Chapter 250: Moving Again

Qin Feng's instruction regarding "gift money" was like a silent bomb dropped onto the dark web. After the reply was sent via encrypted channels to "Pandora," the other side fell into a brief silence, clearly assessing whether this sudden "compromise" concealed a trap. Meanwhile, on the "New Era" side, operations had already begun quietly in accordance with Qin Feng's will—a vast invisible net had silently spread across the designated waters near Malacca.

Yet these external upheavals felt distant to the vast majority of "New Era" residents, as if belonging to another world's story. Their lives continued smoothly along their established paths, even enriched by new hopes—and minor annoyances—brought by the city-state's ongoing development.

Sea-floor City, Civilization Ark residential zone, Xia Wan's home.

Two days had passed since the sudden visit from the members of the Ark Sisters Tea Party. Xia Madam had just barely escaped the discomfort of excessive "concern," and was preparing to resume her quiet, everyday child-rearing routine—when a notice from the New Era Resident Management Committee appeared on her terminal.

The notice was simple: due to the early completion of Phase Two's Civilization Ark expansion and upgrades to supporting facilities, the Management Committee, after comprehensive evaluation, decided to relocate Summer Engineer's family to Guanlan Yuan, a newly constructed residential zone on the edge of the core area, to optimize housing allocation and reward families with outstanding contributions to "New Era."

Guanlan Yuan was a flagship project of Phase Two, adjacent to the Central Ecological Park, featuring superior light-simulation systems, more comprehensive community services, and—larger living space with an independent courtyard. Only core backbone members or those who made major contributions to "New Era" were eligible to reside there.

This was undoubtedly a desirable "promotion."

Yet as Xia Madam stared at the new address and relocation deadline on the notice, she sat on the sofa, terminal in hand, letting out a soft sigh—her face held little joy, only a clear trace of… exhaustion.

"Moving again…" she murmured, rubbing her temples.

Her younger daughter, Nannan, sat on the carpet playing with blocks. Hearing her mother, she looked up, blinking her big eyes. "Mom, are we moving to a new home? Does the new home have a big yard? Can we plant flowers?"

"Yes, there's a yard," Xia Madam forced a smile, stroking her daughter's head. "You can plant flowers."

For a child, a new home meant new adventures and more space to play. But for an adult managing household duties and everything else, moving meant another round of packing, organizing, Cleanup, adaptation… the disruption of familiar neighborhood ties, the need to start over from scratch.

This was not their first relocation within "New Era." From the initial temporary apartment assigned upon arrival, to the Zone B apartment granted after Summer Engineer's outstanding performance, to the upcoming Guanlan Yuan—each move signaled recognition of Summer's work and rising family status, but also meant greater labor for Xia Madam.

She was gentle by nature, poor at socializing; adapting to each new environment took considerable time. The thought of facing piles of belongings to sort, new communities to learn, new neighbors to meet—made her feel a wave of mental fatigue.

"If only Xiao Wan were here…" she sighed again. Though young, Xia Wan was methodical, steady, and reliable—she always helped shoulder burdens.

But now, Xia Wan's whereabouts were unknown, carrying out a secret mission even her mother had no right to inquire about. The household now held only her, young Nannan, and a husband who lived almost entirely at construction sites.

"Mom, what's wrong? Are you unhappy?" Nannan sensed her mother's mood, dropped the blocks, and crawled over to hug her leg.

"No, Mom's just… a little tired." Xia Madam picked up her daughter, pressing her face against the soft crown of her hair, drawing comfort from it.

At that moment, the doorbell rang again.

Xia Madam's heart tightened. Could it be those "enthusiastic" girls again? She truly couldn't handle more.

Holding Nannan, she approached the door uneasily, peered through the peephole—and froze.

Outside stood two staff members in Management Committee uniforms, smiling. Beside them hovered a quiet, floating domestic service robot.

"Mrs. Xia, hello," the lead staff member said politely. "We are the Relocation Assistance Team of the Management Committee. We received notice that your household requires housing adjustment. We've been dispatched to assist with packing, organizing, and relocation. All procedures will be handled by us and the robot—you only need to indicate which personal items you wish to take. No physical effort required from you."

Xia Madam stared, stunned.

Such a service existed?

In previous relocations, while the Management Committee offered some aid, most organizing work still fell to her.

"This… this is too much trouble for you," Xia Madam said, genuinely surprised.

"Not at all. It's our duty," the staff member replied warmly. "Summer Engineer is a vital member of our 'New Era.' You and your family deserve the best care. Please let us help."

They then directed the domestic robot to begin work. The robot efficiently sorted and packed items with swift, precise movements. The two staff members patiently explained details of Guanlan Yuan—the surrounding facilities, neighbor demographics—gentle and thorough.

Watching the orderly, completely self-managed relocation, Xia Madam's fatigue and resistance vanished instantly, replaced by a deep warmth.

She suddenly understood.

This relocation was not merely an improvement in housing conditions.

It was "New Era," this great family, acknowledging her husband's work, showing care and respect for her household.

The minor hardships of moving—how insignificant against this heavy sense of belonging and being valued?

She held Nannan tighter, watching the busy staff and robot, and finally wore a genuine, relaxed smile.

"Thank you… really, thank you so much."

"You're too kind, Mrs. Xia."

Outside the window, the simulated sunlight of "New Era" shone perfectly.

Moving again… perhaps it wasn't so bad after all.