes today is my good fortune."

Li Yang's heart stirred slightly. He could clearly feel that in the way Yu Lingyue looked at him, there was none of the aloofness of Official pleasantries; instead, it was filled with genuine admiration, just like a normal young person meeting an idol.

This blunt adoration made him want to laugh.

"Why does the Speaker of this Lese Star Cluster feel a bit strange..."

Though he felt a bit odd inside, Li Yang maintained a calm expression with a smile on the surface.

"Speaker Yu is too kind."

Li Yang gave a gentle smile and raised his hand to signal Pal and He Dong behind him to follow.

"We've brought the officers and soldiers of the entire division here for rest and reorganization; we've caused you trouble."

"It's no trouble at all, not in the least!"

Yu Lingyue hurriedly waved her hands. Her gaze subconsciously swept over the troops behind Li Yang, a flash of amazement crossing her eyes before she quickly retracted it to focus intently on Li Yang.

"I have long heard that the units led by Comrade Li Yang are the elite troops of the Empire; seeing them today, they truly live up to their reputation. I have already made arrangements: the largest rest area in the Main Starport has been cleared, and catering, accommodation, and entertainment facilities are all ready. I will absolutely ensure that all officers and soldiers have a great time and a comfortable stay."

As she spoke, she led Li Yang toward the reception hall of the Administrative Center, her steps light and unlike her usual steady and decisive self as a female Speaker.

The administrative Officials along the way also looked over one after another, their eyes filled with curiosity and awe as they gazed at Li Yang.

After all, this was the first time they had seen their cold-faced, strong-willed Speaker treat someone like this.

However, thinking about it, since the person was Li Yang, it wasn't that strange.

Because among these Officials, excluding the newcomers, many of the veteran Officials were just like Yu Lingyue—seeing Li Yang was like seeing their own idol.

"By the way, Comrade Li Yang..."

Yu Lingyue seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to look at Li Yang, her tone becoming increasingly fervent.

"I heard that you once commanded the Dragon Orchid Galaxy Cluster and turned that border Galaxy of mixed characters into an Imperial model. Your governance experience has always been a benchmark for our Lese Star Cluster to learn from. Since you're here, if you have the time besides resting, could you perhaps give a lecture to our Officials? We have so many questions we'd like to ask you."

These words were both sincere admiration and a hidden personal motive.

She wanted to use this opportunity to let Li Yang see the development of the entertainment industry in the Lese Star Cluster for himself and have him back her up.

Moreover, she could have frequent contact with her idol; it was simply killing three birds with one stone.

Li Yang naturally understood her underlying meaning. He was clear on it but did not refuse, merely responding with a smile.

"A lecture is a bit much, but we can certainly exchange ideas and learn from each other. The development of the entertainment industry in the Lese Star Cluster is very unique, and I happen to want to understand it well so we can discuss and progress together."

The smile on Yu Lingyue's face instantly broadened, and every inch of her features radiated the pride of someone who had finally vindicated themselves.

She turned around abruptly, her gaze landing precisely on several newly appointed Officials behind her who looked tense and full of defiance, and she wordlessly raised an eyebrow.

The meaning in that look couldn't be clearer.

Look, even Comrade Li Yang approves of our Lese's entertainment industry development; what reason do you have left to object?

The faces of these new Officials, who had been transferred from industrial and energy galaxies, instantly turned various shades of blue and white.

They had originally been resistant to Lese's model of abandoning heavy industry to focus on the entertainment industry, and they had intended to use Li Yang's arrival as an opportunity to test the waters. They hadn't expected the other party to directly state his position in public, leaving them speechless.

They knew well that Li Yang was the Empire's recognized 'prodigy of governance,' having single-handedly transformed the Dragon Orchid Galaxy Cluster from a chaotic border wasteland into a model Galaxy; the weight of his opinion was immense.

But in the end, a sliver of resentment remained in their hearts, and they couldn't help but mutter secretly.

"Maybe this is just Comrade Li Yang being polite with pleasantries; how could he really intend to understand it so deeply?"