The Strongest Brain in the Interstellar

Through the casual and constant small talk of this naturally friendly Instructor Nie Erqi, Jiang Hui’s initial sense of unfamiliarity with him gradually faded.

She seemed to uncover the true nature beneath his aloof exterior—this guy was a chatterbox. Once he started talking, he just didn’t stop.

Jiang Hui didn’t mind. She liked listening, especially when she didn’t have anything else to do. In her view, communication was also a form of learning, allowing her to gather various kinds of information and make it her own.

But it was clear Stark wasn’t as tolerant. Jiang Hui could see him glance over at them several times, only to end up rolling his eyes at Nie Erqi before refocusing on the flight path.

But… Uncle Tang, if you’re really that annoyed, why do you keep leaning over to listen? You even look like you’re paying attention. Guess you two really are close.

The school was truly far from the main continent, and even with a high-speed aircraft, it took quite some time to reach their destination. By now, the sky had been dark for hours.

They hadn’t even started on the purpose of their visit yet, and who knew how long it would take to finish? Going back would make it even later.

Thankfully, tomorrow was a special school holiday. Otherwise, if there were classes, her last day of military training would probably be spent half-asleep. The day after tomorrow would be the orienteering competition, and the day off was a chance for everyone to rest and prepare.

Standing in front of the military hospital, Jiang Hui couldn’t help but feel a little emotional. She’d only been living in interstellar space for a few months and had already visited the hospital several times—more than she had in all her previous years.

As for why she was here with Stark, that would take some explaining, starting from the previous day.

During her entrance assessment, it was discovered that her brain domain was internally closed. Lu Jin reported this to his teacher, Senior Therapist Michael, who was far away in the capital star system. Michael was the one who had previously conducted Jiang Hui’s re-evaluation and recommended her to Lu Jin.

Recently, her mental energy system had become even more unstable due to an ambush and other complex issues, further worsening her condition.

The very kind, senior therapist, upon hearing of the situation, decided to move up his travel plans and arrived in the local star system this morning.

Stark, having received the update from Lu Jin, didn’t want to delay, so he immediately brought Jiang Hui over since he had the time. As for Nie Erqi, he was just an add-on because Stark knew how curious he was—whether he told him or not, Nie Erqi would have asked anyway, so it was easier just to bring him along.

So, Nie Erqi wasn’t entirely wrong; he had indeed misunderstood. Jiang Hui had actually been told by Stark earlier to wait after class.

Jiang Hui’s medical records had already been transferred from the local hospital to the military hospital. By the time they entered the specialized treatment room, Michael had already reviewed her case and looked up when he heard them arrive.

A hint of surprise flickered across Michael’s face. “Why are you here too?”

Nie Erqi was clearly surprised as well. He knew Stark was bringing the kid for a follow-up, but he hadn’t realized it would be this renowned therapist overseeing her treatment.

Isn’t the old man based in the capital star system? He’s always too busy, so what brought him all the way out here? Why is everyone suddenly gathering on this planet?

“I was about to ask you the same, sir. My grandfather was upset he didn’t see you at his birthday the other day and complained for quite a while—turns out you left the capital.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you’re here on behalf of your grandfather to confront me, are you? I already told him there was an important meeting that day, and I couldn’t make it. Besides, it’s been ages since then.” How long had it been since this kid last called his grandfather?

Michael was close friends with Nie Erqi’s grandfather, so he’d watched him grow up. Naturally, some friendly teasing and catching up were in order.

Not knowing much about the situation, Jiang Hui could only stand quietly to the side, serving as a background figure while the two elders, whom she wasn’t too familiar with, chatted.

Stark clearly didn’t mind either, crossing his arms and waiting for the short conversation to wrap up.

Nie Erqi shot Stark a look and muttered awkwardly, “…No wonder you so easily brought me along today.” He had once mentioned this senior to Stark.

Stark probably figured bringing him along would be a way to show respect to the old man.

Well, it made sense; after all, Jiang Hui’s mother had always been kind to him, and the military had supported him in many ways. Naturally, he felt inclined to look after her daughter. And with Michael here, he could ask him to give her a bit more attention.

Of course, Michael hadn’t forgotten the primary reason he was here. After a few words with Nie Erqi, he turned his attention back to Jiang Hui.

For Jiang Hui’s treatment, a direct start wouldn’t be possible. They needed to conduct a comprehensive health assessment to gather the most accurate and complete data.

This was why her historical medical records were transferred from the local hospital to the military hospital, which had the most advanced equipment and technology on the planet.

The first round of tests alone took over an hour, with more detailed assessments on her neural and brain functions still to come. The procedures were tedious for both the medical staff and those waiting outside.

Stark had considered telling Nie Erqi to head back, but Nie Erqi refused and stayed with him to wait.

“What exactly happened to that child? How did she end up with a brain injury?” He had initially assumed it was a routine issue. But then again, if it were something ordinary, Stark, usually so by-the-book, wouldn’t have gone out of his way to bring her here at such a critical time.

Stark remained silent, aware that this was partly his fault. If he hadn’t been so tied up with military duties, leaving Jiang Hui’s situation unattended for years, she wouldn’t have left the inner star system in frustration over her awakening issues. He felt he had failed the promise he’d made to his friend.

Nie Erqi rarely saw such vivid emotions from his usually reserved friend. Stark had always seemed like a robot, with few words and a distant air—very much like Jiang Yilin, but even more inward. Stark, who usually didn’t care much about his own life or career, was treating Jiang Yilin’s daughter with such seriousness—likely because of his promise to Lieutenant Jiang. Although Nie Erqi had never met Lieutenant Jiang, he had long heard of him as both Jiang Yilin’s husband and Stark’s close friend.

This train of thought stirred memories within Nie Erqi, and he felt a pang of regret for those faint, distant memories.

During that war, not only had Stark lost a dear friend and comrade, but Nie Erqi had also lost someone he greatly admired. Such a young life vanished without a trace; it’s something no one can easily accept.

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Author’s note: This is indeed a complex four-way relationship, and even as the writer, I feel a bit overwhelmed, gazing up at the sky.

Don’t get the wrong idea, though! It’s just a story from the elder generation’s youth. The love and conflicts are not overly complicated. Among the four of them, only one pair was ever a true couple, and sadly, both have already passed on, only able to appear in memories.

It’s a bit of a misunderstanding that Nie Erqi was Jiang Yilin’s “passionate pursuer.” In reality, he did chase after her one-sidedly for about a month in their youth, but after that, he simply became like a little brother to her.

Here’s the relationship breakdown: Jiang Hui’s father and Stark are friends, Nie Erqi and Stark are colleagues and friends, Jiang Yilin and Stark barely know each other, and Jiang Hui’s father doesn’t know Nie Erqi… Right, the more I explain, the more confusing it sounds (>﹏<). But no worries—there are no love triangles involved!