Chapter 4185 - 4204: Value Determines Destiny

"Lin Chen, the miss wants to see you."

"Okay!"

Lin Chen washed his hands and followed behind Housekeeper Erin, his expression calm.

Erin glanced sideways, a little surprised.

Not even asking why?

So calm?

Erin led Lin Chen to the restaurant, where Talina was having a meal.

Lin Chen glanced at the bowl; half of the rice was left, and not much of the dishes were eaten.

Did something go wrong with the food I made?

Is Talina unhappy and wants to deal with me?

Erin stopped in front of the dining table and bowed slightly: "Miss."

Talina glanced upwards, casually put down the cutlery, and instructed languidly: "Clear it away."

Talina got up and gracefully walked towards the living room next door.

Erin waved at Lin Chen, signaling him to follow.

In the living room, Talina threw herself roughly onto the soft sofa, her gaze falling on Lin Chen’s face.

"Lin Chen?"

Lin Chen stepped forward: "Yes, Master."

Talina scrutinized Lin Chen, a hint of wonder flashing in her eyes: "Suddenly being summoned by me, you seem not at all surprised or anxious?"

Lin Chen remained calm: "My value determines my fate; surprise, anxiety can’t save me."

A trace of surprise crossed Talina’s eyes: "You see things quite clearly. Value determines fate, did that... never mind, it doesn’t matter, did that slave trader tell you that?"

Lin Chen shook his head: "Federation, Empire, peddlers and nobles, they’re all the same."

Talina chuckled: "Can they be the same?"

Lin Chen was silent for a few seconds: "The degree is different, the nature is the same."

Talina’s smile faded, her brows slightly furrowed, and she suddenly became silent.

Lin Chen stayed calm, quietly waiting.

Suddenly, Talina waved her hand at Erin, who bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Although Lin Chen had considerable strength, Talina was much more formidable. Besides, Lin Chen’s life and death were still in her hands, so she wasn’t worried Lin Chen would do anything when they were alone.

Unless he wanted to die.

Talina suddenly sighed softly: "You’re right. Value determines fate. You are a slave, I am a princess, our identities are worlds apart, yet our fates seem not much different."

Lin Chen calmly looked at Talina: "Did something happen?"

Talina didn’t answer, instead, she asked: "In your Federation, do family members of the same force fight to the death for power, regardless of kinship?"

Lin Chen nodded cleanly: "Not necessarily, but such things are everywhere."

Talina stared at Lin Chen: "Why?"

Lin Chen paused for a moment and then said softly: "Desire."

For an instant, Talina’s gaze was lost, she muttered the word once, then suddenly changed the subject: "Today’s lunch, though delicious, made me inexplicably want to cry, what did you put in it?"

Lin Chen replied: "Round-headed purple onion."

Talina made an indistinct sound, her voice drifting: "I heard the Federation has strict laws that govern all planets, is that true?"

Lin Chen answered calmly: "There are indeed laws, but if they could truly govern all planets, I wouldn’t be in the Magita Empire."

Talina laughed lightly: "Seems you’re quite dissatisfied. Tell me something interesting about the Federation; though I know the Federation is run by the Human Clan, I’m not very familiar with it."

Interesting things?

Lin Chen couldn’t think of anything interesting.

Lin Chen spoke softly: "I’m not good at speaking or telling jokes. If the master wants to know something, just ask me, I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge."

Talina didn’t seem in a good mood at the moment, and it definitely had nothing to do with what Lin Chen made for lunch, but she didn’t take it out on him.

She seemed just to want someone to talk to.

This matched Lin Chen’s judgment of her. Though she was a pampered princess, her temperament was good, not a cruel or unreasonable person.

"Tell me about your life?"

Lin Chen spoke casually, repeating the phony information he had prepared.

An ordinary, uneventful life.

Although Lin Chen also wanted to gain Talina’s attention, now was not the right time.

Reaching the destination first, then make plans.

On this journey, better stay low and uneventful since there was no village ahead and no inn behind.

Make a move?

According to the workers below, Princess Talina herself was an expert, her strength unknown, but the two guards beside her were both ninth-level Star Dust Warriors.

With such strength, if a fight broke out, there would be no advantage at all.

Talina asked: "What thoughts do you have about the future?"

Lin Chen replied cleanly: "Eat well, don’t get sick."

Talina was amused by Lin Chen’s words: "So simple, you haven’t considered regaining freedom?"

A self-mocking smile appeared on Lin Chen’s face: "Thinking is useless, only adds to the distress."

Talina stared at Lin Chen for a long while, her face breaking into a radiant smile.

"You’re right, since it’s beyond one’s power to change, thinking is useless, only adds to the distress, so just eat well!"

"Tonight I want to eat something that can improve my mood, can you do it?"

Lin Chen answered cleanly: "I can give it a try."

Talina smiled slightly: "Alright, go get ready, I’m starting to look forward to it."

"Yes!"

Lin Chen bowed slightly, turned, and left the living room.

Housekeeper Erin was waiting at the passage entrance, and seeing Lin Chen coming out, she gave an inquisitive look.

Lin Chen took the initiative to speak: "The master is worried, not happy, and wants to eat something cheerful."

Erin frowned, worry flashing in her eyes: "Can you do it?"

Lin Chen replied: "I will prepare a dessert; sugar stimulates the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, which can create a sense of pleasure."

Erin sighed in relief: "Go prepare then."

She paused, then added: "Don’t spread your conversation with the miss; words can lead to trouble."

"Yes!"

Lin Chen returned to the room, Qiu Chan stood up: "What did they want you for?"

"Just a chat."

Lin Chen recounted the conversation, answering: "She’s in a bad mood, probably troubled by family matters."

Qiu Chan analyzed: "She agreed with your words, which means she’s in a predicament like us. Though her status is different, she also faces various challenges."

"She even asked if the Federation has internal strife, suggesting her family is embroiled in fierce conflict and it’s all her relatives. She may have come to Cangming Star to escape the struggle and relax."

"Now, on the way back, family matters arise again, soon she’ll have to face them, and worry is already setting in..."

Lin Chen said with a laugh: "That’s what I think too."

Qiu Chan frowned: "For a princess to be so troubled, even coming to ask a slave, it seems our princess is not as glamorous as she appears..."