Stellar Train: I Open a Small Shop on the Train-Chapter 135

Robin led Stelle and the others to the control room.

"This is the control room. There are two modes for navigation: automatic and manual. For automatic mode, the route needs to be pre-loaded."

Stelle walked up to the control panel with her hands on her hips.

"Automatic mode!"

An artificial intelligence appeared on the display screen of the control panel.

"Automatic mode activated. Please select a route."

Stelle looked through the routes. Currently, only routes within Penacony were available.

That made sense, considering the Glimmerstone was an entertainment-focused ship.

After playing around in the control room for a bit, the group, led by Robin, went out onto the deck.

At that time, Himeko, Jade, Topaz, and old Oti had finished their meeting.

To Himeko's surprise, the Astral Express team was granted 20% of the shares.

Originally, Himeko had estimated they'd get around 10%.

Last night, Topaz, Jadeite, and Himeko had already discussed it briefly—the company was aiming for 30% of the shares.

To maintain control over Penacony, the family needed at least 51%, with 60% being the safest.

Unexpectedly, the family handed out 20% to the Express team.

If the Express and the company were to join forces, their combined 50% would be enough to stand up to the family.

Himeko walked over to Robin.

"Miss Robin, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Robin, who had been chatting with Furina about music, brought Himeko to a nearby refreshment area.

"Ms. Himeko, what would you like to talk about?"

Himeko expressed her concern.

"Isn't 20% too much for the family to give away?"

Robin smiled.

"Not at all. Granting the Express 20% was a carefully discussed internal decision.

Honestly, after this incident, the family has been at a disadvantage in its conflict with the company.

Many of the family's industries have suffered suppression from the company.

To bring both sides to an equal footing, we had to bring in a strong ally.

And the Astral Express is our choice.

The Express is renowned throughout the galaxy, and every member is formidable."

Himeko smiled and asked a critical question. freёwebnoѵel.com

"Aren't you afraid that the Express might side with the company?"

Robin replied calmly.

"Aren't the Express members all heroes at heart? To quote how Stelle described her life lately:

Wandering around the galaxy, occasionally saving a world or two along the way.

The family believes that noble-hearted people like you wouldn't take advantage of us or kick us while we're down."

Himeko smiled and stood up.

"Alright, that clears things up. Thank you for the explanation, Miss Robin."

Robin nodded slightly.

"After the opening ceremony, would it be alright if I visit the train?

I've never seen it before—and I'd love to check out that magical little shop on board."

Himeko agreed.

"Of course. The train never refuses anyone who wants to board."

Shortly after, Himeko and Robin returned to the deck, and the opening ceremony began.

Robin gave a speech, announcing the shareholding partnership between the company and the Astral Express in Penacony.

She also announced that the Glimmerstone ship would be gifted to Stelle.

Topaz was a bit surprised when she heard this and nudged Stelle with her elbow.

"Stelle, you've struck gold! The Glimmerstone earns over ten million credits a day. How about treating us to a meal later?"

Stelle patted her chest heroically.

"No problem! Tonight's expenses are all on me—the one and only Galactic Blaze Knight!"

Hearing that, Lumine quietly took out her phone, called Xiangling, and said, right in front of Stelle:

"Hello~ Xiangling? Yes, it's me, Lumine. Has tonight's menu been decided yet? No? Perfect! Stelle is treating us to dinner tonight—she's covering all the food expenses.

Yes, yes, you're so smart. I'd like to place an order: one Snowfield Deer, roasted.

And that Millennium Spirit Chicken we didn't buy last time—yes, one of those, stewed. That's all from me. Ask the others too."

After hanging up, Lumine said:

"Stelle the generous! Thanks for treating us to such a feeeast~"

Stelle was instantly speechless.

Snowfield Deer—if she remembered correctly, Bronya's place was out of stock, meaning she'd have to buy it herself at Ye Yun's shop.

And that Millennium Spirit Chicken was also a product from Ye Yun's store, advertised as extending lifespan and boosting strength, with a price tag of 3000 starcoins each!

March 7th, seeing Stelle flustered, came over with a mischievous grin.

"Stelle, I won't place an order—just surprise me. But my expectation is at least 300 starcoins per person, alright?"

Hutao stepped in with righteous flair and patted March 7th on the shoulder.

"Standing in front of you is none other than the captain of the Glimmerstone, one of Penacony's shareholders, the fifth member of the Express, the mighty Galactic Fire Hero!

Only 300 starcoins per person? That's an insult! 500 minimum per person, or it's not worthy!"

March 7th realized her mistake and quickly corrected herself.

"Yes, yes, my bad—short-sighted and lacking awareness. Lady Hutao is right."

But that wasn't all. Topaz held up her phone in front of Stelle, showing the flood of messages in their group chat.

Three Realms' Top Chef:Everyone, Stelle's treating us to dinner tonight. Tell me what you want so I can buy the ingredients.

Angry Little Demon:Beef! I want beef!

Wangsheng Hall's #1 Guest Advisor:Anything is fine.

Wangsheng Hall's #2 Guest Advisor:As long as there's wine.

Unbeatable Lord Calestia:Can I get takeout? I don't wanna leave my computer.

Real Name Online:How about some tea eggs? Made with that 500 starcoin-per-gram tea?

Little Dragon Girl:I want braised pork!

Little Sun:Klee wants grilled fish!

Little Zombie:Qiqi wants coconut milk.

Little Immortal:Thank you for the meal, Big Sis Stelle~ Yaoyao appreciates it!

Big Hook:Hook wants spicy stir-fried pork!

Little Kitty:Grilled fish!

Stelle, upon seeing all the messages, practically fainted.

"Xiangling! Why did you post in the group chat and let everyone order?! Oh no, my starcoins!"

Robin walked over and saw the disheartened Stelle.

"What's wrong with Stelle?"

March 7th replied:

"Oh, nothing. She just said she's treating us to dinner."

Robin's interest was piqued.

"Really? Mind if I tag along? I was just telling Ms. Himeko I wanted to visit the train."

Stelle nodded in agreement. Things had already escalated—one more person wouldn't make a difference.

After playing around on the Glimmerstone for a bit, everyone returned to the train.

Himeko walked over to Stelle and patted her shoulder.

"Stelle, just do what you can. Everyone was just joking."

Stelle had recovered by now.

"I know. Still, I should treat everyone. After all, I'm now the captain of the Glimmerstone and just came into a huge windfall."

***

Himeko smiled.

"Good, as long as you understand."

After returning to the train, the group saw Xiangling and Jashin-chan handling a Snowfield Deer.

Seeing Stelle return, Xiangling grinned.

"Stelle, I just bought a Snowfield Deer—make sure to reimburse me~"

Stelle nodded.

"Sure, no problem. You handle that first. I'm going to get some groceries.

March, Firefly, come with me!"

March 7th asked curiously.

"Where are you going?"

Stelle replied.

"Grocery shopping!"

With that, Stelle led March 7th and Firefly into the realm.

At the pigsty, Stelle looked at the three little Shroomboars, her eyes flashing gold.

"Raising pigs for days, using pigs for a moment—it's your time to shine!"

The three little Shroomboars were terrified by Stelle's greedy gaze and huddled in a corner, shivering.

Soon, the three each came out carrying a pig.

Stelle tossed her pig to the ground.

"Xiangling, these three little guys are yours."

March 7th and Firefly placed theirs down as well.

Stelle then waved his hand grandly.

"Let's go, next stop!"

Stelle led March 7th and Firefly through a portal to Sumeru.

Just as they arrived, Nahida, who was working, tried to greet them—but the three had already dashed out of the Sanctuary of Surasthana.

Stelle led them straight into the rainforest.

More than an hour later—

Stelle carried a large Shroomboars, March 7th had a basket of wild vegetables, and Firefly held a large crate of mushrooms as they returned.

Nahida asked.

"What's all this?"

Stelle replied.

"Nahida, come eat with us later. Dinner's on me tonight."

She carried the big pig into the portal.

Another hour passed.

Everyone was seated at a long table, covered with meat dishes.

Yes—tonight was an all-meat feast.

The menu: three little Shroomboars, one large Shroomboar, and one Frostland Deer.

Stelle waved her hand grandly.

"Eat! Everyone eat! My treat tonight—eat your fill!"

Lumine gave him a thumbs up.

"Nice, you really know how to save money."

Except for the Frostland Deer, everything else cost no credits. Stelle couldn't help but admire his own brilliance.

Hehe~ Look at this huge spread, quality ingredients, all wild-caught. Absolutely delicious.

Robin sat next to Furina, looking a bit reserved—it was someone else's house, after all.

Seeing this, Furina filled her bowl with a generous helping of venison.

"Robin, don't be shy. Around here we go with the flow—whatever's comfortable."

Yunli, mouth full of meat, nodded.

"Yeah, totally. Just grab what you want—fighting over food makes it taste better. Paimon! Put down that wrap trotter! Let go! Let go!"

Himeko smiled.

"Miss Robin, no need to be so reserved. Here, try some coffee I brewed myself."

At that moment, everyone who had been happily eating froze and turned toward Himeko with horrified expressions.

Robin felt something was off. Why the big reaction? It's just coffee, right?

She smiled and reached for the cup.

Furina panicked—she and Robin had just planned to do a concert together in a few days! If Robin drank that coffee, her voice might not survive...

She remembered how, in her youthful ignorance, one sip of Himeko's coffee had left her hoarse for days!

What to do?!

She steeled herself and lunged for the coffee to drink it herself.

But a hand suddenly reached out from behind.

It was Lancelot. He snatched the cup and drank it in one gulp.

The coffee went down smoothly—but seconds later, Lancelot looked poisoned, face turning purple, hands clutching his throat.

Moments later, he foamed at the mouth and collapsed.

Furina cried out in anguish.

"Lancelot! MY LANCELOT!!!"

Bailu rushed over with a pill.

"Quick! A stomach-cleansing pill! Give it to him now!"

Furina fed him the pill.

Over ten minutes later, Lancelot finally stabilized, slumped on the couch, breathing weakly.

Robin shuddered. If she had drunk that coffee... just thinking about it gave her chills.

Himeko awkwardly turned away.

After that, the group resumed eating.

After the meal, Robin found Ye Yun.

"Mr. Ye Yun, I heard you can get anything a person wants."

Yeyun smiled and nodded.

"Yes. Noelle."

Noelle, who had been washing dishes in the kitchen, ran over.

"Mr. Ye Yun, you called me?"

Ye Yun said,

"Yes, this is Miss Robin. Please help her pick out some items. I need to take Klee and the others to Mondstadt—they want to fly on a dragon and look at the stars."

Noelle bowed slightly.

"Understood, Mr. Yeyun. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."

Ye Yun had full confidence in Noelle's capabilities.

He looked at Robin.

"Apologies, I've got something to do. This is Noelle, one of our best employees. She can help you find what you need."

Robin smiled.

"Alright, go ahead."

Yeyun nodded and called toward the bar.

"Klee, Bailu, are your hands clean yet? We're heading out~"

The six little ones had each just finished a pork trotter, hands greasy.

Hearing Ye Yun's call, they hurried to wash up and ran over to line up.

Ye Yun took Rios, Dodo-co, and the six kids through a portal—heading to find Dvalin.

Time to take the kids for a flight through the skies to look at the stars.

Noelle turned to Robin.

"Miss Robin, I'll be your guide. Please let me know what you're looking for, and I'll help you choose the best items."

Robin replied,

"Thank you, Noelle."

Noelle led her to the bar and briefly explained how to use the touchscreen.

Some guests didn't know how to use it, so Noelle always gave a quick tutorial to those she personally assisted.

Robin browsed the items and quickly found one she liked.

Item: Heart-Calming ViolinDescription: Plays music that soothes the soul.Price: 50,000 Star Credits

Robin handed 500 Stellar Jade to Noelle.

"I heard from Xing that one Stellar Jade is worth 100 star credits. This is 500—should be enough for the violin, right, Noelle?"