The Interstellar Botanist Turns to Archaeology

Beichen Xinghuan is at a loss.

She spent years enduring hardships at alien archaeological sites and in the lab, and finally managed to keep the sign up for the research lab in the obscure field of archaeobotany. How did she suddenly end up in the crosshairs of all kinds of powerful factions, thrust onto the front lines of their power struggles?

A federal officer hailed as a "rising star" deliberately gets close to her. The founder of a biotech company sends mixed signals. Someone even comes back from the dead for her.

Beichen Xinghuan is clear-headed.

She cannot make sense of the political upheaval or the deadly whirlpool, but she knows she might be able to dig through the sands of history and uncover the most crucial truth.

The truth that will determine the success or failure of the Federation's interstellar exploration program beyond its borders.

But Beichen Xinghuan is also conflicted.

It seems she really has fallen for a trap... a beauty trap.

Note:

- This is a serious, mid-length novel with a male lead. In my opinion, the story and romance are split about 60/40.

- This novel is part of the "Galaxy Era" series and shares a setting with "The Interstellar Science Officer Opens Up New Frontiers." It takes place roughly six years after the ending timeline. The story stands on its own, so you can read it without knowing the previous book.

- This is not a fast-paced wish-fulfillment novel. The entire story has been written in advance.

Synopsis uploaded on 2024.06.12, with a screenshot saved for the record.

A new novel set in the same world: "I Became City Lord by Scavenging [Wasteland]". A female-led ensemble about women supporting one another. Visit the author's page to follow and save it!

I, He Mingguang, am the most insignificant unemployed drifter in the lower district beneath the city of the Lightborn.

I faithfully live by the commoner's way of thinking: keep my head down, stay out of trouble, and if I can lie down, I won't stand; if I can stay quiet, I won't make a sound.

Until the day came when the light coins my parents had traded their lives for could no longer cover the city's exorbitant taxes and expenses.

I made a decision that went against everything my ancestors stood for: to become a scavenger, a profession outside the nine recognized trades, and risk my life on the surface to carry out lucrative commissions for the upper class.

Unfortunately, those high-and-mighty elites still refuse to let us live in peace.

They all say that aboveground is a hellish wasteland overrun by demonic creatures, but I want to go see it with the sisters who share my life and death.

This lawless wasteland, where people devour human flesh raw, can at last welcome the light it has been without for so long.

Theme: Seek out historical ruins and explore the star systems beyond our borders. May peace reign throughout the world.