Olivia Scott was also silent. She raised her wine glass and clinked it lightly with David Miller, moistened her red lips with a sip, then turned and left, leaving behind an elegant silhouette.

  “Did I say something wrong?” Brian Carter asked. He knew himself that he was overdoing it, making things even more awkward.

  David Miller patted him on the shoulder and said, “You didn’t say anything wrong. See? You just sent her away directly, so now no one feels awkward.”

  Brian Carter, reeking of alcohol, said, “No, what I meant was to talk to her alone and have a drink, but now she’s gone. Who am I supposed to talk to?”

  “Just go over there, she hasn’t left yet.” Henry Grant gave him a tip.

  Then he pulled David Miller away, bringing him to the edge of the mountaintop, where they leaned on the railing and gazed at the lights scattered across the distant land.

  “This time, someone spoke up for you and wants to take you to the New Star.” Henry Grant rested both hands on the railing as he said this.

  David Miller already knew that Professor Sullivan had approached the investors.

  However, he felt that Henry Grant had more to say than just this, so he turned his head to look at him.

  “The person in charge of the Old Arts research project remembers you. Although your situation doesn’t meet the selection criteria, your performance in the Old Arts is quite astonishing, so they want to make an exception and take you.”

  Sure enough, there was more to the story. Henry Grant had sought him out alone for a reason.

  “Ashley Reed’s family intervened. They want to keep you suppressed on Old Earth and not let you go to the New Star.”

  These words thundered in David Miller’s ears, sobering him up instantly. His gaze became razor sharp as he stared at Henry Grant.

  Henry Grant had always been assertive and showed no weakness. He turned to meet his eyes and said, “If you don’t believe me, you can have someone look into it. There will always be some clues left behind. Besides, since I know about this, there must be others who do too.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” David Miller asked.

  Henry Grant said in a low voice, “I’m afraid you’ll hear bits and pieces, know someone’s holding you back, and end up blaming me. I’m not taking the fall for this!”

  Before leaving, he added quietly, “Ashley Reed’s family is far more powerful and influential than you imagine!”

  Watching his figure disappear into the villa’s lights, David Miller remained where he was, then turned to gaze once more at the dazzling city below the mountain.

  “Did I think too well of people?” he murmured.

  Earlier, Brian Carter had suspected that maybe his ex-girlfriend’s family was behind keeping him on Old Earth. At the time, he had shaken his head, thinking it couldn’t be.

  David Miller had met Ashley Reed’s father before—in fact, that middle-aged man had sought him out and pressured him.

  The first time they met, Ryan Reed was very stern, but he also had another side—his face was full of a father’s worry and care for his daughter, afraid she’d choose the wrong person.

  At that time, David Miller was scrutinized by him, and Ryan Reed questioned him harshly, but David Miller didn’t get angry.

  Putting himself in the other’s shoes, if he had a daughter who found a boyfriend on another planet, David Miller thought he’d be worried too and would go check things out.

  Ryan Reed’s presence was truly overwhelming, and in the end, it did get to David Miller, who was warned again and again.

  But back then, no matter how strong Ryan Reed’s presence was, he never used his connections against him in private, so David Miller didn’t have a bad impression of him.

  David Miller had always been unwilling to judge others with malice, always trying to put himself in their shoes. He thought this was just a strong father protecting his daughter—over the top, but still somewhat understandable.

  Until now, he realized he’d thought too well of some people and things.

  He shook his head, let out a heavy breath, and walked back. As for what had already happened, he didn’t want to dwell on it. People always have to look forward.

  “David Miller, over here!” Eric Turner called him over for a drink.

  David Miller’s eyes immediately took on a strange look. He knew very well that once Eric Turner started drinking, he’d let loose and become a chatterbox, talking non-stop like a different person.

  Eric Turner didn’t care and said, “Didn’t I tell you when I went to find you? Tonight, I want to drink heartily with you and have a good chat.”

  Not far away, Grace Cooper, Jason Clark, and the others’ eyelids twitched. Eric Turner was clearly about to spill secrets. Once he got drunk, he’d become a blabbermouth and answer any question.

  “He’s doing it on purpose, isn’t he?” Emily Thompson whispered.

  Grace Cooper curled her lip and said, “Let him be. The New Arts aren’t a secret anymore. Sooner or later, word will get to Old Earth.”

  David Miller understood that Eric Turner was using his drunkenness as an excuse to tell him something.

  At this moment, Brian Carter came over, beaming. “I just had a drink alone with the goddess. She said she’d come visit me on the moon when she has time. Oh, and she asked about you, old Wang—how far you’ve gotten with the Old Arts. I told her, it’s about nine point eight Henry Grant, twelve point five Eric Turner, and eleven point six Jason Clark.”

  Eric Turner had been ready to get drunk, but when he heard this, he immediately protested, “Brian Carter, who compares like that?”

  Henry Grant also walked over, looking displeased. “Can’t you watch what you say?!”

  Even the usually aloof Jason Clark couldn’t hold it in, his mouth twitching twice. “Brian Carter, who measures things like that? I’ve become a unit of measurement now?”

  “I was just saying, come on, we’re all men here, why be so petty?” Brian Carter grabbed Eric Turner and said, “I love drinking with you the most. Come on, let’s have a drink!”