Standing in front of the white stone-carved gate, Tilan stopped in her tracks. She looked up slightly at the towering pillars adorned with rose carvings and entwined with a few strands of green vines, all of which exuded a classic and grand style.
There were snow-white marble steps in front of the gate, comprising three levels, each expanding outward like a semicircle, serving as a plinth that balanced the visual weight of the pillars so they did not appear top-heavy—a common theory in design studies.
This was the main entrance to the 'Golden Fla Flower' Academy. Many students dressed in uniforms with white bases and gold leaf trims were coming and going, with quite a few almost sprinting into the academy as soon as they got out of their cars. The hover cars would automatically enter an underground entrance beside the gate, where there was ample parking space, akin to an underground building.
"How was your holiday?"
"Not so good. I followed my ntor to the Tide Rock Star Domain to salvage ancient relics. Staying under the deep sea for over a month was unbearable."
"Hahaha, deep-sea operations are like that, relentlessly dull."
"And you?"
"I went to the Wind Dew Grass Star Domain for a field visit and observation. I recorded approximately 21 kinds of Transcendent birds and also practiced and studied 4 kinds of Sequence 6 advancent templates."
"Ah, it looks like your path is going smoothly."
"Yeah, my ntor said that after I finish my studies next year, I could choose to join a 'Garden' that specializes in bird cultivation or enter a giant corporation as a High Rank consultant. The forr allows more freedom and ample research and study ti, while the latter offers a much higher inco."
"So what's your choice then?"
"Of course, to make money first. I plan to work at a giant corporation for a few years, save up 5 million Federation Coins, then join a 'Garden' of so faction to carve out my place for research. I aim to advance to Sequence 7 before I turn 30. That will make everything much easier later on."
Two students chatting and laughing passed by Tilan. Apart from them, other students were also discussing recent events and interesting news with their classmates.
"Did you see the performance on Central Avenue yesterday?"
"Are you talking about the performance by the star from Molicuo?"
"Exactly, her."
"I was in the movie pod with my girlfriend at that ti. We only found out about the event after the movie ended."
"I heard that 'Ribbon Starlight' made a significant effort this ti. They didn't only purchase lots of advertisents but also simultaneously broadcast live in various areas of the Central Star Domain."
"Quite a grand gesture," the other student replied absentmindedly, opening a recently bought snack and eating while walking.
"You seem quite indifferent, don't you?" his companion asked.
"Yeah, I think it's just ordinary people getting fooled by this kind of publicity and dia hype. We are students of the 'Golden Fla Flower'; don't we know the real power of a Songstress? These claims of 'the first powerful singer to descend' and 'the pinnacle of mortals' are just comrcial performances aid at making money."
"That's true, but it is a peaceful era now, and the influence of a Songstress is limited..." The companion shook his head and then the two continued forward, gradually fading into the distance.
Listening to the conversations of passing students, Tilan gathered quite a bit of useful information. Afterward, she stood for a while in a garden by the side of the road until Geyin arrived.
Watching Geyin step out of the silver-white hover car, nodding to the middle-aged man behind her before heading toward Tilan.
"Sorry for making Tilan wait for so long."
Despite it being an apology, Geyin's tone was asured and monotonous, with no inflection. If it were not soone familiar with her, they might think she was being dismissive, but the girl knew that this was just how she was, rarely showing emotional fluctuation.
"Was it your father?" The two had separated because Geyin's father wanted to speak with her.
"Yes." Geyin answered briefly, then fell silent.
"It's been a long ti since you saw him last, hasn't it?" Tilan asked, curious.
"When I was a child, seven years old, I saw him once when Mom took to et him."
Geyin's parents divorced early, and her father had always stayed in the Central Star Domain, reportedly a manager of a large corporation, living quite comfortably. After separating from Geyin's mother, he married a second wife and now has a 12-year-old son.
"Did your mom forbid it?"
"Mom said she was fed up with Dad, so she dumped him." Geyin had always been indifferent to the emotional entanglents of her parents' past and didn't pry, preferring not to engage too much with her parents.
Knowing she wouldn't get more information, Tilan dropped her excessive curiosity and shifted to ask about the outco of the talk.
"Dad said I could talk to him if I need money." Generally speaking, studying in the Central Star Domain could be costly.
"Does he know you were accepted to the 'Golden Fla Flower' Academy?"
The Golden Fla Flower Academy was the only university in the Federation that waived all fees for its students, with its expenses fully covered by the Federal Governnt. This policy also made the 'Golden Fla Flower' the most coveted university for students from impoverished backgrounds.
"He didn't know before, but he does now."
Given Geyin's nature, she seldom spoke more than necessary. Tilan guessed that her father might have alluded to it during their conversation but, seeing Geyin's reticence, he might have assud Geyin wasn't doing well academically and didn't want to inquire further out of respect for her pride. After all, aside from blood ties, the father and daughter were not close.
"Hehehe, he must have been quite surprised to bring you here." The girl chuckled as she spoke.
Afterward, the two sorted themselves out and made their way to the academy's main entrance. They first had to register their information at the gate using a code from their acceptance letter, and then staff took them to temporarily stay in an apartnt reserved for new students. They would be assigned dormitories after formal enrollnt.
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