704: Chapter 704 Clown He Dong

But he didn't point it out, merely maintaining a gentle and appropriate distance. While admiring the unique entertainment industry scenery of the Lese Star Cluster, he silently committed the operational models here to memory, quietly gathering valuable experience for the future development of his private planet.

Following not far behind, Pal, He Dong, and Yu Lingyue's personal female secretary walked seemingly nonchalantly, but in reality, they had long since entered a silent "spectator mode," their eyes filled with irrepressible amusement and curiosity.

Ensuring there were no outsiders around and the distance was safe enough, He Dong finally couldn't restrain the gossip-loving Soul within him. He leaned in slightly and asked Yu Lingyue's female secretary in a low, curious voice.

"Excuse me, comrade, if I may ask, has your Speaker... always been this warm and relaxed when she's out in public?"

Earlier at the Administrative Center, there were too many eyes and ears, so he hadn't dared to gossip casually, and Pal had repeatedly reminded him to mind his manners.

But now it was just the three of them, and the female secretary was a trusted confidante who had been with Yu Lingyue for years. To hold the position of secretary to a Galaxy Cluster Speaker, she had to be meticulous and possess a strong sense of propriety, naturally knowing what could be said and what shouldn't be shared. He Dong didn't have to worry at all about causing unnecessary trouble.

This time, Pal didn't speak up to stop him. He merely slowed his pace imperceptibly, his ears perking up quietly, clearly filled with curiosity about this female Speaker who showed such a stark contrast in personality.

Hearing this, the female secretary couldn't help but smile slightly, a look of understanding in her eyes. She shook her head decisively, her voice kept extremely low so that only the three of them could hear.

"Not at all."

She paused, then continued in a whisper.

"Our Speaker has always been resolute and vigorous in her work. Usually, in front of subordinates and Officials, she maintains a cold, serious, and upright demeanor with a very powerful aura. However, to us secretaries, she can be very gentle at times. The Speaker is actually just cold on the outside but warm on the inside."

Hearing the female secretary's words, He Dong couldn't help but chuckle. He stole a glance at the smiling Yu Lingyue ahead and joked in a low voice.

"Cold on the outside and warm on the inside? From where I'm standing, she's clearly warm inside and out right now; her enthusiasm is written all over her face."

Upon hearing this, the secretary immediately shot He Dong a glance, tinged with a bit of mock-reproach and helplessness, and replied softly.

"Stop teasing our Speaker; she really isn't like this normally."

Then, the secretary stopped being coy. Her tone became a bit more serious as she continued in a voice only the three of them could hear.

"To tell you the truth, I can't speak for his reputation in other Galaxy Clusters, but in our Lese Star Cluster, Division Commander Li is a genuine celebrity. Many people look up to him as an idol, and that naturally includes our Speaker."

She paused, adding a few more details about the situation outside.

"As you know, our entertainment industry is highly developed, with a vast array of films, variety shows, and biographical works. Previously, several large entertainment companies applied to the Speaker multiple times, hoping to contact Division Commander Li through Official channels. They wanted to get authorization to adapt his experiences into positive documentary films, immersive plot experiences, and even holographic biographical programs to promote his deeds in governing the Galaxy, punishing corruption, and guarding the borders. It's just that they never found the right opportunity and didn't dare to disturb Division Commander Li casually."

After hearing this, He Dong and Pal looked at each other, their faces showing clear expressions of surprise.

They knew Li Yang had a high reputation in the Empire's military and political circles, but they never expected that in the entertainment-focused Lese Star Cluster, their division commander would be this popular. He wasn't just a role model for Officials; even the general public and the entertainment industry viewed him as a positive idol. This truly exceeded their expectations.

After a moment of silence, He Dong's eyes darted around. He suddenly leaned forward, a look of anticipation and slight smugness on his face, and quickly followed up.

"Hey, based on what you're saying... what about the two of us?"

He pointed to himself and then to Pal beside him, his face full of expectation.

After all, the two of them had also followed Li Yang through life-and-death situations for many years, serving as his right-hand men and contributing to numerous missions, large and small.

Since Li Yang had so many fans and admirers, they wondered if they also had people who looked up to them or even a few little fans.

Hearing this, the female secretary first gave He Dong and Pal a meaningful sidelong glance. Her lively eyes were instantly filled with amusement, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward as she let out a soft, teasing sound.

"I'm sorry, but in the Lese Star Cluster, I haven't really heard either of your names mentioned."

Her tone was flat, yet it had an overtly "heart-stabbing" effect. After saying her piece, she didn't linger, immediately quickening her pace to catch up with Li Yang and Yu Lingyue ahead, leaving a stunned He Dong standing all alone behind her.

He Dong stood frozen on the spot, taking a full three seconds to snap out of it. The expression on his face instantly shifted from anticipation to blankness, and then from blankness to a state of being between laughter and tears.

He quickly turned to look at Pal beside him, his voice tinged with a hint of incredulous bewilderment.

"Pal... did she just, did she just laugh at us?!"

Pal had originally intended to suppress his laughter and maintain a serious face, but seeing He Dong like this, he finally couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing.

He reached out and slapped He Dong heavily on the shoulder, trying to hold back his laughter while speaking to clear his own name.

"Ahem, I wouldn't know. Besides, she was clearly laughing at you, not me. I didn't actively hope for fans like you did; I didn't say anything at all."

As soon as he finished speaking, Pal stopped teasing He Dong and quickly sped up to catch up, joining the female secretary behind Li Yang and Yu Lingyue. He left He Dong standing there alone, maintaining that dazed expression of Soul Emergence.

He looked down at himself, then looked up at the two figures ahead chatting happily, with only one thought in his mind.

"Damn, so all that anticipation I had just turned me into a clown..."