The contestant exchange meeting was scheduled for the next morning. After finishing her card crafting, Su Liqian went back to her room to rest. 

The bed in the hotel was especially comfortable, and Su Liqian slept soundly. 

The next morning, Su Liqian was gently woken by the hotel’s wake-up service. The soothing and elegant music smoothed away the usual irritation of getting up, leaving a surprising sense of calm. 

After getting ready, Su Liqian ran into Ji Yanxi in the lobby, and they headed to the Zhouyi Tower, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. 

“Wow, it’s so tall!” 

Su Liqian tilted her head back, trying to see the top of the building in front of her, but eventually had to give up and rubbed her sore neck. 

“The Zhouyi Tower is the tallest structure in the entire Zhouyi Star Realm, with a hundred floors.” 

“A hundred floors?!” 

That was a bit beyond Su Liqian’s expectations, but thinking about it, this was the interstellar era, so it wasn’t completely unacceptable. 

“Yep, let’s go. The Contestant Exchange Meeting is on the third floor.” 

Su Liqian followed Ji Yanxi into the building’s lobby. Not only did the exterior look grand, but the interior was also luxuriously decorated. The reception hall alone could hold thousands of people. 

Since it was still early, apart from Ji Yanxi and Su Liqian, only a few people were in the lobby. 

“Such a big place, and no security?” 

Su Liqian asked instinctively. 

“Of course there is.” 

Ji Yanxi pointed to a hidden corner of the lobby. 

“The Zhouyi Tower uses the most advanced security systems. Sometimes, artificial intelligence is just as effective as human security.” 

Su Liqian understood. They were probably scanned as soon as they entered. 

“Let’s go. We’ll take the elevator.” 

Su Liqian followed Ji Yanxi into the elevator. With just a press of a button or a voice command, they reached their destination in no time. 

So fast. 

While Su Liqian marveled at the advanced technology, she quietly observed her surroundings. 

Unlike the empty lobby they entered earlier, there were two security guards at the entrance to the third floor. 

Su Liqian followed Ji Yanxi’s lead, taking out the invitation letter and handing it to the guards. They were quickly allowed in. 

“Welcome, both of you.” 

The two guards bowed slightly and cleared the way. 

After passing through a long hallway, they reached a pure white door at the end. With a quick swipe of the invitation near the door’s sensor, the door opened automatically. 

Beep!

“Ji Yanxi and Su Liqian, good morning.” 

A robotic female voice greeted them, and through the widening gap of the door, Su Liqian could vaguely see a crowd inside. 

“So many people.” 

As they stepped into the hall, it was clear that many people had already arrived. 

Card Masters from various star districts, dressed in different outfits, were chatting and exchanging ideas. 

Everyone at the meet-up was a winner from their respective star districts, the best among their peers. Meeting someone here was a chance to expand connections, so no one wanted to miss the opportunity. 

It seemed someone noticed the noise from the door and soon walked over to introduce themselves to Ji Yanxi. 

Unlike many of the newcomers still making their name, Ji Yanxi was already a well-known player, and his connection to O’Neill, a guest at this event, had made his name known among the competitors. 

Some observant players had already begun to size him up as soon as they entered, while others boldly approached him to strike up a conversation. 

“Hi, I’m Li Ya, an undefeated player from the Fourth Star District. Mind if we get to know each other?” 

The man adjusted his suit and politely extended his hand toward Ji Yanxi. 

But Ji Yanxi only glanced at him coldly, clearly uninterested in dealing with such a calculating person. 

“Not interested.” 

Ji Yanxi’s indifferent attitude immediately scared off several players who had been planning to approach. Li Ya awkwardly retracted his hand and walked off, looking embarrassed. 

“These people just want to see me make a fool of myself.” 

Ji Yanxi scanned the hall, then gave a self-deprecating smile. 

“Too bad, they’re playing the wrong game.” 

Su Liqian smiled as well, meeting Ji Yanxi’s gaze. 

The trust and encouragement in her eyes made Ji Yanxi subconsciously straighten up. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t let them get what they want.” 

Ji Yanxi’s eyes grew resolute, the gloom from moments ago vanishing, replaced once again by his sunny, upbeat demeanor. 

“Was it Shi Yue who asked you to keep an eye on me?” 

Although it was phrased as a question, Ji Yanxi almost knew the answer. 

“Yes.” 

Su Liqian didn’t plan to hide it. 

“Ah.” 

Ji Yanxi chuckled and sighed. “Shi Yue, that old mother hen… He really never leaves me alone. But honestly, his concern is unnecessary. I’m not the hot-headed person I used to be. After all this time, I’ve matured quite a bit!” 

Despite his complaints, Ji Yanxi quickly shifted the atmosphere away from the earlier tension. 

But Su Liqian wasn’t entirely convinced by his words. 

“Well, then I’ll keep an eye on you, to see if you really have matured.” 

Ji Yanxi picked up on the teasing tone in her voice and acted hurt. “Hey, little junior, you don’t believe me? Watch and see. This time, I won’t be impulsive.” 

As they spoke, more and more people filled the hall. Su Liqian spotted the two people she had met the day before in the crowd. 

Wu Yi had entered and was looking around until he locked eyes with Ji Yanxi. He smiled and walked over. 

“Morning, Young Master Ji.” 

The annoying voice of Wu Yi echoed in their ears. 

Su Liqian couldn’t understand why this guy loved seeking attention so much. He had been scolded and driven off just yesterday, and today, he was shamelessly showing up to greet them like nothing happened. 

But there was a difference this time. Wu Yi clearly seemed more confident today. 

Ji Yanxi didn’t want to deal with him and turned away, pretending not to see him. 

Wu Yi had already expected this reaction from Ji Yanxi, and after a sneer, he walked right up to him. 

Chen Lin was wearing a dark green coat today, casting a glance at Ji Yanxi every now and then. 

After learning about the history between these two, Su Liqian couldn’t help but take a few curious looks at Chen Lin. 

She wasn’t very tall and looked pretty ordinary, but the coldness and depth in her eyes really stood out. 

“Yanxi, you don’t need to go that far. If you just apologize, you won’t have to stay in this rookie competition anymore.” 

This was the first time Su Liqian heard Chen Lin speak. Her voice, just like her appearance, sounded emotionless. If it weren’t for the slight worry and attachment in her eyes, Su Liqian might’ve doubted whether she ever truly cared about Ji Yanxi. 

“I don’t need your fake concern.” 

Ji Yanxi wasn’t moved at all. He glanced at Chen Lin once, then looked away. 

“Hmph, see? He won’t listen to your advice. Why waste time on someone like him? If he wants to climb, let him do it step by step,” Wu Yi taunted as he leaned closer to Ji Yanxi’s ear, whispering, “But once you finally climb up, I’ll personally knock you down.” 

Su Liqian didn’t know about their past, so she didn’t want to butt in. But she could clearly see Ji Yanxi’s clenched fists, tightening by his side. 

“Have you said enough?” 

Before Ji Yanxi could speak, Su Liqian’s clear voice drew Wu Yi and Chen Lin’s attention. 

Wu Yi sneered, raising an eyebrow as he looked Su Liqian up and down. 

This was the first time he had properly looked at Ji Yanxi’s “companion.” 

“Where did you come from?” 

Wu Yi suddenly thought of something then glanced at Ji Yanxi, “Oh, a new lover?” 

Just as Ji Yanxi had been holding back his anger, he took a quick step forward, grabbed Wu Yi by the collar, and lifted him off the ground. 

“Watch your words, or I won’t hesitate to teach you a lesson.” 

For a moment, fear flashed in Wu Yi’s eyes, but he quickly regained his calm, his expression becoming more arrogant as if he wasn’t afraid of anything. 

“Go ahead, let everyone be a witness. Ji Yanxi, once again, assaults another player because of personal grudges. What do you think the punishment will be this time? Banned from the card tournaments forever?” 

The surrounding people started to notice the commotion, and Wu Yi grew bolder. 

He was sure Ji Yanxi wouldn’t dare make a move. 

If he did, with so many witnesses, it would be easy to get him disqualified, and everyone would be glad to see it. 

Even though Ji Yanxi had him lifted off the ground, Wu Yi didn’t show any sign of begging for mercy. 

Su Liqian saw things were about to escalate and quickly stepped forward, signaling Ji Yanxi with her eyes to stay calm. 

“Wasn’t it you who kept picking fights over and over again?” 

After all these years, Ji Yanxi had grown a lot. He quickly calmed down, released Wu Yi, and let him drop unexpectedly. 

“You—” 

Wu Yi was furious and almost started cursing, but noticing all the eyes on him, he forced a gentlemanly act, stood up, and straightened his clothes. 

“Let’s not twist the truth. Everyone saw that Ji Yanxi was the one who started this. When did I ever provoke him?” 

“We were standing here just fine, and it was you who walked over and started the provocation. Of course, not everyone may have seen it, but I’m sure it did.” 

Su Liqian pointed at a small service robot that had been standing nearby. 

“How about we let it judge?” 

Wu Yi froze. 

He couldn’t let that happen.

These robots all had built-in recording features. If they replayed the footage, he’d be exposed on the spot—and if that important person found out, he’d definitely get scolded. 

“N-No need. I was just offering some kind advice. If you’re not open to it, then there’s nothing I can do. Fine, fine, let’s drop it.” 

Wu Yi said, backing off as though ready to escape. 

“Wait a second.” 

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