Hao Jun sat quietly, his features heavy with the weight of the evening. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady but laden with emotion.

"I want you to know, Adam," Hao Jun began slowly, "I'm not a man who forgets debts easily. Last night, we came so close to losing everything. I'm only sitting here because of you."

His tone cracked the façade of his usual stoicism, revealing vulnerability. He chuckled softly, glancing toward Ling. "My security failed when it mattered most. But you saved my life and protected my granddaughter. It cannot be overstated how much in debt I am to you, Adam."

"I only did the right thing," Adam replied, his words more mechanical than polite. He had said this too many times now, and it was wearing on him. Yet, he understood why Hao Jun felt compelled to express his gratitude repeatedly. Despite the old man's gracious offers, Adam had consistently declined any substantial reward.

Hao Jun shook his head. "No, Adam, this isn't just about gratitude or money. Not this time."

The air between them grew heavier as Hao Jun took a deliberate sip of water. His gaze flicked between Adam and Ling before settling back on Adam.

"My principles dictate that a man should be rewarded for his actions. And you've done more than I can ever repay. But," he paused, leaning forward, "there's another reason I'm offering you something more."

Adam raised an eyebrow, cautious but curious. "And that would be?"

Hao Jun's expression softened as his eyes shifted to Ling. "It's about the future—about legacy."

The words hung in the air, unspoken tension wrapping around the table. Hao Jun leaned back, no longer the shrewd businessman but an old man grappling with mortality.

"Last night, I nearly lost my life… and my precious granddaughter's. It made me think about what truly matters," he said.

Adam listened in silence, his guarded demeanor betraying nothing.

"You've been very clear about your intentions—or lack thereof—regarding Ling," Hao Jun continued. "So allow me to be equally direct."

His eyes locked onto Adam's with piercing intensity. "I was hoping you and Ling could get to know each other more personally."

Adam stiffened, the tension rising. Before he could respond, Hao Jun pressed on.

"The ticket to Arcadia Luna wasn't just an invitation to a distant place—it was a chance for both of you to explore something more."

Hao Jun's voice softened as he added, "I've decided not to meddle in my grandchildren's personal lives anymore. Arranged marriages have done enough damage in our family. But Ling deserves to be with someone capable, someone who makes her happy."

A heavy silence followed. Though Hao Jun's words were gentle, they carried immense weight.

Adam's mind churned. He was in a delicate position. Hao Jun was a powerful figure, and his goodwill could be invaluable in the turbulent times ahead. Rejecting this proposal risked alienating him and potentially severing a vital source of support. Adam had already considered leveraging his heroics to secure more resources from Hao Wei's Guild. But how could he do that while turning down such a deeply personal offer?

'Sorry, Mr. Hao, I'm not interested in going to the moon or dating your granddaughter. But can I have more materials in-game instead?' The hypothetical dialogue floated through Adam's mind, and he immediately discarded it as absurd. It would be a slap in the face to Hao Jun and an insult to Ling's dignity.

Yet, the answer was clear to Adam. He couldn't accept something so intimate and personal for a purely strategic gain. Leading Ling on would betray her trust and undermine Hao Jun's respect for him. No matter the risks, Adam had to decline—and he would need to do it with tact.

Finally, Adam drew a deep breath and raised his head, meeting Hao Jun's gaze with unwavering resolve.

"I may risk losing your favor by saying this, but it would be dishonest to give false hope to anyone. I can only hope you recognize my sincerity."

He turned to Ling, his voice softer. "You're a wonderful person. If I were the kind of man willing to exploit others, I could have pretended to be interested. I could have accepted the Lunar tickets and used your feelings and your grandfather's resources. But I'm not that man. If I were in your shoes, Mr. Hao, I wouldn't want that for Ling, either."

Ling's face revealed quiet sadness, but she nodded in silent acknowledgement.

Hao Jun's expression was a mix of regret and admiration. "I respect your decision, even if it's not the answer I had hoped for."

With that, there was nothing more that needed to be said.

The conversation reached its natural conclusion as Hao Jun rose and extended his hand. Adam stood and shook it firmly. There was no malice in the gesture—only mutual respect.

Although nobody said it aloud, the atmosphere made it clear that it was time to leave. The Cosmos family began expressing their gratitude to the billionaire once more, and Hao Jun returned the pleasantries with gracious nods.

Before they left, Hao Jun addressed the entire Cosmos family, his tone calm but resolute. "Let me make one thing clear—I apologize if my earlier words gave the impression that the trip to Arcadia Luna was conditional on Adam's relationship with Ling. That was never my intention. I fully intend to honor my promise to get you all there. And beyond that, I'd like to extend an additional offer."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the family. "I want to give the Cosmos family the chance to experience Must-Lagrange Station within a week's time. Ling will be accompanying you, and Adam…" Hao Jun glanced at him meaningfully. "You are, of course, welcome to join, should you change your mind."

Adam declined again, though his family eagerly accepted the offer, their excitement palpable.

As the conversation wound down, the Cosmos women exchanged meaningful glances with Ling. There was a subtle understanding in their expressions, a shared acknowledgment that did not escape Ling, though it went unnoticed by the men. Ling returned their looks with one of her own—soft yet resolute.

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And with that, Adam's dinner with his family and the Haos concluded.

As the Cosmos family left the suite, Ling turned to her grandfather, her eyes bright with determination.

"I'll have him fall for me, Grandpa," she said confidently. "You always told me that things worth achieving are difficult."

Hao Jun smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curving upward with pride. "Then don't give up," he said softly. "It's not in our blood."

In that simple exchange, it became unmistakably clear to the billionaire who survived an assassination attempt, who among his grandchildren had inherited his unyielding will and determination. Ling's resolve mirrored his own, a reminder of the strength that ran through their family. It filled him with quiet pride, knowing that his legacy of perseverance would live on through her.

***

As Adam stepped out of the hotel into the morning light, the crisp air was a welcome contrast to the heavy conversations inside. The sky was a soft blue, the sun still low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the street. Just as Adam approached the private vehicle Hao Jun had arranged for him, his father's voice called out.

"Adam," Isaac said, his voice clear in the quiet morning. "Hold on a second."

Adam turned, his eyes meeting his father's as the rest of his family gathered around. There was a brief pause as Isaac seemed to find the right words.

"Son," Isaac began, his tone awkward but warm, "I don't agree with your decision to walk away from medicine." He paused, his expression softening. "But what you did yesterday… that, I can be proud of. I'm proud of what you've done. You protected us, saved our lives." Isaac's voice softened further, but the sincerity remained unwavering. "And on top of that, you showed integrity in front of a man like Hao Jun. That takes real character, Adam."

Adam listened quietly, absorbing his father's words. The tension that had existed between them since Adam left the Cosmos residence seemed to dissipate at that moment. The crisp morning air carried a sense of closure, an unspoken understanding that their relationship had shifted.

Cassandra stepped forward next, her eyes full of maternal warmth. "You've matured so much in the few months you've lived alone," she said gently. "I'm proud of the man you've become, Adam. It's not easy to make the choices you made today, but you did them gracefully."

Adam nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle over him. Hearing this from his mother, spoken in the soft morning light, felt like a quiet validation of everything he had endured.

Keira, standing beside their parents, smirked and chimed in. "You've really grown up, Adam," she teased lightly. "It's kind of weird seeing you be all mature and stuff, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

Adam chuckled softly. "Thanks, Keira. I'll take that as a compliment."

Then Selene, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. Her voice was steady, filled with affection. "I always knew what you were capable of," she said. "You've always had the strength, Adam. But today, you exceeded even my expectations."

Adam looked at his older sister, and her words landed with a sense of deep fulfillment. Selene had always believed in him, but hearing that he had surpassed her high expectations filled him with a rare sense of accomplishment.

Nathan, standing slightly apart, shifted uncomfortably. He cleared his throat before saying as casually as possible, "Yeah, man. Happy to see you doing well."

The words sounded slightly forced, but Adam didn't miss the mixed emotions flickering across his brother's face—jealousy, insecurity, awe, confusion, curiosity, and gratefulness.

In one evening, Adam had shown qualities that made Nathan question everything he thought he knew about his younger brother. It was a lot for him to process. Still, Adam didn't let it bother him. Whatever Nathan was dealing with, it was his own issue to resolve, not Adam's.

Adam gave Nathan a nod, appreciating the effort to be cordial nonetheless.

With that, the family stood together under the soft morning sun, the tension between them finally lifting, replaced by a shared sense of respect.

"Well," Adam said, turning back toward the waiting car, "I should get going."

Isaac stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Adam's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, son. We'll see you soon. You're welcome to visit us whenever you feel like it."

Adam smiled, understanding the significance of his father's words. "Thanks, Dad," he said simply. "I will visit from time to time."

He glanced at his mother, who smiled warmly, and at his siblings, each giving him a nod or a wave. "Take care, everyone," he said, this time with a sense of peace in his voice. The parting felt different—better.

As Adam climbed into the car, the weight of the evening settled over him. Hao Jun's words, Ling's determination, and his family's acceptance swirled together in his mind. Everything had been laid bare at that table—desire, honor, loyalty, expectation, gratitude, and hope.

This wasn't just a dinner. It had been a dinner before the unknown—a seemingly simple gathering laced with unspoken promises, lingering possibilities, and the uncertain future that awaited all of them.

As the vehicle pulled away, the city lights began to blur, and Adam allowed himself a rare moment of stillness. For now, the road ahead remained uncertain, but at least he knew he had faced this night with integrity.

Whatever came next would demand even more of him.

***

The grand suite was quieter than it had been all evening, the absence of guests amplifying the ticking of the antique clock on the wall. Hao Jun sat at his ornate desk, his posture rigid and his face clouded with thought. The farewell to the Cosmos Family had been warm, almost comforting in its simplicity. But now, as his mind returned to darker matters, the air around him felt heavier.

After ensuring the safety of his family—both near and across the world—Hao Jun turned his attention to the unresolved question gnawing at his peace: who had orchestrated the attempt on his life? He called his security chief for updates, demanding answers that still eluded him.

The report was chilling. Every known associate of the perpetrators, along with the assassins themselves, had been found dead. Their deaths, eerily coordinated, were ruled as suicides. But Hao Jun didn’t believe in coincidences.

“Suicide?” he muttered, his voice low but sharp. His fingers drummed against the desk, the rhythm uneven. “Bullshit. No one’s stupid enough to believe that. This isn’t desperation—it’s precision. Control.”

The implications sent a ripple of unease through him. Whoever was behind this had not only the power to order an assassination but also the influence to silence every potential lead with terrifying efficiency. His usual calm was fraying at the edges.

Just as the weight of this revelation began to settle, the intercom buzzed, breaking the tense silence. Hao Jun pressed the button, his voice steady despite his rising apprehension. “Yes?”

The voice of his hotel manager came through, cautious but urgent. “Sir, this is unexpected, but we’ve received a request for landing clearance on the hotel’s rooftop.”

Hao Jun frowned. “A request? From whom?”

There was a pause on the other end, and the manager was clearly hesitant to continue. “The request is from a cosmocraft.”

Hao Jun’s eyebrows rose. Cosmocrafts were luxury vehicles capable of traversing both atmospheric and orbital routes, used exclusively by the wealthiest and most influential individuals. The mention alone was enough to sharpen his focus.

“Who is aboard?” he demanded.

“A mechanical assistant. It claims to carry a confidential message,” the manager replied, his tone growing tenser. “From… a Lunarch.”

Hao Jun froze. A Lunarch. Among the elites of Earth, there was no title that carried more weight. To be a Lunarch meant one lived on the moon- in Arcadia Luna, far removed from the world's struggles below. They were the elite of the elite, individuals with wealth and influence so vast they were practically untouchable.

His mind raced, grappling with the implications. Why would a Lunarch concern themselves with him? And what connection could they possibly have to the assassination attempt?

“The message pertains to the attempt on your life,” the manager added, breaking through Hao Jun’s thoughts. “Shall I deny them landing clearance, sir?”

Hao Jun’s jaw tightened as he weighed his options. Every instinct told him this was dangerous—potentially a trap. But the secrecy, the coordination, the sheer audacity of the assassination attempt… it all pointed to forces far beyond the scope of his usual dealings.

If the Lunarch had answers, he couldn’t afford to ignore them.

“No,” he said, his voice steady but grim. “Grant them landing clearance. Direct them to the private reception lounge and ensure no one but my trusted guards is present. I’ll see what this is about.”

“Understood, sir,” the manager replied, his voice a mix of relief and concern.

As the intercom clicked off, Hao Jun leaned back in his chair, his mind churning. The shadow of unease that had been looming since the attack deepened. Whoever this Lunarch was, they knew something he didn’t. For now, it seemed he had no choice but to hear what they had to say.