Chapter 7: Midnight Longing

While the food was heating up, he quickly ran to his bedroom, took out a pair of baggy, loose shorts from the wardrobe, and dashed into the bathroom

Then he said to Bowerman, "There has been another mining accident on 'Red Yellow Star.' Your mother has to work overtime at the 'Union' tonight. I bought 'takeout' in the kitchen; you can heat it up yourself. After you eat, go to bed early." He then walked back to the master bedroom

Gong Yamei pouted her lips. Although she did not believe it, she found herself at a loss for words. At that moment, Gong Boxin spoke up: "Yaming, if you can truly study diligently in the school library, that would certainly be a good thing. Studying in such an environment is much more efficient than at home. However, if at this critical juncture in your life, you are still out playing around, that would be irresponsible towards your own life. You have already turned 22 years old; you are an adult now, and I hope you can think clearly about this. Your brother achieved 'Federal Citizen' status before he turned forty, setting an example for you, and I also hope you can be a role model for Yamei and Yale."

As the shouts of Gong Yamei echoed, Gong Boxin, whose age was between middle-aged and elderly, yet still slender and upright, emerged from the master bedroom

Hearing his daughter speak more and more absurdly, Gong Boxin turned his head and, with a stern face, reprimanded, "Yamei, how can you speak to your second brother like that"

"You are only in the second grade, so of course you cannot stay in the school library until so late." Gong Yaming replied with preparation: "Starting today, the school has specially opened a reading room for us fifth graders who are about to graduate, which closes at 10 PM. If you don't believe me, you can ask the upper grades tomorrow and you will find out."

Feeling very hungry, Gong Yaming hurriedly took a bite, nodded in satisfaction, and then placed the meal into the "warming box"

With a feeling of unease, Gong Yaming used the electronic device on his wrist to unlock the door. As he quietly stepped into the house, he was met by a tall, fair-skinned girl with an outstanding presence, who looked at him with a gloating expression.

"Gong Yamei, when I was doing my household chores, your nail dye dripped on the floor, and I didn't say much about it. Moreover, the shorts I am wearing can cover my knees, which are much longer than those worn by the male leads in the romantic dramas you watch at the beach. They don't seem to find anything unusual about it, yet you have an opinion about your own brother. This is truly strange"

Upon seeing his sister, Gong Yamei, Gong Yaming sensed that something was amiss. He futilely attempted to threaten her with his gaze, but unfortunately, the beautiful young girl had already shouted, "Dad, Dad, Gong Yaming is back"

Develop scientific projects recognized by the local government of the lowest "fourth-tier cities"

Therefore, compared to some classmates from less affluent backgrounds, Gong Yaming is quite satisfied with his father for being able to provide such a prosperous living environment. The only drawback is that his father, who has been a soldier for half his life, is somewhat strict in his attitude towards him

Gong Yaming's mother, Xun Meijing, works in the "Miner's Rights Department" under the grassroots organization "Miner's Union" in Shanteng City. Whenever a mining accident involving miners from Shanteng City occurs, she is certain to work overtime, a situation her family has long since become accustomed to

Obtain the identity of 'Explorer' or 'Pioneer', or acquire the qualification to operate spacecraft of Class D and above

Gong Yaming's father, Gong Boxin, is in stark contrast to his adventurous and curious older brother, Gong Boming, as he possesses an introverted and meticulous personality

Subsequently, he was granted retirement and returned to his hometown, Shanteng City, where he became the Deputy Director of the Interstellar Communications Office of the Shanteng City Mineral Resources Management Committee. Nine years later, he was promoted to the Director of the Interstellar Communications Office, a position he holds to this day

Dad, I think the 'Advanced Placement Exam' is coming up, and I need to make the most of my time studying, so I'm staying in the school library to review my lessons. Upon seeing his father's serious expression, Gong Yaming felt a chill run down his spine and the lie slipped out.

Gong Boxin's disciplined character is well-suited for a military position. In just 7 years, he accumulated merits and was promoted to a sergeant, and in the same year, he was admitted to the 'De Yalun Wilderness Military Training Institute'.

He furrowed his brows and looked at his second son, asking sternly: "Yaming, where have you been? Why are you coming home so late"

After graduating from the Military Training Institute, Gong Boxin gave up the opportunity to become an "Elite Non-Commissioned Officer" and transitioned to a civilian officer role

She looked at Gong Yaming, who had water still dripping from his hair and was only wearing a pair of shorts, and said word by word: "Gong Yaming, this week it is my turn to do the household cleaning. Can you please dry your hair properly after taking a shower and not let the water drip on the floor and the books? Also, you are already an adult, yet you still wear shorts, flaunting your big belly in front of your 19-year-old sister. Don't you feel any shame? Even Yalei wouldn't dress like this at home."

I no longer want to argue with my sister, and Gong Yaming did not refute this.

Upon hearing the second brother's words, Gong Yamei quickly interjected, saying, "It is now 9 o'clock; how was I unaware that the school library would be open this late"

Gong Yaming replied casually as he walked into the kitchen

A natural person born in the Galactic Federation of United States can obtain the status of "citizen" as outlined in the federal constitution

A one-time fundraising of 2,000,000 yuan for charitable organizations recognized by various levels of the federal government

The vigorous water column washed over his body, and Gong Yaming, drenched in sweat, let out a comfortable "Oh, oh..." sound. After he finished scrubbing his body with the soft brush, he suddenly noticed that some light yellow fragments were stuck to the soft bristles.

In the year 121989 of the Federation Calendar, after training the 'Marine Corps Signalmen' for 40 years, Captain Gong Boxin, who has 50 years of military service, submitted his retirement application to the 'Garrison Command of the De Yalun Wasteland Star Region'

After taking out the already heated meal from the warming box and enjoying a hearty meal, he returned to the bedroom and turned off the light

After some research, he still felt perplexed. He stopped thinking further, cleaned the brush with his fingers, dipped it in the "bath liquid," and brushed his body again

The Director of the Mineral Resources Management Committee of Shanteng City, a position that can be considered minuscule to the point of insignificance within the federal government hierarchy, has nonetheless enabled Gong Boxin to purchase a 180-square-meter high-rise apartment at an extremely low 'subsidized price,' allowing him to barely support his family of six above the level of modest comfort

Lying on the bed, gazing at the pitch-black universe outside the window where not a single star is visible, Gong Yaming excitedly thought: "Tomorrow I will buy a seed, and then I will go to 'Qingji City' to unlock my 'substitute ability'. After tomorrow, everything will be different..."

The total tax paid has reached 500,000 yuan

According to the provisions of the "Bill of Rights of the United Federation of Galaxies," a "civilian" is defined as one who is able to

After his father returned to the bedroom to rest, Gong Yaming walked into the kitchen and discovered that the "takeout" food consisted of rice, stir-fried shredded pork with bamboo shoots, and green peppers with fried eggs

In the living room, Gong Yamei, who was originally curled up on the sofa watching 'Starry Sky Video', suddenly turned her head

Public service examinations held under the authorization of the 'Federal Central Government' or the central government

As he took the elevator up to the 68th floor, Gong Yaming had already concocted no fewer than ten excuses for his late return.

Although rice is a high-yield genetically modified japonica rice, bamboo shoots, green peppers, and even poultry eggs are also considered 'cultivated ingredients'. However, with the use of various industrially synthesized 'seasoning agents' in cooking, the taste is still quite good

Assuming the position of elite non-commissioned officer and officer in the "Federal Army"

After graduating from high school, he did not take the entrance examination for higher education, but instead assumed a military position through a rigorous assessment, becoming a first-class combat soldier in the De Yalun Wilderness Sector of the Galactic Federation of United States.

After showering, wearing clean shorts, Gong Yaming patted his belly and walked out of the bathroom feeling comfortable and relaxed with a book in hand

can be upgraded to 'citizen' status

Last year, he obtained "citizen" status and was promoted to associate researcher due to the invention of the "Precious Metal Selection Instrument". This has been one of the proudest moments for Gong Yaming's father in recent years

The term "citizen" not only signifies the acquisition of the right to hold public office or to participate in elections at various levels of the federal government, but it also marks an individual's contribution to the progress and development of federal society, which naturally earns them the respect of others

As he pinched the fragments with his fingers, Gong Yaming muttered to himself, "What are these dirty things? I shower every day"

Upon hearing this, Gong Yamei quietly expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, "I'd rather not, Gong Yaming. If you are my role model, then my life would be too miserable."

Hearing his father use his older brother as an example again, Gong Yaming felt frustrated. He replied with a facade of obedience, saying, "Dad, don't worry. From now on, I will definitely work hard and strive to become a role model for my younger brother and sister"

"But they have abs and aesthetic appeal, while you do not," Ayame said resentfully, watching his back.

Citizens possess the right to freely migrate and reside within the territories of the Galactic Federation of United States, and their personal safety, freedom of will, and private property are all protected by federal law; however, they are not permitted to hold public office and do not have the right to vote or be elected.

Gong Yaguang, the elder brother of Gong Yaming, obtained a second-class degree from the Third Mineralogy Institute of Northern Thailand and was subsequently appointed as an assistant researcher at the research institute under the Mining Management Committee of Shanteng City