Chapter 280: Do You Still Need Someone on Your Side?

Qin Feng's words, "Everything is under control," acted like a potent stabilizer injected into the rapidly spinning "New Era." The internal atmosphere grew even more steady and assured, and all plans advanced more smoothly and powerfully. The keel of the Deep Space Mothership extended at a visibly rapid pace, the flow of people at Cultural Center Phase Two increased daily, and the planning and design of Star Harbor District entered its final optimization phase.

Yet, beneath this overall upward trend, individual fates and choices still flowed like streams, winding along their own paths.

After being admitted to the Medical Center, Xia Wan received the highest-level treatment and care. Her physical injuries healed quickly under the advanced medical technology of the "New Era" and the lingering Rule Force left by Qin Feng. But the depletion of her spirit and soul, along with the psychological trauma from her perilous confrontation with the Kunlun Star Core, could not be healed in a short time.

She spent most of her time sleeping; when she occasionally woke, her eyes carried a lingering weariness and confusion. Qin Feng's words, "Only you can save yourself," and that desperate cry, "Someone, please save me," echoed repeatedly in the quiet gaps between her dreams and waking moments.

On this day, her spirit was slightly better. She leaned back against her hospital bed, gazing blankly at the simulated blue sky and white clouds outside the window. The door to her room was gently knocked on.

"Come in," Xia Wan said, her voice still weak.

The door opened, and Su Wenqian entered. She carried a delicate fruit basket and wore a gentle smile.

"Xia Wan, do you feel better?" Su Wenqian placed the fruit basket on the bedside table and asked with concern.

"Assistant Su," Xia Wan nodded slightly, struggling to sit up straighter. "I'm much better. Thank you for coming to see me."

"No need for formalities. You've made great contributions to the 'New Era.' Mr. Qin specifically instructed that you be well cared for." Su Wenqian sat down on the chair beside the bed, her gaze sweeping over Xia Wan's still-pale face, and sighed inwardly. The secrets this girl carried and the dangers she had endured were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to Xia Wan's recovery and future arrangements.

"The doctors say your physical foundation has recovered well, but your spiritual depletion still requires time to rest," Su Wenqian chose her words carefully. "As for your future assignment, Mr. Qin hasn't given clear instructions yet. You may rest peacefully for now. If you have any thoughts or needs, feel free to tell me."

Xia Wan fell silent for a moment, her fingers idly twisting the white bedsheet.

Thoughts? Needs?

What thoughts could she still have?

After enduring the life-or-death trial on Kunlun Mountain, witnessing the fall of Silver Wing and Qin Feng's transcendent power, she knew her own unique bloodline remained insignificant before true, immense forces. Yet she also became acutely aware that she had been drawn into a vortex far beyond her personal fate. "Star Ring," "Kunlun Star Core," "Jing Yi"… these terms were heavy shackles, yet also faint guiding lights.

Escape? There was nowhere left to flee. Return to an ordinary life? After all she had experienced, her world could never go back.

The only path left seemed to be one: to continue walking down the road seemingly arranged by fate—or by Qin Feng. To uncover the secrets of her bloodline, to master the uncontrollable power, to understand the truth behind the words "older brother," and even… to touch the ultimate mysteries concerning the survival of civilization.

It was dangerous. The path ahead was uncertain.

But it also seemed the only path that could answer the question: "Who will save me?"

Self-rescue.

To achieve self-rescue, she needed greater power, a broader platform, and… to draw closer to the one who could give her answers.

Thinking of this, Xia Wan lifted her head and looked at Su Wenqian. Her calm eyes still carried weakness, but now held a new, unshakable resolve.

She took a deep breath, as if making a final decision, and asked softly:

"Assistant Su…"

"Is Mr. Qin's side…"

Her voice was light, tinged with uncertainty, yet her tone was intensely serious:

"Do you still need someone?"

Su Wenqian paused slightly, surprised by Xia Wan.

She had expected that after this ordeal, Xia Wan might feel fear and wish to distance herself from these conflicts, or at least request a long period of rest.

She had not expected her to actively request to go to Qin Feng's side.

That place was undoubtedly the core of the "New Era," the eye of the storm, the closest point to secrets and danger.

Looking into Xia Wan's eyes—where vulnerability and strength mingled—Su Wenqian instantly understood her choice.

She was not seeking shelter. She was seeking… trials and answers.

After a moment of silence, Su Wenqian did not answer directly, but asked instead: "Have you thought this through? Being near Mr. Qin… is not easy."

Xia Wan nodded. Her voice was quiet but crystal clear: "I've thought it through. Some paths must be walked. Some questions can only be answered by drawing near."

Su Wenqian looked at her, seeing in her the younger version of herself who had once resolutely chosen to follow Qin Feng and shoulder the immense burden of internal administration.

She sighed softly, then smiled gently again: "I will convey your wish to Mr. Qin. The final decision rests with him."

"Thank you, Assistant Su," Xia Wan said sincerely.

"Rest well," Su Wenqian stood up, gave a few more reminders, and left the room.

The room fell silent once more.

Xia Wan leaned against the headboard, gazing out the window, her gaze growing distant.

She did not know if Qin Feng would agree. She did not know what hardships awaited her on the path ahead.

But she knew that from the moment she asked, "Do you still need someone?", she had already made her choice.

A path perhaps lined with thorns, yet leading to self-redemption and truth.

And she was ready to set foot upon it.