Zhou Tianming got up to find his phone to contact Zhou Hanxiang about future arrangements.
The nearby doctor immediately intervened, "Don't move. Tell me what you need."
"It's nothing, just minor injuries."
The doctor's expression turned stern as he fixed Zhou Tianming with a silent stare.
Freezing mid-movement, Zhou Tianming glanced at the doctor before obediently retreating to bed. "Where's my phone? I need to call my mother."
"You can't use regular phones for space communications. You need special equipment."
The doctor pressed the intercom button on the desk and spoke briefly before turning back. "Wait a moment. I've asked CIC to enable room communication privileges. You can use the phone shortly."
"Thank you," Zhou Tianming said, lying back to wait.
Before communication access arrived, the door opened to reveal Siegel in casual clothes. "I heard you wanted to contact your mother. Perfect timing—I have something to discuss."
He pulled up a chair beside the bed as the doctor quietly exited.
After the door closed, Siegel began, "What are your plans? Where will you go next?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "I suggest returning with me to PLANT for medical treatment before making decisions."
Zhou Tianming looked puzzled. "These minor injuries hardly warrant special treatment at PLANT."
"Minor? Have you seen your medical report?"
Siegel looked surprised, retrieving the doctor's tablet from a nearby table. He opened it and handed it over.
Zhou Tianming scanned the report, his eyes widening as he read. The document detailed numerous physical issues—some obvious, others incomprehensible—with most indicators marked in alarming red and green, arrows pointing far beyond normal ranges.
He marveled inwardly at the resilience of an Ultimate Coordinator—to remain active and pain-free despite such conditions.
Seeing Zhou Tianming's silence, Siegel quickly added, "Don't worry. Though complex, all issues are treatable with proper rehabilitation. Considering your situation, standard medical equipment might expose your secret. Since Ogsha already knows, I thought she could oversee your recovery."
Zhou Tianming considered carefully. He hadn't realized his physical state was so precarious. Neglecting it could cause greater problems later. Siegel's reasoning made sense, and Ogsha's skills were trustworthy.
Nodding, Zhou Tianming said, "Thank you, Uncle Siegel."
"Haha, no trouble at all."
At that moment, Cic's voice came through the communicator: "Lord Siegel, please turn on the television."
Puzzled, Siegel stood up and switched on the TV.
On the screen, a female reporter was delivering a news segment, with Zhou Hanxiang's figure appearing in a smaller inset behind her.
"Breaking news! GARMR&D Corporation has officially filed charges against Ms. Zhou Hanxiang, including a total of 12 counts such as 'intentional homicide,' 'destruction of computer information systems,' and 'illegal acquisition of computer information system data.'"
As she spoke, surveillance footage played in the inset. Although the footage didn't show Zhou Hanxiang directly entering the data center, the accompanying research facility map marked a route proving she had headed toward it.
"GARMR&D Corporation claims they have reason to suspect Ms. Zhou Hanxiang instigated the Blue Cosmos massacre to steal classified data..."
Zhou Tianming's expression grew increasingly grim as he listened. He tried to get out of bed: "Lend me a Mistral—I need to go back!"
"Hold on, hold on!" Siegel pressed Zhou Tianming back onto the bed with both hands. "Don't rush. Even if you go back, what can you do while they follow legal procedures? Leave it to me. My people aren't pushovers."
Zhou Tianming clenched his fists, teeth gritted. He knew he couldn't help in this situation and glared hatefully at GARMR&D's name. "I don't care about the payment—just get Mom out safely."
Siegel nodded, his eyes warm as he reached out to ruffle Zhou Tianming's hair. "Leave it to me. We'll use your payment to hire lawyers—I'll give you a discount."
Zhou Tianming dodged the hand. "Don't touch a man's head!"
Siegel paused, then burst into laughter.
Fuming at Siegel's amusement, Zhou Tianming growled, "Not only do I want Mom safe, but I also want GARMR&D to pay compensation."
"Got it. Watch me work."
After Siegel left, Zhou Tianming stewed in anger, wanting revenge but unable to think of a way to strike back at GARMR&D. For now, he'd settle for making them pay in court.
His communication access was finally restored, but when he tried contacting Zhou Hanxiang, he couldn't get through. Worry crept onto his face.
Had she been arrested? Could they be harming her in secret?
Anxiety gnawed at him.
Then, Siegel brought good news—his legal team was already on the move, assuring Zhou Tianming to stay calm.
"Uncle Siegel, I want to spend more! Hire a pack of legal sharks to dig up every possible charge against GARMR&D. They must have other skeletons in their closet."
"You really hold a grudge, kid," Siegel remarked, though his tone was approving. "You sure? That's money you earned with your life."
"Spend it! I'll just earn it back!"
After ending the call, Siegel chuckled and shook his head. "This kid..."
Beside him, Ogsha teased, "Seems like you're quite fond of him."
"He's a good kid. But tell me honestly—what's Zhou Hanxiang really like? I don't care about the rest, but I need to know the truth behind that homicide charge."
Ogsha's expression turned thoughtful. "I've seen her angry. Honestly? She's absolutely capable of killing. But she would never let Zhou Tianming come to harm—that much I'm certain of."
Siegel nodded.
...
One day later, as Siegel's shuttle gradually approached PLANT, the temporary court on Mendel Satellite was about to convene.
The "hero or villain" incident, sparked by Alia's involvement, had drawn widespread attention, with many awaiting the live broadcast of the trial.
Since Mendel lacked dedicated courtroom facilities, the hearing had to be held in a temporary research institute hall.
Before it began, two groups of lawyers arrived outside the institute.
One hailed from East Asia, the other from PLANT.
Upon seeing each other, they froze momentarily before exchanging sarcastic remarks, accusing one another of aiding tyranny.
As elites, their words were razor-sharp—never outright insulting, yet every sentence carried venom.
They bickered all the way into the makeshift courtroom, only to halt in stunned silence when both teams ended up standing behind Zhou Hanxiang's seat, facing each other in bewilderment.
The opposing lawyers were equally dumbfounded.
GARMR&D Corporation had sent three lawyers—one lead and two assistants.
Zhou Hanxiang, however, had two legal teams—30 lawyers in total, from East Asia and PLANT combined.
The GARMR&D lawyers paled, sweat pouring down their foreheads in despair.
Viewers of the live stream were equally confused—which side represented the corporation, and which was the individual?
The trial lasted just ten minutes. The charge of intentional homicide was outright dismissed—there was no evidence linking Zhou Hanxiang to Blue Cosmos. The opposing side tried to argue that she was a Natural, but their claims were swiftly rebutted with a barrage of objections.
As for the charges related to information theft, the matter remained murky. Yet Zhou Hanxiang stood unshaken, her conscience clear. Her part-time roles spanned over a dozen research projects, from lead researcher to assistant to even janitorial duties.
She had no need to steal data—much of it had been tested with her direct involvement.
The GARMR&D lawyers crumbled under the pressure, and the defense swiftly launched a counterattack.
Under a relentless assault, GARMR&D was ordered to pay Zhou Hanxiang substantial compensation.
The entire proceeding concluded in 20 minutes with the final verdict.
The opposing lawyers stared blankly at the ceiling, while Zhou Hanxiang's legal teams shook hands amicably, praising their counterparts for their professionalism and sense of justice.
After the trial, as the East Asian legal team prepared to leave, Zhou Hanxiang approached to express her gratitude.
A tall, military-stern man stepped forward and handed her a voice recorder. "Best listen to this somewhere private," he advised.
Zhou Hanxiang accepted it curiously, but her expression shifted upon spotting the character "Zhou" engraved on the device.
Half an hour later, aboard the shuttle departing with the PLANT legal team, Zhou Hanxiang secluded herself in a room and played the recording.
A booming, stern voice roared: "Zhou Hanxiang! Look at the mess you've made—get your ass back here now!"
The voice echoed relentlessly through the shuttle's cabin.