Is Unlocking the Stellaris Tech Tree in Star Rail Really Okay? [83]

At the greasy wooden table, the sounds of slurping noodles mingled with hurried conversation.

Slurp—

“Today’s the… the scheduled day for resource exchange. Oleg put me… in charge…”

Sip~

“But after we handed over the Geomarrow, the supplies we requested… they never came! So, I… uh…”

Slurp! Another perfectly timed sound of noodles being inhaled cut off Joshua’s anxious explanation.

Chen Lin couldn’t hold it anymore and pressed down on Seele’s hand, stopping her from lifting another mouthful of noodles. His lips twitched. “Seele, for the love of everything decent, can you eat a little slower?”

“I’m just eating. You two keep talking,” Seele replied, tilting her head in confusion at Chen Lin’s interruption. “Or… do you want my noodles?”

Beaming, she added, “Don’t let the looks fool you—these noodles are delicious!”

Without waiting for an answer, she picked up a bite and dropped it into Chen Lin’s bowl. Then her expression turned a little sullen.

“Anyway, this isn’t a fight or anything. I can’t really help. Besides eating, there’s nothing I can do here.”

“Well, at least you’re self-aware…” Chen Lin muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Just keep it down, okay? Don’t drown out the conversation.”

“Alright, alright.”

Seele returned to her noodles, now eating more delicately. The sound persisted but was no longer disruptive.

Chen Lin patted Joshua on the shoulder and called for a server to bring him a glass of water. “Go on. What happened next?”

“Ah… oh!”

Joshua snapped out of his momentary stupor. He’d been shocked by Seele’s unexpectedly cooperative demeanor. After all, she was infamous for being prickly within Wildfire.

Maybe it’s true what they say, Joshua thought. Chen Lin’s so easygoing that he rubs off on everyone around him.

“Here, drink some water. No need to rush,” Chen Lin said, placing the glass in front of him. “Nothing will resolve itself immediately. Take your time.”

Joshua nodded furiously, cradling the glass in both hands as he sipped. The simple gesture made him feel respected in a way he hadn’t experienced before.

After collecting himself, Joshua continued, “The supplies we requested didn’t come. So, I wrote an inquiry, just like my seniors taught me…”

“It took a long time, but we finally got a response. They accused us of harboring criminals and said they wouldn’t send us anything!”

Joshua’s face fell. “The Underworld has lots of people with criminal records, so we didn’t know who they meant. We asked for clarification…”

Here, his voice dropped, disbelief clouding his expression.

“But those bastards! They said you’re the criminal! I couldn’t stand them insulting you, so I… I lost my temper and wrote back. I’ve caused trouble…”

Chen Lin raised an eyebrow. “What did you write?”

“I called them heartless animals, scum who care nothing for lives like ours! I accused them of being no better than the tyrant holed up in Qlipoth Fort!”

Joshua’s voice trembled with regret. “And now they’ve said… that for the next three months, we won’t receive any supplies from the Overworld. But they still demand Geomarrow from us! Oleg sent me to you after he found out…”

“Well said!”

Bang!

Seele slammed her palms on the table, fury twisting her features. Her face darkened as she practically snarled, “Those dogs deserved every word! We’ve been shortchanged every single time, with excuses about ‘transport losses.’

“Transport losses, my foot! Even a three-year-old wouldn’t buy such nonsense!”

Seething, she added, “If not for Oleg and Natasha holding me back, I’d have gone up there and gutted every last one of them! Those leeches—ungrateful parasites!

“They think they can just take our Geomarrow for free? Dream on! Not one pebble will leave the Underworld!”

Nearby diners who overheard Seele’s tirade grew visibly agitated. Some clenched their fists in silent agreement, while others scooted further away to avoid the fallout.

In the past, Seele might’ve settled for a few scathing remarks before letting things go. But now, she wasn’t just venting—she was openly declaring defiance against the Overworld.

Her confidence came from Boulder Town’s rapid development. Textile, heavy, and chemical industries were flourishing, and the Underworld now lacked only light industry products and food, the two main items exchanged with the Overworld.

Medicine was another matter, but even there, the Overworld rarely shared much since its elites hoarded medical resources for emergencies.

The Underworld’s residents had always understood this dynamic but could only endure in silence. Food was tightly controlled by the Overworld, and without it, famine would devastate the Underworld in weeks.

Cocolia’s strategy of controlling resources to manipulate survival instincts was brutally effective.

Still… the Underworld held its own trump card: Geomarrow, the Overworld’s lifeline.

“Hm…” Chen Lin watched Seele, his mind racing.

If the Underworld stopped supplying Geomarrow, the Overworld would undoubtedly retaliate with military force, likely sending the Silvermane Guards to seize it. That much was obvious.

Geomarrow wasn’t just a heating resource; it was essential for survival in the frigid Overworld. Without it, panic would spread through the population like wildfire.

The key issue wasn’t with the Overworld’s ordinary citizens but with its leadership.

Chen Lin leaned back, deep in thought.

After a moment, he spoke. “Don’t panic. There’s no use in worrying, and if anything, they should be the ones panicking.”

He pushed Seele gently back into her seat, gesturing for her to calm down. “They’re refusing us supplies? Fine. We’ve got our own now. Let them dream of taking what’s ours.”

Joshua hesitated. “But… but what about food?”

“Do you remember those hydroponic farms we set up?” Chen Lin asked.

Joshua’s eyes lit up as he recalled. “Those strange greenhouse-like structures?”

“Exactly,” Chen Lin said with a reassuring smile. “It won’t be long before we start harvesting. Food won’t be an issue.”

The hydroponic farms were an enigma even to Chen Lin. In the Overworld, he’d observed them closely and marveled at their efficiency—seeds to harvest in just 20–30 days. The accelerated growth rate defied logic, even for someone armed with Stellaris knowledge.

And the yield? Exceptional. Pests and diseases? Nonexistent.

The only thing Chen Lin needed to do was periodically exchange resources for the farms’ supplies and oversee their maintenance, which was as simple as assembling building blocks.

“So don’t worry,” he assured them. “The Underworld can sustain itself. Tell Oleg what I said—he’ll understand.”

Joshua nodded, his confidence restored. “I’ll head back right away, then.”

A few minutes later, Chen Lin watched Joshua leave, now brimming with self-assurance. The transformation from panic to resolve had taken less than twenty minutes.

Chen Lin picked up his chopsticks, ready to resume eating, only to stop short.

“Where’s my bowl? My rice?”

He turned to see Seele sitting with two empty bowls in front of her. She looked up, cheeks puffed out with food, her wide eyes locking with his.

Seele’s face turned sheepish as she scratched her ear. “I figured you’d take a while and wouldn’t like eating cold food… so I helped you finish it.”

“Oh, thank you so much,” Chen Lin deadpanned, rolling his eyes.

Before he could complain further, the server brought over a fresh plate of fried rice, which Seele quickly placed in front of him.

“Here you go—hot and fresh. You research types have weak stomachs, right? Fresh food is better for you. I, on the other hand, can eat scraps from the trash without a problem.”

Chen Lin gave her a sidelong glance.

“Do you… need something from me?”

“Nope.”

“Are you hinting I should get you a raise?”

“What’s there to hint at? I’m fine with what I get.” Seele crossed her arms.

“Then what’s this all about?”

Seele tilted her head, her brows knitting slightly. “Nothing much. Oleg said the first paycheck should be used to treat your friends. And, well, aside from Oleg and Natasha, you’re the only one who talks to me like a normal person. So here we are.”

“What about the others?” Chen Lin asked, genuinely curious.

“There are no others. People are scared of me. Works out fine—it saves me trouble.” Seele shrugged. “Why do you ask?”

“Just checking.”

Chen Lin sighed in relief. “For a second, I thought you were trying to sell me off or something.”

“Tch, as if anyone would buy you.” Seele scoffed, smirking. “You might be good-looking enough for some rich Overworld heiress, but down here? No one’s wasting their money on some delicate thing like you.”

“…”

Chen Lin smiled, amused by the jab. “Has anyone told you you’re good-looking?”

“Of course. Oleg says it all the time. Why, don’t you think so?” Seele arched an eyebrow, a hint of pride in her voice.

“Oh, you’re pretty, alright. Great personality too.” Chen Lin paused dramatically. “But unfortunately… you talk.”

“…” Seele blinked, momentarily dumbfounded.

The nearby diners burst into laughter, unable to hold back.

“She talks—oh, that’s rich!”

“Haha, I’m using that one on my wife later!”

“Well, he’s not wrong. If she kept quiet, she’d score a solid 90.”

“And when she starts cursing?”

“Easy 100. But I’d still run—I’m too old to get beat up!”

The laughter grew louder, prompting Seele to glare at the other diners.

“What are you laughing at?!”

“Hey, the man’s got a point!” someone shouted, stoking the fire.

Seele huffed, realizing further threats were pointless, and slumped back into her seat.

“That’s the spirit,” Chen Lin said, shaking his head. “Connecting with people like this? It’s called rapport. You always complain about not having friends—this is how you make them. People are just people, Seele. Don’t overthink it.”

“Whatever,” she muttered, turning away. “You just like picking on me ‘cause I’m not as educated…”

Chen Lin chuckled and leaned back, letting her grumble.

For a moment, everything felt lighter.

Seele’s mood remained stormy, her grumbles fading into a quiet pout. But her eyes darted curiously toward Chen Lin when she noticed him suddenly rising from his seat.

“Where are you going?” she asked, leaning slightly forward.

Chen Lin didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he walked out of the restaurant, his steps brisk but calm.

Seele squinted, watching him head toward the entrance of a residential building across the street. The slightly ajar door creaked open, revealing a small figure peeking timidly from within—a little girl who looked barely seven or eight years old.

After a brief exchange, Chen Lin returned, holding something in his hand.

“What’s that?” Seele asked, furrowing her brow.

Chen Lin placed a small package in her hand.

“Here. That little girl asked me to pass this to you,” he said with a faint smile. “She said she noticed your hair is always loose when you’re working to protect the town. She thought it might get in the way, so she wanted you to have this.”

Seele looked down at the small, neatly wrapped gift. Inside was a simple but sturdy hairband, its design clearly homemade but with an undeniable charm.

“She also said,” Chen Lin continued, his voice softening, “that you’re her hero. You’re the one she looks up to most in this whole town.”

Seele’s fingers tightened slightly around the hairband, her usual bravado replaced by an unfamiliar silence.

“See? I told you,” Chen Lin teased lightly. “Stop scaring off your little fans with that scary face of yours.”

He reached out to pat her shoulder, but before he could, Seele caught his wrist.

“You’ve got to give me something too,” she said suddenly, her tone sharp but her grip firm. “I treated you to a meal, so you owe me a gift.”

Chen Lin blinked, puzzled. “Wait, what? Why do I owe you anything? You insisted on treating me!”

“Doesn’t matter,” Seele said, her gaze unrelenting. “Either you give me something, or we step outside right now, and you fight me. If you get hurt, that’s on you.”

Chen Lin sighed deeply, massaging his temple with his free hand. “How is it that your logic makes less sense every time we talk? Fine. I’ll get you something, alright?”

Satisfied, Seele finally let go, her lips curving into a faint smirk.

“Good.”

The tension between them dissolved as quickly as it had formed, and the two fell into an easy rhythm once more.

As Chen Lin picked up his chopsticks and dug into his fresh plate of fried rice, he couldn’t help but glance again at the hairband in Seele’s hand. Her grip on it was firm but gentle, as though it was the most precious thing she had ever received.

And maybe, for someone like Seele—someone who had always fought so fiercely to survive and protect—those small, heartfelt gestures of appreciation truly were priceless.

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T/N: i leik the interactions tahats something i look for in the story, do they actually interact like actual people LMAOO

This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗？ by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!